Earnestness leads to Enlightenment like it dose to any skill in life. The earnestness applies research, determination and practice when reaching for a goal. When most people think of enlightenment they think it’s too hard and unreachable, or it happens naturally without much effort. This is a confusing point for some, because of the nature of Self-realization is so elusive. It takes a state of total surrendering, everything you think you are has to be let go of in an undying earnestness. Everyone will have different time frames due to the varying degrees of imprints, issues and ideologies that stagnate growth. Nonetheless, by giving you an idea of how much earnestness is needed you get an idea for what it takes. You may have a similar experience in earnestness in life, that sustained desire to understand something or mastering a trade.

Enlightenment talk here is returning home to Eternity, and realizing your true identity first hand. You’re really going in full circle, back through the same direction and door from whence you came.

How much effort is necessary to realize your true identity? Well, how much effort do you need to become an expert at something like a trade, craft or profession. Do you play a sport or instrument with ease and without thinking, like the instrument was a pure extension of your intention, on a good day you fall into a zone naturally, and its as close to perfection as you can. To be able to get there takes plenty of earnestness, you find yourself effortlessly doing it without employing the mind. This is a state of “Witnessing” which is based in knowledge and matures with practice, produces your best performance. When you get extremely interested and determined to be good at something, you really can’t leave it alone until you master it. And, once you arrive at that easy stage of a master, then you’re so confident in your skill that it that happens naturally and spontaneously without thinking, never doubting your ability. Similarly, mastering the art of spirituality takes this type of seriousness until it becomes effortless and a natural part of your daily existence. Always working on yourself until you don’t know anything else, or any other way of living.

It’s a natural part of you, the zone can happen in anything you do good making it easy and effortless, especially in any sport. It’s like you take a step back inside and let the body do what it has been trained to do without mental interference, your natural instincts take control and mentally you loose track of time, personalities and your world. Not knowing what you did, in the end you find you dominated in every category.

Waiting for Enlightenment without making the effort just doesn’t work. Some will stumble around and get a spiritual experience through meltdowns, drugs, epiphanies, or near death experiences. These unusual circumstances do provide some help, however it doesn’t bring about the complete Self-realization that we’re looking for but it can help in keeping you on the path.. Nothing in life comes easy, as you know and this is no different, all the failures and successes on the path are a necessary part of the journey. Obviously no one can do that for you, so you have to find your own inner desire, your leader, your teacher, and let pure reasoning guide you through.

Spiritual contemplation and meditation seems to be the path for all. Introspection and meditating by surrendering control turns out to be the sincere earnestness that’s required. Waiting in thoughtlessness realm for the metaphorical door to open is the zone, the waiting room for all, and we all end up knocking at the same door. The Source has but one door, which is the door between consciousness and Awareness, all paths are unite here at the door, your persistence at remaining there, opens it. How much do you want it? Are you willing to sacrifice everything, including your personal life for that goal? If you are earnest and steadfast to your goal, it won’t take that long, but few will be, most will wander off, enticed by the world of senses. If you are 100% committed on all fronts, it will be similar to getting a degree, in about two to four years, after reaching your peak commitment.