General

Recently, the police officer convicted of killing George Floyd was sentenced to over twenty-two years in prison. This case ties directly to the themes I’ve been writing about for years regarding the politics of belonging. I firmly believe that a crime remains a crime regardless of who commits it, whom it is committed for, or why. Our justice systems and spiritual beliefs are meant to be grounded in truth, but do they always uphold that principle? For instance, Donald Trump’s involvement in the American justice system through political means has left many issues unresolved to this day.

Before all our assigned identities, we are human beings responsible for our actions. Our spirituality and justice systems emphasize this responsibility. If we exercise free will in all other areas of our lives, we should not hide behind the politics of belonging to evade personal responsibility. Whether you are an ordinary citizen, police officer, military soldier, or religious zealot, you are accountable for your actions. Just like drunk driving—where you should be aware of your impaired judgment before getting behind the wheel—choosing a profession or aligning with a group means you should be aware of its implications. You may believe you’re serving a higher cause, but when it comes to the politics of belonging, personal responsibility remains paramount.

Our group affiliations often set different standards for behavior, and when politics becomes involved, universal justice and personal spiritual justice can take a back seat. This has been a persistent issue for humanity. However, things are starting to change. Populations are increasingly speaking out against historical wrongs, such as the recent discoveries of unmarked graves of Native children in Canada. I’m not equating the George Floyd case with the Canadian discoveries, but rather focusing on the underlying issues.

Not long ago, Justin Trudeau apologized for the crimes committed by the British, who established residential schools to assimilate Native populations, similar to current practices in China with its Muslim population.

Unfortunately, the politics of belonging, whether national or religious, often leads to passionate mistreatment of opposing groups, even when spirituality calls for compassion. Religions that claim to act in the name of God have often fallen short of their own teachings. The scandals involving Roman Catholic priests and the discovery of Native children’s graves illustrate a profound failure. What does this say about those who profess to believe in God? Where are the voices demanding apologies from the religions and nations responsible for these crimes? Why are spiritual crimes covered up and excused, rather than acknowledged as group crimes?

It is indeed our individual responsibility to take charge, but if people are indoctrinated by the politics of belonging, they may not question their groups and might even intensify their opposition to others. My focus is not to take sides but to address the root causes of our behaviors so that we can eradicate the underlying issues. We need to live as individuals belonging to humanity rather than as mere members of specific groups.

Our court systems rely on individual responsibility and judgment. If our groups can brainwash us, it reflects individual weakness rather than group strength. For thousands of years, groups have convinced individuals that they are nothing without the group, causing us to lose the essence of what we were equipped with by God. We need to reclaim our self-respect and self-esteem and recognize ourselves as the CEOs of our lives. We must take responsibility for our actions and strive to be what we were meant to be.

We should prioritize personal autonomy and self-respect over group loyalties. While nationalism and extreme religious beliefs may make us feel secure, they can also undermine our individual sense of justice. We are each born with our own atom of autonomy, free will, and capacity for compassion and love. If you seek security within group identities, do so without sacrificing your spiritual essence, which makes you a complete human being. Without this spiritual component, you are merely another creature, lacking your full human identity.

Our justice systems are respected because they are designed to be blind and universal, much like our spiritual beliefs. Unfortunately, when the politics of belonging influence people and groups, our individuality and the respect for justice and spirituality can be compromised. It is often the weaker individual who succumbs to prejudice and discrimination, granting power to their groups at the expense of justice. Therefore, responsibility lies both with the individual and the group, but ultimately, it is a matter for humanity as a whole.

The George Floyd case should prompt humanity to address these issues more deeply. We need to create new laws worldwide to ensure equal human rights everywhere. The ongoing issue of genocides and war crimes committed in the name of groups—whether by race, gender, nation, or religion—underscores the need for individual awareness and accountability. If individuals are held accountable for their actions, they are more likely to reconsider their behavior. Increased awareness can lead to a more just society where people do not commit acts they would not want inflicted upon themselves or their loved ones.

The Canadian government’s repeated apologies for injustices against Native populations highlight the importance of acknowledging and addressing past wrongs. If individuals know that their actions might require an apology from their groups, they are likely to restrain themselves from wrongdoing.

The politics of belonging to groups should not outweigh our personal decency, compassion, and sense of justice. Each individual is born to be the CEO of their own life, and we must take that responsibility seriously. Aligning with our atom of autonomy, the sky is the limit. We need not worry about security, whether in our current lives or beyond, as long as we are true to ourselves.

As poet Alama Iqbal said, “Why are you falling for a piece of grain like a sparrow? Keep your flight high so you can become an eagle.”

The politics of belonging can become a powerful adversary, leading us to commit crimes and believe we do so in the name of God—a double injustice against individuals. It is crucial to embrace our role as the CEO of our lives and create a balance between our sense of belonging and sense of freedom. If we fail to assume this role, we will remain responsible for our actions and struggle to achieve equilibrium between opposing forces.

Guilt, when used as a tool by parents, communities, nations, and religions, may be considered productive for setting moral foundations. However, morals built on fear of losing group acceptance are unstable. If we are the CEOs of our lives, we can create balance between our animal instincts and spiritual aspirations. We should understand the true essence of morality and base our actions on empathy and personal responsibility rather than public shame.

When the triangle of moral responsibility is flipped, we become subservient or driven by animal instincts. But as CEOs, we can balance these extremes and fulfill our potential. This balance is crucial for living a meaningful life and ensuring that our moral and ethical frameworks align with our personal sense of justice.

You might feel inclined to adhere to traditions, customs, and rituals, particularly if your sense of belonging overshadows your ability to create balance. If you allow this sense of belonging to dominate, you risk becoming like a worker bee or a warrior ant. Without questioning, you might end up resembling genetically programmed creatures, especially if you’re led toward prejudice and discrimination. Blessed with personal autonomy, free will, compassion, love, and a sense of justice, you are far more than just a programmed being. Three key points emerge: first, not everything is predestined; second, we can make conscious choices between right and wrong; and third, if we are weak—whether due to group politics or personal nature—we may cling to our group to feel safe and relevant. This can erode our personal faith in ourselves and God, making God take a back seat to our belonging groups. In some cases, groups even use God as a tool to maintain individual weakness and insecurity for political purposes.

Most religions have traditions, customs, rituals, and rules to keep their members connected to each other and to the group. These practices not only fulfill social needs but also brainwash and conform individuals to the point where they obey the rules without question. Parents are encouraged to enforce conformity in their children through boundaries and rules, often with physical and spiritual consequences, including those that extend into the afterlife. The carrot-and-stick philosophy—used to control animals—is not suitable for humans, who can question and break rules that don’t make sense. Humans possess a unique sense of autonomy and spiritual self-regulation. Evidence of this can be seen in the happiness and low crime rates of nations that prioritize spiritual well-being over mere obedience to rules. Interestingly, these nations are often not highly religious. Spirituality transcends religious boundaries, which is why good and bad individuals are present in all societies. Morals are not exclusively derived from religious teachings, which should be a point of shame for religions that have failed to meet fundamental human needs.

I was able to change my son’s cat’s behavior by simply keeping food available all the time. Previously, the cat was fed twice a day and would eat rapidly, leading to frequent sickness. By providing food continuously, the cat learned to eat more slowly and self-regulate, which resolved the health issues. This example illustrates that self-regulation in following ethics, morals, and rules—whether believing in God or not—is a matter of trust and understanding. For instance, if physical needs are unmet, metaphorical realities like love and faith may become unstable. In essence, God and love are meaningful only when our basic needs are fulfilled. Ask someone who has been hungry or thirsty; their priorities will shift dramatically. Physical needs must be addressed first, regardless of what belonging groups might dictate. Communal law and order cannot be effectively enforced if people lack food and water. Although some may sacrifice their lives for love or God, physical needs generally take precedence. A parent with a hungry child may become desperate, highlighting how physical realities drive crime rates.

Historical and social experiments reveal the impact of socioeconomic disparities. The gap between the 1% and the 99% has persisted, but recent developments expose these flaws. Protecting the wealthy by law is only viable if everyone’s basic needs are met. History shows that extreme ideologies, whether communism or unchecked capitalism, often fail due to their disregard for individual needs. For instance, Saudi Arabia, a traditionally conservative nation, is now opening casinos, illustrating the tension between individual freedom and population control. Meanwhile, Canada, with its mix of socialist and capitalist principles, demonstrates higher levels of happiness and security. This approach might offer a balanced solution.

Societies with socialist principles, combined with aspects of capitalism and spirituality, often fare better in terms of happiness and lower crime rates. Extreme ideologies create dissatisfaction, but a balanced approach that incorporates the best elements of various systems can be more effective. Communism’s failure stemmed from its disregard for individual rights, and religions also falter as governing systems when they prioritize the group over individual justice.

The increasing acceptance of equal human rights worldwide suggests a potential for educating humanity beyond its group divisions. As we strive for social justice and spiritual principles, we must recognize the limitations of current political and religious systems. While pure spirituality and justice may be unachievable at present, the quest for balance and understanding remains crucial. Embrace your personal autonomy, and remember that you are the CEO of your own life. Strive to balance your sense of belonging with your sense of freedom, and seek to fulfill both your physical and spiritual needs. As Alama Iqbal, the poet of the East, said, “Why are you falling for a piece of grain like a sparrow? Keep your flight high so you can become an eagle.”

If you critically examine our governing systems to see which one aligns most closely with spirituality, you’ll find that kingdoms, with their caste and class systems, elevate certain individuals so far above others that they undermine spiritual equality. As I mentioned, despite physical differences, all human beings are created equal spiritually, so while a kingdom may work for some, it is far from spiritually equitable. Scientifically, if we are all made from the same substances, that makes us equal physically. Our mortality—our shared experience of coming into and leaving life—is the same, genetically making us identical. Our needs for oxygen, food, and water, our experiences of being born, growing up, getting sick, aging, and dying, also make us the same. We all experience joy and emotional pain from similar sources. So, what are the differences, and where do they originate? To me, everything about being human points toward equality. The greatest difference between people is their knowledge and its impact.

Religious leaders such as Mullahs, Priests, and Rabbis can inspire people with passionate speeches to engage in wars, commit murder, and sacrifice themselves, all in the name of God. This robs individuals of love and commits spiritual crimes under the guise of divine will. Since we are all created equal in every way, especially spiritually by our creator, spiritual leaders should advocate for equal human rights openly. Instead, we often hear preaching that promotes prejudice and discrimination based on the politics of belonging. Scientists can invent medicines to save lives irrespective of race, gender, nationality, or religious beliefs, or they can develop nuclear and biological weapons to destroy lives, depending on their personal intentions.

Knowledge itself can be either a weapon or a remedy, but its intentions and real-life effects should be critically examined. The intentions and spiritual character of the individual make all the difference. Wealth and power do not dictate superiority, as everyone ultimately faces the same fate. This applies to both kingdoms and dictatorships; they should be seen as essentially the same. Moving to religions, adherents often believe their system is superior and involve God in political purposes, using God to enforce mass over individual philosophy. While this is similar to socialism, it still fails to align with true spirituality, despite claims about God. Remember, nothing but the truth: even injustice against one individual cannot be justified by God or spirituality. Politics is politics, even when intertwined with religious beliefs. Since spirituality and justice should be nothing but the truth, the injustices of kingdoms and dictatorships, as well as religions that elevate some people above others, fail the spiritual test. We cannot impose metaphorical realities over the physical realities of others, as was done by Roman Catholics against Native children. Injustice against living, breathing individuals is a spiritual crime, and no God should be implicated in the politics of governing. If it’s a matter of land dispute, state it plainly—don’t drag God into it. Regardless of the politics of belonging, real justice cannot involve killing or depriving someone of love in the name of God.

Consider the spiritual crimes committed throughout history in the name of God. Even the most advanced computers would struggle to quantify these atrocities, which unfortunately continue today.

Communism and socialism, despite their appearances, prioritize the mass over the individual, leading to inherent injustice. Concentrating power in the hands of a few does not ensure justice for the individual, so these systems are not close to justice or spirituality. The closest approach to spirituality and justice is to grant equal human rights to all humanity. The challenge lies in individuals’ insecurity and their attachment to group politics, which impedes the appreciation of democracy. Democracy removes superiority through the principle of one person, one vote, treating all individuals equally, regardless of prejudice, discrimination, race, gender, religious beliefs, or lack thereof. While not perfect, democracy is the closest system to spirituality that humanity has developed. However, those blinded by the politics of belonging may fail to recognize this.

At the individual level, we can offer equal human rights to one another, especially if we can receive them ourselves. Unfortunately, as groups, we often fight against these principles to maintain political power and control. Evolution is ongoing in all aspects of life, including our knowledge. Failing to evolve in certain areas while advancing in others can create dangerous imbalances. If you believe in your holy books and the prophesied day of destruction, you might think it’s a divine prediction. However, if God intended this, why have we been given the power to make choices? Why are we tasked with converting spirituality into physical actions? Why are we endowed with the autonomy of free will and the nature to evolve, even before birth? If we were to follow religious teachings strictly, we would be at the bottom of the triangle, with God and the Devil as the main figures.

What about our free will and physical capacity to enact or bring spirituality to life? Good and bad exist only if human beings provide the physical means to create these realities. Don’t you believe we can work against destruction, especially if it comes from our weapons of mass destruction? If we understand global warming trends, why can’t we see why religious groups oppose scientific progress? They opposed blood transfusions, stem cell research, artificial insemination, and so forth, yet they benefit from these advancements. They go to doctors for modern medicine but commonly oppose scientific progress. We should recognize that if we can prevent practices like throwing virgins over cliffs, we can continue evolving optimistically and potentially work against impending destruction. Look at how effective we have become in combating infectious diseases, global warming, and advancing medicine. Blood transfusions, which were once opposed by religions, have saved billions of lives. Our advancements in various fields, including weather prediction, are not the result of practices like throwing virgins to please God.

Understanding our importance is crucial, whether in a spiritual or governing context. The essence of human life and respect for it reflects respect for the creator. No matter how much we try to place God and the Devil at the top of the triangle, removing the human being from the picture undermines both spirituality and justice. I strive to connect with my creator by speaking my personal truth, acknowledging that I am continually learning and cannot claim my truth as the ultimate truth for everyone. With billions of people, differing opinions are inevitable. If your truth leads you to be a good, peaceful, and evolved person, you are on the right path, regardless of your religious beliefs. However, if your truth is tainted by the politics of belonging and leads to prejudice and discrimination or makes you believe that God is prejudicial and discriminatory, you are moving away from justice and spirituality. Believing that God is involved in such injustices may be a sin committed in the name of political belonging. My advice is to avoid tarnishing God’s name with political agendas. Undermining the individual due to religious beliefs or politics disrespects both yourself and God. Respecting humanity’s core essence will lead to equal human rights and justice for all, which is the true spiritual truth. Remember, as the CEO of your life, you have the power and understanding to navigate the era in which you were born.

