It’s time to challenge a few entrenched ideas, three myths about life that we’re often encouraged to believe. While there are many more than these, we’ll start with the top contenders. These misconceptions arise from the perception that the physical world is more substantial than the spiritual realm, creating a sense of separation and detachment. In short, they prioritize actions over alignment, the external over the internal.

Let’s delve into these myths:

1. Life is for others.
2. Heaven exists in another time and space.
3. I am only my body, ego, and personal history.

These misconceptions may lead us astray from the truth: our life is about our individual roles within the grand cosmic fabric, heaven – a place of pure love, joy, and peace – is attainable here and now, and we are infinitely more than just our bodies.

Once we awaken to our true spiritual essence, we realize that the notion of separation is an illusion, the only reality is the present moment, and we are divine beings embarking on a remarkable journey.

The Journey of Self-Discovery and Expansion

It’s essential to understand that we need to prioritize ourselves first, akin to the airplane safety protocol of securing our own oxygen masks before assisting others.

Your life is your journey. While aiding others is integral to our spiritual growth, it should stem from self-expansion, not the mistaken belief that life is about others.

This perspective might seem challenging, especially with familial, professional, and social responsibilities. We naturally want to make our loved ones happy and fulfil our roles dutifully. But surrendering your unique self to these roles alone, without recognizing your individuality, leads to losing your true essence: to be authentically you.

Our service and kindness to others should arise from inspiration and genuine care, not obligations or expectations. This shift in perspective aligns with the spiritual message of the divine command given to Avraham – Lech Lecha, meaning ‘go to yourself’, signifying the spiritual journey towards self-discovery.

In essence, aligning with our true selves should be our primary focus. The collective liberation, or Geula, can only occur when individuals find their inner peace and joy. As taught by the Baal Shem Tov and numerous other great teachers, “Mashiach has to come for you first before it comes to the world.”

Heaven is Here and Now

Contrary to the myth that heaven lies in another time and space, the reality is that heaven, a state of consciousness characterized by tranquility, flow, and non-resistance, is available to us here and now.

Too often, people postpone their happiness for an elusive future reward. Although it’s true that a glorious spiritual reality awaits us, the beauty of it is that it’s already accessible in our present life.

Rather than tirelessly working for future rewards, the journey itself should be our primary focus. Life is about finding joy in the day-to-day moments, not merely living for holidays or future milestones.

You Are More Than Your Body

The belief that we are only our bodies leads to multiple misconceptions:

1. The fear of death: In truth, our spiritual essence never dies.
2. A preoccupation with others’ opinions and achievements: We are inherently perfect and invaluable just as we are.
3. The feeling of being separate from everyone and everything: We are interconnected with all of existence.
4. The fear of life’s uncertainties: There’s nothing to fear; life unfolds in perfect synchronicity.

To encapsulate, Galus is the illusion that one day we’ll attain happiness, after fulfilling others’ expectations and proving our worthiness. I apologize for that. Let me continue.

On the other hand, Geula, or liberation, comes from recognizing that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us, and we can access it at any moment. It is understanding that our worthiness doesn’t need validation – we are already inherently valuable and divine. Our service to others springs from our overflowing love and peace, not out of obligation or expectation.

Recognizing these truths and embodying them is the path to spiritual awakening and liberation from Galus, the spiritual exile. This realization illuminates our path forward and empowers us to live authentically, finding heaven here on Earth, and being at peace with the divine dance of life.