The Power of Absolute Honesty in Spiritual Growth

By: Anmol Mehta

We all know the value of meditation, yoga and self-study in one’s spiritual growth, but, we often overlook some of the other more ordinary disciplines that can prove to be equally valuable in this profound journey. Of these many disciplines that are helpful to your spiritual evolution, the power of honesty should not be underestimated.

Honesty is certainly a good value to cultivate and have. No doubt about that, but, in the context of your progress on the spiritual path, the real significance of honesty starts to shine through. Here are the 4 key reasons why honesty can be your best friend on the road to enlightenment.

1. Face Your Weaknesses:

We all have weaknesses and short comings. No one is exempt from this reality. If you are born and going about existence, then you have some aspects that need work. Honesty is going to make sure you face up to these weaknesses, so that you can take the necessary steps to overcome them.

Spiritual work can often be derailed by your shortcomings. The diseases of procrastination, laziness, narrow mindedness, etc., can all easily disrupt and hinder your spiritual growth. The first step in combating these conditions, is to be honest enough to admit you are afflicted by them. Only then does it become possible to try to change.

2. Face Reality:

How is your life really? Not the image you so badly want to present to others, but the actual state of your life and relationships? You see, if all was great and we were full of bliss, love and wisdom, there would be no need for any evolution. Only facing up to the sorry state of affairs honestly, awakens one to the great need for transformation. Without this courage to see how messy things are, no clean up would be initiated. Honesty is the instrument to help us look at this naked truth.

3. Drop False Personalities:

Now we are starting to get into the deeper layers of how honesty actually helps us gather our energies, so that they may be applied towards our greater destiny.

If you watch your ego in action carefully, you will notice that you spend enormous amounts of energy building and sustaining false images of yourself. Prior to engaging in a discussion, you will see yourself often rehearse the dialogue mentally, to make sure you represent yourself in a particular way, regardless of whether that is really you or not. In similar fashion, past events you will see yourself rehash, to feel secure about how you were portrayed, and finally, you will constantly catch yourself trying to manipulate reality in the present so that you are perceived in a particular way. All this image oriented thinking is a colossal waste of time and energy.

The answer to preventing all this waste of energy is simple, just be absolutely honest. You are done then. You will speak as will speak, you have spoken as you have spoken and you are behaving just exactly how your are. Just be sincere and forthright.

Don’t underestimate what has just been conveyed. If you spend some time just watching yourself go through the day, you will be amazed how dishonest you really are. Instead, as mentioned, just be yourself exactly. Don’t, for the sake of impression, put up any false face. Once you realize and implement this simple point, you will be blessed with great freedom.

4. Honesty In Meditation:

Finally, we come to the role that honesty plays in your actual meditation practice itself. When you sit down to meditate, and start to watch your thoughts, you will realize how deceptive the mind is. The false reasons and justifications that the mind creates are alarming. To stop it from continuing it’s mischief, you will have to decide to be absolutely and completely honest and forthright. Without this attitude of honesty, you will not be able to make much progress in self-study, which is the key to spiritual growth and finally enlightenment.

Summary:

The need for honesty and sincerity cannot be over-emphasized. In the early stages it is recommended, to break the habit of unconscious lying and self-deception, that even white lies and diplomacy ought to be abandoned and complete forthrightness be embraced. Once accomplished, simple honesty will go a long way to helping you evolve to your highest spiritual potential.   

About the Author  

Anmol Mehta is a Yoga, Meditation & Zen Expert. His site, Free Beginner Meditation Techniques & Kundalini Yoga Video Instruction, offers 4 Key Laws for Manifesting Desires. Find lively discussions on the Free Guided Meditation Practice, Kundalini Yoga Instruction & Insight Meditation Blog.  

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Going  the Extra Mile,  By: Chip Eichelberger

I was flying back from a speaking at a convention for a client and I sat near the entrance. I watched as the flight attendant reached into a drawer in the galley and handed “wings” in a plastic bag to the children as they boarded. She showed little emotion, didn’t speak, and didn’t even offer a smile. I noticed the parents unwrapping the wings as they went to their seats.

I watched this happen multiple times and I thought that is not a great experience for either the flight attendant or the children. I thought there must be a better way to do that with more impact! Have you ever seen poor customer service and just had to say something? Now, how do you share it without looking like to big of jerk? I used my best rapport skills to ask a few questions and to get the ball rolling. I then said, “I know that you have many tasks you have do to over and over as a flight attendant. I couldn’t help but notice the way you handed out the wings those future frequent flyers. I think the value the kids place on receiving the wings is based on what you say, how you say it and the experience created in that moment. While that might get to be routine for you, I noticed that you just placed the wings in their hands without saying anything.” She looked at me and said with little emotion; “It’s the thought that counts.” I was shocked!

I guarantee that is not the way she was taught to do it during training. I really believe she has an opportunity to positively impact that child forever, impact that future frequent flyer to think good thoughts about the airline if she does it right. I tried to discuss it with her, but could not get through. I did not drink anything unopened the entire flight.

Some people say, “It’s the thought that counts.” – that is just an excuse, when they really are giving a poor effort and are too lazy to do any better. Are you amazed like I am at “who” they answer the phone at many businesses? You are turned off in the first 7 seconds of contacting that company. Sadly many will succumb to the Law of Familiarity: The more you are around something or someone, the more you take it or them for granted.

Through repeated exposure to a task, a job, or a person, you can lose your fire and passion for what you are doing. The tendency is to focus on what you don’t like instead of what you do like, enjoy, or admire about the task, your job, or the other person. This jaded attitude can happen to anyone, and apparently it happened with this flight attendant. It would be a challenge to connect and cheerfully say hello/goodbye to hundreds of people everyday, but it is part of their job!

Where have you stopped giving your best effort with your family or in your career? What are you taking for granted? Where have you let yourself off the hook by saying, “It is the thought that counts”? Does this happen with your customers, your teammates, your spouse or your children?

On another flight a few months later, I happened to sit next to a woman who was in charge of training the flight attendants for this airline. She loved my story, saying she would use it as a “how not to” example. She explained, “I consistently preach to the new flight attendants that good is not good enough. To deliver exceptional service, you have to go the extra-mile.” It does take more than a thought to count and to truly have a lasting impact on others. How can you go the extra-mile to provide a better experience for others today? Remember that your family is in that group too!

About the Author

Chip Eichelberger is a peak performance strategist and motivational dynamo. Former Tony Robbins international point-man, he speaks at conventions for clients like Tommy Hilfiger, ADP, Century 21 and Marriott. Sign up for his e-newsletter at GetSwitchedOn.com – 866-224-1393 – Chip@GetSwitchedOn.com

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