While humans are inherently social creatures, we are not like ants or bees. Each of us is created as an individual, akin to a tree or the CEO of our own lives. Our belonging groups often attempt to undermine the value and importance of the individual for political reasons, and religions sometimes take it a step further by preaching human irrelevance and labeling us as born sinners. However, if you remove human beings, the entire concept of spirituality collapses. God and the Devil are metaphoric realities that require human physicality to exist. Good and evil cannot be acted out without human beings. A beautiful lily in a forest pond has no eyes to appreciate its own beauty. A ghost town becomes desolate, a haunted house fails to scare anyone, and the spiritual fabric of God unravels if it loses the thread of humanity.

Spirituality and justice are fundamental to humanity—or at least they should be. Without our spiritual essence, we are merely physical beings. However, as humans, we are blessed with our own “atom of autonomy,” a god-like ability that grants us free will, personal sense of justice, compassion, and the capacity to love, even to the point of self-sacrifice. We have evolved from living in caves and bushes to thriving in mega cities. Today, we exist in societies with their own justice systems. In modern courts, we are required to take an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Unfortunately, being born into communities with their own traditions, customs, rituals, and political rules exposes us to these influences and often compels us to reinforce and protect them, despite their political taints. We are bombarded with knowledge designed to brainwash us into conforming to the values and importance of group politics and belonging.

Individual strength, importance, and relevance have historically been discouraged. Personal spirituality and a sense of justice—the core treasures of humanity—often take a back seat to group politics. While we cannot live without societies or political systems, the connections between political belonging and human suffering are undeniable. We continue to suffer from committing injustices against one another, a reality we cannot escape, at least not yet.

If you believe that belonging to a group is the only political way of human existence, either your spiritual strength is insufficient to question prevailing political trends, or you do not understand that, as human beings, we are like trees rather than branches. A tree belongs to a jungle, and as human beings, we belong to humanity as a whole. Just as trees exist without claiming individual pieces of land, humans live in diverse societies, yet we still kill each other over race, nationality, and religious beliefs.

I am emphasizing the importance of personal spirituality and a sense of justice, which allow us to coexist peacefully in diverse societies. From birth, our parents, communities, nations, and religions add layers to our identity, to the point where we forget our primary identity as human beings endowed with autonomy, free will, compassion, and the capacity to evolve. Since we are created by God as evolving entities, no matter how much we learn, we must continue to grow and evolve. Remember, there are no boundaries set by God, and no one is controlling our actions unless we are influenced by our belonging groups and accept everything politically sold to us. If your truths come solely from your groups, you are undermining your God-given authority by believing you are just a branch attached to a tree called a group. If you think the knowledge provided by your group is ultimate, you are undermining your inherent evolutionary nature, which is a disservice to both yourself and your creator.

An African proverb I came across states, “A wise man never knows all; only fools know everything.” This suggests that even as groups, we cannot claim to know everything. Therefore, buying into politically tainted group truths is a form of individual politics.

Reading a holy book, obtaining a master’s degree, or earning a PhD does not equate to complete knowledge or a well-rounded human existence, especially in today’s society. Embracing our limitations and remaining humble can be beneficial. Although we do not grow horns or wings, our continuously evolving knowledge reminds us of our nature. Every time we learn something new, our brains produce new neurons. To me, this signifies that our potential is evolving, and predicting it with a computer is impossible.

There are no limits, boundaries, or natural caps imposed by God. If you feel limited, examine the causes of these limitations; they often stem from your belonging groups, which aim to prevent you from questioning the status quo. These groups are primarily concerned with political control over the general population. Conflicts are not limited to opposing groups; they also exist within religions and nations as sects and political parties. Although belonging groups may claim their views are divinely inspired, they are using both God and you for political purposes.

Growing up, I observed that some people visited the tombs of saints while others preached against such practices, leading me to question the sectarian differences among Muslims. In Pakistan, visiting a saint’s tomb to make a vow and then feeding the needy is common. Yet, there are conflicting beliefs about the saint’s powers. The issue is not whether saints or religious figures perform miracles but about believing in known and unknown realities as truths. The responsibility of giving or receiving rests with living, breathing human beings. The real question is what motivates your actions: Is it your individual effort, or is it because you believe God is working through you?

Ultimately, we must question these differences and explore spiritual phenomena beyond our group views. Finding God cannot be achieved through physical digging, nor can we accept the claims of our belonging groups without question. At the end of the day, we all stand on the edge of our faith, uncertain of what lies beyond. Claiming to know the unknown without assumptions is called blind faith. While blind faith may be useful, it is not solely about its usefulness beyond the cliff of faith; it is about how we live our lives. God must be found spiritually during our living years so we can benefit others and be beneficiaries of spirituality.

Since spirituality is universal and inherently just, there are no judgments, differences, or determinations of who is right or wrong—it simply exists as spirituality. Focus on how human beings give physicality to spirituality. If hungry people are fed due to others’ sense of responsibility and reciprocity, the reasons and methods behind this should be a matter of pride. Be proud of being human, rather than adhering to the politically influenced notions of right and wrong propagated by your belonging groups. If you are influenced by your group, ensure that your sense of right and wrong is guided by your own spiritual and personal sense of justice. If thinking beyond your group’s teachings feels foreign, consider: Are you a branch of your belonging group, or are you a God-created tree in your own right? By removing the judgments imposed by your group, you will be able to see spirituality working within humanity, regardless of group affiliations. Try to eliminate all political influences if you can, and observe the beauty of God working through individual human beings. If you cannot see beyond the confines of your sect or religion, ask yourself why. Why can’t you recognize spirituality in physical actions as acts of God? Even if you don’t believe in God or saints, you still owe it to yourself to seek answers. Our groups often confine us like fish in a pond, yet a spiritually aware individual is far beyond such limits, encompassing the vastness of oceans and space. Sectarian and religious differences should not overshadow our spirituality. If you feel constrained within your pond’s boundaries, delve into your individual self. If you wholly accept what your group says, remember that our potential holds unknown, evolving possibilities. To discover the ultimate truth of human existence, you must evolve further to separate the politics of belonging from your spiritual realities. Understand what it means to be human and recognize the potential you hold individually. Personally, I believe that we have no limits, boundaries, or restrictions imposed by God and nature; that’s why we continue to evolve despite political and religious constraints.

If you can teach me something new that benefits all humanity, I am open to learning. If it benefits only a few, it is political, and I advocate for spirituality and justice for all. I believe in equal human rights and oppose all forms of racism, prejudice, discrimination, and sectarianism. To me, God exists wherever we all are. If you are religious and believe in exclusivity, I would eventually question your spirituality and personal sense of justice. If you are political, I would question both your spirituality and your political sense of belonging, as politics can compromise personal justice.

Defining God, spirituality, and justice is straightforward if you can ask yourself these basic questions: Why is spirituality present in all human societies? Why does it exist regardless of specific religions or even in the absence of religion? Why do we still do to others what we do not want done to ourselves or our loved ones? The answer often lies in the politics of belonging to our groups. Can you personally overcome this? If not, why?

Spirituality is from God and universally embedded within all of us, crossing all human group boundaries. Learning to belong to humanity as a whole should come naturally, but in reality, it is often the most challenging to achieve. Thousands of years of political brainwashing have led individuals to view themselves as mere branches of their groups, rather than as the trees God intended us to be. The powerful politics of our groups is a phenomenon we still need to overcome. As branches, we cannot think like trees, even if it challenges our creator. I am optimistic that one day we will transcend the confines of our political affiliations and learn to belong as God intended.

Politics of belonging to our groups diminishes our individuality and makes us less than what we were meant to be. This is why we are easily exploited politically by our groups. Racism, prejudice, discrimination, and related issues stem from our individual weaknesses because we allow ourselves to follow our groups’ teachings. We proudly inflict on others what we would not want done to ourselves or our loved ones because our sense of belonging has diminished our personal spirituality. We have lost our God-given free will, sense of justice, compassion, and love. We have even lost our self-respect, self-importance, and self-esteem, resulting in spiritual harm. We fail to consider the impact of our actions before we commit them, leading to spiritual bankruptcy. This is not only an individual issue but also affects groups, nations, and religions, which have lost their souls in the name of group politics.

Individually and collectively, we can address our spiritual transgressions by acknowledging and resolving our issues. We often recognize our wrongdoing only when the burdens become too heavy to bear. This may not be apparent physically due to early brainwashing, but as we grow, we become more aware of our individual responsibilities. This awareness can help us understand our guilt and regrets. Consider any war veteran struggling with daily life; carrying such burdens is no small matter due to our mortal nature. Despite what individuals or political leaders might say, mental health is a reality for those aware of their burdens. Unresolved suffering only adds to the weight of our souls. For example, Americans have supported Japan after dropping atomic bombs on them, and Germans now stand with Israel in the Palestine issue. I believe that Britain should also address its historical wrongs, such as the suffering of Indigenous peoples in Canada, Palestinians, and Kashmiris, due to past policies. Every innocent death and suffering contributes to our collective spiritual crimes, so we should speak against such wrongs. It is not just about conflicting parties but also about those who instigate conflicts. The recent discovery of a mass grave of children in Canada implicating the Roman Catholic Church exemplifies this.

Logically, our lives have various departments, and while long-term strategies may yield material gains in one area, we must also consider losses in others. Long-term financial gain is encouraged, but if it results in others’ suffering, it becomes a spiritual sin and a burden on the soul. Past actions, such as those of the Canadian government, may not have been considered long-term, leading to current moral and spiritual reckoning. As we evolve, we recognize that past transgressions have left marks on nations and religions. Historical entities, such as empires and communism, have fallen, highlighting the consequences of collective spiritual sins. Canadian Prime Minister’s apology for past crimes is a step, but why stop there? Britain and the Roman Catholic Church should also apologize for their roles. As evolving humans, we must understand the causes of these crimes and question the politics of belonging that led to them. Anything that creates individual or collective guilt should be scrutinized. We may not be able to question the politics of belonging immediately, but with time, both individually and collectively, we must strive to understand our past. Recognizing and resolving personal and collective spiritual issues is crucial for our happiness and contentment. If you take pride in committing spiritual crimes for your group, you are sacrificing your individual soul to politics. While you may not feel the burden immediately, your nation may eventually have to apologize for its collective sins. If we individually become spiritually aware, we will stop participating in spiritual crimes, regardless of political teachings. Spiritual awareness has the power to reveal hidden agendas. By evolving, questioning, and refusing to commit crimes for the sake of political belonging, we can effect significant change. If the Canadian government must apologize for the crimes of the Catholic Church and Britain, then it is clear that political influences persist. Apologies signify acknowledgment, and acknowledgment helps prevent repetition of past wrongs.

Logically, life experiences have the power to shape one’s views, and if you don’t question your views and their origins, you can’t truly believe that your perspectives are based on your own knowledge. Becoming emotionally attached to your views and causes is your prerogative, but if these attachments rob you of your own happiness or lead you to extremes that harm others, you may end up burdened by your soul. With our mortal nature, these burdens can become challenging to bear. As mortals, we must be cautious of things that could lead us away from spiritual well-being. A satisfied soul is a universal remedy for a mortal being; thus, going against your personal sense of autonomy can deprive your soul of satisfaction and lead to various forms of inner turmoil.

If you care about saving trees, do so, but don’t resort to violence over it. You can protest climate change, but don’t shorten your life or someone else’s in the process. Support group politics, but don’t commit spiritual crimes for it, even if it’s in the name of your religious beliefs. Seek liberation and rights for your group, but don’t let political motives lead you to become prejudiced or discriminatory. Instead, advocate for equal human rights. Don’t sacrifice your entire mortal life to discontentment and unhappiness simply because your group promises you a better world or a place in heaven.

Remember, you cannot attain happiness or heaven simply by being Muslim, Christian, or belonging to any other religion. If you believe that, it’s due to your group’s political influence. Politics and spirituality do not mix; thus, making even God a prejudiced and discriminatory entity is a spiritual crime. You’re taught to be a good person to attain heaven, yet contradictory messages often follow, suggesting you commit crimes against opposing groups to reach heaven. If you can’t recognize this contradiction, it’s your personal responsibility to address it. Becoming the CEO of your life can help you see and navigate these political discrepancies. If you think following your group’s politics will ensure your place in heaven, reconsider before committing crimes in its name, especially if your group claims these acts are for God. You need to separate your spirituality from your politics.

I personally believe that God is not prejudicial, discriminatory, or biased. If you believe otherwise, you may face a rude awakening if you end up in a place you tried to avoid. Whether in this life or the next, your fate is judged by your actions, not your affiliations. Your place in heaven or hell is determined by the intentions behind your actions and your direct relationship with God, who, like spirituality, is universal.

I must mention a video I saw of a mullah teaching children the Qur’an while physically abusing them. This suggests he was taught a fear-based philosophy, which I believe should not be applied to humans, who are more than just animals. We possess a personal and exclusive sense of autonomy, a God-like ability to function spiritually and physically. To consider us merely as animals is a disrespect to both our creator and ourselves as humans. Teaching compassion, justice, and love through violence is contradictory and misguided. Fear-based teaching undermines the true meanings of knowledge and leads to its rejection when the fear subsides.

In my previous blogs, I discussed crime rates among nations. The top-ranking nations in crime statistics were not religious ones, which should be a wake-up call for all religions. These nations, claiming to be God’s representatives, should demonstrate the practical effects of spiritual principles. Unfortunately, they fail to show these principles in action. If people know about spirituality but fail to practice it to lower crime rates, and non-religious societies can show results, something is amiss. The issue might stem from fear-based teaching or from a disconnect between learning and practicing spirituality.

Religions should focus on teaching spirituality because it produces good and decent human beings. As I said, spirituality is universal and divine. Politically tainted religions have strayed from true spirituality, losing respect from individuals. People may comply with forced religious education in their youth but later disregard it when they see no divine intervention in preventing crimes. There’s a contradiction: religious people believe that even a leaf on a tree moves only by God’s will and that God is always watching. Yet, violent teachings and harsh punishments seem to negate God’s presence and relevance.

