The human brain is probably designed to take easy paths. That is why, despite having so many different types of content on YouTube, we end up watching the reels. We can spend the same amount of time to know about the cosmos, or getting to know our own brains better. Almost all types of information are freely available on YouTube. The best authors have given TED talks that are freely available on the web. I have also experienced that when we are tired or ill, the tendency to watch YouTube reels and short videos increases probably because the brain does not have the energy to analyze and apply mind to topics that are hard to comprehend and that's why choose easy options.
The same applies to almost all walks of life. That is true for meditation and mindfulness also. That is the reason why most people inclined towards spirituality end up joining one or the other organization which promises them quick results. It is difficult for us to practice patiently for the truth to be revealed and impatience and laziness make us believe in the world of some Baba. We fail to understand that there is no single version of truth. Any person of ordinary intelligence, with little observation, can make out that the same truth manifests in so many different forms. For example, the same water takes the form of snow, rivers, lakes, and glaciers. Now if some Baba sitting somewhere has experiences in reality in a different form and promises us the realization of the same reality, what is the guarantee that there do not exist other manifestations of the reality. Also, what is the guarantee that by following the same method of inquiry, the disciple will also reach the same conclusion. It is not some kind of madness to be obsessed with "seeking realizations".
We make mental stories and believe in the mental stories sold by society. A few centuries back, almost the entire human society believed that the Earth was flat. This mental story was believed by everyone. There have been many mental stories spread around right from the witches to the devils. The grace of God. We are in a hurry to conclude, to know the reality. The fear of the unknown is quite difficult to bear and that is why these mental stories are very tempting to believe.
However, just like the muscles of the body, the muscles of the brain can also be strengthened through regular workouts. There are definite moments during the day when we have more energy, for example during the mornings. If we can practice awareness, that builds our muscles, and when these muscles are stronger, we tend to be more aware throughout the day. We are less tired of being aware during the day and therefore tend to observe reality which is not contaminated by our mental stories. Eating fast food and becoming fat is quite easy compared to going to the gym or doing yoga and remaining healthy. However, the "easy", "comfortable", "safe" and "fun" are also mental stories that are fabricated by the human brains with limited awareness.
As we venture into the realm of awareness, many of these "comfortable," "safe," and "easy" options begin to appear difficult. When our freedom fighters recognized the pain of slavery, they were prepared to pay the ultimate price for freedom with their lives. Many people in British India felt comfortable, safe, and happy. However, they never engaged with the realm of awareness and therefore failed to understand the true value of freedom. A fool is easily satiated because he is aware of only a limited range of possibilities. A wise person is always willing to explore new possibilities, as he has gained awareness of so many options. Awareness is not about staying safe inside a well; rather, it is about emerging from any well and walking freely under the sky. Unfortunately, in today's world, spirituality is often pursued more as a "seeking to get something" than as a "knowing of reality."
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