For so many on the spiritual path to greater wisdom, the goal seems to be achieving some idea of bliss, nirvana and the peace of complete transcendence from the suffering of mind. Fixated many become in this conception and the idea of a better state in which to experience life. One who desires this will do almost anything in the effort to achieve it. Meditate for hours, give up worldly possessions, stop eating meat, taking medicine, drinking or even having sex. The idea is that purity in the physical will lead to purity of mind. While there is nothing right or wrong with these ideas or practices, none of them have anything to directly do with the bliss or where it truly comes from.

In 2002 I experienced this bliss. Not once but twice. The first experience lasted for a week. The second one occurring a few months later lasted a full year. Today the mere thought of what produced it brings it all swirling back, lighting up every cell in my body, welling tears up in my eyes and causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. When this happens all words and thoughts simply stop as I close my eyes trying to hold onto this feeling for as long as I can. Invariably, as soon as I try to hold on, it fades as quickly as a rainbow does when the sun stops shining on it.

What I can offer about the path to this experience is that it has nothing to do with some idea of purity, whatever that means to you. I wasn’t meditating in any traditional sense, I was eating meat, occasionally having a drink, taking medicine when necessary, and married with a healthy sex life. What I learned regarding these different experiences is that the impact they have on you achieving bliss or awakening have nothing to do with the activities you are engaged in and everything to do with your intent in doing the activity. Something to contemplate.

That being said, what is most critical to coming to the experience of this sought after state of being is your DESIRE to ask questions about a greater idea of who you are and your WILL to accept the answers when they show up in your reality,(Here’s a hint: they are always showing up in your reality) (Here’s another hint: This moment is no different). It is in your quest for greater self-awareness and your will to embrace what’s offered that the biggest door opens for you.

Everyone has the same access to this knowledge and the freedom of mind it offers. It is the understanding that leads to the liberation of mind from the idea of death or a “finite” nature that results in the bliss. It is the liberation of mind from the idea of “time” that result in the feeling of nirvana. It is the liberation of mind from the idea of “imperfection” that leads to the kingdom of heaven.

The understanding of these powerful ideas is what awaits you on your journey of life. Take heart, you will not be denied for this path is your destiny. What you do have free will over is the speed at which you come to these realizations. In your own time and at your own desired pace. There is no need for rush or pressure. You are right where you are supposed to be. The universe will always be ready when you are…

Howard Falco is a spiritual teacher and author of a powerful new book on self-awareness titled, “I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are (Tarcher/Penguin) http://www.thebookIAM.com He teaches and speaks on the power of the mind and the creation of personal reality. More about his work and schedule can be found at www.HowardFalco.com