If you want to overcome your problems and have real success in this life, you have to go inward. Deep inside of you is your essence: you are a spiritual being having a human experience. The reason you were born was because of this spirit; it is not because of your body.

This has been taught throughout the ages in all cultures. In this modern world of rapidly accelerating change, the idea of living from the inside has largely been pushed to the side. We are literally brainwashed everyday to be consumers. We are constantly bombarded thousands of times a day by advertising to consume, consume, consume.

Yet this consumption does not lead to long lasting happiness. Many people work long hours so that they can go into debt to buy things. They are stressed out, filled with anxiety and fear, and may be unhealthy. These are intelligent people doing what they have been trained to do. This is not to say that having things is bad in and of itself, but it is not the purpose of life.

Live in a Better Way

By living from a strong, centered and peaceful inner place, we move past our hypnotic conditioned mind. We no longer search for our happiness outside of ourselves. We find our happiness and strength where it has always been: within us.

People in our secular world are often put off by words like “soul” or “spirit.” They remember having been forced to go to religious ceremonies as a child. Or they see corrupt religious leaders inciting hatred and violence against others who are different. Or they see people who act like sheep being lead off to slaughter by slick charlatans peddling snake oil.

All of these observations are valid and the scepticism that follows is understandable. It isn’t proof that spiritual practice is bad, it only shows some of the weaknesses of human nature.

Why Work on Ourselves?

The purpose of spiritual practice is to move beyond that human nature. It is to find the balance between mind, body and spirit. It is the tool to help you overcome the trials and tribulations of life, to make you stronger because of the struggle. It is the compass to help you find your path and stay on it. It is the way to find the love, peace and fulfilment you so deeply desire. It is about your evolution.

In Japan there is a saying: “There are many paths to the summit of Mt. Fuji.”

There is no “one way.” Anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying or mistaken. (Remember the charlatans). Find the path that works for you. It does not have to be the path of your family or your tribe -- although it could be if that works for you.

Do You Want to Change?

Are you satisfied with your life or are you filled with fear, dread, anxiety and stress? Are you healthy and in balance, or are you compulsive and addictive? Do you have warm, loving and compassionate relationships or are you lonely, isolated and combative?

Your life can be better than it is now. But you have to make a conscious choice to change. And then you have to take action.

You can start right now: Turn off all of your gadgets, sit upright, close your eyes and be quiet for 5 minutes (set a timer). Feel your breath and just be. That’s all.

Your homework is to do this every day for a week. See if you feel differently next week.

Of course, if you don’t want to do it. that is fine. It is your choice. You always have a choice.

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