To Thine Own Self be True

Recently, while perusing the website Quora, I stumbled upon a contemplative question posed under the category "Spirituality and Personal Religion." I am reposting the question here, along with my personal answer, for my readers to contemplate and/or offer their personal feedback.

Question:  What can we do when our desire and values conflict?

Answer:

If our values are in conflict with our desires, as often seems to be the case, it is a warning sign that we may not be living authentically.  Our values are deep-rooted in us, yet many of us follow our desires instead.  To live authentically, we must re-evaluate our desires, as well as our values, and make a conscious choice whether to act in accordance with our values or to act against what we BELIEVE to be our values. 

Ask yourself: "Are my desires merely short-term desires or "whims" that will bring me temporary pleasure but long-lasting conflict, regret or misery?  If my values are in conflict with my desires, what is the basis of my values?  Are they values instilled in me by others, or through my upbringing, that I have not internalized?"  If they are truly your values, your conviction will be so strong you will be able to justify them without hesitation.  Your desires, on the other hand, may seem strong at the immediate moment, but choose to reflect on them rather than opting for "immediate gratification."  You may find the desire waning in intensity, much like a craving, or you may experience anxiety, but ultimately you must make a choice, so take the time to make the "right one", the one that, in the end, will strengthen your character rather than weaken, bring you peace of mind rather than conflict, and make you smile on the inside rather than frown. 

~ Lisa Pearlman 7/14/13 (Words and Photo Credit) 

From Detox to Dharma

It has been said that “Religion is the Opiate for (of?) the Masses.” Appropriate analogy? Opiates initially soothe the soul, but eventually become all-consuming…progressing to Addiction, depravity, destruction and death. It is a fact that more wars have been fought and more blood has been shed in the name of RELIGION, than for any other reason in the history of our planet. Religion tends to label and divide people by their belief in a certain dogma…it divides families, communities, countries & nations. It is EXclusive rather than INclusive.
I believe Spirituality, in contrast, is “the Unity of the Masses.” Essentially INclusive, it UNITES the entire Universe as ONE. It reflects our personal connection, or relationship, with our Higher Power…with our Higher Self, each other, nature, the Universe and all that is divine.

In conclusion, I am unimpressed by Religion and the hypocricy it spreads through the masses like a contagious disease. I am currently engaged in spiritual pursuits, working on deepening my connection with my higher power and my higher self. I am exploring spiritual practices based on Ancient Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism (as a philosophy rather than a religion), meditation, metaphysics, Law of Attraction, and various mantras and teachings of the many spiritual leaders and gurus of India.