Category Archives: Spiritual

Finding Spiritual Freedom Amid the Chaos of Civilization

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In the chaos of modern civilization, finding the truth can be difficult. That’s why the Spiritual Freedom Press suggests introspection and contemplation.

The world is in chaos. 

To deny that there is pervasive chaos spreading in modern civilization is to deny what can be seen with the eyes and felt with the mind. There are irrevocable troubles within society that stem from the fact that humans have largely cut off their links with the natural world and have begun to reject their innate attributes and roles within the interconnected and interlocking system that is nature. 

Amid the Chaos of Civilization

It is easy to forget all of that with the speed of overpopulation and the intertwining of daily life and technology that can be accessed at the fingertips. Whether it’s the constant cacophony and the rigid traffic of the urban cityscape or the eerie quiet and the listlessness of the rural areas, the whole of humanity is now caught in the grip of the ease and comfort of technology, the endless stream of content and the entire sum of human knowledge that keeps on bombarding every mind from every angle. 

Amid daily routines, relentless overstimulation, and distractions, the obligations of living within the society, achieving spiritual freedom becomes ever more important and crucial to begin the cause of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. For almost everyone, it is becoming more and more difficult to find a sense of peace and place amidst all the chaos. One cannot help but ask themselves if there is still a space for calm. 

Yet, while this is all true and might sound depressing, there are still moments of beauty and connection that are hidden in plain sight or in deliberate softness if you are only willing to go out and look for them. 

There is a state of being out there and within yourself that you can tap into to become free—free from the constraints of ego and the isolation of society and begin to connect with that which is greater than yourself and everything.

Finding Spiritual Freedom

Spiritual freedom can be attained if one searches hard and long enough, but to help you on your way and to better prepare yourself, The Spiritual Freedom Press has prepared this list of daily actions you can do to find spiritual freedom:

  1. Cultivating Mindfulness. Mindfulness is the deliberate practice of being fully aware of the moment and being present in the events that happen around you. When people align their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations with the things that are happening around them, they achieve a semblance of spiritual freedom. This is because mindfulness helps individuals ease themselves into letting go of their arbitrary attachments with the past and future. A mindful person is one who focuses heavily on the present during meditation. Try to find a quiet place to relax, close your eyes and attempt to spread your consciousness over your surroundings. Focus on your breath, and when your mind has wandered far enough, softly take back your breath. Through constant meditation, you will learn how to stay only in the present and not be distracted by superfluous things.
  2. Practicing Gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of eliminating distraction and compelling your mind to hone in on only the positives of life and, consequently, expressing a deep appreciation for them both in your mind and in the physical world, either through thanks or whatnot. Spiritual freedom is anchored on the acknowledgment that there is a subtle karmic connection between everything, which helps individuals focus more on what can be improved than what can be acquired. Take a few minutes every day to be reflective on what good things have happened or what good things can be gained. Jot them all down in a journal, if possible, or take a mental note. It can be quite surprising to learn what makes you actually happy rather than what you think makes you happy.
  3. Practicing Gratitude. Gratitude is the practice of eliminating distraction and compelling your mind to hone in on only the positives of life and, consequently, expressing a deep appreciation for them both in your mind and in the physical world, either through thanks or whatnot. Spiritual freedom is anchored on the acknowledgment that there is a subtle karmic connection between everything, which helps individuals focus more on what can be improved than what can be acquired. Take a few minutes every day to be reflective on what good things have happened or what good things can be gained. Jot them all down in a journal, if possible, or take a mental note. It can be quite surprising to learn what makes you actually happy rather than what you think makes you happy.

For a better understanding of rediscovering human wisdom in this chaotic world, learn more about author Chet Shupe’s class on that very subject. 

10 Key Universal Principles of Spiritual Awakening

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The principles of spiritual awakening may differ; each person may experience it differently and in a different time or place. 

Some people can recognize the principles of spiritual awakening because they welcome and embrace this realization into their lives. Enlightenment is overwhelming, and some might fear the changes it brings into a person’s mind. It is not your usual everyday thoughts when you only think about going to work and what you must do. Awakening and waking up are different things. It is realizing and knowing the existence of our inner selves. Our existence is beyond our ego; it is our purpose and place in the universe, the oneness with everything and everyone.

Chet Shupe’s book, “Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature,” was showcased at the 2023 London Book Fair. The book enlightens readers about the origins of human evolution, the impact of civilization, and our disconnection from nature and spirituality. Chet Shupe writes about a civilization on inner peace of Rediscovering the Wisdom. It emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our spiritual essence for true happiness and fulfillment amidst the challenges of modern life.

