As I reflect on my spiritual path and the sources of influence in my journey, I realize how many different texts, images, books, audio-books, quotes, teachers, speeches, and ordinary and extraordinary people, have had an impact on my life. I never embarked on a journey to find spiritual enlightenment, and the little I knew about it seemed so far out of reach to even bother. I also did not consider myself spiritual for a long time.
I grew up traditionally Catholic, in a large Mexican family, but my parents were never too attached to religion. As I grew older, religion did not seem appealing or meaningful, and as a gay man, I did not find it very supportive.
I became interested in self-improvement and helping others. These interests brought me to great insights and realizations, such as the mind’s unending need for more and more. I figured it was the call of evolution, but was later fascinated by the realization that this was the cause of suffering and that there is an end to it.
When my own suffering, unhappiness, and dissatisfaction became unbearable, I was drawn to sources that offered bits and pieces of inner peace. These sources would then lead me to other sources and I eventually found myself consumed with spiritual material and spiritual insights that increased my inner calmness and stretched my mind’s understanding and consciousness of reality, of the world, and of Truth.
This source has provided a quieting of the mind, which then has allowed for creativity, confidence, joy, and motivation to flourish. This source has also allowed for an inner trust, a surrendering to what is, and a sense of security.
Now, my path continues to be this finding and sharing of peace.