The First Choice

This part of any journey, and especially so for the one of enlightenment, always proves to be the hardest, in the beginning. This not because in some way the universe demands that it be difficult. It is merely so because it requires we overcome the barriers, and comfort zones we tend to get ourselves into so easily.

At the same time, do keep in mind that it is also unlikely that it will present itself as some instantly mind altering experience. However, this step is essential if you wish to move forward in the spiritual journey.

And what do you ask is this "first choice"? Well simply, making one. Yes, make a choice. It does not really matter what the choice is. It matters that you have taken control over it and then made it.

Let's take a little step back and check what is this comfort zone you have so easily and comfortably put yourself into.

In a nutshell, a comfort zone is a sort of autopilot. One we have created to make our lives as easy (and comfortable) as possible, without requiring much input from us. So we find ourselves in a place where things seem fairly comfortable, and feels kinda safe (even if it is not really so), and then we settle. We stop thinking, and just continue doing whatever this comfort zone demands.

And of course please do not try to change anything. Changing gets very uncomfortable and stressful very quickly. You know, just leave things be... if you want to be a worker ant for the rest of your life you can.

At least getting some sense of why this happens is not too difficult. It is our own fault you see. As a species we have developed the most incredible ability to adapt. Or shall I say "cope". Yes, I admit it is sometimes hard to get comfortable, but we seemingly always do. I mean we have people living in the Arctic, and the tropics alike. We get used to stuff, our environment and the conditions in which we live.

We learn to cope with each environment and then we get comfortable. We fall into routines and habits (the life automation phase) that will sustain us in a particular environment. And now we have adapted.

And for some reason also we are almost always able to, within our normal lives, cope with the stresses and strains of life changes, because more often than not, we simply have no choice... Or do we?.. So then.. we just adapt again... No real progress here. Just life making some more choices for you.

And now I wonder? It seems clear to me that life tends to create conditions which regularly enforces some changes, and in so doing causes some growth. Does this not mean we grow anyway?

Arguably true. However, as life likes it, it seems that this growth is primarily focused on adaptation. And this happens usually with, or without our approval. And so, we just settle into the new (automated) routines and habits. We adapt...

Routine and habit, of course, being the essential masters of adaptation (or life automation).

And with that I have to say. I do not think this is acceptable for my life. Even if automation is convenient, it does not really seem to go anywhere.

So starting my spiritual journey, I am faced with a new set of challenges. And for most of us these challenges seem extremely difficult to overcome, since the only driver for this progress is me. Yes, you have to drive yourself. Life is not going to do it for you. In fact life is going to make it as difficult for you as is possible. This especially because it likes comfort, probably even more than you do. It also likes routines, and habits, and feeling safe...

So be sure to know this. Taking this step may well prove to get very uncomfortable real quick. And this happens because whenever you start making your own choices, you are essentially overruling the choices that are being made for you, by your routines, habits and adaptations. And what are we hoping to achieve with this simple first step? One very important thing only...

Awareness

Now of course you could choose to just go on with your life, exactly the way it is, in which case you will simply remain an unaware ant, just going about your daily routines and habits,

OR...

You could choose something else. Something which in time will prove so frighteningly spectacular that you will be tempted to just crawl back into your old mindless ways, many times over. Don't worry though. This can also be more fun than you can imagine.

For now, enough about the future. Right now, might I suggest you start with really one little baby step.

Choose not to be just a mindless ant. Choose to start taking control of your decisions (not your whole life, that will come later). Just your decisions. Nothing else for now.

Pieter Heydenrych is a Reiki master with a passion for learning, and teaching. Pieter has established site called Esoteric Library which is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the totally free distribution of the same, to anyone with an interest in topics of an Esoteric Nature. Pieter is also the founder of The Order of Perfect. which seeks to pursue objectives of spiritual growth and enlightenment, whatever this may mean.

Benjamin Franklin