“Do not think that enlightenment is going to make you special—it’s not. If you feel special in any way, then enlightenment has not occurred. I meet a lot of people who think they are enlightened and awake simply because they have had a very moving spiritual experience. They wear their enlightenment on their sleeve like a badge of honor. They sit among friends and talk about how awake they are while sipping coffee at a cafe.
The funny thing about enlightenment is that when it is authentic, there is no one to claim it. Enlightenment is very ordinary; it is nothing special. Rather than making you more special, it is going to make you less special. It plants you right in the center of a wonderful humility and innocence. Everyone else may or may not call you enlightened, but when you are enlightened the whole notion of enlightenment and someone who is enlightened is a big joke. I use the word enlightenment all the time—not to point you toward it but to point you beyond it. Do not get stuck in enlightenment.”
~ Adyashanti
Seeing enlightenment as a goal sets us on the path to be something more than we are. Better and wiser, rather than innocent and humble.
There is still a part of me that wants to achieve something or work towards a goal. I admit, I get a kick out of getting Wordle in 3, finding an intriguing flower at Chanticleer, or waking up with an idea for adding fun to a yoga class. This human conditioning goes deep, and is thoroughly enjoyed by the ego-mind.
When I read Adyashanti’s words I remind myself that the ego wants to feel special, and often disguises itself in the role of leader and teacher.
I am smiling. Still some way to go.
Let us all embrace this journey with kindness towards ourselves. There lies the wonder and love for it all. Beyond enlightenment.
Namaste
Find Your Middle Ground 
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