Spiritual awakening

Spiritual awakening refers to a profound shift in consciousness, where individuals experience a heightened sense of self-awareness and a deeper connection with their inner being and the universe. It involves transcending the limitations of the ego and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life. During this transformative process, individuals may undergo profound insights, inner peace, and a sense of purpose beyond the material realm. Spiritual awakening often leads to greater compassion, mindfulness, and a desire for personal growth and understanding of the spiritual aspects of life. It is a journey of self-discovery, awakening to a higher level of consciousness and spiritual truth.

Universal Principles of Spiritual Awakening

Self-Realization

The first step towards spiritual awakening is self-awareness. It involves delving deep within, exploring the inner landscape, and recognizing the divine essence within oneself. This realization opens the door to profound growth and understanding. There are some theories regarding the nothingness of self and everything. It is an overwhelming thought, but people who understand the void on a deeper level embrace the view, which makes the idea of death and letting go easier.

Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness involves living in the present moment without judgment. By being fully present, individuals can experience the beauty and richness of life, breaking free from the shackles of the past and worries about the future. If we do not recognize that we are living for today, for every moment, we will wear ourselves out thinking about what we should do tomorrow or what we could have done yesterday.

Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that fosters a sense of appreciation for life’s blessings, big and small. It shifts the focus from lack to abundance, cultivating a positive outlook and attracting positivity into one’s life. Appreciating the little things in life is an awakening by thinking more positively. Sometimes we tend to believe that everything is a problem or only see the wrong side of a person. Appreciating our parents and loved ones is a way to embrace spirituality.  

Compassion

Developing compassion towards oneself and others is a cornerstone of spiritual awakening. By empathizing with the struggles and joys of others, individuals embrace interconnectedness and contribute to a more harmonious world. Later in life, we realize it is not about us, what we want, or how much we earn. This world involves all of us, and we should help each other to be happy. If we constantly complain about the system without helping others, the system will only change if we change ourselves.

Surrender

Letting go of the need for control and surrendering to the flow of life is liberating. Trusting in a higher power or universal intelligence brings peace and acceptance, even amidst uncertainty. Someone once said that it is not that you only live once; you only die once. It is essential to accept that death is a part of life.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a transformative act of releasing past hurts and grievances. It frees the heart from bitterness and resentment, paving the way for healing and personal growth.

Oneness

Recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the universe dismantles the illusion of separateness. This realization leads to a profound unity and reverence for all creation.

Meditation

Regular meditation practice is a gateway to inner peace and spiritual insights. Through quieting the mind, individuals gain clarity and access to higher levels of consciousness.

Service

Engaging in selfless acts of service and kindness uplifts others and the one who serves. It is a potent way to express love and compassion in action.

Love

Love is the essence of spirituality. Embracing love in all forms – self-love, unconditional love for others, and divine love – nurtures the soul and opens the heart to transformative experiences.

Materialism as an Ever-Tightening Spiritual Trap

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The world is an oyster, but we must work for the pearl. And on the way there, we find ourselves wanting more than we should. Is it a trap?

Humanity has significantly advanced in civilization, technology, and culture, as evidenced by history. However, along with them comes the disparity of amassing endless wealth, which makes us spiritually untrustworthy. How do we return to our senses and free ourselves from the tight grasp of materialism?

Society has reached a point where we divide ourselves according to socioeconomic status. More than half of the world’s population continually strives for material things that claw their way into a person’s desire. Even if you say you’re not the type of person to want more than what you have, the world has ingrained its subtle influences of wanting to fit in.

Peer pressure is not just a teen’s problem. Seeing people around you enjoying and flaunting their privilege makes you want to be like them. It creates an ever-growing desire for status and respect by gaining material wealth and climbing the social ladder.

Getting caught in the worldly current 

While aiming for status and respect is partially correct, too much of anything good must be corrected. The contrast in priorities becomes blurry, and we will inevitably forget what it means to be spiritually trustworthy, making us more miserable than ever.

Materialism has become a tangible way of life we couldn’t live without. As it’s not widely considered a negative attribute, materialism is heavily associated with shallowness and greed. Built from the foundation of capitalism, we learned to attach ourselves to money and possessions.

