Practically all the books I read are in the spiritual/self growth category. I keep youtube channels of my favorite speakers and teachers playing in the background all day long. I listen to more of the same on audible on my drive to work. I post inspirational quotes on Facebook, and even come up with a few of my own to tweet. I meditate. I pray. I use aromatherapy and keep crystals around my home. I set intentions, journal, and manifest. I pretty much live and breathe this stuff, you would think I have it all down by now. As “evolved” as I should be, there are still times when someone pisses me off and I get so angry I want to punch a wall. I’m human.

Case in point. The other day I was listening to a great inspirational audio on how to see the best in others and learning to react from a place of love no matter what the situation. I got the message, nodded my head in agreement as I listened. I know this stuff I thought, I get it. Others are a reflection of ourselves. If we come from a place of love, love will be reflected back to us. Just moments later I had a brief interaction with someone that I have had some conflict with lately. This person knows how to push my buttons and the interaction had me fuming! In two seconds I had forgotten everything that I had just listened to and understood so well. I went on a 30 minute rant to my partner about how pissed off I was at this person and how justified I was in my anger. While he let me blow off some steam he was also quick to point out that I should really apply some of the spiritual material that I study to this situation. That of course pissed me off more.

But I wasn’t angry at him, I was angry at myself. He was right, I know this stuff, but I don’t always apply it. My first reaction isn’t always that of a spiritual person, but more of a human being.

“We are spiritual beings, having a human experience.”

The key to remember about this statement is that while we are all essentially spiritual beings (soul, all one, light, etc.), we are still having a human experience. In other words, we have an ego, and that ego doesn’t always play nice with others. That ego wants to defend itself and its position. The ego is always right, even if it’s wrong. The ego wants to be better then others. The ego can also be really motivating. That little bit of healthy competition can push you to become better, smarter, stronger. The ego is our human self, with all it’s desires and complications. Yes the ego needs to be kept in check, but it is also very much apart of our human experience.

So if at our core we are essentially spiritual beings, how do we stay enlightened in the midst of our very ego driven world? I don’t think I have all the answers, and I certainly don’t get it right every time. But I believe that it starts with our intention. If every morning we intend to be the best that we can be. To come from that place of love and compassion in all our interactions. To intend to see others in their best light. That’s a good place to start. Now you may not make it through the day with only love in your heart. If you have to interact with other humans throughout your day there is very likely to be some thoughts of anger, jealousy, sadness, frustration, etc… sneaking into your consciousness. The key to handle this is to develop a sense of awareness. Realizing that in the midst of ranting and complaining you are not coming from your highest self. Awareness is key. Recognizing your behavior without judging it. This is not about beating yourself up for going off your path, this is about being aware of your state and your reactions. With awareness you can change your state. You can look at things from a different perspective. Eventually, with practice and patience (a lot of patience) you can get yourself back into a state of love and peace.

Being human isn’t easy. We are going to mess up, probably multiple times every day. I believe that is one of the reasons why we are here. To learn, grow, and evolve into the spiritual beings that we really are. We aren’t here to be perfect spiritual beings. Just human beings, doing our best every day to let our spiritual self shine through.