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Enlightenment for Beginners: An Excerpt

Enlightenment

So you’re seeking enlightenment? Where to begin?

There is only one place to begin any journey — and enlightenment, like life, is a journey. The place to start is where you are right now. Begin with the recognition that you already know the answers you are seeking, but are simply pretending not to know or have forgotten.

Start by understanding the apparent paradox that you are alone on this journey, and yet you are one with everything and everyone else in the universe. Acknowledge that you are a divine being, part of All That Is, created in the image of God — whatever you may consider him, her or it to be. Know that it is all that has gone on in your life before this moment that has brought you to where you are now, that there is a purpose for everything. Rejoice in every obstacle you have faced in your lifetime, and bless it as the gift and opportunity it certainly has been to enable you to grow. Remember that the only thing that stands between you and your goals, your heart’s desires, your greatest wishes, enlightenment — is YOU... and your fears!

Commit to face life in the truth that every moment is an opportunity to create a new reality — now, and in every moment — based on the infinite possibilities of what can be, not on your fears of what has happened in the past. Know that your successes and your happiness are limited only by what you believe is possible, and that the range of possibilities is only restricted by your limited human understanding. And trust that the universe will show you the answers when you are open to receive them.

Now perhaps some of these ideas are new to you, perhaps you want to reject them as nonsense, as impossible. That’s great! Firstly, you don’t have to accept anything — in this book or elsewhere in life — that doesn’t resonate with you. You can accept or reject any ideas you choose. However, suppose you suspend your judgement for a while and accept that there might be something in these ideas, even if it’s not clear right now what or how or why? As you continue your journey of enlightenment and self-discovery, you may find some of those things that made no sense at the time begin to seem possible — and perhaps even probable.

What is important, however, is that you apply yourself to the subject with an open mind, and an open heart. Rejecting everything out of hand just because it doesn’t make sense now will not lead to enlightenment in any form.

You may wish to ask your guides to help you to receive the information with an open heart and to help you learn the lessons that are important for you. We all have guides in the spirit and other unseen kingdoms, in different dimensions. As we continue on our journey we may find that our guides may make their presence felt in some way.

Everyone’s path is different, so don’t assume that what works for someone else will necessarily work for you, or vice versa. You will need to find for yourself those things that work for you, and those that don’t. You will also find the speed of the journey and the timing of events in everyone’s lives will vary. It is important not to give yourself a hard time just because events are not unfolding as quickly as you think they should, or that your experiences are different from someone else’s.

Enlightenment means getting in touch with our higher consciousness. It means letting go of old beliefs and fears, releasing old ways of being, and doing, and thinking — ways with which we may have been comfortable for most of our lives, but which no longer serve us. It means accepting responsibility for our lives and accepting the power we already have; and by this I mean not power over others but power over ourselves.

It is not an intellectual exercise. The mind can be a barrier to spiritual enlightenment. We are called on to experience our lives, not to contemplate them. You will need to start looking deep within yourself to find those things that are keeping you in the past. You will need to face up to your fears before you can let them go and move on. It will certainly get uncomfortable at times. Remember, there is no growth without risk; and enlightenment is about growth — in love, understanding, trust and compassion. You are perfect just the way you are; however, if you wish to grow in love and in light you need to be prepared to put yourself into situations that will stretch you, when you will feel uncomfortable. The fact is, they are only unpalatable to yourself, not to anyone else. There will be times when you need to face up to some apparently unpleasant truths. There is nothing to be gained by trying to deceive yourself. Taking the easy option does not lead to growth and enlightenment. So, are you ready to take a risk, to take yourself on?

There are no gurus, no teachers and pupils. We are, each of us, our own guru; and we are all both teacher and pupil. Just as we teach, so we learn; the two go hand in hand. Just as the only way for us to receive is to give; the only way to be loved is to give away our love; the only way to gain forgiveness is to forgive. And we must also remember to love, honour, respect and forgive ourselves as well as others.

It can be difficult to make this journey of self-discovery and enlightenment alone. It can be hard enough anyway, so you might wish to make the journey with a special friend (or friends), join a support group, or perhaps attend courses or workshops in personal development. Most likely a combination of all of these will suit most people best. Whatever you decide, enjoy it. Once you start the journey — and the fact that you’re reading this now suggests you’ve already begun — you will not want to stop. You will find that, despite the discomfort you will almost certainly feel from time to time, you will want to keep up the momentum. And remember, true friends are those who tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, so choose your friends carefully.

Remember, it’s a journey. Enjoy the travelling. And don’t forget to smell the roses on the way!

Example

The following chart is a simple mind map designed to show one interpretation of the interrelationships between the main topics covered. As you read through the book, you may find it helpful to create your own mind map linking the topics and ideas in whatever way seems appropriate for you.

Mind map...

Exercise

Before reading further, take your notebook and a pen, find a quiet area and make yourself comfortable. Put on some quiet music, too, if you want. Take four or five deep breaths; breathe in as far as you can, hold your breath each time for a few seconds and then breath out slowly. Relax your body and quieten your mind.

Take your time over this exercise. It will help you gain some clarity about what it is you want to get out of reading this book as well as from life, and your commitment to seeking it. There are no right or wrong answers, so be honest with yourself.

First of all, write down what enlightenment means to you. To help you think about it, here are some questions; however, do not limit yourself to just these, they are to help you stretch rather than restrict your thinking. What is it you’re seeking? How will you know when you get there? Why are you seeking it? What difference will it make to your life? How will it affect others? What is it not? How much do you desire it? What are you prepared to do to achieve it? What are you prepared to give up? What are you not prepared to give up? How much time are you prepared to spend on this venture? How did you get to where you are now? What made you choose this book? What do you make of what you have read so far?

When you have finished, if you are working with a friend or buddy you may wish to share some of your thoughts and any insights you have gained.