The Artificial Light of the “Enlightened”

One of the reasons I chose a career field that focused on helping others learn the best ways to optimize the self and their world was because at the time I needed to choose, that is what gave me the greatest motivation. Although my years studying and working in the fields of psychology, education, and spirituality have improved my self-understanding, accelerated my growth, and contributed deeply to my work today, it has become more challenging to advocate for the evolution of humanity at times. Seeing trends of enlightenment used as a means of manipulation or another tool for taking advantage of the vulnerability of others dampens one's motivation to walk among many surface-dwellers.

My decision to remain a lone wolf in my work (blending spirituality and psychology) was partially because it is difficult for me to blend in with spiritual groups for long, even if they were alternative. Though I imagine many spiritual paths start with good intent, it often isn't long before it becomes tainted with groupthink poison and twisted interpretations, especially if an idea sticks around long enough. New certifications emerge in newfound schools or groups of spirituality. Working behind the scenes of large events, I've witnessed certified healers and speakers charge to“help” others when I knew they had done zero work on healing the fragments of pain and confusion within. On more than one occasion, even the famous I had come into contact with sold hope and manifestation while doubting the words they spoke with conviction. You can sell anything to someone in need as long as they feel heard, acknowledged, and uplifted.

The enlightenment trend remains strong. When I worked directly in spiritual domains in the past, there was a rising interest in paganism and tarot, with everyone around me convinced they were on the best path to being ordained as a high priestess. Now it is the starseeds that are newly condemned, given that aliens are now in the spotlight. Just as in all domains focused on labels over essence, mastery concepts continue to be used as excuses for destructive behaviors. "I'm enlightened, so I can treat you however I want." Owning sovereignty becomes a means to uncompromising entitlement. Even though I thought alternative spiritual groups offered me the best chance I had at finding my people, I couldn't continue to be around the bullshit when I knew that people were using enlightened concepts to mask lower-level behavior.

I have found that it is challenging to sustain motivation for the evolution of humanity when we learn that the majority of new thoughts are just re-branded from old patterns. Dishonorable practices are still being used to justify irrational actions. Taking courses to become enlightened is the new get-out-of-accountability jail card. It's a replica of the same thing many use church teachings for, now and in the past. Condemnation: persecution: exclusion. Those seeking escape from the trap of dogmatism cannot see that they now put themselves in the same jail cell...just in a different block. Those who once sought escape from religious organizations for condemning others for not following their new rules- that they made up, of course. Though they took a risk to move toward a freer understanding at one time, they now mimic the same behavior, often criticizing those who don't share their beliefs of the "woke," still condemning others who are not like them, even though they once stood on the outside of the "in" group of the Hypocrites of Old. The zealots called the non-believers sinners, and now those who are "unawakened" are labeled sheep or zombies. After researching human behavior, I may understand why now, but it doesn't do much for the degree of cringe I feel when I witness it. Oh, I forgot they are enlightened, so they now get to be the new assholes with power just like the Hypocrites of Old. Yeah, no thanks. I'll pass on the newest batch of groupie Kool-Aid. I refuse to sell out just for a thumbs up in a fucked-up game of who is most holy or deemed worthy based on their inclusion in another re-branded dogmatic belief structure.

As I shake my head at the mockery of honor, I still hope well-intended teachings bridge a greater understanding for some…that, at the very least, it leads some to strengthen their connection with their core truth, along with the understanding that their way may not be the best nor does it suit all.

#befree #enlighten