To become a good and spiritual human being, we need individual awareness of spiritual principles and self-regulation. When a teacher, an authority figure, physically abuses children while preaching compassion and love, it teaches them the opposite. This mismatch between teaching and practice indicates a lack of understanding or respect for the true meanings of the knowledge being taught.

Examine what religions claim to teach, like compassion and love, and compare it to their actual practices. Historically, religions have been involved in numerous conflicts, from the Crusades to the Holocaust, and many more. The history of religious extremism shows a pattern of violence rather than compassion. Merging religion with group politics has not only damaged humanity physically but has also eroded individual faith in God and spirituality. This mix of politics and spirituality has led to distrust and damage to belief systems.

As individuals, we can blame opposing or even our own groups for wrongs, but ultimately, it boils down to personal responsibility. We need to be like trees, not branches, to understand the real picture. Ask yourself why you consider yourself merely a branch of a tree. Our creator has endowed us with much more potential than we often realize.

In real life, we don’t merely pass material possessions to our offspring; we also pass on our knowledge. Therefore, we must be mindful of what we transmit to future generations, both individually and collectively. Material progress happens naturally—one generation builds railroads, bridges, highways, and skyscrapers to make life easier for those who come after. Science, technology, and medicine are always evolving, and while we should honor our ancestors for their contributions, we must also address any unresolved issues they left behind. Our technologies continue to advance, and it’s crucial that we don’t pass on outdated conflicts and problems. We must avoid leaving future generations with disputes and wars inherited from their predecessors.

If one generation believed that forceful teaching was acceptable, it doesn’t mean that subsequent generations should continue the practice. We are meant to evolve and not burden future generations with difficulties. Those who care about the well-being of future generations might be politically marginalized, but spiritually, we are taught to strive to be decent individuals. Unfortunately, political concerns often hinder this spiritual growth. Whether or not one is religious, contributing positively to humanity is an essential aspect of our spiritual nature. Neglecting to consider the needs of others or the future is not only a sign of being less evolved but also reflects a disregard for our spiritual principles.

Being religious without being spiritual is often just a political stance. If you evolve beyond this, you will reach a higher level of spirituality. As individuals, we should never feel like a burden to others. Spiritually and internally, we should find satisfaction and contentment from our personal efforts. Thus, we should learn about reciprocation and contribute our fair share to complete the cycle of our mortal lives. We need help as babies, learn to help others as we grow, and seek help again as we age, completing the cycle individually. However, when we are born into specific groups, we often adopt their political rules. If these groups promote prejudice and discrimination, we might become complicit in perpetuating these issues, thereby compromising our spiritual justice for the sake of belonging. This can lead us to commit spiritual offenses and lose our sense of personal autonomy.

If we are not satisfied with ourselves, we tend to look down on ourselves. This personal dissatisfaction often stems from a disconnection between our personal and spiritual selves. It is a key indicator of our lack of self-esteem and highlights how nations and religions have been tainted by politics, transforming into political entities. They have intentionally undermined the spiritual side of their adherents to maintain control and power. They have elevated group, god, and devil to positions of power while diminishing the importance of the individual. Yet, the truth is that nothing works without the presence of the individual.

Especially in the case of conqueror nations, attacking the weakest points of the conquered is a common political strategy. If you can weaken the individuals of the opposing nation, it becomes more challenging for that nation to resist. This tactic is employed by both enemies and allies. If we lack awareness or strength and believe ourselves to be useless, we become easy targets, akin to less evolved creatures like warrior ants or worker bees. Therefore, communities should focus on strengthening individuals, even if it leads to a population that constantly questions and challenges. Remember, our essence, strength, life, and vitality are rooted in each individual.

As individuals, we are like trees with roots and branches, capable of independent functioning. If our self-worth, respect, and esteem are undermined, we may come to believe that we are irrelevant. If we think our group is everything and reduce ourselves to mere branches, we lose sight of our own significance. Our rights and wrongs become the property of our groups, rather than being our own exclusive responsibilities. Yet, each of us is created as a tree—an individual entity. Failing to use our God-given free will and personal sense of justice is a sign of individual insufficiency. We must judge our actions independently rather than merely following group dictates. If we act as puppets of our groups, we fail to honor our human nature. We are meant to be like gods, discerning between good and bad, and imagining ourselves on the receiving end of our actions before committing them. If our groups can use us as mere tools, we must reconnect with our spiritual essence before acting. Disregarding our spiritual nature for the sake of political allegiance disrespects our creator, who equipped us with our unique spiritual identity.

Regardless of where we live, our differing opinions can divide us, but our troubles stem from the politics of belonging. This creates a division between us being right and others being wrong. Our sense of belonging often fuels prejudice, discrimination, racism, ego, pride, and honor—all stemming from the same branch of human identity. If you view yourself merely as a branch rather than the whole tree, you will find your boundlessness and self-respect.

We grow up in various societies with their unique traditions, so when others seem wrong to us, we should consider removing the political influences of our sense of belonging before making judgments. If both sides are politically influenced, they believe they are right, making neither side truly right. When under political influence, we cannot fully grasp the impact of our biases. As evolving entities, we should not claim absolute correctness while still in the process of evolution.

Human life revolves around love; we strive for it and protect it at all costs. The greatest sources of worry and stress, alongside survival needs, are the loss of love. Parents worry not just about their children’s well-being but also about the potential loss of their love. This is why the politics of belonging are so powerful. Historical conflicts have often targeted where it hurts most—killing individuals from opposing groups, regardless of education or societal progress. To illustrate, consider the love triangle concept, which I have discussed before and find relevant in light of current events. The urge to harm others due to political influence is a violation of our inherent spiritual nature.

The Love Triangle

Imagine a triangle within a triangle. At its core is the human individual, equally capable of good or bad. Those surrounding the individual must nurture love to set a solid foundation for how they will act as adults. If a person’s primary education is rooted in fear, it undermines their spiritual development. Religious leaders who preach fear and treat individuals as insignificant contribute to this problem. A lack of love in education fails to produce self-regulating individuals, as seen in societies with harsh punishments and high crime rates.

Religious societies should take responsibility for fostering good behavior by teaching love and compassion rather than fear and control. If spiritual education lacks compassion, it becomes a tool of political control rather than true spirituality. Leaders and communities must address these issues to align with their spiritual responsibilities.

Returning to the love triangle, our core potential—shaped by the love we received or lacked—determines our nature. Love, whether universal, passionate, or instinctive, is what sets us apart. As individuals, we need to understand our roles without political interference. Each of us has a personal musical score, with our actions composing a harmonious melody. To fulfill our purpose, we must engage with our spirituality and contribute meaningfully to the world.

Ultimately, each person’s life and actions are their own responsibility. We must use our free will and personal sense of justice to navigate our lives, regardless of external pressures or group loyalties.

On the other hand, if you choose to grab a drum and beat it relentlessly for a few hours without any breaks, leaving no empty spaces to create a rhythmic melody, you will become exhausted, stressed, and potentially driven to madness. Similarly, if you attribute everything to God and remain silent when it’s your turn to speak, or if you adopt a monk-like attitude of passivity, you might fail to take responsibility for human progress and disrespect our evolving nature. Such an approach can hinder humanity’s evolution, which was our initial duty. Both extremes—total passivity and relentless activity—are counterproductive and work against both individuals and divine purposes. This is why I believe that human beings are the workhorses of God. We are meant to save lives and reproduce so that God can continue with divine spiritual tasks and fulfill people’s prayers. To me, human beings represent the third element in the triangle involving God and the Devil. We judge good and evil because we are the ones who experience them physically. Without humans to judge, the concepts of good and evil lose their significance or might disappear altogether. It is our job as human beings to understand our importance in the larger scheme of life and to live justly toward all others, including ourselves.

Justice is our individual responsibility, which can be challenging at times. A deeper understanding is often required. There are moments when all three corners of the love triangle—self, others, and God—compete, which can tear an individual apart unless we learn to become the CEO of our lives. You can’t simply choose your society over your loved ones, or your lover over your children or family, without understanding the full implications. If you do, you are not being a true CEO and lack a clear understanding of what love truly means.

Balancing all aspects of your love triangle is crucial for spiritual health. You can’t disregard your children, who are a natural source of love, simply because you find a new passionate love. You can’t live solely for the community and ignore your family, or vice versa. Balancing is challenging, especially if you were raised with a strong sense of belonging to a particular group. Remember, as an individual, you are like a tree with your own free will and sense of justice; it is your responsibility to make right and just decisions instead of thinking like a mere branch.

Our evolutionary knowledge is our treasure, and we should wear it with pride. We should be proud of our accomplishments, but they all depend on maintaining a balanced core with love. Logically, you can’t feel anything physically if you are not alive. Nothing can be felt, enjoyed, or reacted to without our physical bodies. Spiritually, while different religions may have visions of the afterlife, we don’t universally agree on these visions. Therefore, it is up to each individual to balance their living years with disputed belief systems or metaphorical realities. We have acquired our spiritual insights through a long journey of evolution, aiming for some form of happiness and contentment despite our awareness of mortality. Sometimes, this loss comes from natural causes, accidents, or war, which can strip us of these divine gifts. We may find ourselves in a dark place, where negative and evil reactions arise. This pit represents our primal side, where we are devoid of the spiritual treasures of love and have the potential to become fearless and barbaric beings, even if we were born and raised as gentle souls.

I often discuss the triangle philosophy because I believe balance is essential; an imbalance in love can lead to spiritual crimes. A child deprived of love in their early years may grow up with issues, potentially becoming a criminal or unable to form healthy, loving relationships later in life. When universal love is out of balance, some people might even commit acts of violence against their own children, as seen in honor-based killings. For example, a Sikh family was documented killing their daughter because she married someone they disapproved of. Passionate love can destroy instinctive and universal love, and vice versa. There was an American woman who drowned her two sons because her boyfriend did not want children; she remains in prison. When children come into the picture, some couples struggle to balance their love triangle, leading to splits where instinctive love overrides passionate love.

When couples break up, the loss of passionate love is felt deeply, but if children are involved, the loss is even greater for the departing partner. They are not only losing passionate love but also instinctive love, which increases the potential for social and spiritual crimes. What would we do without love? If we are capable of committing spiritual crimes despite love, wars often strip us of all forms of love, leading to war crimes and human rights violations. In my view, terrorism and revenge-driven bombing are results of a loss of love, turning individuals into vengeful beings. If we don’t address this, we may continue producing love-loss related crimes and perpetuate cycles of revenge.

Our lack of understanding contributes to these perpetual spiritual crimes. While we know a lot about other creatures, we struggle to understand and manage our own kind. Our global disputes and wars reflect this misunderstanding and the undermining of a balanced love triangle. We use propaganda and politics to disparage one another, labeling others as godless and blaming them for atrocities, while forgetting that we are all human beings reacting to the loss of love. We use God and religions politically, but there is no clear understanding of our past and future, except for the assumptions we’ve made. Given our evolving and constantly changing knowledge, we cannot stubbornly cling to these assumptions.

For millions of years, humanity has existed, and for thousands of years, God has been a part of our lives. Science and religions both offer assumptions about our origins: religions suggest we have been around for about five thousand years, while science claims millions of years. Religions state that God created the universe, while science describes a cosmic explosion leading to an expanding universe. The origins of this explosion and why it occurred remain unclear because it happened billions of years ago. You can believe whatever you want, as it is your personal prerogative, but my concern is why we are prejudiced and discriminatory against each other, and why we still kill each other over these assumptions.

Whether the chicken or the egg came first, or whether God created humans or humans created God, is less important than the fact that the chicken lays eggs and feeds humans. The human individual, who performs divine work, is central to this divine or scientific picture. Yet, politics still drives us to kill one another. What came first has never been clear and may not be important, but we continue to search for evolutionary theories. The world debates these issues due to differing schools of thought. I will not delve into past arguments or scientific theories that only lead to more questions. Instead, I will focus on the present and ask: why are we still killing each other despite our advancements and civilization?

Using common sense and logic has always served me well, and I will continue to rely on them, regardless of others’ opinions. What is and how it should be? If something makes sense to me, I will follow it; if not, I will stick to my own beliefs to live my mortal life with everything God has blessed me with. I prefer not to be confined to a small pond because I believe we are created to be boundless; we cannot be contained in ponds. I advocate for evolving beyond our limited boundaries and broadening our horizons. Live as a legitimate third equation rather than adhering to illegitimate ideological constraints. Such constraints make you subservient to philosophies that prevent you from reaching your full evolving potential. Today, everyone is connected to the internet, so metaphorically speaking, living in a pond with boundaries is like using a computer without internet access—functional but at a very low level.

Don’t simply follow what your group dictates; question political motives and make choices as an independent entity with the free will to explore scientifically, religiously, and politically. Remember, using free will is a privilege that allows us to seek equal human rights. Our spiritual justice often takes a back seat to the insecurities instilled by politics. Since there is no ultimate security for the mortal, we should keep everything in perspective. Living justly towards all, including oneself, brings inner peace, which theoretically should contribute to universal peace.

Here is another triangle that has been flipped and needs to be righted:

• Triangle Man
• Triangle Man2

If you use your free will, you should be at the top corner of the triangle to create balance. It’s up to you to right it.

Politics and the insecurities they create are fundamental causes of internal turmoil and social chaos. If you see yourself merely as an extension of an ideology, a branch of a tree, or a belonging group, you are a victim of personal and internal imbalances. These are human flaws, not assets. True assets are the ability to think independently, use free will, and practice justice for all, including oneself. Regardless of how you view it, human beings should be at the top corner of these senses, not at the bottom. If you are content being opinion-less, take a closer look at yourself; you might find that you would not hesitate to commit extreme acts for your group, become anorexic, or even commit suicide over how others view you. Always remember that you have free will for a reason. If God created humans, then humans were meant to evolve into godly figures, not merely stand in line with other creatures.

Humans have fallen to the bottom due to personal insecurities, which compel us to hide behind nationalism and religions, disguising these insecurities as political and ideological boundaries. I believe humans need to reclaim their true status. Yes, we are all CEOs of our own lives.

Logically, humans should be at the top corner, even if nations and religions believe otherwise. It’s not egotistical or disrespectful to our groups. It’s a twisted logic that religions have strict rules and punishments, yet if they truly believed that God was responsible for everything, they would show more compassion and forgiveness. Conversely, our court systems would be meaningless if God were credited or blamed for everything a human does.

