Navigating the Rapids of Spiritual Struggle

The term spirituality can be as nebulous as it can be profound. For some, it is a beacon of meaning and balance, while for others, it is a path fraught with challenges and ambiguities. Understanding why so many struggle with their spirituality lies at the intersection of cultural beliefs, personal existential inquiries, and the inherent complexity of human consciousness.

From Subjectivity to Reality

According to those who subscribe to a purely rationalist or materialist perspective, spirituality is a human construct—a product of the mind, shaped by culture, religion, or personal superstitions. This perspective suggests that spirituality lacks a concrete, external reality and is thus open to individual interpretation. People may struggle with their spirituality not because it is inherently flawed, but because they either have no solid foundation to rest their beliefs upon or because their current beliefs do not align with their experiences and expectations.

A Personal Eclectic Collection

Many individuals find themselves navigating their spirituality by assembling a personal, eclectic collection of beliefs and practices. This can include everything from religious doctrines to personal meditation techniques, divination practices, and even folk remedies. The challenge arises when these eclectic beliefs do not cohere into a cohesive worldview. Without a shared consensus on what spirituality means, our conversations about it tend to be incoherent, each person bringing a different interpretation to the table. The term “spirituality” can thus be used to refer to a diverse range of individual private practices and beliefs, making it difficult to have a meaningful discourse on the subject.

Struggling with Balance

At its core, spirituality is about seeking a balance between opposing forces within oneself and around one's environment. The concept of Good and Evil is a prominent theme in many spiritual traditions, representing the dual nature of human experience. We all strive to find a balance that works for us, understanding that existence itself requires the coexistence of these opposing forces. The struggle is personal and unique, as we all deal with different challenges in our quest for balance.

The Higher Self and Divine Will

Spirituality is often linked to the concept of a higher self or a more elevated aspect of one's being, in contrast to the lower self. This struggle between the two is a fundamental aspect of spiritual growth. The higher self is often associated with ideals of beauty, love, and truth, while the lower self is more aligned with the desires and illusions that can lead to struggle and suffering. Spiritual reality, then, is the pursuit of aligning one's lower self with the higher nature, which is the true, divine self.

Understanding the Spiritual Reality

The term spirituality also encompasses the idea of a higher realm of meaning and truth. It is a world of pure meaning that permeates all things, and it is through our spiritual experiences that we can begin to understand and appreciate life's deeper, abstract truths. This realization is often described as a nonverbal, non-conceptual experience that transcends language and symbols. True spirituality allows us to glimpse an answer to the age-old question, “What is the meaning of life?” It is a profound, internal journey that enhances our understanding of our place in the universe.

The Voice of Michael Wilde

The insights provided by Michael Wilde in his book Mirrors of Reflection offer a rich, philosophical perspective on the topic. He underscores the importance of recognizing the forces of Good and Evil as integral to the human experience, emphasizing that none can exist without the other. This interplay is central to personal struggle and growth. Through the lens of personal reflection, outward mirrors can reveal the contradictions within ourselves, guiding us towards a more balanced and fulfilling spiritual existence.

Conclusion

Understanding why so many struggle with their spirituality is a complex task that intersects various facets of human existence. From personal belief systems to the universal forces that challenge our understanding of self and the world, this struggle is both individual and collective. Embracing the challenge and finding one’s own path through the tumultuous waters of spirituality can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper appreciation of the world around us.