The Quest for Spiritual Awakening: Perfect or the Best?

Is it better to aim for perfect or strive for the best? In the journey of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment, these objectives may seem interchangeable, yet they carry distinct implications. This essay delves into the nuances of these concepts, exploring how they can guide individuals toward a deeper connection with themselves and others.

Perfect or the Best?

Perfect and best are often used interchangeably, but they hold different meanings when applied to spiritual development. The notion of being perfect implies an unattainable state of being, whereas striving for the best acknowledges the continuous improvement and personal evolution that human beings undergo.

Striving for Perfection

When one sets the goal of reaching perfection, they are setting themselves up for unrealistic expectations. Perfection is a theoretical ideal that can be imagined but cannot be fully achieved in human experience. This pursuit can lead to frustration and an unhealthy sense of inadequacy. For instance, in the context of a 12-step recovery program, aiming for perfection might mean never falling back into old habits, but this is unrealistic, human, and often fleeting.

Aiming for the Best

On the other hand, striving for the best acknowledges the process of continuous improvement. It recognizes that while one may never be perfect, they can always seek to improve themselves. This mindset fosters resilience and flexibility, allowing individuals to adapt and learn from their experiences.

The Spiritual Journey: A Call for Connection

Our existence, as humans, is fundamentally about connection. The saying, “why does a human go crazy when left alone, we were created to be with each other,” encapsulates the essence of human nature. Being in connection not only enriches our lives but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This is especially evident in the 12-step program, which emphasizes community and support as integral parts of one's journey.

The 12-step Program: A Path of Growth

The Twelve Steps are not just a set of guidelines; they are a path designed to facilitate spiritual awakening. By following the steps, individuals learn to understand and experience the world in a profoundly different way. This process involves:

Self-reflection and honesty Seeking a higher power for guidance Praying and meditating to connect with a higher source Making amends and learning from past mistakes Continuously striving for personal growth and understanding

The 12-step program is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a framework that can be adapted to an individual's needs and experiences. As stated, ‘don’t listen to anyone because everybody is different. You try it if you don't like it, you can always let it go.’ This adaptability is a key factor in its success. The effectiveness of the 12-step program is evident in its ability to transcend time and place. The Ten Commandments, upon which much of our legal system is based, have stood the test of time, remaining relevant and effective for over two millennia.

Conclusion: Personal Experience and Spiritual Awakening

Ultimately, the journey to spiritual awakening is a deeply personal one. It is rooted in our personal experiences and beliefs. For some, the experience of the divine is a matter of personal encounter, a connection that cannot be explained in words but must be felt and understood through lived experiences.

As I reflect on the Universal Principle of Duality, I realize that the essence of this principle is not about external validation, but about the internal, personal experience. It is about finding truth and understanding within oneself, regardless of what others may believe or think.

In conclusion, whether one aims for perfection or strives for the best, the journey to spiritual awakening is one of connection, growth, and understanding. It is a path that we must traverse individually, and one that promises profound and transformative experiences.