The Challenge of Balancing Spirituality and Indulgence

The Spiritual Seek

https://spiritualseek.online/blog/the-challenge-of-balancing-spirituality-and-indulgence/
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It is a common assumption that in order to be considered “spiritual”, one must adhere to a strict set of principles and practices. If the objective is to achieve ascension or enlightenment, it is clear that a high level of commitment and discipline is required.
However, what about those who are simply seeking a happier and more fulfilling life through spirituality? One might inquire whether the same degree of discipline should be applied. The value placed on discipline in our society is considerable; however, it is not clear whether this value is beneficial or detrimental. At what point does the application of discipline result in a net negative outcome?
It is a fallacious argument to suggest that one must adhere to a vegetarian diet in order to pursue spiritual growth. It is unclear where the assertion that one can only listen to relaxing music if one is spiritual is documented. A few weeks ago, I was informed by an acquaintance that they are currently abstaining from all forms of sugar due to their newly adopted spiritual beliefs. I inquired as to the rationale behind the zero-sugar intake, given the individual’s spiritual pursuits. The response I received was somewhat perplexing, as though I had not asked a reasonable question. I did not receive a response, as the individual turned away to engage in a conversation with another person, thereby terminating the interaction.
During the same week, I took part in a group meditation session on the topic of “indulgences”. In the meditation, participants were instructed to identify an indulgence they engage in. As one might expect, a plethora of potential indulgences came to mind, including reading a good novel, eating a bag of chips, drinking a glass of wine, enjoying a cup of coffee, and consuming chocolate. The list is quite extensive. The mere recollection of this experience elicited a smile. It is the seemingly insignificant aspects of life that can evoke a profound sense of joy.
While I was engaged in the act of smiling and experiencing a general sense of well-being, the meditation underwent a notable transition. I was abruptly prompted to envision myself overindulging in my chosen “indulgence”. To illustrate, if chocolate is the chosen indulgence, the individual is encouraged to consume a substantial quantity of the item in question. At this juncture, I began to experience some difficulty in maintaining my focus during the meditation. I permit myself a number of indulgences on the basis that life should be enjoyed. Furthermore, I have found from personal experience that when I allow myself these indulgences and feel positive about them, I never feel the need to overindulge.
Ultimately, I opted to cease involvement in this specific meditation practice due to my preference not to engage in the visualization of excessive indulgence. It was not a practice that I found to be in alignment with my personal values and sensibilities. Nevertheless, a meditation of this nature may prove beneficial for those struggling with a genuine addiction, particularly if the individual is unable to cease their excessive consumption. The key term here is “over” indulging. There is a significant distinction between a life-enhancing indulgence and a harmful overindulgence.
It is crucial to comprehend that a perspective which deems all indulgences to be detrimental is an inherently imbalanced approach to spirituality.
It has become evident that there are those who believe that the restriction of pleasurable activities is a pathway to spiritual growth. This belief is a fundamental tenet of numerous religious traditions, which espouse the idea that discipline and suffering are prerequisites for attaining divine enlightenment.
It is my contention that self-denial or restriction does not enhance or diminish spiritual capacity, nor does it facilitate spiritual progress. It is my conviction that the purpose of our existence is to fully engage with the experiences of life, rather than to deliberately seek to diminish the joy that these experiences offer. This is particularly relevant when one has chosen to pursue an otherworldly path.