I donโt feel drawn to such activities; I am quite happy watching them, and I often feel that I would rather use my time and energy elsewhere. At the same time, I sometimes wonder whether I am avoiding experiences that could help me grow. How can I know whether this is just my natural preference and inner choice, or whether I am limiting myself by staying within my comfort zone?
It is the inner motive that matters in spiritual life. One may stay away from an activity because one is afraid of meeting people, or one may stay away because one cherishes and values the inner Peace which is a gift of the Divine Grace, or one may stay away simply because certain activities do not naturally engage us as they are not in tune with our true nature, or one may stay away because one wants to use that time in a better way. Equally, one may participate in an activity, not because one is comfortable and happy but because one wants to impress others. All these different motives bring different inner results. If one is afraid of something, then it leads to shrinking within and this shuts the doors to the Vastness of the Divine. Fear closes us to the workings of the Grace. But, on the other hand, one stays away from certain activities either because they are not consistent with one’s swabhava and swadharma, or because they distract us from the higher spiritual goal; then that is the right thing to do. The motive is not fear of moving out of the comfort zone but rather to ensure that the treasure of Peace is not lost because you value it. Even when one can maintain one’s inner Peace in each and every condition and circumstance, one still has to make a choice when one acts. It is true that a spiritual person can go anywhere without fear, but he will make his choice based on the deepest Divine urge within him and not because he has to prove a point to himself or to others. Action demands a choice and the choice of staying away. After all, the Divine is everywhere and in everything, but then why would one choose the dirty mud and slide into it. Of course, if circumstances push him into the mud or he has a work to do there, he can be comfortable everywhere, but when left to himself, he will choose where the Divine and his inner self leads him and not social conventions.
Affectionately,ย
Alok da