Every invention and social change starts with an idea from a single human being. As we progress and evolve, adapting to societal changes, we learn the importance of individual contributions. This is evident in the rise of religions, ideologies like socialism and communism, or even democracy. Every idea sparks a reaction; if one religion works for some, it may not work for others, leading to new ideologies and sects throughout history. From communism to socialism to various religious sects and atheism, we see signs of progress along with constant conflicts. As human beings, we follow progress, whether it’s slow or rapid. We are in pursuit of our potential regardless of the era we are born into. Human opinion has always been on shaky ground due to our constantly evolving knowledge.

We make mistakes, correct them, and keep going, only to find that our corrections need corrections. From our medicine to social rules and everything in between, everything has been, is, and will always be changing because we are influenced by a higher force to evolve. Since our knowledge is always evolving, we can’t afford to have passionate extremes on our journey of evolution. We are all born as human first, so we must belong to humanity as a whole.

All groups of human beings—whether categorized by race, gender, nation, or religion—are political entities. Religions may claim otherwise, but find me a religion that is completely free from the politics of belonging. To me, religions should focus on spirituality, which has always been foundational in serving humanity as a whole. When religions enter into politics or individuals mix the two, it creates a lethal mixture that disrupts both inner peace and leads to our war-mongering tendencies. An emotionally charged individual might feel they are doing God’s work while committing spiritual crimes.

The real issue behind all religious differences is not God, spirituality, or the way of living itself; it is the politics of belonging. This sense of belonging is entangled between the individual and their groups, with God and spirituality having little to do with it. Since groups are unlikely to abandon their political agendas, it is up to the individual to make a difference. By using free will to make decisions, you have the potential to be the CEO of your life—something that applies to all of us. A CEO can choose not to follow the politics of their group or adhere to the status quo without questioning it. Western societies, for example, allow individuals to hold various religious beliefs while still living in harmony and following the law. However, there are still instances where people fall victim to political extremes, such as the recent incident where a young man, influenced by the politics of belonging, killed a Muslim family. The foundation of this harmonious living is based on constitutions that uphold equal human rights, allowing people to coexist regardless of religion, race, or background.

Understanding the sense of belonging and the freedom to counter political influences is crucial, especially in this age of weapons of mass destruction. Political elites, nations, and religions may not want to resolve their differences because it maintains their power as groups. Our history shows that we have conquered, bought, sold, killed, exterminated, and treated each other inhumanely. If we honestly reflect on our past, we will see the black marks of wrongdoing by our ancestors. It is time to forgive and forget them, as they did their best with the knowledge they had. Today, the world is rapidly changing and connected via the internet, allowing individuals to connect globally regardless of their affiliations.

Balancing the triangles of belonging and love can lead to inner peace for yourself and enable you to spread that peace to others. When individual connections are made, it can spark a bottom-up change. The top-down approach has not worked for thousands of years and will likely continue to fail. Especially in the presence of the politics of belonging to our groups, things might remain the same unless we connect with and belong to humanity as a whole. As individuals, we must take the leap of faith and join hands to unite humanity. Clinging to color, race, gender, nation, or religion has always been and continues to be prejudicial, discriminatory, and against equal human rights. It has painted a grim picture of humanity, so it’s time to address this at the individual level, with the strength of a CEO.

In the past, our governing systems have been constructed from the top down. It’s time for real democracy, despite its imperfections. Each of us is blessed with the ability to make choices, and we are all born CEOs of our own lives. The politics of belonging keeps us enslaved to our groups, as we have been brainwashed not only with political knowledge but also systematically deprived of our self-worth related to our autonomy. It’s time to embrace the whole of humanity, respect and understand the pain of love lost, not only for ourselves but for others as well. We must evolve to the next level so that we don’t kill each other in the name of God or our nations. Especially in American politics today, people are willing to sacrifice democracy for the politics of party allegiance. When families disagree, love should override everything. However, if you cannot balance your love triangle properly, you may suffer the consequences. It is crucial for individuals to understand that the love triangle is not limited to passionate love between two partners nor should it allow universal love to diminish instinctive and passionate love. Remember, we are all created as a whole tree, not just a branch. As CEOs of our lives, we must make the decisions to create personal balance.

Each one of us carries a personal album of good and bad memories. Unless there’s an issue with our brain, we should be able to access these memories anytime, by choice. Since our thoughts significantly impact our lives, we should learn to imagine the good as a movie and the bad as a snapshot. This skill can be a powerful tool for a healthy and happy life because focusing on one thing diminishes the physical impact of others.

Unfortunately, mastering this ability isn’t easy. Sometimes, getting stuck in our memory bank can ruin our present moment, potentially leading to serious physical ailments. This self-induced damage can be devastating to our already mortal lives. It’s not normal to turn a snapshot into a lingering video and replay it uncontrollably, yet it’s common. We can transform a long movie into a single snapshot and avoid negative effects, but this requires first acknowledging the issue and then addressing lingering concerns.

Western societies increasingly practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, techniques known to Eastern societies for thousands of years. Interestingly, Eastern societies now often follow Western trends. Keeping mortality in mind, along with a belief system that fosters a different mindset, can have a powerful impact on individuals.

Good context from our past can enhance our present, turning it into a good memory. It’s our responsibility to seek this powerful medicine because it can make or break our most important present moments. Knowing how to store our present moments as good memories is crucial. We have the power to heal or hurt ourselves. If you tend to turn a snapshot into an uncontrollable, constantly rewinding movie, you need to shift your focus to something that doesn’t cause anxiety or depression. You can choose to convert memories into a slide or a movie. Use your abilities to make your lifetime a good experience. Misusing this ability to harm your life is equivalent to self-destruction. In our mortal lives, both our days and moments are numbered. A thought should be a slide, not a constantly rewinding movie, especially if it’s causing anxiety. Learn to keep your thoughts as slides instead of horror movies.

I once read this metaphor: “Our cars have rearview mirrors much smaller than the front windshield, and there’s a reason for that. It’s our duty to understand this metaphor and apply it to our lives.” With hope and optimism, staying focused on the present usually results in good moments because you’re not depressed by the past or anxious about the future.

This complex problem has a solution: understanding our spiritual side, which is different from religious knowledge. Today’s religions often intertwine spirituality with political affiliations. Making changes against taught belief systems is difficult but necessary for true independence. Our seemingly innocent parents and societies shape us, making it hard to embrace something new and different. Defying and countering taught loyalties to our groups is challenging, but God points to our independence by blessing us with our personal atom of autonomy. This foundation of spirituality teaches us to believe wholeheartedly.

Whether good or bad, you have the power to turn memories into slides or movies. If you believe in following a special path in life, you’ll see the influence of your parents and society. There’s nothing wrong with ambition until it affects your happiness and health. Ask yourself why there are so many professions and why people aren’t happy and healthy. This acknowledgment helps you connect with the internal, natural picture you carry within. Believing in your personal picture can shield you from depression and anxiety. Remember, you can’t afford to sacrifice happiness and health to be accepted by others. This real-life example illustrates this point:

A long time ago, I took the kids to McDonald’s, where they gave out coloring sheets with Happy Meals. One sheet had a maze, a picture, and a dot-to-dot image. If a child could read numbers, they could create and color the picture. This dotted picture inspired me. I believe God has a picture for each of us, but the numbers aren’t placed, so we must individually connect the dots to create our unique pictures. If you’re lucky, you’ll find the right one and stay healthy, happy, and successful. Otherwise, you might follow societal trends and create a picture influenced by others, which may lead to success but not guaranteed happiness, satisfaction, or contentment. Losing happiness and health due to stress and frustration from pursuing someone else’s picture isn’t worth it. As mortals, we can’t sacrifice our lives for others’ approval. Remembering our mortality helps put things in perspective. You can’t spend your life fitting in or impressing others because you’re the CEO of your life, and others are just a department.

Imagine giving a child a picture with no numbers. They would still need to connect the dots to create the image but would have to rely on their imagination. If they can’t create the picture, they might become frustrated, complicating the problem further. This scenario mirrors why many adults are frustrated: we all have an idea of how we want our lives to be, but we must use our imagination to connect the dots. We can also rely on external sources, like our parents, but ultimately, as adults, we must take a leap of faith in our personal lives. If we are fortunate and flexible, we can create a fulfilling picture of happiness and good health. Otherwise, we risk getting caught up in what others think of us, spending our lives trying to fix it. A less-than-perfect picture can lead to a lifelong personal struggle, causing adults to act out of frustration or even abandon their efforts. Patience and belief in your unique picture are crucial to avoiding this trap. You need to have faith in the picture you were given and seek what feels right for you. Examine whether your frustrations stem from your own desires or societal influences. Accepting your mortal nature should guide your life decisions.

For instance, if you were destined to become a mechanic but ended up as an accountant, or if you were meant to be a professional basketball player but were pressured into becoming a doctor, it’s unrealistic to expect success in every career choice. As temporary beings, we must prioritize happiness above all. The measure of a successful life is not how much money you make but your level of happiness and contentment.

A successful life is defined by how content and happy you feel. If life were like an exam, with happiness and contentment as the answers, how would you fare with your current lifestyle? Life on Earth is a temporary period, and it’s essential to manage it in a way that ensures fulfillment. Remember, by nature, you are meant to be the CEO of your life, not just a manager of one department. To me, success without happiness or health is no success at all.

You need to approach your life with the vision of a successful CEO who manages all departments with equal or balanced attention. This may be challenging, but you have the potential. Each of us has the responsibility and ability to make choices with the gift of free will. Neglecting the departments of health or spirituality while focusing on others may lead to regret later in life. Without health, there’s no happiness, and without spirituality, deeper happiness and contentment remain elusive.

Ultimately, it all comes down to happiness. We often get it wrong when we try to be someone we’re not. Society’s pressure and high expectations can lead us to sacrifice our happiness and spend our lives chasing something that never materializes. We live in a world dominated by a “salesman mentality”: push, push, push, and you will succeed. But succeed at what? Hopefully, it’s happiness.

Consider what success means to you. It’s about happiness in all aspects of life. Having all the money in the world won’t necessarily bring happiness. If you faced a terminal illness, you’d realize that you aren’t here forever. Life is temporary, so live it to the fullest. Life is more than just connecting the dots. You have a limited amount of time each day—24 hours—to work, sleep, eat, and still find time for enjoyment. Believing in your picture and letting fate play a role can be beneficial.

When we aim for a target, shooting an arrow can yield immediate results. But sometimes, we must shoot at an unseen target, which requires skill and luck. Many people who struggle blame themselves, others, or even bad circumstances. If you’re one of them, remember that we are not perfect beings; we are evolving entities seeking potential. Even when we achieve great heights, we often desire to climb higher. Understanding our mortal nature and prioritizing happiness and contentment is crucial.

We probably use only a fraction of our brain’s potential. Spirituality can help us see life from a broader perspective. For example, if you’re boasting about your achievements, remember that it’s not just you who made things happen; it’s also the little things, like the oxygen you breathe, over which you have no control. Success is influenced by many factors, including luck and destiny.

You might spend your life playing music in bars or become a child star overnight. Many people end up in professions different from what they initially wanted. This is the “dotted picture” speaking. If you’re unhappy, try something new and let go of what isn’t working. Achieving inner peace can make you more productive and beneficial to yourself and others. This is the foundation of deep, inner happiness and contentment. Since we’re designed to evolve, we can’t stray from that. There was a meme I read long ago, attributed to “author unknown,” which said:

“The higher you climb, the further you can see.”

In essence, our goal is to evolve and be productive despite our mortality. If you see someone older putting in a lot of effort, understand that they are driven by their nature. Achieving what we want should be seen as a blessing related to our dotted story. If we don’t achieve it, we should believe it wasn’t meant for us. Accepting this can help us move on to something better, according to our dotted picture, protecting us from disappointment, unhappiness, and discontentment. In our mortal lives, time is running out, so moving on from failures quickly is essential. Happiness is the ultimate prize of our mortal existence.

As individuals, we must create balance within ourselves because we are blessed with the ability to use our free will. Failing to use this ability to enhance our lives means succumbing to the politics of belonging. Being mortal is a fact, and as humans, we must play this game, whether we like it or not. Our free will allows us to make personal decisions, and the wisdom of our dotted picture—without numbers—guides us. We are influenced by our evolving nature, pushing us to climb higher regardless of happiness and contentment. Whether our motives are to fit in or impress others, it’s our personal duty to understand that we are not genetically programmed creatures. We don’t have numbers next to our dots, so our decisions can shape our pursuit of happiness. Our free will makes us the CEOs of our lives, and as CEOs, the responsibilities for our life affairs rest on our shoulders.

One might say, “I don’t care; I’m going to smoke, drink, and do drugs because I’m going to die anyway.” Another might say, “I should take care of myself for the same reason, aiming for a healthy, happy, and long life.” We should fulfill our responsibilities to avoid causing stress and worry for our loved ones and community. Reckless behavior impacts not just ourselves but also those around us. Spirituality helps us understand our responsibilities and maintain a sense of justice and respect for others.

By critically examining our individual responsibilities and autonomy, we can surpass the constraints of our sense of belonging, even our nationalism and religious beliefs, connecting with humanity as a whole. Balancing our senses of belonging and freedom can be challenging, influenced by external politics and internal chemical responses. These responses are evident in our reactions to events, such as a sports team’s win or loss or the rhetoric from coaches, politicians, and religious leaders.

As human beings, we possess spiritual awareness and self-regulation, so we shouldn’t be controlled by our hormonal influences like other creatures. Our personal responsibilities extend beyond simply avoiding recreational drugs and social crimes. They also encompass our responses to accepted truths, such as the chemicals associated with our sense of belonging. We cannot remain intoxicated by racism, prejudice, discrimination, or even excessive nationalism and religious fervor.

Each of us is individually responsible for our actions, not just because we are human, but because we are evolved beings. Unlike other creatures, we are not bound by chemically induced responses. Our court systems would falter if we tried to hide behind political excuses. We are personally accountable for our actions, not just in our lifetime but, as many believe, even after death. Regardless of your beliefs, you cannot commit social or spiritual crimes and avoid responsibility just because your group condones it. Atrocities such as the Holocaust or the Bosnian massacres were committed by individuals, not groups. It is our personal choices to join such groups that lead to spiritual crimes. Whether these crimes are committed for personal reasons or in the name of race, nation, or religion, they remain crimes.

Groups often recruit young people who have not yet fully developed, are influenced by hormonal changes, and lack spiritual awareness. If you are encouraged to take pride in your group’s crimes, you are under the influence of belonging-related chemicals. It is your responsibility to understand your behavior before acting, as you possess autonomy, a sense of justice, and inherent compassion and love. You cannot commit spiritual crimes for yourself, your race, nation, or religion, because you, as an individual, are a mini deity who judges yourself from within.

