Lessons from a Spiritual Pilgrimage to India

I recently returned from a three-week spiritual pilgrimage to India, where I was captivated by the people, the sights, the sounds, the feelings, the vibrations, the colors, the discussions, the music and the overall energy of the place.

It will take quite a bit of writing to share all of my personal experiences and transformations from my voyage. India has touched me deeply in many ways. Physically, I was challenged by an infection on my left leg from cutting my leg on something when taking a photo from the Ganga River; it feels like Ganga the Mother has forever left an impact on me.

Sweet Maria, my traveling companion, was always there to support me as we felt our mental, emotional and spiritual bodies blossom in wonderful ways. India is indeed the place of life and death, the place where we can let go to be reborn again. The amount of passion in the Indian way of life, combined with their rituals and spirituality, are all attributed to the fact that they embrace their reality as if they are living their karmic dream.

My reflections upon India have caused me to ask why Western civilization is stuck in a self-destructive pattern, even though so many of us claim to be on a spiritual path.

1. Why don't people believe they can make their dreams reality?
People are living in a cultural environment with a belief system that does not emphasize the practicality of doing what they love and having the resources to live their dreams.

2. People are confused about what brings them fulfillment.
Many people don't know how to fall in love with what they do. They hate the careers they have chosen, yet stay with them rather than taking a more fulfilling path. People live in paralyzing fear of change.

3. People don't think they have the right to live their dreams.
I truly believe that everyone has a dream, but some people keep it locked within themselves so that they never envision it as a part of reality. We are all so caught up in our daily comings and goings, we forget to acknowledge the dreams that lie at the core of our beings. Once you release your dreams from inside of you, they will manifest themselves into your life.

4. Many people think they can't afford to live their dreams.
People tell me all the time that they'd love go on a spiritual pilgrimage. They always say, "It has been my dream to take some time for travel and spiritual discovery," but they never do it! As long as we continue to procrastinate and we don't take a risk by doing something we would love to do, we are unable to create the adventure, and thus, the manifestation of dreams. People remain in their jobs for the salary and the false sense of security. Why not find security in spiritual fulfillment? Why not start by making a plan for transition?

5. People are lazy.
That is not to say that all people are lazy, rather they have become resigned, fearful, and often depressed about their situations. Many, however, do thrive off seeing productivity and change in their lives. When you become resigned or stuck in a sub-par existence, you don't take the necessary actions to bring about self-fulfillment, even when you know what actions to take.

6. People don't make time to live their dreams.
It's incredible to me how life slows down in India and there is time for everything. Westerners are caught up in the chaotic business of today's world and don't believe they have time for their dreams. In order to create more free time to pursue your dreams, you have to make sacrifices by eliminating aspects of your life that have blocked you from
making your own spiritual pilgrimage.

7. People are under the impression that hard work will pay off.
I am not suggesting not to work hard, but to put your heart and soul into your hard work. Once you passionately fall in love with what you do, work becomes more meaningful to you. Again, if you hate your work, you must find it within yourself to bring about change.

8. Fear has consumed us.
Our fears are abundant, and in most cases, we don't even realize they're there because they're so deeply embedded into our thought patterns and daily lives. Fear of failure, success, rejection, relationships, being different, being yourself, and even demonstrating joy--these are all common obstacles that hinder millions of people from making their spiritual pilgrimages. We are all afraid of something, and it will only keep us from getting what we want if we allow that fear to consume us without taking action. What do you fear?

9. People don't love themselves.
People don't love themselves enough to know that they deserve to be happy. Why do you deserve to be happy? Why do you deserve to live your dreams? Because that is your right as a human being. When you don't possess self-love, you are severely limiting yourself to all the joy you could be experiencing everyday. It's time to realize that you're worthy. It's time to invest in yourself.

10. People never seem to be ready.
Many people are fully aware that the way they are presently living their lives will not bring them fulfillment. They also know that it will require a significant effort to get their lives turned around. People are afraid to look closely at their lives, to analyze their career, their living situations, their relationships and admit that they are ready to make the investment in themselves required for positive change.

What is stopping you from facing your fears and making yourself available to fulfill your dreams? Are your limitations self-imposed or are you victim of a false belief system that has led you to think that you cannot change? Realistically, there is only one thing stopping you from living the life that you want to liveand that is YOU.