Making the decision to walk the spiritual path, known in the traditions as the “Path of Discipleship”, is indeed a difficult one. Entering the unknown with no prior experience is a daunting prospect, but at a certain point in one’s journey the desire to become more, to be freer, and to achieve a whole new level of understanding impels one forward onto this very path. Our fear and apprehension is warranted, for a part of us knows that once the decision is made, there is no going back.
My friends, we can trust that we will always be given the proper incentive to choose the path, for each of us will have an experience in which we will know, beyond any doubt, there is much more to our reality than we originally believed. Perhaps we see a great light, perhaps a recognizable voice speaks to us within, perhaps we overcome an insurmountable challenge in our life, and then, the doorway to our own higher self gently opens. We know it is time. We have done well, we have achieved great success in many areas of human living, but we also realize in that special moment, there seems to be nothing left to do. Again, we recall that awakening moment within, and we remember that we have simply arrived at a new beginning. All of a sudden, we realize there is so much more we can pursue and become. It is the higher self, the soul, our real self, who wishes to be part of our experience. The goal now shifts, and our entire perception of life and living undergoes a necessary transformation, in which we will find all that we have been seeking. It is our intent to move forward into the unknown, and we must do whatever it takes to get there.
My fellow companions, you may ask, “Am I ready for this, is this the right time?” You must understand that the right time will never present itself. The greatest apprehension we feel inside is that we do not know what will be required of us in order to proceed. The greatest fear we have is that we may have to let go of all we knew to be true about ourselves. Is it possible that our view of ourselves and our reality, our perception of what is real and what is not, is incorrect? Oh boy, do I really want to do this?
What will be required of us to enter the path is a willingness to heal every part of our being. This is the most difficult part of our path, the most challenging aspect of the path toward discipleship. It hurts to grow, this we know. Brothers and sisters, I feel I must tell you that if you have found your life to be hard and painful, what you will experience on the path is much greater. My intent is not to scare you, nor is it to deter you from making the most important decision of your life that you will eventually make. My intent is to help you fully understand that there will be no adequate preparation or readiness. The self-doubt you experience will not go away before you choose, and this self-doubt will return time and time again once you step onto the path. But I will also tell you that the moments of light and love, the moments of real self-understanding and surety, the moments of true peace and wholeness, will increase and be more consistent with each step forward. If you wish to finally resolve all past pain and misunderstanding, this is the way to go. If you do in fact decide to proceed, with your full commitment, the limited self you once knew will slowly slip away, and a brand-new self, full of freedom and reward will replace it. The greatest reward will be that you, my friend, will indeed help others discover the path as well. In order to be willing, in order to succeed, the faithful part of ourselves must be fully incorporated. You see, faith is but a way for us to understand that our own soul has already achieved what we are today attempting to achieve. If we are part of this very soul, how could we not also succeed? It is our opportunity today, it is your opportunity today, to make the decision and take the first step, a step toward destiny.
Choosing to walk the spiritual path, the path of discipleship, is not an easy one. Take your time, my friends, and your heart will show you what needs to be done. Continue with your studies and pursuits, for there is a lot to know. Understanding comes slowly, but it does eventually come! Again, I encourage you to include at least one other in your journey, hopefully a group of others, for we all need that assurance we are not alone. Knowing that others are having similar experiences helps us gain the confidence required to proceed. Each of us will reach a point, most likely several points on our path, when we want to give up and go back to the old self and the old ways. I don’t want to do this anymore! I can’t do this! I understand everything about those moments you experience. This will continue until, one day, you reach what is called “The Crisis of Light”. Some have also called it “The Point of No Return”. The reality is, it is possible to go backwards. What you must know, again, beyond any doubt, is that you will not want to. At those moments of deepest darkness and despair, that all-powerful, all-knowing voice within says:
Brother and sister of old, I have been there
Know that you are light and love, and you will be free
Proceed, unimpeded, for I will be there with you
The life of the soul, the path itself, is full of hope and guarantee. We can rest assured that all challenge will be overcome, for many have already achieved. One step, another step, a whole new world awaits!
All my love and support, be well