I have read countless “self-help” books and attended more trainings & seminars than I can quantify. I have been a spiritual seeker for most of my life. In the last five years through a renewed commitment to consistent daily meditation, contemplation and prayer I have let go of seeking God, the answer or truth outside my Self. I am intrigued by how much self help material is promoted on social media, and through e-mail campaigns. “Click bait” is everywhere online. You know them: “10 ways to a pain free life”, “8 ways to total enlightenment in less than a week” etc. etc.
I get that positive support and inspiration are being offered. Still much of what’s being hocked out there is fluff if not total garbage. I do click on a few of these sites from time to time. Once in awhile I learn something somewhat compelling. Most of the time it is like watching TV, sometimes entertaining or educational, other times like annoying infomercials. I have to ask myself what it is that I thought I might learn or discover? What it always tends to remind me once I hear the sales pitch is that I am enough without buying another book, training program or audio tape series.
Self-Help and Personal Development are both huge industries perhaps two of the hottest categories on the internet. I know there are plenty of positive helpful materials and programs out there. People are searching today more than ever. We live in troubled times. Anxiety, depression and stress are rampant. We seek solutions and meaning in our lives. The pursuit of material success and physical comfort is proving to be very unfulfilling. Men and women across the generations are asking the existential question:why are we here? In my experience I’ve sought Personal Development, wisdom, direction and a deeper purpose to my life for as long as I can remember.
The challenge is having the intestinal fortitude to go through the process. All your shit will come to the surface, and you need to do a thorough personal inventory. We inhabit a world full of distractions and constant noise. Ultimately it’s in the silence that we find our true Self, Higher Power, God within.