I realize that my obligation as a spiritual human being is to be self-responsible and functional from head to toe. Ample knowledge is accessible to me, but obstacles prevent me from applying what I know is correct. I believe these obstacles arise from my internal conditioning, a personal behavioral pattern by which I am continuously guided. My mind tends to maintain a certain comfort level in relation to the world around me. In this manner, my past is the guideline for how I presently function. I need not consciously think my way through every circumstance. My memory of previous similar experiences, and how I behaved is associated with the present and so I respond accordingly.
The problem with this method of reasoning is that our pasts generally contain inappropriate ways of relating to people. Without periodical self-evaluation it is difficult see or understand the situation. Egocentric, compulsive, and emotionally driven desires if strong enough, impel us to unwise behavior. The underlying patterns remain concealed. We continue the outward behavior and experiencing the conditions caused by them. We acknowledge the unpleasant situations (suffering relationships and bedeviling substance abuse or behavior).
We cannot do what we know we should because we allow ourselves to remain self-restricted by attitudes acquired by habitual beliefs, and ongoing mannerisms. We desire to grow spiritually, but we also prefer to remain as we are. It is not easy and definitely uncomfortable being completely honest and bearing responsibility for past detrimental actions. It is essential nonetheless, if we are to snatch responsibility from past practices or persons. In doing so, we become our own masters. Granted, this is not an easy way to achieve. The human mind tends to cling to what is already known and what is comfortable, whether it is sensible or otherwise. Mind cannot react to the unknown outside of its realm of experiences. Being fully conscious in the present requires constant practice. By taking responsibility for ourselves, by making intentional behavioral choices we open ourselves to our own innate resources. In the doing we begin using our higher mind, the mind of light, which is our true power of insight and discernment. We aim toward increasing our levels of spirituality (the way to find more meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace in our lives).
Every person is living out of his or her state of consciousness. Our awareness of being, our thinking and behavior are immediate indicators to ourselves of habitual states of consciousness. However we choose to think, act and relate to others and the environment reveals our present conditioning. Institute practices of intentional living, which will require us to become fully aware of fundamental beliefs and work at making our behavior reflect those beliefs. In other words, expand integrity (the quality of being honest with ourselves first). Then note how strong our moral principles become. This should result in a shift of awareness, which will lead to a more comprehensive view of what we expect of ourselves and how to achieve it. Focus on the aspect of life that is singularly most important. Apply sound logic, explore and live with intent.