There are certain "spiritual" subjects which I consider overemphasized. Among them there is such a topic as divine guidance. Many people are praying: "God, what should I do? Where should I go? Am I at the right place in life?" Certain spiritual leaders encourage their followers to pray along these lines all the time.

Jesus taught about coming of the Holy Spirit which will "guide us into all truth", but never mentioned that we should be overly concerned about this guidance. The fact is, mental relaxation is an important factor of receptivity. When we are anxious and tense, we aren't attuned enough to recognize the voice of the Spirit within. Strange but true: the more people pray, "speak to me, God", the less they hear.

I think we should start with asking ourselves why do we think that guidance is a matter of such importance. Honest self-examination may lead us to amazing discoveries.

Deep-seated fear and insecurity are at the root of compulsive attempts of some people to receive divine guidance. They are afraid of severe punishment for a shortcoming, if they will ever make one, so they are trying to live as cautiously as possible. If they aren't absolutely sure that something is "God's will" for them, they would rather do nothing than to do something "on their own".

But their assumption that "God's will" is a kind of "short leash", is faulty. We weren't created to be puppets in the hand of God. God's will is our freedom of self-expression.

There is no "the only right way" for us. There are many ways, and we may freely choose the one we like. As Walt Whitman wrote,

The universe itself is a road,
as many roads, as roads for traveling souls,
All parts away for the progress of souls.

Yes, we have unique combination of gifts and talents. But those abilities could be equally applied at different places. Besides, there are undiscovered and undeveloped abilities within us, even for such places where we seemingly don't fit. Presuming that there is "just one place" for us, we limit ourselves.

We do receive creative ideas and urges from God. But, as we said before, anxiety and fear only prevent us from recognizing and following them. The other thing we need to know that those urges are suggestions, not commands. If we don't break universal laws, we may go anywhere, do anything, and still be happy and fulfilled. Happiness and fulfillment come from within. We carry them with ourselves wherever we go. They don't depend on circumstances.

Some people feel miserable in their particular environment and think that changing that environment will make them happy. So, they "pray for light", asking how it could be done. But moving from one place to another, from one occupation to another, from one relationship to another, without changing of consciousness and fundamental attitudes, won't make their life better or even easier.

Instead of praying for light, we should become still and to realize that we are the light, and then act on that awareness. God lives in us and through us, here and now. There is nothing we can add to the ever-present reality of God within. We shouldn't ask for God to be with us - such prayers would indicate lack of true realization. All we need to do is to open the way for the Spirit by acting freely, consciously, and courageously right where we are, by following our best desires.

"There is light within a person of light, and it shines on the whole world. If it does not shine, it is dark."