kriyayogamalaysia

Grounded Growth- The Path to Meaningful Spiritual Progress

By Desmond Yeoh SC

“One recipe for a dissatisfied adulthood is setting goals that are especially difficult to attain,” Daniel Kahneman once remarked. He was speaking in the context of material goals—ambitions like acquiring immense wealth or achieving high-status positions—but the wisdom extends beyond the material world and into spiritual pursuits as well. When we set goals that are unrealistic, whether in our careers, personal lives, or inner development, we unknowingly set ourselves up for disappointment.

We often hear advice that encourages us to dream big, to aim for the impossible. While optimism and ambition have their place, there is value in grounding our aspirations in reality. Many external factors determine whether someone becomes a billionaire or a president—most of which are beyond an individual’s control. This doesn’t mean ambition is meaningless, but rather, that ambition needs to be aligned with what is actually achievable given one’s circumstances.

Similarly, spiritual goals often suffer from the same unrealistic expectations. Many seekers enter the path hoping for enlightenment or psychic abilities. These lofty goals may be inspiring at first, but they often lead to disillusionment when years pass without progress. Just as material goals can be constrained by external forces, spiritual goals are shaped by factors beyond our immediate influence—our conditioning, our innate capabilities, and the unpredictable nature of transformation.

Ramana Maharshi wisely stated, “Your duty is to be, and not to be this or that.” This is a crucial lesson for seekers who become overly fixated on grand, unattainable spiritual achievements. Instead of chasing extraordinary outcomes, true fulfillment comes from simply being present, embracing the journey, and engaging in sincere daily efforts.

Instead, setting more grounded objectives can be far more motivating and rewarding. Striving to make better decisions, learning to switch to mindfulness when overwhelmed by emotions, and uncovering insights that bring personal meaning are steps that truly make a difference. As Lao Tzu wisely said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” True spiritual development does not lie in the achievement of extraordinary feats but in the small, everyday victories that shape who we are.

Rather than seeking grand, unattainable transformations, perhaps the more meaningful pursuit is to cultivate a life rich with small but powerful shifts in awareness, resilience, and wisdom. This way, the path itself becomes the reward.