Ian Parkin is the author of this post.

Going On A Spiritual Journey And The Adventure Of Your Enlightenment

Going on a spiritual journey (also known as a pilgrimage in religious circles) means you are embarking on a personal quest to ‘know thyself’ on a soul, or metaphysical level. One of the main things that help us start a spiritual journey should be divine intervention. My own call to adventure came through a spiritual teacher in the 1980’s by the name of Stuart Wilde. But many people begin from the place of confusion and uncertainty they find themselves in after a life catastrophe. For others this call to adventure is a conscious choice from the state of calm and strength of knowing they are already following their path of spirituality. So don’t wait for a calamity before you think about setting out into the wide world of wonder to figure out the deeper joys and magic that await in the ever-growing experiences of your spiritual awakening.

No matter the background of our spirituality and system of beliefs we may (or may not) adhere to, it is next to impossible to imagine a person who has not heard of Hajj (pilgrimage) to the city of Mecca. The same applies to the Marian apparitions in the French town of Lourdes which inspired millions of Catholics to visit the spot and look for enlightenment, healing, comfort, or perhaps a solution to a serious problem. Examples such as these are countless and have been around since time immemorial. Sites of millennia-old prophecies (the Ancient Greek Oracle of Delphi comes to mind) as well as lesser known (or perhaps completely forgotten) sacred groves or springs are still a theme familiar to all.

While many people may doubt their mystical powers, many will attest to their very special atmosphere. A certain energy may still be felt, one that is next to impossible to describe yet is sensed so deeply, making it difficult to ignore when going following a spiritual path of enlightenment and personal growth. This is particularly true of long-abandoned sites that by now only interest an archaeology enthusiast or a more adventurous tourist. In silence and seclusion, they emanate a certain energy which speaks of their divine significance from times long gone. Often belonging to vastly different schools of spiritual practice, they share the common trait of affecting nearly anyone present. How is that so?

One obvious answer that every believer will cling to is that divine intervention has somehow made going on a spiritual journey to these spots holy and sacred, giving special healing or other such properties. While this may be plausible to a certain extent, another interpretation arises. If action from above is not behind the whole story, is it possible that the mystical nature of these sites came about in the exact opposite manner - from the pilgrims and the believers themselves? Their deep belief, spirituality, earnest intention and fervor may have created what is known as a thought-form, an emanation or manifestation brought about through mystical or mental powers. Being a collective effort, so to speak, it can by default be considered stronger and more potent. If the primary intention in pursuing the stages of spiritual adventure to a certain spot is that of healing, the sharply focused prayer or mystical intention of a large group of people can theoretically create an emanation of itself and actually start exhibiting expected properties of (in said case) healing. Instead of a divine one, it may be an (un)intentional human intervention that produces the positive effect and the heightened energy present at these "holy" sites. The accumulated energy thus serves its purpose and occasionally brings about results.

With that in mind, one is left to wonder how much good we humans would be able to achieve if we would intentionally direct all our positive energies into spreading peace and love all around.

Starting Your Spiritual Journey

Going on a spiritual journey isn’t based on simply finding your personal path. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy? Ah, but then you’d miss the adventure of self-discovery.

Most people have taken a side road - probably several side roads - before discovering that centered, calm space that resonates deeply with their soul, spirit, and personal path. That space where you simply know you’ve found it - whatever "it" is - and feel at ease, balanced and content: that’s what going on a spiritual journey is about.

If beginning your spiritual journey requires attention, it is often not about the destination. Discovering your spiritual path isn’t something you can put on a ‘to do’ list - Tuesday: "discover spiritual purpose in life"! But you can make it easier to chance upon or stumble into your spiritual path. You can heighten the probability of finding that calm and centered personal space with a few simple techniques.

First, quit worrying about whether or not you will discover the right way of going on a spiritual journey. Anxiety and fear only serve to move you further away from that very path your soul is seeking. Spending time wondering whether you’re on your spiritual path cheats you of this moment on your spiritual journey. And this moment is part of your spiritual path. Actually, the present moment, IS where you start your spiritual journey. The rest is simply details.

Naturally you wonder about these details - whether you should live in a certain place, take a particular job, study a particular religion or philosophy, stop or continue your educational endeavors, or stay in a relationship with someone. Always pay attention to your inner sense, your intuition, about what is right for you and your soul spirit when it comes to those details. And don’t forget to use your common sense, too.

With practice, you’ll learn to access and apply that inner voice, your intuition, in decision-making, along with those other handy tools like common sense, logic and analysis. Learning to listen to your inner voice and tuning out your own emotional chatter and the well-meaning advice of others isn’t easy. But you’ll find yourself on a far less stressful spiritual path if you put what feels best to you on a gut level - an intuitive level - first.

