2025.04.13

Spiritual Trends and the Trap of "As It Is"

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In recent years, there has been a flood of spiritual information, and messages such as "It's okay to be who you are" and "You don't have to work hard" are overflowing in the streets. At first glance, these words sound like they increase self-esteem and reduce the burden on the mind, but if they are accepted lightly, they carry the risk of hindering personal growth and disrupting the harmony of society as a whole. In this article, we will delve deeper into this issue, reconsider the true meaning of "as it is" and consider the essential elements of self-growth and the pursuit of happiness.

Article Contents

The search for personal growth and happiness
- Misunderstanding of "as it is" and the fragile foundation of danger and self-esteem

The search for personal growth and happiness

Misunderstanding of "as it is" and the fragile foundation of danger and self-esteem

The word "as you are" is essentially an important concept for fostering self-esteem and accepting oneself. However, this word is often misunderstood and becomes a breeding ground for convenient interpretations.

Lack of evidence for self-affirmation: When affirming oneself "as it is", the basis is often ambiguous. Self-esteem that is not based on consideration for others or ethics can easily lead to mere self-centered thinking, which can encourage arrogance and self-righteous behavior. For example, a troublemaker who annoys others may open up by saying, "This is my personality," or a person who exploits others may justify it by saying, "I'm just smart."
It is not uncommon for people to abandon growth, stagnate, and use the word "as it is" as an excuse to neglect efforts to improve themselves. Human beings are constantly changing and growing, and to be complacent with the status quo means stagnation. Abandoning personal growth can close off possibilities and lead to future regrets. For example, those who neglect to upskill and stick to the status quo may not be able to keep up with the changing times and may be left behind in society.
There are cases where waiving responsibility and accepting "things as they are" leads to abandonment of self-responsibility. When faced with a difficult situation, giving up on "this is fate" or "there is nothing I can do about it" leads to missing opportunities for self-growth. For example, if a person who is in debt and in distress relies on the lottery or others without making an effort, it will not fundamentally solve the problem.

The Need for Change, the Power of Self-Transformation, and Painful Growth

With an understanding of the dangers of the phrase "as it is," we must recognize the need for change. As the Buddha said, no one else can make another person pure. Ultimately, the first step to change is a strong desire to change.

Painful growth and self-transformation can sometimes be painful. The process of acknowledging your weaknesses and mistakes and overcoming them is never easy. However, after overcoming that pain, a stronger, more mature self awaits. For example, it takes a strong will and effort to break a long-standing bad habit.
In the process of self-reliance and self-transformation, it is important to let go of dependency and pave the way for oneself on one's own. By solving problems and achieving goals on your own, rather than relying on others, your self-esteem will increase, which will lead to further growth. For example, you can get a great sense of accomplishment from taking on a difficult project and succeeding on your own.
Intrinsic motivation – The driving force for change should be intrinsic motivation, not external coercion. It is important to wish to "change" of your own volition, not because someone told you to do so or because others around you are doing so. Actions based on intrinsic motivation allow for sustained effort and produce greater results. For example, pursuing an area of interest and honing your skills can be done with pleasure rather than pain.

Redefining "Happiness": Between Subjectivity and Universality

The question of whether or not we can say "I am happy" is very subjective. Everyone has their own definition of happiness, and there is no absolute standard. However, in general, in order to feel "happy", the following factors can be considered.

Self-affirmation: You can recognize your own value and perceive it positively. Self-esteem can help you stay positive and overcome difficult situations.
Build good relationships with others, build good relationships with the people around you, and feel supported. Relationships enrich our lives by providing peace of mind and sharing joys and sorrows.
Achievement of goals and efforts to achieve goals and feel self-growth. Achieving goals gives you a sense of accomplishment and confidence, and motivates you to take on further challenges.
Contribute to society and as a member of society, and feel the significance of your existence. Social contribution corrects self-centered thinking and fosters empathy for others.
Gratitude: You can have a sense of gratitude in your daily life and notice small happiness. Gratitude increases feelings of well-being and promotes positive thinking.

Based on these factors, it can be said that "happiness" is not just material wealth and pleasure, but spiritual fulfillment and joy in the process of self-realization.

Spiritual Possibilities, Pitfalls, and Wise Choices

Spiritual information can be an effective tool for developing self-understanding and peace of mind. However, there is also a danger of being misled by misinformation and biased interpretations. When approaching spiritual information, you need to keep the following points in mind:

Critical thinking: Examine information with a critical perspective rather than taking it for granted. Be wary of unsubstantiated claims and emotional appeals.
Trustworthiness of sources: Determine whether the source of the information is trustworthy. Be wary of information about people who are not qualified or have a proven track record, or that have a commercial purpose.
Balance: Gather information from multiple perspectives, not just one piece of information. Knowing different opinions and interpretations can help you understand them better.
Practice: Incorporate the knowledge you have learned into your life and put it into practice. Knowledge alone is meaningless, and it is only through practice that true understanding can be achieved.
Self-responsibility: Make the final decision yourself. It is important not to be swayed by the opinions of others, but to make decisions based on your own values and beliefs.

Toward the Pursuit of Self-Growth and Happiness

The phrase "it's okay to be who you are" is effective in boosting self-esteem, but it can be dangerous if you accept it lightly. It is important not to forget to be considerate of others and ethics, and to always try to improve yourself.

In addition, happiness is not something that is given, but something that is obtained through one's own efforts. I believe that carving out a life with a spirit of self-reliance and not being afraid of painful growth will lead to deeper happiness.

It can be said that it is our mission to deepen our self-understanding, continue our self-growth, and pursue true happiness through critical thinking and practice, without being distracted by spiritual information.

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