A languid attempt to unburden the mind.
SPIRITUALITY
Before writing this segment, I desperately searched for a synonym of spirituality for two whole days. I did not like the idea of being associated to the contemporary feel of this word, you know with your archetypal white skin, sandal wearing backpackers finding peace in the chaos of Indian ashrams. I was amongst those who made fun of this hokum believing myself to be too pragmatic and cynical for soulful living.
I came across a meme once where the grim reaper descends upon two dying people to assign them their respective afterlives in heaven or hell. He asks them, "Which of you were religiously good children of God?"
The first says, "I am sorry, I was never religious. If I knew God existed, I would have honored him."
He was sent to heaven.
The other says, with much confidence "I wasn't religious but I was spiritual."
He was sent to hell.
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Current times did despoil spirituality for me, making it unappealing, nearly mortifying with its filtered pretense and ostentatious display. That is until I shed off my prejudice and discovered authenticity. Undertaking the task of living, all by yourself can get very lonely, despite having loved ones all around you. Until and unless there's a sense of connection with your own self, and I mean true connection where you see yourself for exactly who you are, accept it and collaborate, it gets difficult to be in peace. This connection comes through faith, in yourself, the universe, some Deity, some doctrine or whatever it is you want to hold faith in, and no matter how much I wish it was unassociated but this is what spirituality is.
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An ultimate friendship with self.
Meditation
Even after two years of practicing, I find it somewhat difficult to mention meditation in a conversation out of fear of its misinterpretation. The dismissive reaction this artform receives has led me to preserve my thoughts for those I believe have the potential to truly grasp this concept at its roots. I promise, it's not mere preaching. Empathizing with oneself has never been the easiest of tasks.
Epiphany
It has saved me from the constant need to solve life's jigsaw puzzles. The most beautiful aspect being its ever dynamic character. It constantly evolves, like a surrealist painting exhibiting new meanings with each glance. Here, I share with you some of my most interesting epiphanies and hope it brings you the sense of closure that you might have been denied.
Gratitude
When I say gratitude I do not mean "Be happy with whatever little you have. Money can't buy you happiness. Everything happens for a reason blah blah blah." I speak of abstract gratitude. The kind that makes you slow breathe and smile dumbly at a pretty sunset- an entirely transferable skill that wouldn't just make your own life better but of those you share it with.
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