Why spirituality is not a competition
Our spiritual practice is about finding a deeper connection within ourselves and the world around us, which allows us to heal and reduce suffering. Counting hours of your meditation and yoga practice can help with discipline, but wearing them as a badge of honor feeds the same ego that practice is meant to soften. Meditating more than someone else does not make you wiser or kinder. Your intention behind every action is what matters most. On some days, just five minutes of breathwork can create more genuine change than hours of yoga done for the sake of appearances.
Some might use spirituality to feel superior and bypass other people’s suffering. They swap humility for hierarchy and belonging for comparison. Real signs of growth show up in ordinary moments. Do you mindfully listen before you talk? Do you pause before reacting? Do you apologize when you are wrong? Do you show up for others when there is no personal gain? Do you set boundaries when necessary? Can you find appreciation for even the smallest things? Can you find empathy and compassion for beings that are not in your immediate circle of friends and loved ones?
If you notice yourself competing, gently ask yourself what it is you are protecting. Then return to what matters: steady practice, sincere curiosity, and a compassionate heart that connects you more deeply to yourself and the world around you.
📸 @bastefix