Consider why guilt is ingrained in us and why we experience PTSD-related issues. A bad action remains a bad action, regardless of its reasons. Just as you cannot drink and drive, you cannot treat others in a way that you would not wish to be treated yourself or wish upon your loved ones. This understanding is straightforward for an evolved human who can empathize with others. Yet, many people remain entangled in racism, nationalism, and religious disputes, making this understanding less clear. Avoiding intoxication not only robs you of your inhibitions—what makes you human—but also keeps you from regressing to a primal state. Without these inhibitions, we would merely be another primate, indistinguishable from baboons, lacking in spirituality.

If you fail to feel responsible for the actions committed on behalf of your group, how is this different from taking drugs or acting under the influence of politically or religiously inspired rhetoric? Regardless of external pressures, it remains your personal responsibility to think before you act. The judge and jury reside within you, and you do not want to face that internal conflict, which can lead to PTSD-related issues.

Our nature consistently points to our individual responsibilities, urging us to see beyond group politics and to work together as humanity. The evidence is clear: we have mixed generations, not pure racial or national categories. Despite superficial differences, humanity continues to call us to collaborate, as evidenced by global issues like extreme weather and infectious diseases that defy borders. These challenges remind us that our security walls and group politics are ineffective. Our weaponry of mass destruction highlights the urgent need to rethink our approach.

If I assert that no one’s knowledge is complete—including your own, your neighbor’s, your professor’s, or even that of religious or scientific authorities—would you believe me? Regardless of race, gender, nationality, or religion, if you are willing to harm others over political or religious differences, then you, your religious leader, or your politician are mistaken. We are always learning and evolving, and claiming complete knowledge is an illusion. This contradiction has persisted for thousands of years and will continue unless we start thinking beyond group politics and connecting spiritually to a higher source.

Our personal insecurities are often driven by political and religious leaders who overshadow our humanity. Religions, which speak of compassion and love, have historically been involved in bloody and prolonged conflicts. Our group’s politics often undermine individual significance, leaving people without the self-esteem to question authority. Religions, too, have followed this pattern, attributing power to metaphoric concepts like God and the Devil. However, these concepts depend on human action to become physical realities. Our belief in good and evil stems from our own actions, not divine intervention.

If we are taught that all bad things stem from a lack of education, we must ask: what defines bad things? Human societies have various schools of thought and levels of evolution. Differences often arise from critical thinking and understanding, and forced education discourages this critical approach. If people fear expressing their thoughts due to societal pressures, critical thinking cannot thrive. This suppression impedes progress and evolution. Historical advancements came from those who either escaped oppressive societies or those that recognized the value of encouraging critical thinking.

Logical thinking has debunked the carrot-and-stick philosophy. As spiritual beings, we can self-regulate better with love and knowledge. This means that fear of punishment or promises of reward cannot effectively curb negative behaviors. As soon as fear subsides or divine retribution is not evident, individuals might revert to criminal actions.

To address this, we need to understand the profound impact that the politics of belonging can have on less educated populations. Conservative leaders often resist broad education because questioning established norms could undermine their political power. These leaders quickly dismiss educated individuals who challenge traditions, customs, religious rituals, and rules.

Accepted truths should be open to scrutiny not only from the scientific community but also from opposing politicians, religions, and atheists. Historically, periods of intellectual advancement have often been stifled by conservative factions within societies. For instance, certain eras in Islamic history saw thinkers and inventors stymied by their own conservative counterparts. Today, we follow the lead of nations that encourage innovation, evidenced by the global demand for vaccines and advancements in science and technology from advanced countries.

Religions should not be politicized because their spiritual benefits to humanity should remain untarnished by political agendas. Removing politics from spirituality reveals a clearer perspective.

The concept of God, whether known as Allah, Ram, or Yahweh, represents a physical reality of divinity, regardless of religious affiliation. Individuals contribute to the good of life through their actions: one provides for their family, another nurtures life. If we question why God allows bad things to happen, we can consider three aspects:

1. Good and bad are defined by their opposites.
2. The belief that God punishes disobedience.
3. Free will: If everything were predestined, human actions would be irrelevant.

Introducing a character like the Devil to explain bad actions does not fully resolve the issue. The notion that free will is involved suggests that humans are responsible for their actions. If humans cannot function without divine intervention, how can they be solely accountable for their actions?

Blaming the Devil for human misdeeds is politically motivated. In reality, both God and the Devil are metaphoric constructs that depend on human actions to give them substance. Claiming that external forces are solely responsible for our actions detracts from personal accountability.

Imagine a court case where someone claims, “The Devil made me do it” or “God instructed me to harm others.” While some might believe these justifications, it’s essential to recognize that humans are central to the reality of good and bad actions. If humans are not responsible, why do we still hold them accountable for their actions?

The political beneficiaries of maintaining ignorance among individuals have an interest in keeping people uneducated and low in self-esteem. This strategy ensures that people remain dependent on their groups and continue to support political agendas. The notion that individuals need groups and deities for survival is entirely political and has little to do with spirituality. Spiritually and physically, the presence of individuals is crucial to the existence and relevance of groups, gods, and devils.

The following lines from a poem I wrote encapsulate this concept: “We are like two wires intertwined as negative and positive. If there is no ‘me,’ you are not meaningful either. If there is no light in my nights, I see dark on the other side as well.”

Reciprocation should foster self-respect and self-esteem. However, political and religious institutions often exploit individual weaknesses for their gain. Both politics and religion sometimes sacrifice spirituality for control. Yet, individuals are essential in the spiritual equation, regardless of what political or religious doctrines suggest.

Respect and reciprocation are vital in all relationships. If someone supports you, whether financially or otherwise, it is your responsibility to reciprocate, demonstrating respect and honor. This applies to relationships with partners, family, friends, and even employers. A successful relationship requires understanding and mutual respect, with both partners contributing to each other’s well-being.

Our human nature includes both spiritual and animal instincts. Balancing these aspects is crucial for healthy relationships and personal growth. Dominating others or failing to respect their contributions will lead to conflict and dissatisfaction.

Regardless of personal characteristics like sexual orientation, race, gender, or religion, we are all human beings. Our relationships with others cannot be avoided. Thinking oneself superior based on these identities can detract from personal spirituality. Whether as a boss or subordinate, one’s title does not change the fundamental realities of mortality and spiritual significance.

Understanding your mortality helps foster a better self-awareness. Despite societal pressures and traditions, the reality of our finite existence remains constant. Recognizing this can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life, both spiritually and physically.

In relationships, whether personal or professional, it is essential to maintain balance and reciprocation. The foundation of a successful partnership lies in mutual respect and understanding, transcending superficial differences and focusing on shared humanity.

Sacrificing your happiness and contentment just to fit in with your group or to follow the prevailing trends of your era is your prerogative. However, it is your spiritual duty to contribute honestly by reciprocating. The key to achieving personal spiritual comfort lies in addressing the root cause of your problems, or as I like to call it, the “dead dog” of our issues.

If your inability to achieve personal and inner peace stems from your animal instincts, then evolution from these instincts is necessary. Humanity has struggled to achieve peace for thousands of years due to group politics. Clearly, changing deeply entrenched practices from millennia ago will not be easy. However, today’s individuals are not as weak and vulnerable as those in the past. With information readily available on the internet and injustices exposed in real-time, it is increasingly difficult for political agendas to remain hidden.

The rise of equal human rights and the flourishing of these principles worldwide reflect the growing strength of individuals today. Our next challenge is to overcome our prejudices and discrimination, and embrace a politics that includes all of humanity rather than sticking to outdated norms. Choosing humanity over specific groups allows you to prioritize spirituality over religious affiliations.

Humanity has long sought the elusive peace that has eluded us for thousands of years due to group politics. If we do not change our allegiance to these old political and religious structures, achieving peace will remain impossible for future millennia. True change cannot come from political groups or politically tainted religions. It must originate from modern, moderate individuals who are willing to uphold and receive equal human rights.

A strong and spiritually aware individual can influence their immediate family, community, nation, and religion, regardless of the challenges posed by political affiliations. As individuals are central to creating physical spirituality, they must understand their own spiritual significance to find inner comfort within themselves, rather than seeking physical security through political groups.

Regardless of the era or political context, this spiritual understanding is crucial not only for finding internal and external peace but also for achieving spiritual comfort within our mortal existence.

Let’s critically examine our lives by keeping our mortal nature in mind. This means we should not only fulfill our physical needs but also nurture our spiritual side to feed our soul. Remember, there are so many fields of knowledge that we can’t afford to be a jack of all trades, especially given our limited time.

As we grow up in certain environments, we are influenced by them. If the people around us believe we should be just like them, that’s a short-sighted philosophy. For instance, if you’re a religious person, you can’t dictate how a medical doctor should believe. You may be against blood transfusions, but a doctor must focus on the life-saving benefits of it. Similarly, if a musician enjoys and feels deeply connected to music, no one should tell them otherwise. It’s their right to enjoy life as they wish, just as religious individuals have the right to practice their beliefs, and the same rights allow LGBTQ+ individuals to live freely.

The problem has been, and still is, that religious people often try to enforce their traditions, customs, and rituals on others as if they were universal rules. When it comes to knowledge, we must understand that everything evolves. Just because our ancestors rode horses doesn’t mean we should as well. Cars allow us to live faster and more efficiently, so why should we stay stuck in the past? If you are religious, that’s fine, but you cannot stand in the way of medical or other advancements. These are entirely different fields, and interfering would go against the natural progress and evolution of humanity.

Everyone should be allowed to operate freely in whatever field they choose. Simply put, everyone should have the freedom of choice. If you choose to stay behind, you can’t keep everyone around you there as well. Whether it’s science, technology, medicine, or religion, no one should impose their will on others or suppress other fields of knowledge. While there are limitations in every field because we are constantly evolving, it’s unfortunate that in some societies, suppression still occurs, and as a result, progress suffers. If we don’t learn to balance our fields of knowledge, we risk staying stuck in the past.

Believing that one field of knowledge is enough for human progress is a misguided notion. For example, if you are scientifically advanced but unhappy in life, it could be a sign of imbalance that you may find within spirituality. Likewise, if you are religious and follow all the rules but feel spiritually unfulfilled, you need to find and address that imbalance. Missing out on happiness and contentment in life, despite having resources and comfort, is a deficiency that should be taken seriously. Balance across various fields of knowledge is essential to well-being.

The first step to finding balance is accepting that our knowledge is still evolving. If you believe your knowledge is complete and superior to others, not only are you being prejudiced and discriminatory, but you also close yourself off to seeing how other knowledge could benefit you and humanity. If you can’t see your potential for growth, you might get stuck in outdated knowledge by choice. This mentality is often seen in conservative groups, where individuals not only choose to stay behind but also try to hold others back. Even in religious contexts, this approach goes against God’s will, as religions were never meant to control human populations.

Religious institutions often don’t believe in individual freedom. Like communism, they prioritize the collective over the individual, leading to inherent injustice for individuals. This is visible in their efforts to suppress individual rights, and it is evident in the migration patterns of people seeking better lives. If everyone were inclined toward religious governance, they would flock to religious nations, yet the opposite is true. People migrate for peace, financial stability, and freedom, often leaving religious nations for secular ones. Look at the countless people risking their lives on boats to escape religiously governed nations and enter secular societies in search of a better life.

Why is this happening? Why can’t religious nations keep their people happy and secure? This should be a cause for concern. Remember, individuals make up a group, a nation, or a religion—not the other way around. While we are born into groups, we remain a part of them by choice. The strength of any community depends on its ability to retain individuals. Communities that lose more members than they gain are on a path toward decline, as seen in the example of an Italian community that paid and provided housing for young couples to move in because they were losing population faster than they were replenishing it. A religious or political community can become a ghost town if it continues losing individuals.

If communities can’t provide peace, security, and sustenance, they should at least avoid oppression. The strength of a community is much more fragile than it appears. For centuries, migration has occurred, and it has revealed a stark contrast: the progress and prosperity of nations receiving migrants versus the poverty of those losing people. Communities and nations should examine the causes of their losses. Why allow one field of knowledge, like religion, to oppress and limit the potential of individuals and communities?

If knowledge has many fields, why should one be able to suppress the others and rob individuals of their potential? If you fail to address the emotional and religious extremism, you must at least let your thinkers explain the long-term consequences. A ship full of feelers can still be saved by one thinker.

In today’s world, if you are buying technology, medicine, and other modern gadgets from advanced nations, it’s likely that they were invented by individuals your community lost due to oppression, lack of personal freedom, or poverty. I do not belittle religious knowledge—it holds spiritual value—but it is one exclusive aspect of an individual’s life. If we are taught that religion can provide for all our needs, history shows this is not the case, nor is it proving successful today. I often repeat the phrase “political religion” because religious politics robs individuals of their potential. People migrate and benefit other nations because of the politicization of religion. For instance, shooting and killing girls who want to be educated is nothing but politics. Spirituality, however, teaches us to follow God’s will.

How did our religions become political systems? That’s another story. But my question is this: if God’s hands are the hands of human individuals, how does cutting off God’s helping hands serve God’s purpose? Removing human politics would reveal that God does not want to lose God’s helping hands. Spirituality teaches us about free will, justice, compassion, and love. You can be proud of any field of knowledge, including religious knowledge, as long as it remains purely spiritual. To me, God is pure and innocent, so using God for political purposes is a spiritual sin. When religion becomes politically tainted, human insecurities and rules arise, and spirituality is lost.

Religious beliefs should benefit individuals, not groups, because when you prioritize the group, politics follows. With politics comes prejudice and discrimination, straying from spirituality and tarnishing God’s name. Committing spiritual crimes in the name of God only deepens the wrong.

If you wish to live in a certain era of evolution, that’s your right. But you don’t have the right to control others, not even your own children when they become adults. We all come into this world as individuals, breathing our own quota of oxygen. We arrive with our own personal life stories, and while you may mean well, you simply are not given control over others. You can’t even ensure that someone keeps breathing if they’re in trouble, so you must learn to let go and allow others to choose their own paths in life. If someone chooses science over religion, that’s their right, just as it’s your right to be religious.

Our problems begin with personal extremes, prejudice, and discrimination, and these have nothing to do with God. They stem from individual insecurities, often amplified by the fear-based rhetoric of our groups. Religions should be free of these fears and insecurities, but instead, they demonstrate them through oppressive rules. Yet, at the same time, they preach the strength of God’s will. Why?

