# Why I Choose to Distance Myself from Many 'Spiritual' Individuals
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Chapter 1: Understanding Spirituality Today
In today's world, spirituality has become a popular term—perhaps it always has been. What I mean by labeling myself as 'spiritual' is a desire for a deeper connection with both life and my own self. However, this does not imply that I view crystals as a valid alternative to medicine, nor do I subscribe to notions of starseeds or lightworkers with hidden agendas, as some claim, like Phil Good’s assertion of channeling an intergalactic group named “The 9.” I also don't fit the stereotype of a vegan yoga instructor obsessed with positive energy, the law of attraction, or frequency (which, by the way, is often misused).
New Age spirituality is a multifaceted phenomenon. While it has opened doors for many to explore novel ideas outside traditional religions, it has also propagated some questionable concepts and misguided beliefs. I once immersed myself in these ideas during the early stages of my spiritual journey, but ultimately, they led to a decline in my well-being.
What I observed was a distinct type of spiritual individual emerging—one I encountered frequently. Many seemed more focused on the appearance of spirituality rather than genuine practice. I’m not talking about the occasional bad day that everyone experiences; rather, I mean those who adopt spiritual actions and then construct their identities around them. This results in a superficial community that mirrors the judgments of the very religious extremists they sought to escape. Dissenting opinions are often unwelcome—much like in Christianity—where their perspective is regarded as the ultimate truth. Instead of claiming divine inspiration, they refer to “spirit guides” and “the Universe.” It’s strange how what was once deemed nonsensical with God and religion has transformed into accepted wisdom when associated with spiritual entities.
It's amusing—I'm open to believing in aliens, so why not in other unseen forces? Human perception is limited; for instance, we can't see as many colors as cats can, and thus, many exist beyond our comprehension. Yet, I resist engaging in irrational debates masked with new terminology, insisting that one perspective is the only valid one simply because a spiritual individual proclaimed it. This is akin to cult behavior, yet many refuse to acknowledge this reality.
Many within the spiritual community judged me and excluded me for not sharing their interests. When I dismissed the law of attraction as a gimmick or expressed skepticism about crystals curing mental health issues, I was deemed 'unspiritual.' I've experienced friendships dissolve because I didn't subscribe to the belief that everything in my life was my fault or because I avoided certain mind-altering substances. (What’s the deal with spiritual folks pushing psychedelics? Shouldn’t the essence of spirituality be about finding inner peace rather than altering our reality further?)
I’ve met individuals who have built their identities around spirituality to the extent that their language is inundated with terms like The Universe, Source, Twin Flames, and The Law of Attraction. It can be draining. Their homes are filled with singing bowls and tapestries, their fridges stocked with Kombucha, and their bookshelves lined with self-help titles. Crystals adorn every surface, yet, paradoxically, there often seems to be a presence of drugs. Their identities are reduced to concepts they believe existed before them, mirroring societal cliques like goths and jocks—primarily composed of one-dimensional individuals who cling to groupthink for comfort.
While I don't harbor ill will toward them, I’ve grown resentful of these 'inauthentic' spiritual friends. I found myself compromising my authenticity to avoid conflict, but eventually, I grew weary of this façade. At times, I managed this gracefully; other times, not so much. I acknowledge my shortcomings, yet I prioritize my peace and growth over being 'right.'
Letting go of these individuals—and consciously avoiding those who remind me of them—has been a crucial step for my spiritual journey and should be for anyone genuinely seeking growth.
It's understandable why many express disdain for spirituality, assuming all in the community resemble these superficial individuals. However, countless authentic voices exist that defy this stereotype—some of whom share insightful articles on platforms like Medium.
Our society doesn’t require more self-styled gurus or 'woke' spiritualists; rather, we need compassionate individuals who genuinely wish to engage with the world. We require scientists, economists, humanitarians, and those with resources who prioritize giving back rather than hoarding wealth. We don’t need another channel promoting crystal healing; we need creators focused on societal change and healing. The demand for truth is urgent, and we require it now.
We must cease the pretense of being spiritual masters and instead master our lives, flaws and all. Spirituality is not about evading discomfort, but about consciously choosing which discomfort to face. We need 'real vibes' rather than contrived positivity, fostering an environment where community members don’t feel alienated. Acceptance of differing views is essential, as is the willingness to coexist amicably.
Grounded spirituality is essential. We need one another, devoid of superficial labels that offer no insight into life's truths. Otherwise, we risk perpetuating a cycle of suffering, and that’s simply undesirable.
