Whatever your particular background might be, you may have run across the concept of “Being in the world, but not of it”. If you have been on the spiritual path for a while, this is a very important concept to consider and learn how to apply in your life if you are to be comfortable and successful. So, what does it mean? Well, put simply, it implies that we do in fact live and have our consciousness in two different worlds simultaneously. We are aware of the higher, spiritual world, and live in the physical world where we do our work. This is one of the most challenging aspects of being on the path that every spiritual student must learn how to confront and deal with. You see, there is an important and necessary change happening inside us in terms of our identification. For a long time, our experience here involved the building of a home in which our soul could gain experience in a new place, that which we know as the physical world. Once this becomes fully established, we wish to bring forth that which we already know from our spiritual home to this new place. We also become impelled to return to the place from which we came when the time is right. So, at a certain point on our path, we reach an impasse! You see, my friends, there is a part of us who is very tired and wants to go home now. But the bigger part of us holds an imperative to help others achieve what we have already achieved. In essence, we cannot return home all by ourselves. This is spiritual service. For the most part, this apparent dilemma seems unresolvable, but we are assured that we can learn how to make everything work together over time. Let’s consider a couple of things we will experience when we enter this part of the path.
A Change of Identification
We are growing, our hearts are becoming more open, and our minds are becoming more capable. Our efforts as a spiritual student find fruition in a new sense of comfort and wholeness in our life. Our pursuits on the path shift from an intellectual understanding of what’s involved to an actual physical experience at a feeling level. This is a sign we have become more identified with what the soul provides. This new identification shifts our attention from the outside world to the life of the inner self or soul. We are aware of the need to focus on the higher realms of experience and how we can bring what we discover there, here into the physical world. A true expression of love and light becomes our every desire. This is a good thing, something we have worked very hard to achieve. A problem begins to manifest for us, however, as we are less interested in what is happening out there in the physical world and wish to spend most of our time within where we are more comfortable. A new question enters our mind, then. “What am I supposed to do now, why am I still here?” We now experience two different worlds which seem to be at odds. We have that uncomfortable feeling of not being where we would like to be, and not really wanting to be where we are. Sound familiar? Although we have a strong sense we need to be of help in some way, we still lack an awareness of what our higher purpose really is. This deeper purpose can be found and expressed as we continue moving forward. Let it be said that an entirely new level of patience and acceptance will be required if we are to stay with things and eventually be successful. Oh boy, when will we get there?!
The Problem of Relatability
This newly defined identification with our soul brings in its challenges to our daily living. Although we may have found a new sense of comfort with the inner life, we find ourselves unable to relate to the outside world. You see, our values and what we know is important cannot be seen. Our interaction with others, and all our relationships, become more of a challenge for us. This is where we as spiritual students on the path can get into trouble. The potential for depression and anxiety become a real danger. Honestly, most of us will experience these unpleasant, and sometimes debilitating, feeling states at some point. I assure you this can be overcome and will not last forever. What this is really all about, my brothers and sisters, is simply an adjustment. Unfortunately, we have a lot more experience with feeling and emotion rather than a true understanding of what is happening from a mental perspective. This will come in time. We do, therefore, have a tendency to believe that change and adjustment must be entirely experienced at an emotional level, hence the possibility of anxiety and depression. Remember that there is something occurring at an energy level that will indeed help us out in the near future. Don’t try to figure it out or believe you have to do something about it. Let the feelings come and go, no attachment. This is a different kind of pain. It’s not an emotional pain, but more of a frustration in terms of relating and how we can relate to others differently. We’re all aware that we’re not like most people. This is why the path is lonely at times. I know how you feel. Take the time to reacquaint yourself with the love you have clearly developed in your heart. This will help you understand how to relate to others in a new and better way. It’s ok to acknowledge that you know more and have a little more experience than others. Now, you can see the values and experiences of others as part of you. You have placed yourself in a position to be of help. Remember, however, we are of help as a loving, supportive influence only. Try not to get too involved! Stay out of things for the most part, and you will be more successful in maintaining that sense of peace you have acquired. It’s a new way of being my friends. For those of you who relate to these words, friendships are few and far between. Finding an intimate relationship based on equality becomes less likely. This we must accept. Who we are becoming will be validated at some unknown future time. This we must also accept.
Cooperation
Before we leave this discussion today, I wanted to briefly touch on an important point many of us don’t necessarily focus on all that much, that of the need for us to cooperate. Although we may have achieved a greater love and understanding, we must comply with physical plane laws, societal norms, and so forth to the best of our ability. We are not above anything. We are not special. We still need to get along and participate. As real spiritual power comes into play, our ego will inevitably become involved and attempt to harness this power for its own intents and purposes. Careful, careful! We must always keep in mind we are not better than anyone else, nor do we have any unique rights or privileges. This is a painful realization for every spiritual student and every individual. Real power can only be found in the heart. There is nothing else. In this way, we can avoid the trap of separateness. What humanity and the world need more than anything else is the love, kindness and respect we can provide.
Being in the world, but not of it. Frustrating and challenging, you bet! The Christ, the Buddha, and all the Great Masters, have said that each of us will achieve. We will one day understand who we essentially are and what we came here to do. The two worlds, the inner and the outer, the higher and the lower, become one. The purpose of our soul is revealed. This is our destiny.
All my love and support, be well