The falseness of the institutional life of materialism can be found in the book ‘Spiritual Freedom Press’ by Chet Shupe. Because of today’s technological advancement on our planet, we are coerced into participating in this capitalist society. It is an irrefutable establishment that won’t change until this world fades.

And when we try to look back, life was genuinely simple, especially for our ancestors. The simplicity of their lives was not only about hunting and gathering but the lack of greed, which created spiritual distrust. By distancing ourselves from that life, we become liars in our own right, ultimately paying the price: the isolation and destruction of our planet.

The shared vision of a successful life

An individual’s purchasing power has become the standard of success today. The more you can afford, the better disposition you have in life. Having massive amounts of material possessions also affect one’s self-esteem, ingraining that prosperity is synonymous with happiness and fulfillment.

While that may be true, such a mentality contributes to the fast deterioration of humanity and the planet. We keep building a house of cards that may fall apart with a small gust of wind.

Civilization made us think materialism is a matter of being better than others. It also entails a cry for acceptance in a competitive society that forces us to burn everything that hinders us from getting to the level of material wealth and success.

A closer look into the issue

Experts often argue that people are motivated by materialism because of rejection, fear, and the fleeting limit of life. While it’s a lot to digest, desiring extravagant things can be good or bad depending on one’s motive.

Our fast-paced environment doesn’t help in the growing extrinsic motive for materialism. We should look at ourselves and ask if we want to buy the most expensive and latest things for the sake of bragging. If the motive points inward, you risk falling into the rabbit hole of materialism.

Taking back the essence of our humanity

Materialism is a complex trap, with some people complicit in its perpetration and others developing it over time. Because we are too caught up in clawing our way to the top, we lose our sense of wonder, unable to trust others and reinforcing the desire to want more unnecessarily.

We must recognize and address the issue internally, one step at a time. Imbuing such awareness will create a sense of belonging and simplicity – something our ancestors once had. Severing our codependency towards amassing wealth may help sustain our planet’s lifespan, eventually trickling into a brighter and better future for humanity.

Learning the Origins of Our Misery | A Class with Chet Shupe

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The origins of our misery lie in civilization itself

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Join author Chet Shupe as he talks about the pitfalls of civilization and the urgent need for humanity to rediscover the wisdom of human nature.

Despite the evident advancements in society and technology, a good chunk of the human population still lives miserable and unhappy lives. Have you ever wondered why that is? Why is it that in an age of unprecedented wealth and resources, people still remain poor? Why is it that when medical solutions are at their most accessible, plenty of people still die of sickness? Why is it that when there is more than enough food to feed the world, people still die of hunger? 

Why, in this time of instant communication, are people still as lonely as ever?

It’s because there is a fundamental divide inherent in human civilization. It is a contradiction that stems from the fact that civilization is antithetical to our original human nature, a nature rooted in the emotional core we call the soul.

The Pitfalls of Civilization

The basis for a natural human community is the intimacy of interdependent relationships. But modern society, with its pervasive authorities and arcane rules, has caused even family relationships, like the one between parent and child, to take on a transactional and reactive nature. Values and virtues such as altruism and selflessness have been replaced with self-interest and opportunism. This twisting of traditional perspectives further isolates individuals, and promotes egotism as the only means of survival and success.

Modern people still believe that civilization has been quite beneficial to the human species. Yet its rapid growth and expansion reveal that there are unwieldy seams in its fabric–and they are very close to tearing apart and dragging everyone down.

Everywhere, humanity is chafing under the oppressiveness of an ever-growing body of laws, while also becoming extremely vulnerable, without them. This is the intrinsically paradoxical nature of the current paradigm. Humanity is akin to an animal in a cage. Though there is a freedom of movement, inside the cage, it’s obvious that there is very little food for the soul. 

The Origins of Our Misery

While the advent of civilization provided humanity with more and more opportunities, the continuation of civilization, itself, has become its primary goal, not human contentment. This might not look terrible, at first glance, because we grow up accepting our suffering as normal, even as we live “lives of quiet desperation.”

As it strives to maintain the appearance of order, civilization creates iron-clad conditions that keep people alienated from each other. There is no room, in modern society, for the intimate and trusting engagement that all human souls once took for granted. The alienation of modern society eliminates the potential for self-knowledge, as well as deeper relationships among individuals and groups. In other words, modern society long ago ceased to be beneficial for the human soul. It exists only to maintain the appearance of order, an order that seems, relentlessly, to be breaking down.

