Discovering New Perspectives

My first encounter with metaphysical concepts beyond my childhood experiences in Christianity occurred when my cousin revealed her practice of Wicca during her first year at college. Up until that point, my knowledge of witches was limited to Halloween folklore and horror movies—images of black cats and broomsticks, not to mention the tragic Salem witch trials, which remain a sad chapter in history.

However, engaging in conversation with her opened my eyes to the reality that Wicca is a belief system, similar to others. The main distinction lies in the reverence for nature rather than a singular deity, along with the use of spells instead of prayers. While I initially dismissed it as nonsense, I recognized that it was merely a different way for people to find comfort and peace.

Shattering Illusions

In 2006, I was introduced to a new way of understanding the universe through a book my uncle gifted me—The Secret. Though he claims not to remember giving it to me, it was a cultural phenomenon at the time. I was intrigued by its promises of a happier life, wealth, and health. However, once it ventured into discussions about vibrations and the idea that our thoughts shape our reality, my skepticism kicked in. I dismissed it as mere nonsense, akin to fortune-telling and other mystical practices, and set the book aside for 16 years.

Fast forward to 2010, when I fortuitously came across another transformative book—A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. This time, I had the audio version. The opening line captivated me: “The first flower ever to appear on the planet opens up to receive the rays from the sun…” Tolle’s calming narration resonated with my overwhelmed mind, burdened by the challenges of parenting. He introduced me to a radically different worldview, one where peace was attainable, and the interconnectedness of all life was evident. I eagerly consumed this work and his other bestseller, The Power of Now, listening to each multiple times. I began meditating and consciously reshaping my life.

Despite these changes, I still refrained from identifying as religious or believing in a supreme being. My faith remained rooted in science, and Tolle’s teachings served more as a mental framework than a spiritual belief. Eventually, however, I drifted away from these practices and lost touch with the wisdom they offered, falling back into the habitual trance of everyday life.

The Impact of 2020

Then came 2020, and with it, the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, this global event reshaped my existence, rendering my pre-COVID life almost unrecognizable. The most significant shift for me was in how I viewed myself and my aspirations, as I sought to uncover what truly brought me joy.

I will continue to share how this transformative experience marked a pivotal point in my spiritual journey in my upcoming article.

In the video "Unlock Your Inner Enlightenment: A Spiritual Journey of Self-Discovery Through Satsang," viewers are guided to explore their spiritual paths and find inner peace through communal learning and sharing.

The video "Unlocking Life's Mysteries: Purpose, Past Lives & Manifestation with Matias De Stefano" delves into profound questions about life’s purpose, the influence of past lives, and the art of manifestation.