Having knocked about the world for quite a number of years now I’m fascinated by the resurgence of ‘spirituality’ (my first experience of people describing themselves as spiritual was in the early 1970’s). Faith religions seem to be struggling to hold onto or engage their followers. People in secular societies are seeking faith through an exploration of ‘spirituality’. But what is it that they are getting?

The Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale about the Emperor’s new clothes is a lesson in illusion. The top person, leader, chief so wanted to show his status, wealth & power that he wanted what no-one else could afford. A pair of clever salesmen said the Emperor could have the finest, richest new clothes – with one special feature – they would be invisible to those who were either stupid, incompetent or not worthy of their position. So only certain people would be able to see & appreciate these magnificent clothes. It took the truth of a small boy to point out the Emperor was actually naked. All his ego & money had purchased was the false flattery & sycophancy of those who wanted to gain status & power for themselves without appearing stupid.

So too with spirituality. Many people announce that they have the ‘true’ path, the only way for you to live a perfect, happy, successful life. Just spend X,Y,Z or attend A,B,C and you will be initiated into the mystery of the path to success. So with ego in hand, often saying inside ‘I’m not worthy’ we jump into a long journey with egos that are saying ‘I’m better than you – I have the secret to a happy life’. But it’s all an illusion – everyone is naked! A spiritual life is not about asking the God/Goddess/Universe or anyone else to provide ‘it’ so we can feel happy, successful & well off. Nor is it searching here, there & everywhere for the truth that is right in front of your nose. It’s about DOING so we can learn to BE ourselves & BE of service. Letting actions speak louder than the words we say. Living our values not just talking about them. Lip service is no service at all.

So think about what you have done today. Did you treat each person with loving respect for their reality? Did you treat your own self with loving respect for your own reality? Did you love yourself enough to acknowledge the compassionate things that you have done – rather than focus on how much others have hurt, angered or frustrated you. One random act of kindness has a spiritual value way above all the words you say. In my view, spirituality is lived not thought or pursued.