Waking Up, Take a Leap of Faith, And Collecting Beliefs
Exploring the concept of spiritual awakening, understanding the power of faith, and the practice of consciously collecting empowering beliefs.
1) Waking Up
This past week I revisited a book I read some time ago: Awareness by Anthony de Mello. The teaching of "waking up" is a central theme to the book, in the most practical sense.
It emphasizes the importance of becoming truly aware and conscious, rather than sleepwalking through life in a state of unawareness.
Most people are trapped in a state of "unaware consciousness", constantly reacting to conditioning and illusions rather than perceiving reality directly.
Rather than interpreting reality as it is, we interpret it as we want it to be.
In a sense, it's near impossible to have a total objective view of reality because in some way our own paradigms and subjective views imprint themselves onto it. Therefore, what really matters is whether or not you have the capacity to question what you believe, perceive, and think to be true.
The process of waking up involves unlearning these conditioned beliefs and behaviors. As de Mello says, "That's what spirituality is all about, you know: unlearning."
It's strange to find that in our youths we're born and programmed by our loved ones, relationships, and environment. Where in our adulthoods we find ourselves unlearning the faulty logic, beliefs, and other notions in order to grow into individuals who can accomplish the goals we desire.
I love this view on spirituality because it's very practical for anyone—being spiritual or not. Anyone can pass through life, though few can unlearn what they hold dearly.
2) Leap Of Faith
The leap of faith is a central idea in the work of philosopher Søren Kierkegaard—the notion that belief in the divine requires a decisive personal commitment that goes beyond evidence and reason.
For Kierkegaard, true faith is not about intellectual assent to religious doctrines, but a profound, inward experience that transcends rational understanding. He argues that attempts to prove God's existence through rational means miss the essence of faith, which is inherently subjective and experiential.
The leap of faith involves an act of trust and surrender, acknowledging that faith is not about certainty, but about embracing the unknown with confidence in God's goodness.
It is a challenge to make a decisive commitment that aligns one's life with divine will.
Across all spiritual and holy works, surrender is a major concept. It is the act of being able to surrender to attachments. Anything from desires, hopes, vices, and so on.
If you can't let go of something, that thing owns you. If you can, you've not only proven self-mastery over yourself but also the ability to be truly free.
People live in states of anxiety, depression, anger, fear...but at what cost? At most, it's an attachment to something. And I suppose that attachment is towards some certain end.
This is where surrender can come greatly to assist you. I'm reminded of the quote:
"What is impossible with man is possible with God"
Luke 18:27
If what you're facing in life is impossible to bear alone, bear it with something much greater—God, the Tao, the One, the Universe, or whatever.
Let go and surrender your uncertainty by taking a leap of faith.
Have faith and all will turn out well.
3) Collecting Beliefs
I love to archive things whether they be notes, books, quotes, or questions for example.
However, this is the first time I ever realized this week from a podcast that you can also collect beliefs.
To make this habit effective, the process begins by being mindful and discerning about the beliefs you have adopted—whether from your upbringing, society, or your own past experiences.
Which of these beliefs are truly empowering you and moving you towards your goals?
Which ones may be limiting your potential?
Consciously select the beliefs you want to cultivate.
By doing so, you can begin to reprogram your mindset and reshape your subjective reality.
This is not about denying or suppressing certain beliefs, but rather choosing which ones you want to invest in and reinforce through your thoughts, words and actions.
At the same time, it's crucial to develop a sense of detachment from the beliefs themselves.
Rather than identifying too closely with them, treat them as tools to be used skillfully.
Be willing to let go of beliefs that no longer serve you, without getting attached to them or worrying about what others may think.
As you leverage this process of collective beliefs, have an open mind to new ones that empower the identity you want to embody (by archiving them) and remove old ones not advancing your purpose.
Oh, and if you were wondering... What's the first belief I added to my list?
Be useful - Arnold Schwarzenegger