Meditate on your choices. Meditation is powerful. Ponder the possibilities. Allow yourself to imagine what your ideal life would involve so you can discover your spiritual path. If you still remain completely baffled about the ‘right’ choice, do nothing for a while. Allowing things to unfold is fine - as long as you are not avoiding what you sense, deep down, is the right (and probably more difficult) choice and allow your spiritual journey to progress. Pay attention to your soul spirit as you search. Give yourself time when you need it. Don’t rush. Savor the process. It’s about going on a spiritual journey, not the destination, that’s important. Otherwise, it would be called a spiritual destination, not a spiritual path.

If you want some assistance to get on track for your spiritual journey, a spirituality advisor may be the quick and simple solution you need.

Best Places For Going On A Spiritual Journey

Find out how to start your spiritual journey in this bucket list containing the planet’s most metaphysically magnificent hot spots. But enlightenment and personal growth may not come and tap you on the shoulder. You must want it, seek it, and embark upon your soul’s journey.

Traveling to metaphysical locations has opened the path to spiritual enlightenment since ancient days. So, what is the Big IT millions of people have found when going on a mystical journey for personal growth and enlightenment to these mystical places anyway?

Very simply, the powerful energies of metaphysical spots heighten our energy, which enhances our awareness and accelerates our vibrations. The higher our vibrations, the closer we will always be to a full-on spiritual experience.

Learn More About Energy Vortexes Before You Start On Your Spiritual Journey

Vortex energy is a fabulous example of IT. Electrical, magnetic or balanced vortexes are located where ley lines intersect, where cosmic energies are going through the earth.

An electrical vortex gives off yang (masculine), one of the most highly charged, energies. You may soon become saturated. Good ways to use up excess energy is by spinning, or dancing as you begin shouting your declarations to the universe.

The magnetic vortex radiates nurturing, yin (feminine) energy. Sit with the quiet energy and meditate or contemplate.

A balanced vortex exudes and balances yin and yang energies. Here is a place to ask your burning questions about life, to embrace the concept of oneness and accept understandings beyond mind.

Where are the Earth's vortexes?

• There are vortexes to be found all over planet earth. The Earth's energy centers are like human chakras only on a huge scale. Here is a list of some of the better known vortexes on Earth: Sedona AZ USA, Mount Shasta CA USA, Glastonbury UK, Machu Picchu Peru, Lake Titicaca Peru/Bolivia, Great Pyramid Egypt, Uluru Australia, Hawaiian Islands USA, Easter Island Chile, Magnetic Island QLD Australia.

Energy of Beauty

If one common denominator exists among metaphysical locations it is beauty of the place. The energy of beauty is subtle and soft. Natural beauty stirs the soul awake and inspires creativity.

Metaphysical locations are rich with great beauty, from nature’s pristine landscapes of mountains, huge rocks and sacred earth to ancient man-made architecture, such as temples, abbeys, shrines or monuments. Billions of people travel to beautiful places to pursue enlightenment, seek healing and feel closer to Spirit.

Energy of Walking

Nobody can walk your soul’s journey. You must walk it by yourself. Walk a path with heart. Leave your footprints alongside those of the ancients. A long walk clears the cobwebs in your mind and creates a vacuum for the Universe to fill with enlightened consciousness.

Walk an ancient labyrinth. Walk in circles (crop circles), which have mysteriously appeared on the same paths of energy as metaphysical sites. Many people have reportedly been healed of physical conditions in crop circles. Others have experienced altered states of awareness.

Energy of Vision Quest

You know instant pudding, don’t you? Have you ever wished for instant enlightenment? Taking your vision quest in a metaphysical location is close enough to count.

The vision quest is a journey to transformation and enlightenment. Special energies in Earth’s power spots and sacred sites, can be seen as portals to other dimensions and the vortexes can enhance enlightenment and your psychic development.

A vision quest is your heart-centered connection with the Earth; a soul journey into the unknown!

Energy of Presence

Traveling to spellbindingly energetic locations can land you in the presence of the Big IT. While Spirit is everywhere, sacred sites contain the most transcendent energy on Earth.

Just unplugging from your crazy-busy, daily life allows the luxury of wu wei. Translated from Chinese, wu wei is“ non-doing”. Non-doing is being.

Just being in the presence of IT opens your soul’s greater understanding present self, past lives and stages of spiritual enlightenment.

The Bucket List Of The Planet’s Most Powerful Hot Spots