Though it largely remains hidden, the mindlessness of the overarching framework of civilization cannot be unseen, once seen, as it utterly ignores and represses the elemental wisdom that each individual is born with. Thus, we are denied access to our inner knowledge, the wisdom of our souls—evolution’s most precious gift.

Humanity’s reliance and dependence on artificially constructed hierarchies has resulted in widespread, insidious social isolation that most can’t even tell is happening. People are increasingly cheated out of experiencing life’s meaning, and the contentment that results from participating in its process. 

Want to Learn More About the Origins of Our Misery?

Chet Shupe speaks authentically of the urgency for people to reconnect with their inner natures, and with humanity’s natural heritage—the freedom to be ourselves that is available only in the presence of true community. As an author and philosopher, he provides a unique perspective that reveals the incompatibility between civil and natural order.

Join him in a once-in-a-lifetime interactive space, as he engages with listeners and readers. In this class, he discusses how living a fulfilling life requires relying on our instinctive wisdom for purpose and direction, and not the contrived systems of modern society.

Using passages from his book, Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature—How Civilization Destroys Happiness, as the basis for discussion, Shupe builds upon his ideas, and expands them, further. Through engaging discussions, he explains what humanity has lost, since the establishment of civilization.

Plenty of people are looking for concrete solutions, but the liberation of the human soul isn’t possible, given our present circumstances.  Hence, Shupe does not endeavor to provide a framework for living a better life, within the current paradigm. Rather, Shupe seeks to reveal the true nature of the natural human way of life. He wants to share with others his view about what life would be like, if humans were to shed the pretenses of civilization, and emotionally engage with one another, through interdependent relationships, as Nature intended.

This class by Chet Shupe offers a new view that defines the natural human way of life that brings human beings inner peace, by satisfying the needs of our souls—a way of life that, to realize, requires a very new, yet ancient and soul-felt perspective on what life is about:

From the perspective of the human soul, life is not about your or my survival. It’s about the survival of life, itself. Spiritual fulfillment is Nature’s reward for serving life. All rewards for serving self are superficial, thus temporal—their source is our imaginations, not the human soul. 

Tips To Be Aware Of Following Social Conformity

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How everyone behaves might be a product of society. Every individual is given the right to decide, be sure that you practice and exercise it so as not to fall on the cons of social conventionality.

Conformity is a social influence that changes a person’s behavior or beliefs to fit in with a distinct group. This change happens as a counter to either imagined or real pressure and expectations from the group. It may involve the force of societal norms, the physical presence of other people, or a general aspiration to gain a specific level of success.

Social norms are the behaviors that are expected from people as a community. They play a prominent role in everyday life that people do not realize. Social norms give people an expected behavior of how to act in a specific situation and what is appropriate and inappropriate in different settings.

Moreover, people’s behavior changes as the individual become more attracted to a group they need to belong to; this is known as conformity. Consequently, this can make an individual feel pressured to change their beliefs to the groups, even if they do not believe in them themselves. However, not everyone is attracted to the same group or is as easily persuaded. Fulfilling the needs of someone in authority can portray an individual as submissive and obedient. This power can influence specific behavior as those in charge are seen as more intelligent and therefore are listened to. In more particular behaviors like drug use or alcohol consumption, group peer pressures can be responsible for this behavior. Family and friends are essential when considering the social norms one would follow and the decisions one makes. Conformity is a change in a person’s beliefs and behavior which can affect human behavior.

 

These are the cons of social conformity that are essential to review.

1. It hampers personal progress. The company, a person, chooses to keep becomes a direct reflection of the success they’re able to achieve. If you surround yourself with positive influences, your desire for conformity will create favorable outcomes for you. The opposite occurs if you allow yourself to be covered with negative people. Dire consequences can ruin your chances at success in a variety of ways. 

2. Increases the chances of depression. The fear of being rejected is something that most individuals face at least once in their lives. It builds a feeling that compels you to follow the people you want to have, like you blindly. If you succumb to this pressure, the emotional response in either direction increases the chances of depression forming later in life.

3. Causes one to lose their identity. The actions that groups play some people to make them conform creates a problematic issue because it forces a loss of their identity. Each individual is distinctly different from every other. 

4. It often leads to apathy. The desire for conformity on a personal level often builds a group apathy that becomes prevalent in society. The individuals who try to conform often feel like they can do the same things the groups they observe do now. When they can gain that success, they look to a higher power to handle whatever concerns they feel are impacting their efforts. Blind trust always creates problems in society. It also generates feelings where people decide that issues are not their problems. They agreed that everyone else should handle the situation and pressure others just as their preferred groups placed it on them.

