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Recently I have written an article about emotions and feelings. And why and how they come about. And how they can cristalize as our moods.

Now it is obvious who’s fault it is when I am grumpy and in a bad mood:

It’s my neurotransmitters or those pesky hormones or the thyroid is out-of-whack or its the full moon

 🙄

[ you may have noticed already that I am kidding!!! ]

But honestly, here are some of the best excuses for a bad attitude or a sour mood I have heard:
“I just have a bad-hair-day today.”
“When its the full moon, I am always like that!”
“Jupiter is in retrograde now for a week, so I can’t help myself.”
“I am just in a foul mood today.”

Well, and so on.

Lame excuses, actually.
It’s all just so human, of course, we all know such moodiness.
But really, it is not very helpful, to let it all hang out just like that. Not helpful in everyday life, not helful for our relationships and especially not helpful when we are on the spiritual path and aspire to a higher consciousness.

So, what to do?
Suppress it?
Express it?
Confess to a priest?
Go find a good therapist?

All such confusion inspired me to write about Attitude, this very magical thing that can be an answer to a lot of things, provide a practical tool that can help to deal with those confusing events and circumstances that life throws at us every day. From the inside, from the outside.

So here it is:

The importance of my Inner Attitude in the context of my life and spiritual path.

I assume that you, the reader, are to some extent interested in personal development and spiritual growth.

And not a professional sceptic or cynic or atheist who does not consider anything beyond the 5 senses.

I assume that you have a feeling somehow, that there is a soul and that there is something higher than the person, the human ego, the body and material objects.

I also assume that you believe in the possibility of change one’s own character and develop certain qualities by consistent and skillful “inner work”.

I also assume that you believe in the idea that you are a soul and you have a personality and a body to be here to learn and grow as the soul. And then bring this “harvest of soul qualities” over to the next reincarnation.

I assume all of that and will do my best to do my writing as close to my actual experience as possible and explain and define whenever I use spiritual terminology or concepts.

~~~

It is my experience that in the labyrinth of life, my Inner Attitude serves as the compass that guides me through the multitudes of seemingly unrelated experiences, challenges, triumphs and tragedies. It is the foundation upon which my responses to the uncontrollable changes of fortune are built, shaping not only my external realities but also my internal spiritual growth.

Understanding and nurturing a positive Inner Attitude is crucial for leading a fulfilling life and advancing on the spiritual path.

First, lets see how the dictionaries define “Attitude”:

Attitude: A person’s way of thinking or feeling about something, shown by their behavior.

This is the most common definition of attitude in a dictionary. For example, you might say someone has a positive attitude if they’re always cheerful and optimistic, or a negative attitude if they’re always complaining.

I would rather define it in a more precise manner and also make a distinction between “Attitude” in general and the “Inner Attitude” that I want to contemplate in this article.

Attitude

“Attitude” generally refers to a person’s settled way of thinking or feeling about something, typically reflected in their behavior. It encompasses the outward expressions and reactions that one exhibits in response to various situations. This can include both conscious and subconscious elements and may be influenced by external factors such as social norms, experiences, and education.

Inner Attitude

“Inner Attitude” is a deeper, more intrinsic state of mind and heart. It relates to the internal orientation of my consciousness and the underlying principles and beliefs that govern my perception and actions. The Inner Attitude is more aligned with my spiritual aspirations, my inner faith, and sincere motivations. It is less about outward expressions and more about the inner alignment with higher truths and divine will.

The Role of Inner Attitude in Daily Life:

My Inner Attitude, composed of my thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions, significantly influences how I interact with the world.

A positive Inner Attitude fosters resilience, enabling me to navigate life’s challenges with grace and optimism. When faced with obstacles, individuals with a positive mindset are more likely to seek solutions, learn from failures, and maintain hope. This perspective transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and development.

On the other hand, a negative Inner Attitude can lead to a cycle of defeatism and despair. It can hinder our ability to see possibilities and can stifle our potential. By adopting a mindset rooted in negativity, irony or cynicism, we limit our capacity to experience joy and fulfillment. Therefore, cultivating a positive Inner Attitude is not merely a choice but a necessity for leading a meaningful and productive life.

Inner Attitude and Personal Relationships:

My Inner Attitude also profoundly affects my relationships with others.

A positive and compassionate attitude fosters empathy, understanding, and effective communication. It allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, building trust and mutual respect.

In contrast, a negative attitude can create barriers, breed misunderstandings, and lead to conflicts. By consciously nurturing a positive attitude, we can enhance our interpersonal relationships and create a supportive and loving environment that fosters personal growth and co-creation.

The role my Inner Attitude plays in Spiritual Growth:

On the spiritual path, the significance of Inner Attitude cannot be overstated. Spiritual growth is inherently an inward journey, requiring introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to evolve.

A positive Inner Attitude cultivates a sense of inner peace, contentment, and alignment with higher spiritual truths. It encourages me to embrace practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude, which are essential for spiritual development.

A negative Inner Attitude on the other hand, can be a major roadblock to spiritual progress. It can cloud our judgment, perpetuate feelings of unworthiness, and create a sense of disconnection from the Divine.

By transforming our Inner Attitude, we can open ourselves to spiritual insights, deepen our connection with the Divine, and experience a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Some insights from spiritual teachers on the issue of Inner Attitude:

Many profound spiritual teachers like Aurobindo have emphasized that everything in life depends on our Inner Attitude. Faith, for instance, is seen as a miracle worker, creating a receptive space for the Divine to act in our lives.

When we maintain a positive and trusting attitude, we attract divine grace and guidance, which can transform our circumstances and lead us towards our highest potential.

Those teachers point out that the appropriate inner stance or attitude can turn challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth. They advocates for a state of inner calm and trust in the divine grace, which helps maintain equilibrium and good mental health even in the face of external pressures.

Aurobindo adds that our personal attitude can change the very circumstances we face. By aligning ourselves with the highest consciousness and maintaining a positive outlook, we can ensure that the best possible outcomes manifest in our lives.

This idea highlights the transformative power of Inner Attitude, suggesting that it not only shapes our responses but also influences the unfolding of events around us.

