One of the challenges I have had ever since getting involved with the personal development industry - and it has been difficult going every now and then - is how best to integrate the industry's focus of "getting things" with the Buddhist viewpoint that actually, "getting things" isn't going to provide the type of dependable happiness we want. At first sight it seems like an impractical task. Luckily, it can be done!
To start with, there are some misconceptions and oversimplifications discovered on both sides of the fence.
At least in the West, several people with a spiritual focus are very, well, peaceful and laid-back. The normal stereotyped belief of such people is that they do not urge too hard to get things: "Well, I tried wanting things and it did not work for me, so now I will choose out of that. Happiness arrives from being satisfied with little". That kind of thing. At times, of course, the actual people buy into the stereotype and really are like that. But there are choices!
If we look at the Buddha, for instance, (and I'm sure you will be able to figure out similar examples in other customs), his life was in fact characterised by intense striving. At the age of 29 he decided "You know what? My life is not the way I'd like it to be. I will find the tools I need to transform that." And he went off to a Tony Robbins Seminar. Well in fact, he didn't, but he did something of that sort: he sat at the feet of a guru (which to people in spiritual circles implies "respected teacher", by the way, not "controlling leader of crazed sex cult" or some such). And after finding out all he could from that guru, he went to another. And afterward he tried a path of asceticism, then one of moderation and learning to understanding the technicalities of the mind. So he didn't just veg out and wait for life to happen to him.
And if you interpret his words, they were a million miles away from "Love and peace, man. Drift with the current. The Universe will provide." They said to actively seek to change your life. They were straightforward. They were at times rude.
While I go to a meditation centre it pains me to come across people saying "I just should take it laid-back and be gentle with myself". With my coach hat on I feel like telling "This is an extremely disempowered opinion. You deserve much better than this!" And with my Buddhist hat? The exact same!
For those who pay a visit to the world of secular self-development, of course, it's feasible to get puzzled by the ra-ra "You will be able to have it all! Instantly! Go get the lifestyle of your dreams!" Yes, the style is very unique from (several) spiritual organisations. But is the basic message all that diverse? To me it seems it is not.
Now, just like me, you might feel that the metaphor "different sides of the fence" completely speaks about the relationship in between spiritual paths like Buddhism and the self-development industry. But if you take a look around, you might come across few of the gaps in that fence, where you can go over to the other side for some time, and come back if and when you feel like.
Author Resource:-
Live the difference Life Coaching is based in Melbourne which offers transformational one-on-one coaching both face-to-face and on the phone. People come from all walks of life and live in and around Melbourne, interstate and overseas. Visit http://livethedifference.com.au for more information on Life Coach
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