To me, you either believe in God’s will wholeheartedly, embracing spirituality, or you use fear to control people through politics. Speaking out of both sides of your mouth is political, not spiritual. This is why I believe in our versatility and our ability to manage all aspects of life like a CEO. We all have an evolving nature and can’t evolve in one area while remaining stagnant in others. If we evolve in a balanced way, we prevent becoming extremists in one area while remaining ignorant in others.

You cannot place boundaries around any field of knowledge and expect to grow in a balanced way. Communities should strive to provide individuals with the freedom to stay and evolve. Imbalanced evolution is not a winning strategy for any group, especially not politically. If you lag behind in certain fields, your community will lose individuals to migration, leading to the opposite of what you intended—loss of political power.

MMA fighter Jon Jones was once speaking casually on camera. I don’t remember the event or the date, but his words stuck with me. Since my blog touches on this subject, I wanted to expand on what I believe and think about his message. So, I’ll start by quoting what he said:

“If you believe that you have something special, even a gift from your higher power, then stop questioning it, because it’s insulting to your creator to think that they would place limitations on what they’ve given you.”

To me, these words, spoken by a thoughtful fighter so effortlessly, conveyed a spiritual truth more clearly than many religious scholars. If one truly believes in this way, they can easily see through the politics that often hide behind religious teachings demanding individual obedience. The general population of religious believers tends to undermine the significance of human individuality. Understanding the spiritual relevance of the individual, and why humans are endowed with free will, is crucial to grasping the larger picture of spirituality.

No authority or entity should discourage individual abilities because, in truth, God is glorified through human evolution. Logically, in our actions and decision-making, God is always with us because we cannot function without help from the things we rely on, things over which we have no control. The importance of this was made especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic when we all became acutely aware of the value of free oxygen. Yes, we’re helped by nature, or God, to provide us with oxygen, but the understanding of its importance came from people who respected God’s gift enough to discover everything that allows us to thrive today.

Belittling the individual has long been, and continues to be, a political agenda used by both religious and non-religious leaders to control populations. It’s not God’s will to limit human beings. If that were the case, people would succeed without hard work, and human effort would hold no value. Why would anyone put time and effort into achieving goals and raising the bar for future generations? Why would we strive for progress to keep evolution moving forward? Our evolving nature comes from God. If our limitations don’t come from God, why are religious leaders so intent on enforcing them? There’s likely a political agenda at play, tied to those who seek control over ordinary people. But we shouldn’t rush to judgment.

Politics aside, I personally believe that these hurdles contain a hidden wisdom of adaptation. They slow down our progress but provide an opportunity for growth. No, I won’t credit religious authorities, because they don’t embrace the concept of adaptation. They want us to be locked in the era when our prophets lived. I agree with Jon Jones, but only partially, because evolution comes from the constant pursuit of higher levels, bit by bit. There’s wisdom in continually striving for more. For example, if you lift a 10-pound dumbbell and stick with that weight, your body will adapt to that level of stress and won’t progress further. You have to push yourself, lifting heavier weights and digging deeper, to trigger your body’s response and build muscle. This process of adaptation is ingrained in our DNA, meaning God intended for us to have no limits—but we struggle with extremes.

If you believe God is doing everything, you’re only half right. You need to see the whole picture to understand how God and humans work together to get things done. If you think it’s only God or only humans, you’re missing half the truth, and that incomplete knowledge will prevent further growth. On the other extreme, if you try to rush through the process without adapting, you’ll only hurt yourself and make no progress. The key is to avoid extremes. Believe that God has not, and I repeat, has not placed limitations on us. Our evolutionary drive is encoded in our DNA. Our challenges and setbacks set the pace for gradual adaptation. While politics has its role, undermining human potential is absolutely against God’s will. Jon Jones is right—blaming God for limitations is disrespectful. Willfully disrespecting God is a political move, but respecting God’s true will means doing the best we can, regardless of our mortality. We are supposed to set an example for future generations, so they can continue to evolve and, in doing so, glorify God.

It’s important to note that none of us can function without help. If we acknowledge God’s help and use it to grow, our progress metaphorically becomes God’s progress as well. Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—we come from different schools of thought, which can cause our knowledge to clash, particularly when it intersects with political and social identities. Our competition drives evolution, but it can also damage us spiritually. That’s why we must deeply examine what all of this means. Our duty to evolve, balancing every aspect of life, comes from God. We should be progressing, but with peace in mind. If we’re advancing in war-making technology, we must also advance spiritually. Our true identity isn’t political—it’s spiritual. We are spiritual beings having a physical experience, not mere animals living only for survival.

Our evolutionary path has taken us out of the wild and into civilization. But we aren’t done evolving, and we’re still plagued by political and social diseases that cause us to harm one another. Looking at human evolution, one thing stands out: our thoughts shape and manifest our physical reality. A long time ago, I watched a Discovery Channel program where a small stingray fish was placed in a pool with a checkered floor. The fish blended in with its environment, becoming invisible as it changed color. I’m no zoologist, but I assume that evolution isn’t exclusive to humans—other creatures have adapted to survive in the harsh reality of the physical world. While we may not grow claws or wings, we have evolved to create comfort and progress.

Our lives are no longer stuck in the past. With every innovation, we step further into creating new physical realities. But despite all our advancements, one thing remains constant: our awareness of mortality. As mortals, things like happiness and contentment should become priorities. But this is difficult because of our constant urge to evolve, making contentment rare. The easiest way to balance happiness and progress is to believe wholeheartedly that if you achieve something, it’s a blessing, and if you don’t, it wasn’t meant to be. The sooner you accept this, the faster you guard yourself against discontentment and unhappiness. Moving on from failures quickly is essential because, in this mortal life, happiness and contentment are the ultimate prizes.

I believe that true spiritual happiness lies in our relationship with God. If you achieve what you need and want, it’s a blessing; if you don’t, it wasn’t meant to be. Accept this, because we can’t afford to accumulate disappointment and stress. Time is running out. If we understand this spiritual reciprocity with God, we might succeed in all kinds of relationships. Understanding our place in the world, and our connection with others, helps us give and receive love more easily. For example, children who recognize their parents’ provision of food and shelter will respect them more deeply. Couples who understand spiritual reciprocity may enjoy loving, successful relationships. But when we live only as physical creatures, focused on dominance and personal gain, we lose the opportunity for true peace.

Our group identities reflect our individual ones. If we take the next step in our evolution, we can move beyond the divisions and wars born of our animal instincts. Ignoring the physical realities of dominance means missing out on our spiritual growth, and in turn, failing to achieve peace. As individuals and as a collective, we aren’t there yet. The balance between the physical and spiritual aspects of life is still elusive. But if we can learn to see ourselves as creatures evolving into spiritual beings, we’ll better understand where things are going wrong. If you’re unhappy, particularly in your relationships, start with a deeper understanding of the spiritual relationship between you and God. After all, you’re alive because of oxygen and other favorable conditions beyond your control. So what are you doing for God? Since God doesn’t need anything from us, our duty is to help those around us, as they are God’s helping hands. Through physical help, we manifest spirituality into physical reality.

Understanding this reciprocity is key to understanding relationships. If you’re stuck living exclusively in the physical world, you’re limiting yourself and won’t grasp the spiritual side of life. Deep happiness and contentment are tied to spirituality. You can see this truth in how people find satisfaction in giving and being helpful. Apply this to your personal relationships and see how things change. The main challenge is that both sides must learn to give and receive simultaneously for a relationship to succeed. If you’re only focused on dominating each other, you’re living purely in the physical world. True growth lies in balancing both realms.

RELIGIONS; SAVIORS OR POTENTIAL CAUSE OF THE END OF HUMANITY.

May 20, 2021 by dancingbottle

Regardless of religion, religious beliefs can touch individuals in unique ways. Much like music, they affect us differently, and there is no clear explanation for why some people take matters to the extreme while others remain moderate. Belief can bless individuals with hope, optimism, and a spiritually healthy environment. Conversely, it can lead to violent reactions driven by hormonal responses. Problems arise when religions become entangled with the politics of group belonging. This can push individuals backward, preventing them from questioning their reactions and allowing them to be politically manipulated.

If religions provided the spirituality they were meant to, individuals could benefit spiritually and live comfortable mortal lives by having a belief system. However, our religions are not immune to the politics of group belonging, making religious disputes long-lasting and bloody. Despite our advancements and current knowledge, we are still far from overcoming these issues. We continue to kill each other, rob resources, and dehumanize one another. While we evolve scientifically, technologically, and medically, we remain socially and spiritually stuck, trailing behind by about three thousand years.

Today, we know our bodies are composed of ten trillion cells and we cannot function without the hundred trillion bacteria we carry. Our cells constantly die and are reproduced, making life and death an ongoing process within us. If life and death exist at a cellular level, we should understand life’s purpose. If our existence relies on the functioning of our cells and body, we should respect life, both our own and others’.

Delving deeper, the death of a few cells among trillions would not impact the body’s functioning. However, if more cells die than can be reproduced, the body will inevitably die. This concept extends to humanity and our connection to God. Our origins and purpose are fundamental questions. We start as a cell, form, and are born into families and groups we did not choose. These groups, whether by color, race, nation, or religion, are our initial encounters. We are part of groups not by choice but by birth, making us innocent regardless of political situations. Yet, people are killed for their appearance or beliefs.

If a group considers itself separate from humanity, it defies nature because we all pass the genetic test of being human. Our social evolution is stuck in the past; we kill each other, claim territories, and expect others to flee. This behavior is reminiscent of bush or cave times. Despite our evolving nature, we remain tied to this mentality. We belong to humanity as a whole, sharing genetic makeup, needs, and sufferings.

Our sense of group belonging shackles us politically. Can we break these chains and unite as humanity? Yes, but the politics of belonging hinders this leap of faith. Recognizing our place in humanity can help us override group politics. Physically, we belong to humanity, and spiritually, to God. Understanding this can lead to personal and collective evolution, but remaining stuck in group politics can have deadly consequences.

Denying humanity and God’s existence due to political reasons ignores physical and spiritual realities. The politics of group belonging creates alternate realities, but proof of peaceful coexistence exists in melting pot societies. Conversely, groups teaching exclusivity lead to conflict. Nature and God point to life’s universality. Spirituality is universal and does not require religious affiliation, but group politics hinders this recognition.

Scientifically, we connect brewing weather extremes to global warming. Medically, we understand blood transfusion’s benefits despite religious opposition. We save lives through stem cell research and genetic code analysis. Modern diseases like COVID-19 demand global cooperation, but group politics persist. Our technologies, like the internet and space stations, should unite us but are politically abused. We are physically connected to humanity and spiritually to God.

Individual belief systems are difficult to change under group political influence. Group politics exploits our insecurities. Mortality remains unchanged despite political promises of security. Religions even promise heaven post-death with political conditions, indicating strength in numbers. Spirituality and mortality are universal truths. Any group claiming to provide ultimate security defies this reality.

Our societies are riddled with politically twisted truths. No one is superior due to their color, gender, nation, or belief system. Believing you’ll go to heaven solely because of group affiliation implies God’s imperfection, which is a politically induced spiritual crime. Religions prescribe living boundaries but ignore our autonomy. You carry your personal autonomy in every cell, breathing your quota of oxygen and living with God’s will. Your group’s relevance in this holy picture is minimal.

Understanding your significance dictates your relevance. God intended humans to be significant, but political leaders, religious or otherwise, control populations by making individuals feel insecure. Individuals are crucial; without cells, the body is doomed. If you believe you are insignificant, groups can use you for their agendas, even spiritual crimes. Such actions lead to living hells and undermine personal autonomy.

Religion should offer spiritual paths, but history shows that even Buddhists kill in religion’s name, driven by politics. The Palestine-Israel conflict exemplifies political over spiritual motives. If religions succumb to political belonging, spiritual satisfaction for individuals is unattainable. Spirituality is a direct connection between God and individuals, not mediated by groups. Individual autonomy can question group motives, changing the status quo that has persisted for thousands of years.

Recognizing individual importance can extinguish ancient conflicts. Middle Eastern conflicts highlight the incompatibility of politics and spirituality. Religions starting from individual spirituality have devolved into political entities, losing spiritual essence. We suffer from religious disputes because spirituality and politics don’t mix. Group politics prevails over individual spirituality. Religious disputes continue not because spirituality lacks place in humanity but because politics and spirituality clash.

Recognizing our personal autonomy and related spiritual traits, like free will, justice, compassion, and love, is essential. Treating others as you wish to be treated is a spiritual principle. Spirituality isn’t easy amidst political group dynamics, but true spiritual defense lies in God, not group affiliation. Political groups can pray but can’t secure spiritual well-being, which is personal and divine. Spiritual comfort in mortality doesn’t come from political belonging.

Despite teachings, seeking God requires personal introspection. Not utilizing your autonomy creates personal hells. Each of us is blessed with free will, making us responsible for our actions. Misguided religious teachings can mislead individuals into believing group actions guarantee heaven. Our challenge is self-understanding. Without autonomy, we are like other creatures. Understanding spiritual autonomy sets us apart. We convert spiritual essence into physical actions, but misuse can lead to negative outcomes.

The blend of physical and spiritual elements makes us unique. We transform spirituality into physical actions, making individuals vital. Ignoring personal autonomy leads to political manipulation. Political involvement without spiritual integrity results in discriminatory and prejudiced actions. Living without spiritual principles leads to unfulfilled experiences.

Establishing a relationship with God requires spiritual reciprocation, which politics hinders. Political beliefs in religion promise heaven but can create living hells. Preached teachings can undermine self-belief. Recognizing ourselves as integral to the holy picture is crucial. We are miracles of God, converting spiritual concepts into actions. Lack of self-respect stems from political preaching, controlling ordinary individuals.

Groups rely on individual contributions for survival. Not knowing our worth is our deficiency, and overcoming it is our responsibility. Respecting individual importance fosters communal and spiritual peace. Middle Eastern conflicts have robbed love and perpetuated violence, driven by group politics. Religions selling souls to politics lose spirituality. Individuals spiritually compromised can’t use personal justice.

Groups preach false security to weak individuals, who buy into political promises. Spiritual impotence leads to susceptibility to political manipulation. Recognizing individual importance and standing up can extinguish conflicts. Politics and spirituality are incompatible. Our Middle Eastern conflict illustrates this. Religions try to justify violence, but true spirituality rejects it.

Discovering personal autonomy and related spiritual traits is vital. Acting with spiritual justice prevents harm. Understanding our significance leads to mutual respect and peace. Seeking spirituality within enhances life. True spiritual defense comes from God, not group politics. Individual spiritual autonomy is crucial for personal and collective peace.

