I Am Perfect Right Now, and Tomorrow I Will Be Even More Perfect!

The idea of being on a spiritual journey is a misnomer. If one thinks of spiritual growth as a journey with a destination it means who and where you are at this moment is not good enough. This belief leads to a search for answers at a destination other than in the present moment and the present place. 

Believing that I'm on a spiritual journey has caused me to strive to be different than who I am. It has led me to look outside myself for answers. It has given me the feeling that who and where I am right now is not good enough. It has been the source of much dissatisfaction and self-critical thoughts. 

When my soul took on this body in this lifetime, I was given everything I needed to lead the spiritual life I was meant for. Over the years, that spirit became covered with layers of worldly concerns. I began to doubt my basic goodness. I compared myself with others in an attempt to prove to myself that I was worthy, but of course I always came up short. I forgot that I was already perfect. I had to learn to uncover what had become buried and hidden from view. Who and where I am right now is exactly what I am meant to be. This IS my destination. It IS the place where I am to learn and live. 

Real spiritual growth comes not by seeking and striving to be better but by relaxing the competitive, judgmental nature. Meditation and/or contemplation reveals the spirit within. We get to truly know ourselves. We not only know all facets of our personality, but we learn to accept and genuinely like ourselves. We discover that we already have the wisdom and basic goodness we need to live the fulfilling compassionate life we are meant to live. This is the first step toward compassionate wisdom, knowing our faults as well as our strengths and liking who we are anyway. If we can do that for ourselves, we can then begin to accept others for who they are. We recognize ourselves in others. 

I just need to remember:
I already have everything I need. There is no place outside myself that I need to reach. The only journey I need to take is the one within that leads me back to myself and my true nature which is love. I am perfect right now, and tomorrow I will be even more perfect!