~~~

At some point in this contemplation of the Inner Attitude in the context of spiritual growth and the spiritual path it is unavoidable to use words like Higher Power, Supreme Reality, the Divine, the Tao, Brahma, the Ultimate and …. God, etcetera. 

 🙄

Personally I don’t like to talk about God, because …

What in God’s name do I know about God?

😆

But if I really and sincerely wish to transcend my rather narrow ego personality and advance to Soul or Spirit, there is no way around. Not in my experience.

At least have the humility to consider some Alpha & Omega. We don’t even need to name it.

I am cool with simply calling God “he/she/it”:

The Divine:

Various religious founders and spiritual teachers throughout the ages have referred to The Divine with different names. I am most comfortable with Aurobindo, who is presenting a holistic view of a supreme reality that is both the source and goal of all existence. The Divine is not only an abstract concept but a living presence that can be experienced, trusted, and integrated into daily life and spiritual practice.

In the collected teachings of Aurobindo, “The Divine” is a profound concept that encompasses various attributes and dimensions of spirituality. He describes the Divine as the ultimate reality and truth, the source and sustainer of all existence. The Divine is not only the creator but also the essence that permeates all aspects of life and the universe.

Here are some key points from diverse spiritual teachings that define the Divine:

Supreme Reality and Truth:

The Divine is the ultimate reality that transcends all material existence. It is the highest truth that governs the cosmos and the fundamental essence that underlies everything in the universe. The Divine is the source from which all creation emerges and into which it ultimately returns.

Immanent and Transcendent:

The Divine is both immanent, meaning it is present within every part of creation, and transcendent, existing beyond the physical universe. This dual nature means the Divine is intimately involved in the workings of the world while also surpassing it in a state of absolute purity and perfection.

Divine Grace and Will:

Central to spiritual teachings is the concept of Divine Grace. This is the benevolent force that guides, protects, and transforms individuals who open themselves to it. The Divine Will is the supreme guiding principle that directs the evolution of the cosmos and the spiritual development of beings. Surrendering to the Divine Will and trusting in Divine Grace are essential for spiritual growth and overcoming life’s challenges.

Divine Presence:

The Divine is present everywhere and in everything. This presence can be felt and experienced through sincere aspiration, faith, and inner attunement. I can cultivate an awareness of the Divine presence in my live by maintaining a positive Inner Attitude and aligning my actions with higher spiritual principles.

Divine Love and Compassion:

The Divine is characterized by infinite love and compassion. This love is a transformative force that can heal, uplift, and bring about profound changes in individuals and the world. Attuning to it, experiencing and embodying Divine Love is a key aspect of the spiritual path.