Logically, if you use your ability to choose with free will, you are — and at the very least, should believe that you are — the CEO of your life. Not taking responsibility for your life can be attributed to other factors, like the politics of belonging, so you can’t simply blame God for not being blessed with everything like others. Interestingly, from the very beginning, we all have to deal with the powerful and highly preached sense of belonging to our groups. However, there has always been, is, and will always be a segment of the population that thinks independently and takes responsibility for their actions. The sense of belonging not only affects us politically, but it also has long-reaching effects that penetrate deeply into our psyche and physicality. Only spiritually are we safe from its influence; in all other ways, we are compelled to respond emotionally and physically due to our education, thoughts, and the hormonal secretions that follow.

If you don’t understand, you can’t think, and if you can’t think, you can’t find solutions. You may even believe there is nothing wrong with your behavior simply because you are surrounded by people who think and believe like you. A group of people can have a tremendous effect on individuals who belong to it by birth. The brainwashing power of the politics of belonging molds people into puppets and useful fuel for the war machine. If something is popular in society, as children, we would idolize it and naturally desire to follow it because it comes to us from our authority figures.

Logically, we’ve been around for millions of years, so in the time of living in bushes or caves, no one would have conceived of becoming a lawyer, doctor, politician, businessperson, or professional athlete. We are born into today’s times, so our automatic desire will be to pursue whatever is popular now. Since we are blessed with free will, we can choose to work hard, starve ourselves, and suffer endlessly in the pursuit of fitting in, impressing others, or dying with the desire to be admired by those around us.

The blessing of free will gets overlooked and compromised if you don’t personally assume the responsibility of being the CEO of your life. It’s all about cause and effect, so if you can’t go far back and understand the causes of your extreme behaviors, you won’t even acknowledge that you have a problem. For instance, if you don’t understand the importance of balancing the sense of belonging with the sense of freedom, you won’t recognize that your health and happiness are connected to your thoughts. You wouldn’t even think to search for solutions to problems like body dysmorphia, bulimia, anorexia, anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts. Whether this self-destruction stems from mental health issues, the acceptance of personal weaknesses, or fiery, inspiring speeches from leaders of belonging groups, it is still your personal duty to understand the cause or causes of your radical behaviors. Never forget that your free will has been given to you so you can make independent decisions to stay balanced. Having free will and the ability to use it makes us responsible for all our actions. It’s not about making extreme choices; it’s about creating balance.

Remember, if you have lost your self-esteem due to your imbalances, you won’t even consider yourself an independent entity, let alone the CEO of your life. Now, look at your decisions — are you taking destructive chances for the sake of others? If you don’t stand up for yourself, who will? How far are you willing to go for a sense of belonging? Will you hurt yourself, or on the flip side, hurt others and end up in jail, thus hurting yourself in more ways than one? Regardless of which extreme you lean toward, you will end up harming yourself. Interestingly, you are the most important part of this picture, yet you are openly and proudly hurting yourself — by choice. As the CEO, your best bet is to create balance; otherwise, you may be hurting without even knowing the causes. There’s nothing wrong with having a sense of belonging until it goes too far and you start hurting others or even yourself because of it.

Individually understanding the importance of becoming the CEO of your life is crucial because the sense of belonging might be the most formidable challenge to your personal sense of freedom. From individual health problems all the way to political and even holy wars — and everything in between — is tainted by the politics of belonging. Its tentacles extend into everything humanity has to offer, both good, bad, and ugly.

As an individual, you may think you are strong-willed, but your actions reveal the real picture. If you push your limits to fit in and sacrifice everything for the approval of those you belong to, remember that this makes others strong, not you. As the CEO of your mortal life, you know that your time is limited, and you must create balance to take care of yourself.

Whether you believe in God or not, whether God exists somewhere in space or within every cell of your body, or whether you feel strongly influenced by your hormones and suppress your intellect to follow what your group says, one thing remains clear: you are an incredibly complex and constantly evolving being. Therefore, logically, nothing should ever be considered ultimate knowledge. Whether it relates to society, medicine, science, technology, or even God, as human individuals, we are never done learning.

As long as we continue to evolve, everything will always be open to question, because we are learning new things every day. When it comes to the politics of belonging to our groups, regardless of their authenticity, there is a lot of room for assumptions regarding traditions, customs, rituals, and rules. Our arguments often transcend individual intellect, yet, being mortal, it’s all about how individuals live their lives—whether they benefit from or are harmed by believing what their group believes. It’s not about real rewards in heaven or punishments in hell. It’s not even about the physicality of life after death or the world we’ve been taught to believe in. It’s about how we live during our time on Earth. If we become good people because of our religious knowledge, then having a belief system is an asset. If we commit spiritual crimes in the name of religion or God, that’s due to the politics of belonging—spirituality has nothing to do with it. If you’re thinking politically for the survival of your group, say so. Don’t bring God or religion into it.

To me, it’s all about what a belief system can do for the individual during their living years. Did they live their life as a good and decent person, or did they kill and rob love from others in the name of their group? In short, our living years are our physical reality, and life beyond them is a metaphorical reality. If you place metaphorical reality above your own or others’ physical reality, you’ve taken a political path and strayed from spirituality. You risk becoming an extension of a cult, losing your individuality. You remove all responsibility from yourself and undermine your humanity. Every human being has a spark of autonomy and can use free will and personal justice to become reasonable, compassionate, and loving. This isn’t just for individual peace but for collective harmony as well.

The world is where it is today because we’ve been discovering what makes sense to us. To me, not believing in God means everything happened randomly. The so-called scientific explanation of the universe beginning with an exploding marble that is continually expanding is not a clear enough answer, even if it comes from the scientific community. We should ask, where did the marble come from, and why did it explode? The organization we see in the chaos may seem random, but even dissecting a worm shows that life thrives on order. Since life surrounds us, we should respect it while we are alive, instead of killing each other over who is right about the beginning or end of life. Wisdom is recognizing and respecting even the smallest, simplest forms of life, like a worm or a virus. There is great sophistication, wisdom, and order in how they function, so not believing is just as questionable as believing. If we can remove the politics of belonging, we’d be more open to questioning, which is the foundation of learning and growth.

The problem is that the politics of belonging has overtaken our religious beliefs, tainting our spirituality. Religions have left their spiritual messages behind and become political authorities. They’ve traded God for political power and control, succumbing to the lucrative business of governance. They’ve used individuals, God, and everything in between to maintain political relevance.

They’ve even waged wars, destroying the beauty of spiritual belief systems and converting them into ugly political realities. Our group politics of belonging has overridden spiritual principles. If religions had stuck to spirituality, we would all be praying and worshipping God under one roof, regardless of our differences and group affiliations. Who am I kidding? This is just my dream—that people will overcome their divisions, especially when it comes to our metaphorical realities. God and spirituality should always be above the politics of belonging, but that’s not the way it is. So, I strive to work against the extreme politics of religious beliefs. My dream is to bring the beauty of spirituality and equal justice for all to the forefront, so people see humanity as one organism, or dare I say, God. Different colors, sizes, and shapes, but one humanity with equal human rights and justice for all.

It’s not about who has the right or wrong opinion regarding what happens before or after life. It’s about who lives an internally and externally successful mortal life.

Unfortunately, even our best scientists haven’t been able to prove everything beyond a doubt, yet they take pride in repeatable facts. They haven’t been able to break down and explain our repeatable metaphorical realities like love, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, honor, pride, the reasons for our hormonal responses, the placebo effect of healing, and many everyday truths and lies. So, no one should dismiss others’ spiritual beliefs unless their knowledge is unquestionably correct and free from assumptions. What came before the Big Bang, and why did the Big Bang happen?

Another issue societies face is the politics of belonging, which infiltrates everything we do. Yes, we are progressing, but our evolution in science and technology hasn’t helped resolve our social and moral issues. Our politically influenced and imbalanced evolution raises more questions than answers. As individuals, we must overcome the lure of group politics. As governing authorities, we should rise above the politics of belonging to specific groups. In today’s world of equal human rights, our governing authorities should adopt a justice system that treats everyone equally. Since spirituality and justice don’t mix with politics, the majority’s beliefs shouldn’t matter when it comes to justice and spirituality. Whether it’s science-based or religion-based, if it serves only some people and not all, it’s potentially prejudicial, discriminatory, and political. Even if it’s democratic, it must uphold equal justice. Humanity has suffered enough from the loss of individuality in the name of belonging to groups. It’s time to change the way we think and govern. Whatever groups preach and practice, whether they are based on race, nation, or religion, they should never bypass equal spiritual justice.

We have been, and are still, openly taught to feel superior to others. If you succeed in making others feel inferior, it is even better. The question is: Is that political or not? The same politics have been used by religions to make even their own followers feel inferior, irrelevant, and meaningless in comparison to God and the Devil. The purpose behind such openly preached education is to have power and control over ordinary individuals so they can be easily governed. The root causes of individual low self-respect and self-esteem are deeply tied to the politics of belonging, especially when it comes to religious affiliations.

It’s clear to see why ordinary people are often preached not to have confidence, self-respect, or self-esteem, particularly concerning matters of the afterlife. The fear of hell’s punishment and the greed for heaven’s rewards are taught as if they are absolute truths, yet no one has ever returned to provide evidence. If you question these teachings, you’re labeled a non-believer, as if you’re responsible for their shortcomings. Let’s look at how political figures can twist, turn, and hide unclear truths and still get away with it. If you give people a task, they might follow it for a while, but a high percentage will eventually fail, similar to a New Year’s resolution. Instead of blaming the program, they silently accept it as their own shortcoming.

We believe in our religions wholeheartedly, so rather than questioning or blaming their practices, we assume there is nothing wrong with them. But when spiritual problems arise, if God can’t be responsible, then you—the individual—must be. This leaves the religious group free from blame and enjoying a position of trust. Since you already believe you’re irrelevant and have accepted yourself as a sinner, you take the blame. What an easy way for religions to continue their politics without being questioned. Even if you challenge the authenticity of their traditions, customs, rituals, and rules, you’re threatened with being shunned and told that you’re committing an even bigger sin. Yet, despite these politically tainted belief systems, the ordinary individual still believes their religion is a spiritual and true path to God.

Over the centuries, religions have resisted scientifically proven facts to remain politically relevant. They’ve opposed everything from blood transfusions to legal abortion, genetic coding, stem cell research, and more. Medical advancements that save lives are often criticized by religious groups. Yet, interestingly, when it comes to personal health, many of these same people shamelessly use the modern medical procedures they criticize. Despite this hypocrisy, they continue to believe in whatever their religion preaches.

To me, saving lives is the ultimate spiritual act because it preserves the “working hand” of God, helping to convert spirituality into physical actions. People are quick to judge and say we’re meddling in God’s work, but remember to ask: How does God’s work get done? You may not get a clear answer. It’s fascinating that nearly every other type of human knowledge has been rigorously questioned, yet religious knowledge—despite its brutal history—is largely exempt from this scrutiny.

Using the “carrot and stick” philosophy may work for other creatures—what we call animals. But applying this philosophy to humans equates us with animals. While we may have an animalistic side, we also carry a spiritual side, which sets us apart. Treating humans as mere animals is degrading and contradicts spiritual truth. Our “atom of autonomy” allows us to self-regulate and evolve to higher levels of existence. Physically, we may function like animals, but spiritually, we transcend them.

Our compassion, sense of justice, ability to forgive, willingness to sacrifice, and capacity for unconditional love have nothing to do with being animals but everything to do with being human. So, treating humans with the carrot-and-stick approach is a spiritual mistake. Some may not clearly understand this concept of the atom of autonomy, but these spiritual qualities are not just learned behaviors—they are potential gifts we bring into the world from before birth.

You may question this, considering the crimes we commit against each other, and conclude that we are similar to animals. Unfortunately, humans are often compared to animals when discussing behavior, so those who commit crimes are treated like animals. But this comparison is flawed. Unlike animals, humans can learn, grow, and change over time. The carrot-and-stick philosophy doesn’t work for humans in the long run. We evolve, but other creatures do not. So, comparing humans to animals is simply wrong, and applying the same philosophy to everyone should be questioned.

I was curious about crime rates in different societies, so I looked for answers on Google. The country with the lowest crime rate, at seven per 100,000, is Switzerland. The safest countries in the world to raise a family are:

1. Iceland
2. New Zealand
3. Austria
4. Portugal
5. Denmark
6. Canada
7. Czech Republic
8. Singapore

Interestingly, with the exception of Singapore, most of these nations are not exclusively religious. Why didn’t more religious nations make the list? This is a question for all religious people, as many believe that a religious person is morally superior to a non-religious one. Where’s the disconnect? Why can’t religious societies maintain low crime rates? Why are people generally less happy in religious nations? Should religious societies be doing some soul-searching and cleaning up their act?

According to a UN-sponsored report, the happiest places in the world for four consecutive years were:

1. Finland
2. Denmark
3. Switzerland
4. Iceland
5. Netherlands

As I mentioned, these findings raise questions about the governing systems of religious nations. These societies were supposed to be connected directly to God, providing human beings with spiritual satisfaction, happiness, and contentment. If you want to solve this puzzle, the key is to question, question, and question.

Personally, I believe if religions had treated individuals with dignity, kept spirituality as the true path to God, and avoided the politics of belonging, they would have the happiest people with the lowest crime rates. If you examine the success of these societies, you’ll find fascinating insights. Whether you believe in God or not, you’ll find all the spirituality you need in these nations, which we often label as “godless” or “non-religious.” If they are better places to raise families, then religious societies must learn to question themselves. You may take pride in being religious, but you should also question why religious societies fail to achieve low crime rates and high individual happiness.

Even if you remain loyal to your group, you must still ask yourself: Why?

A society with religion but no success in reducing crime or promoting individual happiness and contentment is a concern we all should have. People don’t follow religious rules because their religion may be tainted by hidden politics, spiritually impotent, or because individuals are not valued and respected. You have to find your own reasons and question everything. Remember, it’s not all about the afterlife. It’s about how you live now. If you are not happy in this life and are in the habit of being unhappy, how will you find happiness even after death? It’s not the sacrifices you make in life that will earn you a place in heaven, but the help and support you give to others. It’s not about your prayers or fasting—it’s about turning spiritual thoughts into physical actions.

If I were to choose one known function of life and examine its accuracy and sophistication, it wouldn’t be fair to focus solely on that. In general, when we look at the functioning of our bodies and our ability to act independently, using compassion, justice, and love, we see what sets us apart from other animals. I emphasize “known functions” because we are still evolving and don’t know everything about ourselves yet. If you start to examine yourself critically, you’ll not only begin to believe in God, but you’ll also gain respect for other human beings and yourself.

