The Philosophers Zone

There are many ways we, as mankind try to find meaning in our lives. Some people turn to religion, others to philosophy,some to psychology, and yet others like myself like to keep an open mind and explore all avenues of discovery. There is so much we can learn from various attitudes,cultures, and mannerisms in this multi-diverse world we live in.
Here is an article I found quite interesting. I wish I had had this article a few months back when I was having a similar discussion on spirituality with a colleague of mine, it would have made for a more clear cut description of my perspective.
Spirituality and Success: Bridging the Gap
Copyright 2005 David Ferruolo

There is a new breed of spiritual seekers these days;
people looking for a better way to live. We, as a whole,
are not content with the routines of daily life, and the
quest for material gain is no longer completely satisfying
our needs. Humanity is looking for fulfillment, and we
have finally realized that peace, contentment and happiness
come from inside of our selves, not from external sources.
We have, after all these decades of probing, realized that
what we have been seeking has been with us, inside us, all
this time. We need only to turn our eyes inward to see the
potential that resides within. Getting to know ourselves
along with our connection and relationship with spirit,
will unlock that potential, and catapult us on an amazing
journey through life—a journey where worldly success and
spiritual bliss are achieved simultaneously.

Worldly success can be achieve and coexist in harmony with
spirituality—it’s the way things are supposed to be.
Primarily our perception and thoughts of what “should be”
are what hold us back. Success is more a state of mind and
how one perceives themselves as successful. Your
happiness is a choice that is made continually, throughout
each moment of each day. Again, thought and perception
mainly dictates whether you see yourself as happy or not.
To truly achieve ‘life success,’ you have to make your life
‘a success.’ This is only feasible if you are happy. People
from all walks of life are choosing to live a more
spiritual life, to follow a path of peace and contentment
while striving for success… And why not? Can we have both?
YES!

But what does it mean to live a spiritual life? Do we have
to forsake our possessions and the desire for achievement
and accomplishment? Being spiritual does not mean we have
to give up our thirst for life, and being successful does
not mean you have to be unhappy and ‘sell your soul.’ In
fact, a centered, contemplative and motivated person is
better poised for the greatest of life successes. By
knowing who you are and what you are capable of, and
realizing your connection to the earth, spirit and
humanity, you can move past fears and begin to live the
amazing adventure your life is meant to be!

Spirituality is not about perfection, nobody will ever
achieve that, but it is however, striving to live the best
life you can and to be the best person you can be everyday
in every way. It's about following your heart and not
being afraid to peruse your dreams. It’s about having
compassion and forgiveness; being loving and kind and
inspiring and motivating others to reach inside themselves
and thrive. It’s about living morally and justly—being
virtuous and holding true to your heart’s desires. Being
spiritual is to adapt a ‘Christ like’ consciousness and
without judgment, ego or fear, pursuing your journey on
earth and cherishing the gift of life.

And what about success… It is such an arbitrary term,
meaning so many things to so many people. I like to ask,
“What is your definition of success?” How do you define
being successful? Are you on a certain path just to
appease or please someone else? Do you act a certain way
because you believe it is the ‘socially acceptable’ thing
to do? You have to ask yourself what do you really want,
what speaks truth to your soul? What, in your heart and
mind, will make you a success. Many people have a certain
goal or dream, and will not believe they are successful
until they reach that point. But living successfully is a
daily path, not a destination or something to be achieved
or attained. We need to look at success on a smaller
scale; the successes we achieve moment to moment are just
as important as life-long success.

Spirituality and success are both paths to travel and not
definitive destinations. To achieve total life success,
one must make living spiritual and being successful a
lifestyle. Like water and clay, they should be molded
together to create the masterpiece of your life. You
cannot have one without the other. How can you be happy if
you do not feel you are a success? Contrarily you’re not a
total success if you cannot find peace and contentment.

For centuries we have followed these two paths separately,
thinking we cannot have it both simultaneously. And for
centuries, we have been frustrated and unfulfilled,
bouncing back and forth from the paths of spirituality and
success. What we have failed to realize, and are beginning
to awaken to, is the idea that both paths are synonymous.
We can have both; we can live fulfilling spiritual lives
and be successful at the same time. After all, it is what
we were born for. “But son, do not forget my teaching, but
keep my commandments in your heart, for they will prolong
your life many years and bring you prosperity”. Proverbs
3:1-2 NIV

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Dave Ferruolo is the Author of “Connecting with the Bliss
of Life: Powerful Lessons for Living a Peaceful and Happy
Life.” He is an inspirational and motivational speaker,
success coach, consultant and spiritual counselor. Dave is
a former Navy SEAL and runs several businesses in central
New Hampshire. He is a master scuba diving instructor,
adventurer traveler and has a love for hiking, diving,
kayaking and skiing. For more detailed information on
Dave’s books and services visit his website at
http://www.daveferruolo.com

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