Integral Transformation:

Aurobindo emphasizes the role of the Divine in the integral transformation of the individual. This transformation involves the unification and harmonization of all parts of the being — mental, vital, and physical — around the central truth of the Divine. By aligning myself with the Divine consciousness, I can achieve a state of unity, peace, and fulfillment.

Divine Wisdom and Light:

The Divine embodies supreme wisdom and light, which illuminate the path of spiritual seekers. This wisdom guides individuals towards the realization of their true nature and purpose, helping them to overcome ignorance and falsehood. Seeking the Divine Light and aligning with Divine Wisdom are crucial steps on the spiritual journey.

~~~

I describe this in such detail because there is no real spiritual path without self-transcendence, without approaching the Divine in your and my very individual ways. By prayer, by contemplation by various ways of meditation. By surrender.

There is a direction that is inherent in spiritual growth, that I would call: upward and inward. Or inward and upward. It is not a random movement and it can not be done by the ego. Even a “spiritual ego” is not going to make it thru “the needle’s ear”.

Sorry folks, seems to be no way around that one  🙂 

~~~

The Spiritual Path, also called the pathless path, has its own rhythm and its rhyme, its pitfalls and challenges, its agony and its joys. And there are certain qualities of character and specific Inner Attitudes that are quite helpful to advance on it effectively.

Practical Steps to Cultivate a Positive Inner Attitude in the context of Spiritual Growth:

Cultivating a positive Inner Attitude requires conscious effort and practice. Here are some practical steps and tools to help nurture this vital aspect of my being:

Self-Reflection:

I regularly take time to reflect on my thoughts and emotions. Identify patterns of negativity and consciously work to shift my perspective on a specific matter that shows up in my everyday life.

Gratitude:

Practice gratitude daily by acknowledging the blessings in my life. This simple practice can shift my focus from what is lacking to what is abundant.

Mindfulness:

I engage in mindfulness practices and meditation to stay present and aware. Mindfulness helps in recognizing negative thought patterns and replacing them with positive ones.

Positive Affirmations:

We may use positive affirmations to reprogram our subconscious mind. Repeating affirmations can help in building a positive self-image and attitude.

 Surround Yourself with Positivity:

Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it be people, books, or environments, beauty and colors. Positive energy is contagious and can uplift my spirits.

Acts of Kindness:

Engage in acts of kindness and service. Helping others fosters a sense of connection and purpose, enhancing my Inner Attitude.

Faith and Trust:

Develop a strong sense of faith and trust in the Divine. This involves surrendering personal egoic impulses and desires, and aligning oneself with the divine will. True faith is free from egoistic demands and personal ambitions, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

Sincerity:

It is crucial of the path to strive for utmost sincerity in all actions and thoughts. Sincerity involves aligning all parts of our being with the central truth of our existence, our highest consciousness. This helps in creating a harmonious inner state conducive to spiritual growth.

Peace and Equanimity:

Cultivating a state of inner peace and equanimity, means stepping back into oneself to maintain calm amidst external turbulence. True peace is a sign of inner strength and helps in enduring life’s challenges with grace.

Cheerfulness and Perseverance:

To maintain a cheerful disposition greatly helps to persevere through difficulties. Cheerfulness and a certain gentle humor acts as a powerful force that helps in overcoming obstacles and maintaining a positive outlook.

Gratefulness and Humility:

Practicing gratitude and humility is so important to stay sane in this world. To recognize the workings of divine grace in my life and remain humble in my spiritual pursuits. This attitude fosters a deeper connection with the divine and opens up new avenues for spiritual growth.

To sum it up:

