Enlightenment has been the base of my research and study since discovering mindfulness for myself and it is also at the center of my coaching and teaching. I think that in our world we have always thought of enlightenment as some mythical state of mind reserved for a select few. I would like for you to consider, that is not the case. Simply put, enlightenment is the absence of -“I” leaving only we or us. This is not to say that our ego ( I ) is bad. This is to say that our ego obstructs our view of reality. Enlightenment is an experience of seeing the world as it is which requires the relinquishment of all judgment. Enlightenment also comes with the acceptance of a nondualist experience which is the understanding that we are all one and the same. Nondualism is possibly one of the biggest challenges in experiencing enlightenment as it is the biggest fear to our ego to not be so different from the rest after all.
The more a person thinks of themself differently from the rest the more they have to defend themselves and make right. This gives rise to triggers and instability of the mind. We see this in much of the population who goes through never-ending swings of good days and bad days. The bigger these swings of highs and lows the more intense the instability there is within the mind. The closer we shift towards an Enlighted state of mind the more we understand ourselves as the same as each other. This is a shift toward understanding while ego is a shift towards judgment. The more we understand ourselves the stabler (closer to center) our mind becomes. When you look at the leaders in our history that we say were enlightened we also see similar stability, calmness, and compassion about them. This is no coincidence.
Another component of a stable mind is also balance. When we are out of balance (or off-centered) we experience symptoms like anxiety, depression, stress, fear, etc. Does it take much convincing to understand that to be stable is to be centered, and to be centered is to achieve the highest power of One’s self? To be centered is to be at peace and complete comfort with yourself. To be centered is to have no triggers to react to which means you give no power to the ego (for yourself or others) to manipulate you. To be centered is to be vulnerable and without defense. This is what allows two humans the ability to authentically connect either through friendship or romance.
Trying to connect with a person who is guarded is like trying to hug someone with armor on. Trying to have a romantic relationship with a person with a strong ego is like trying to dance with a partner who refuses to move their feet. Take a moment to let this paragraph sink in… This is what stands in the way of a healthy relationship.
How do we do this? How do we become “enlightened” and “balanced”? By focusing our attention on our internal state. By allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. By accepting guidance and support. By realizing that balance is possible in the first place. By looking outside of ourselves.
I can assure you that it can not be done alone and will never be accomplished in such a way. Yet the ego is not the greatest at asking for or accepting help. At all times it is best for us to either be supported or to be supporting others. It’s that simple. And, if your supported person offers more judgment than understanding, that’s not support. That’s a negative ego attempting to bring you down to their unhealthy state of mind. Hence the phrase, misery loves company. Those are people with “advice” to be cautious of.
As always, Thank you for your attention 🙂 Please share, like, follow, and subscribe.
Awakening 