Chet Shupe, an author of the book, “Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature—How Civilization Destroys Happiness,” hopes it will inspire a reawakening to one’s inborn wisdom; this is Nature’s map of life, which civilized life ignores, to one’s grave detriment. Regaining humanity’s natural sense of order, purpose, and belonging cannot be forced. It will result from one’s recognition that the only access to the wisdom of one’s soul is the feelings everyone experiences in light of one’s present circumstances. Feelings inspired by one’s concerns about the imagined future, on the other hand, dissociate everyone from the wisdom of one’s soul, the souls of those around us, and, most ominously, from the experience of being alive to the moment. When forced by externally imposed laws that repress our feelings of the moment out of concern for our future well-being, we are not living. We are marking time.

  • As you live, you must remember that there are other people, organisms, and Nature. Humanity should consider that everyone is affecting every individual and everything. So when you interact, think of how you affect everyone and everything that surrounds you. 

Book Feature: Chet Shupe On The Wisdom Of Human Nature

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Did humanity make a colossal mistake when it decided to evolve from how it once was? Chet Shupe takes on how human nature has changed and developed over time in his book “Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature.”

No one can pinpoint the exact turnaround that led to humanity’s road to evolution. From primitive beings who only lived by instinct and discovered the simple joys of igniting a fire for the first time. Old folks would say, “Life was way simpler back then.”

What would life be like if humans had not created and imposed the intricacies of communication called language? How would we go on about our day if we weren’t required to be functional members of society, working our backs off capitalism?

Chet Shupe’s book emphasizes living in the present, erasing all traces of anxiety. The book also describes how language changed everything and manifested into a monotonous lifestyle we cannot escape.

The price of evolution

As history depicted, early primitive humans didn’t have specific rules and systems to follow. They go along with whatever life in nature has to offer. Food and shelter were the only basic needs that even we modern-day people prioritize.

There needs to be proof of when the interest in the future began. Still, after humans gained knowledge and used it to their advantage, that’s where civilization rose at the cost of blood and several other tragedies.

Human transformation collectively manifested in several ways – from the carvings of cave dwellers to the early civilization in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. These civilizations became a catastrophe to the once carefree way of life, creating law and order. Along with that concept comes the price of disregarding such rules, such as the concept of “punishment.”

Literature and language were gifts that enabled man to walk the Earth and become intellectually superior to all other creations of the Earth. However, it came with various negative attributes like exploitation and greed. Those things led humanity into a series of disasters, whether natural, economic, or psychosocial.

How humans led themselves to the road of worry

Ever since man learned to read and write, we’ve had an unpleasant relationship with the future as we tend to look down on people who don’t have a clear and decided lot; and people who choose to live in the moment are often viewed with disdain.

The idea of not being able to plan for what’s to come and not guaranteeing tomorrow became one of the worst fears known to humans.

Untangling the thread of worrying about the future

It will take a lifetime for some people to unlearn the rigid structures set by society. The abilities we gained after being gifted with language may have given us ways to safeguard ourselves for the long term.

However, that’s not what we were primarily designed to live. Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe shows us how the rise of civilization over time destroys happiness. It delves deep into detail about how the covert idea of future stability and security makes life lose all its meaning.

With progress came destruction, and it doesn’t have to pertain to the inevitable “end of the world .” It can mean the constant weight of anxiety, loneliness, and desperation. These things can make people search for endless ways to be happy.

The human evolution from learning the basics of language may have increased our capacity to do many things. At the same time, it degraded our emotional intelligence and ability to have empathy. Living in the moment induces anxiety for many of us since we were groomed to think that if we don’t prepare now, we’ll be sorry later.

Chet Shupe: author and whistle-blower

Chet Shupe, out of the urgency to look into people’s connection and true nature, was born out of unity. The author goes on a journey to rediscover the wisdom of beauty and the knowledge of humanity. After suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder, Shupe lived a life of hardship and went through treatments.

Despite what happened to him, Chet Shupe thought that life made sense somehow. Due to his extraordinary experience, he began writing about medical treatments for the brain. Chet Shupe realized while writing about brain dysfunction, and he discovered that there’s also a long-running cultural dysfunction.

As a result, he tackled the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial aspects of how humans used their intelligence to their advantage, but at the expense of simple joys. The constant pursuit of happiness became the author’s main objective in this book.