Consciously and patiently cultivating the right inner attitude, emphasizing faith, sincerity, peace, cheerfulness, and gratitude are the signposts and also the tools that further us along on the Spiritual path.

~~~

To expand on some aspects, I would like to empathize the role of Sincerity in this context of developing a right Inner Attitude for spiritual growth:

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary:

Sincerity is the quality or state of being sincere 
– honesty of mind 
– freedom from hypocrisy

But in our context it is much more than just to be a honest citizen.

Sincerity is defined as the absence of any bias, absence of preference, desire, attraction, dislike, sympathy, antipathy, attachment, or repulsion. It involves having a total, integral vision of things, where everything is in its place and one has the same attitude towards all things. It is the attitude of true vision.

This means that sincerity demands a complete absence of egoistic tendencies and a willingness to see things as they truly are, without any personal biases or emotional influences.

Obviously this is a very high ideal, almost unrealistic you could say. But that’s what it means, no compromises.
I certainly intend to aspire to it and work towards the realization of such an integrity.

Sincerity is a vital component of maintaining a positive inner attitude. It requires a complete absence of personal biases and a willingness to see things as they truly are. By practicing sincerity, we can approach life’s challenges with a clear and unbiased mind, connect with the Divine, and experience spiritual growth and transformation.

This is what the books say, believe it or not folks!

 😯

Personally, I rather choose to believe it and work towards this high goal. What have I got to loose?

Now, how would I do that, how can I cultivate such level of Sincerity? Obviously it will not fall from the sky one day. Cultivating sincerity in daily life requires a conscious effort to align my thoughts, feelings, and actions with the central Truth of my being.

Here are some practical and tried and tested ways to cultivate Sincerity:

Self-Reflection:

Regularly examine your thoughts, feelings, and actions to identify any inconsistencies or biases. Be honest with yourself about your motivations and desires.

Detachment:

Practicing detachment from personal preferences, desires, and reactions. This helps to reduce egoistic tendencies and promotes a more objective view of situations.

True Vision:

Cultivate a total, integral vision of things, where everything is in its place and you have the same attitude towards all things. This involves seeing things as they truly are, without being influenced by personal biases or emotional reactions.

Sincerity in Relationships:

Close relationships provide a fertile ground for developing sincerity because all kind of dark stuff surfaces since we can to escape so easily. Practicing sincerity in our interactions with others. Being genuine and authentic in our words and actions, and avoiding deceiving ourselfes or others.

Inner Guidance:

Trusting our inner guidance and intuition. When we have a clear sense of what is right and wrong, acting on it without hesitation is possible.

Practice of Sincerity:

Regularly practice sincerity by lifting all your impulses and actions to the level of the highest consciousness and realization already attained. This involves unifying and harmonizing your whole being around the central Divine Will.

Self-Improvement:

Continuously working on improving ourself by identifying and rectifying any insincerities in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This helps to maintain a high level of sincerity and integrity.

Faith and Trust:

Cultivating faith and trust in the Divine and its guidance they provide thru our intuition. This helps to build inner strength and endurance, making it easier to handle setbacks and failures.

Seeking Guidance:

Seeking guidance and direct mirroring from trusted spiritual teachers or mentors who can help to cultivate sincerity and integrity. This can include counseling and advise, practicing meditation, yoga, or other spiritual disciplines that promote self-awareness and self-reflection.

~~~

Now, I mentioned Faith and Trust, which are easily misunderstood concepts. We are not talking about blind faith here or make-believe-all-your-wishes-may-come-true.

The importance of Faith and Trust in the context of developing the right Inner Attitude:

Faith

Faith is the soul’s witness to something not yet manifested, achieved or realized, but which my inner being feels to be true or supremely worth following or achieving. It is an unshakable certitude that the Divine will provide what is needed and answer my prayers and pure intentions.

When one’s faith is pure and complete, the thing aspired for is immediately realized. However, faith is often mixed with egoistic tendencies, secret desires, and doubts which prevent it from being all-powerful. Those disturbing elements that hinder the flow of Grace need to be recognized and released first.

Trust

Trust involves having an inner state made up of faith and surrender. It is a childlike, smiling confidence that the Divine will take care of everything, without questioning or doubting.

Those who have this trust are always open and receptive to the Divine’s grace and protection. They know with certainty that what they need will be given, that help will come in difficulties, and that everything will be ultimately coordinated by the Divine.

In my experiences synchronicities and cosmic coincidences can occur on a regular basis quite naturally. We may call the “miracles”. But they can be regular occurrences. 

In summary, faith is the soul’s conviction in the unseen, while trust is the calm certainty that the Divine is in control. Together, they form a powerful Inner Attitude that enables one to overcome all obstacles and find the Divine’s presence and guidance that is needed.

By Grace.

In conclusion and to sum it all up shortly, i would say that the inner attitude is a vital component of living a fulfilling and spiritually rich life. It is the foundation upon which all other aspects of life built, and it has a profound impact on the way one experiences and interacts with the world.

By cultivating a sincere, earnest, and peaceful inner attitude, i can overcome fear and anxiety, maintain balance and harmony, and connect with the Divine.

On the spiritual path the inner attitude is the key to unlocking true transformation and spiritual growth, and it is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and connection with the Divine.

Try it!

May you be happy.

May all beings be happy.