Why Searching For Enlightenment Is The Biggest Way To Waste Your Life
Envato Elements I know the idea of reaching enlightenment sounds all mystical and alluring, but you’re wasting your time.
While you’re off chasing some abstract state of spiritual awakening, life is passing you by. You’re missing out on the tangible, real-world experiences that make existence worth living. Here are 10 reasons why searching for enlightenment is the biggest way to waste your precious time on this earth.
1. It’s a never-ending quest.
Source: Unsplash The problem with enlightenment is that it’s not a clear, achievable goal. It’s a vague, slippery concept that means different things to different people. You could spend your whole life chasing it and never feel like you’ve arrived. And even if you do have some sort of “awakening,” there’s always another level to strive for. It’s a treadmill of spiritual seeking that keeps you perpetually dissatisfied with where you are. Don’t fall for it.
2. It disconnects you from reality.
Source: Unsplash All that navel-gazing and contemplation of the nature of existence can really disconnect you from the world around you. While you’re lost in abstract thoughts, you’re missing out on the concrete joys of life. The laughter of friends, the warmth of a lover’s touch, the satisfaction of a job well done — these are the things that make life rich and meaningful. Don’t let your search for enlightenment pull you away from the here and now.
3. It can become a form of escapism.
Source: Unsplash For some people, the pursuit of enlightenment is just a highbrow form of escapism. It’s a way to avoid dealing with the messiness of real life — relationships, responsibilities, personal growth. It’s easier to sit in quiet contemplation than it is to have that difficult conversation with your partner or take that risk at work. But hiding in a spiritual bubble isn’t going to make your problems go away. Face life head-on instead.
4. It can lead to spiritual narcissism.
Source: Unsplash Beware the spiritual ego. The pursuit of enlightenment can sometimes lead to a subtle form of narcissism, where you start to believe you’re more evolved or aware than everyone else. You might start looking down on those “unenlightened” masses, feeling superior in your spiritual understanding. But this kind of arrogance is the antithesis of true wisdom. Real growth involves humility, not an inflated sense of self.
5. It can be a form of avoidance.
Source: Unsplash Sometimes, the search for enlightenment can be a way to avoid taking responsibility for your life. It’s a lot easier to say “I’m working on myself” than it is to actually make difficult changes. Sitting in meditation for hours can feel productive, but if you’re not integrating your insights into your daily life, what’s the point? Enlightenment isn’t some magic solution to all your problems. You still have to do the hard work of living.
6. It can strain your relationships.
Source: Unsplash If you’re constantly off on meditation retreats or spending hours in solitary contemplation, your relationships can suffer. Your friends and family may start to feel neglected, like they’re taking a back seat to your spiritual pursuits. And if you start spouting off about the illusion of the ego or the impermanence of all things, they might just think you’ve lost the plot. Don’t let your quest for enlightenment come at the cost of the people you love.
7. It can be a financial drain.
Source: Unsplash The enlightenment industry is big business. There are countless retreats, workshops, books, and gurus all promising to help you reach spiritual heights — for a price. If you’re not careful, your quest for enlightenment can become a major drain on your bank account. And while investing in your personal growth is valuable, you have to ask yourself: is this really the best use of your hard-earned cash? Don’t let the pursuit of wisdom put you in debt.
8. It can distract you from your true purpose.
Source: Unsplash Here’s the thing: maybe your purpose in life isn’t to reach some lofty state of enlightenment. Maybe it’s to be an amazing parent, or to create beautiful art, or to make a difference in your community. When you’re so focused on your spiritual journey, it’s easy to lose sight of the unique gifts and talents you have to offer the world. Don’t let the search for enlightenment distract you from your true calling.
9. It can be a form of spiritual bypass.
Source: Unsplash Spiritual bypass is when you use spiritual practices or beliefs to avoid dealing with painful emotions or unresolved issues. It’s when you’re all “love and light” on the surface, but you’re still carrying around a lot of unhealed wounds. The pursuit of enlightenment can sometimes be a way to spiritually bypass — to focus on transcendence rather than doing the gritty work of self-examination and emotional healing. But true growth requires facing your shadows, not just basking in the light.
10. Life is meant to be lived, not transcended.
Source: Unsplash At the end of the day, life is a precious gift. It’s meant to be experienced in all its messy, glorious, heartbreaking beauty. It’s not something to be transcended or escaped from. Yes, spiritual practices can add depth and meaning to your existence, but they shouldn’t be the main event. Don’t get so caught up in the pursuit of enlightenment that you forget to actually live. Embrace the joys and sorrows of this human experience while you have the chance.
