Bashar’s profound teachings serve as a guiding light in the ever-evolving journey of spiritual growth. One of these teachings contains a transformative perspective that encourages us to look within for validation and growth rather than seeking it externally. It states: “Do not rely on the outer world as your measuring stick for your spiritual growth. Rely on your response to the outer world to determine how much you have grown.”
Imagine a scenario where your day starts with a series of challenges. Perhaps you wake up to unexpected news, face criticism at work, or encounter an obstacle in a personal project. It’s easy to let these external factors determine your mood and self-worth. Every time this happens, Bashar’s wisdom invites us to shift our focus from these outer events to our inner responses. How do we react? Do we succumb to frustration and negativity or maintain our equilibrium and find constructive solutions?
By evaluating our reactions, we can gauge our spiritual progress more accurately. For instance, when faced with criticism, we can respond with understanding and openness instead of reacting defensively. This does not mean that we need to agree or go along with any situation. It means that we choose not to respond negatively or to get negatively affected so as to minimize any kind of inner and outer conflict. This shift from reaction to response marks a significant step in our spiritual evolution by helping us to have more constructive relationships with everything.
In the journey of our lives, the distinction between being a victim and being the protagonist is essential. Perceiving ourselves at the mercy of external circumstances, feeling powerless and trapped by events and the actions of others, engenders a feeling of victimhood. This attitude generates a sense of helplessness and stagnation – making growth and change seem unattainable.
On the other hand, embracing the role of the protagonist means acknowledging our inherent power to shape our reality. It involves taking responsibility for our actions, choices, and reactions – recognizing that we have the ability to influence our life’s direction. By stepping into this empowered state, we become active participants in our own stories, capable of manifesting our desires and overcoming challenges. As a victim, we think we have no other choice other than being at the mercy of external circumstances. Instead, as protagonists, we know we always have a choice of responding either negatively or positively to any situation. That is what will determine our life’s outcome.
One way to practice this shift is through mindfulness, which basically means learning to be present and observing what is happening not just outside of us but mainly inside – both emotionally and mentally. By cultivating this awareness, we can observe our reactions without being overwhelmed. This practice helps us recognize patterns in our responses and identify areas for growth.
For example, if we notice a tendency to become easily irritated, we can work on developing patience and compassion. If we continue to respond to any situation without being aware of how we are used to responding, we cannot evaluate our response, and, therefore, we cannot modify it. This is why awareness is so important. Being aware of our response mode means being able to decide if it is the most constructive one, and if not, we can then choose to modify it.
Another powerful tool is self-reflection. One way to practice it is, at the end of each day, to take a moment to review how we have responded to various situations throughout the day. Were there moments when we felt proud of our reaction? Were there times when we could have handled things better? This honest assessment – when practiced within the calmness of a fully dedicated space for it – allows us an even greater awareness that, as events are happening throughout the day, we might not have the attention to consciously observe. Instead, setting aside time to do it and possibly writing some kind of diary about it will help us – especially at the beginning of our self-reflective journey – to move forward at a faster pace and to celebrate our progress besides identifying opportunities for improvement more clearly.
It’s also important to surround ourselves with positive influences. Engage in activities and relationships that uplift and inspire you. Bashar emphasizes that our external environment can support our inner growth, making choosing positive relationships a very important element of our well-being. By choosing a nurturing environment, we create a fertile ground for our spiritual development.
Let’s explore a practical example. Imagine you’re working on a significant project, and you face an unexpected setback. The external world might tell you this is a failure. However, your spiritual growth isn’t measured by the setback but by how you respond. Do you see it as an opportunity to learn and grow, or do you let it define your worth?
In moments of adversity, remind yourself that each challenge is a chance to practice new responses and to evolve. Embrace setbacks as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and creativity. Over time, your reactions will become more aligned with your highest self, reflecting your true spiritual growth.
Committing to the inner journey is a profound and life-altering decision that determine the difference between a relatively passive existence and a deeply fulfilling life. When we choose to embark on this inward exploration and, especially, when we choose to become more conscious beings that do not make their lives dependend on external circumstances but on how we respond to them, we acknowledge the vast landscape of our inner world, filled with emotions, beliefs, and memories that shape our perceptions and actions. This commitment requires courage and dedication, as it involves facing our fears, healing old wounds, and uncovering the truth of who we are beyond societal expectations and conditioning.
By dedicating ourselves to this path, we cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and a deeper connection to our authentic selves. It empowers us to live in alignment with our true values and passions, fostering a sense of inner peace and resilience. In contrast, neglecting this inner journey can lead to a disconnection from our core essence, resulting in a life that feels unfulfilling and driven by external validation. Instead, embracing the inner journey is a transformative act of self-love, opening the door to a richer, more meaningful existence where we are the conscious creators of our destiny.
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