All the known and unknown abilities of an individual are wasted when someone is killed or kills in the name of group politics. Killing or being killed for a cause is common in many societies, and much of this is tied to the politics of belonging. We affiliate with groups to fit in, and sometimes, we go to great lengths to impress others in order to feel accepted. Our sense of admiration and acceptance is tied to this need to belong. If your sense of belonging is distorted, you must awaken your sense of freedom to align it with your true self, allowing you to make decisions that prioritize the importance of your life.

Throwing away a perfectly functioning body in the name of a cause or just to fit in with others is a clear sign of personal weakness. Stand up to your potential as a human being. Every individual has two sides, and with these two sides, they must commit to creating balance. Our spiritual and physical sides are connected and influence our behavior. The physical side seeks security because it recognizes mortality, while the spiritual side finds inner peace by connecting to the divine source. Extremes of either side are harmful because, as mortals, we seek to experience life in the physical world. Going to extremes is unwise and unspiritual because we are still evolving. When you are an unfinished product, you cannot claim to know everything, no matter how many books you’ve read. You are still learning, so extreme decisions, like killing or getting killed, are ill-advised.

Religion, medicine, and music have influenced us for millennia, giving us the illusion that we know everything. Yet, despite this, we continue to learn more every day. The idea that we know everything is not to diminish anyone’s knowledge but to highlight the evolving nature of human beings. God gives humans the opportunity to enjoy this mortal life, and the only way to fully enjoy it is through our physical, animal side. Controlling or killing that side is impossible because we are intertwined in such a way that one cannot live without the other. It’s not divine wisdom to suppress or destroy it; it’s often more about fitting in, impressing, or seeking admiration from those around us.

A healthy individual should approach life with balance, reciprocating the gifts of life by contributing to the greater good. Enjoying good food, for example, satisfies the animal side, but being useful to others is equally important. God’s work needs to be done regardless. If everyone became a monk, solely receiving but not giving, society would collapse, as people would depend on others to sustain them. How would humanity function?

You can cover yourself in ashes and walk around naked without showering for years, or wear a hijab and claim to be pure in your social setting. But none of this will stop the Earth from rotating around the sun. Physical and spiritual cleanliness mean little to God if you’re not there to reciprocate. Your prayers, fasting, and personal sacrifices stem from customs passed down by the religious or political groups you’ve chosen to follow.

Your spiritual work is directly between you and God because you are a subcontractor working for Him. If you can help those suffering and praying to God but choose not to, you are not fulfilling your role. You can worship and sacrifice all you want, but if you’re an able person and you don’t help others, you are not reciprocating. In my opinion, everyone who works is reciprocating. Some may argue they are only working for pay, but if you look closely, you’ll see that humans help each other. The actions may seem directed at other humans, but ultimately, they serve God. If you seek God spiritually and cannot find Him, look at the humans helping others, for they are reciprocating to God.

The real filth you should seek to remove is your spiritual filth. If you can pray to God without remorse while committing acts like bombing and killing innocent people, you are disrespecting the identity God has given you. You can have political reasons, but a spiritual crime is still a spiritual crime. You are responsible because you’ve been blessed with free will, which gives you the role of a subcontractor. You may care about physical hygiene, but in truth, it is spiritual hygiene that matters most.

God has blessed us with free will, giving us equal power to make our own decisions. Some may believe this isn’t true, arguing that even leaves don’t move without God’s will. But look around—do we move through life like puppets? We live within families, raised by the same parents, yet we grow into different individuals. We choose different paths, value different things, and even express faith in different ways. Why the differences? Does God truly want us all to be the same? This isn’t about discrediting anyone’s knowledge, but about making sense of our individuality.

If leaves can’t move without God’s will, how can someone abort a child without it? We often place God on a pedestal because we feel so vulnerable—we can’t even breathe without oxygen. God’s will is indeed supreme, but by giving us free will, He made us subcontractors, tasked with fulfilling His work. We choose how we complete the tasks assigned to us, and this should elevate our sense of responsibility.

To illustrate this: a drug lord can help his community so much that people begin to believe it’s their duty to protect him, despite knowing that drugs are killing people elsewhere. If you ignore the damage caused by drugs and keep supporting the drug lord because it benefits your community, is that truly just? This behavior exemplifies the politics of belonging, which often robs individuals of their personal sense of justice. When belonging to a group clouds your judgment, you are not fulfilling your role as an individual. This is the destruction of the individual, and a destroyed individual cannot be a subcontractor for God. Now, take this a step further: replace the drug lord with a prime minister or religious leader. Ask yourself—how are you doing?

God gives us all an equal opportunity to be good or bad. Knowing your own spiritual level of goodness or badness is crucial. If you lack a personal sense of justice, you will follow the rules, rituals, and customs of your group without question. This makes you subservient to people, not a subcontractor for God. The more you preach the politics of your group, the less valuable you become as an individual. If you can’t see how drugs harm people beyond your community, or how your nation or religion mistreats others, your sense of belonging has replaced your sense of justice and reverence for God. You cannot overcome the politics of belonging without personal responsibility and justice.

PHYSICAL REALITY

My writing primarily aims to foster spiritual awareness in individuals. While I am interested in global politics, my goal is not to change people as groups or to start a new cult. My focus is on the modern individual who lives in an era where equal human rights are paramount and who is concerned about global warming rather than metaphorically believing that throwing virgins over cliffs would please God. I believe that an educated individual is more beneficial to humanity and their respective communities. Understanding the politics of belonging can enhance both individual and collective well-being.

As groups, we are merely collections of individuals. If individuals improve, they can positively influence their groups. Although I may not see significant changes in my lifetime, if we continue to evolve individually, we might eventually bring about collective progress. The transition from barbarism to advocating for equal human rights did not happen overnight. Our progress is evident in the advancements of the modern world. Unfortunately, we remain entangled in group politics, and our individual insecurities must be examined critically. We are often drawn to the politics of our sense of belonging to our groups, believing that security comes only from being surrounded by those who share our identity. This flawed logic keeps us weak, vulnerable, and irrelevant, even though, logically, a group’s foundation is its individuals. If we all understood this, we could influence our group’s political policies. Change requires individuals to have backbone, address their causes of irrelevance, and take responsibility for their actions.

I personally dislike seeing individuals being used, especially when they eagerly agree to it, even if it contradicts their spiritual values. This is why I focus on helping individuals recognize their worth. While this may not be popular in today’s politics of belonging, the growing emphasis on individual rights suggests that individuals will soon be acknowledged as central to all aspects of life, whether political or spiritual.

For thousands of years, we have been taught that the collective is more important than the individual, whether through race, nation, or religion. All have demanded that individuals be subservient and irrelevant compared to the group. Although this is politically understandable, it is not spiritually sound. True spirituality would be based on equal justice, whether between individuals or between individuals and groups, because equal justice is crucial in the spiritual realm. By critically and logically examining our personal feelings, we can understand that human insecurities form the foundation of politically successful groups. Whether it is a gang, community, nation, or religion, insecure individuals seek security in numbers, thereby diminishing their personal importance and self-esteem. Recognizing this internally provides spiritual insight that there is no ultimate security for us mortals. This is evident in our acceptance of disease and death. Gangs, communities, nations, and religions may offer prayers and well-wishes, but they cannot provide security from the realities of mortality.

Understanding this and overcoming insecurities may allow you to view your life differently and potentially become the CEO of your own existence. This means thinking beyond hormonal feelings, understanding the politics behind group messages, and viewing traditions, customs, rituals, and rules in a new light. If you cannot see the politics behind these elements, you are not truly in control; you are merely following and accepting what your group dictates. Feelings of irrelevance, unimportance, and uselessness stem from your group, not from a higher power. Without being a true CEO of your life, you remain susceptible to control and manipulation as a less evolved, genetically programmed being.

The emphasis on the collective over the individual has been ingrained in our political education for centuries, and changing this will require significant individual effort. Progress is occurring, albeit slowly, because groups are reluctant to relinquish their political power. However, with the rise of equal human rights, doors are gradually opening for individuals and spiritual justice.

Remember, we are spiritual entities because we each carry our personal sense of justice from before birth. The increasing strength of equal human rights reflects our willingness, as individuals, to contribute when we are given equal rights. However, the dynamics change when we consider groups. Politics of power and control lead groups to hide behind promises of individual security. They preach prejudicial and discriminatory politics, manipulating their followers to accept these views for political gain.

This is why it is crucial for individuals to become educated and spiritually aware enough to understand the importance of being the CEO of their own lives. If you claim that your group makes you prejudicial and discriminatory, it means you are being influenced politically as well. As human beings, we are not genetically programmed to be controlled by any political group or religion, let alone by God. Therefore, the responsibility for our actions rests solely on our own shoulders. We are blessed with an atom of autonomy—a divine-like entity endowed with free will and a sense of justice. Genetically and spiritually, we are unique entities with the freedom to make choices, making us accountable for our actions regardless of the political ideologies we encounter.

If religions teach you that you are irrelevant, it is because they want to obscure your understanding of your true importance. If you realize how crucial you are in the divine scheme, these institutions would lose their power over you. Similarly, in today’s world, understanding that spirituality cannot be converted into physical actions without you would boost your self-esteem and self-respect, free from the fear of hell or the greed for heaven. Political groups cannot afford this realization, as it would undermine their control over you.

This triangular framework simplifies your responsibilities: first, change yourself individually, then influence your family, community, nation, and religion, all of which fall under the category of political groups. Spirituality, on the other hand, is independent and personal. Understanding your reality helps you avoid being politically used. Becoming secure in your own mortality allows you to maintain this balance.

I place physical reality at the top corner because no one should be deprived of their physical reality for the sake of someone else’s metaphorical or virtual reality. Our metaphorical and virtual realities should always occupy the bottom corners, regardless of how they appear to us personally. Your metaphorical and virtual realities should not surpass your physical reality. When comparing them, you must experience and evaluate them through your physical existence. For example, despite what extremists might claim, you cannot justify killing someone in the name of God. We have historically and continue to kill each other based on appearances, worship practices, and beliefs. This has more to do with the politics of group belonging than with God. Ultimately, it comes down to individual responsibility. We must seek to grow beyond the politics of belonging to our groups and recognize the importance of each individual, even those from opposing groups.

By looking beyond the politics of belonging, you will discover that, spiritually, there are no differences. We all, regardless of our taught differences, come, live, and go the same way. Mortality should teach us about the meaning of our lives. Why are we under the influence of group politics? Why do we lack self-esteem and respect for ourselves and others? Why do we feel irrelevant even from our own perspectives? And why do we fail to recognize that a crime is a crime, regardless of whether it is committed against someone from our group or another? If we would not like to be on the receiving end of our own actions, it indicates that our actions are spiritually flawed. Understanding this should make us realize that political actions can indeed translate into spiritual crimes.

If your job involves killing people with computer-controlled drones, it belongs to your virtual reality. Prioritizing your virtual reality over physical reality for political reasons constitutes a crime. If you take a life, it is no longer a game. Recognize that you are influenced by the politics of belonging, and this comes down to your individual responsibility. A spiritually aware individual should feel guilt from such actions; if you do not, you need to critically examine yourself, as you will eventually have to confront your own sense of autonomy.

If we all change individually, our groups would be compelled to change with us because we fuel their political power. Not everyone will understand group politics, especially those influenced by their sense of belonging. As human beings, we have relied on group politics since our awareness began. Recently, we have entered a new paradigm of equal human rights. Calls from our nature—such as concerns about global warming, infectious diseases, and justice—are not just necessities but responsibilities. The potential annihilation of humanity is driving people to emerge from their political confines to address larger issues. With the rapid spread of education through the internet, much work remains to be done.

The political tree of our belonging has always been rooted in political lies and twisted truths, while spirituality and equal justice represent pure truths. If you attempt to raise justice and spirituality-based beliefs, like religion, on your political tree, you will encounter trouble. Personal religious beliefs may lose their spiritual essence, leading to inner conflicts and dissatisfaction as a mortal being.

Your justice system would lose its essence of blind truth, causing you to lose respect for it, as you are equipped with your own sense of justice. Ignoring this due to political belonging could lead to a loss of self-respect as an honest individual. Political thorns will damage the delicate fruit of ethics. Thus, I believe we should keep our justice system and spirituality separate from politics.

Today, being human is as complex as ever. We need governing systems for political affairs, yet as mortals, we require spiritual values. This means we must evolve to outgrow the politics of our groups and embrace humanity as a whole, balancing spiritual awareness with a happy, content, and successful mortal life. Living solely in the confusing world of physical, metaphorical, and virtual realities will not satisfy us spiritually. Balancing these aspects while respecting and prioritizing physical reality is essential. You can devote your life to a cause, but failing to achieve balance will not make you a successful CEO of your mortal life.

Science and technology are advancing, and we cannot avoid the progress related to our evolution. However, despite our abilities, we cannot treat real-life situations like video games. Progress should be balanced across all areas of life. Although medical advances have been significant, they have not overcome the politics of belonging. Similarly, respect for human life must be maintained above technological or metaphorical realities. Historical and contemporary examples show that group politics often disregard the importance of human life. It is time to evolve and place individual physical reality at the top of our priorities.

As evolving beings, we should understand that the power of knowledge remains valid until a new discovery disproves it. A wrong is wrong regardless of its source or who preaches it. Diminishing the value of physical reality not only disrespects human life but also disrespects God. When you undermine someone’s love based on metaphoric realities, it robs them of love and causes harm, making it a spiritual crime. Whether committed in the name of race, nation, religion, or even God, such actions are politically motivated. Human beings have long used everything, including God, for political purposes, so it is no surprise that people hide behind the politics of belonging.

In the age of virtual realities, confusion between metaphoric and physical realities can be dangerous, not just for individuals but for humanity as a whole. With our weapons of mass destruction, we have the potential to obliterate all our realities. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize that our politics of belonging to groups is no longer a natural condition. Essentially, removing physical reality erases everything else, so we must see and respect both our own and others’ physical realities.

As social creatures, we cannot live in isolation, and neither can our communities. Individuals are the lifeblood of groups, so balancing our evolution is both an individual and communal responsibility.

I hold great respect for the spiritual aspects of religions because they have the potential to make individuals better. However, those who exploit religion for political agendas, whether individually or collectively, may believe they are being spiritual. Yet, those who harm others under the guise of spirituality are merely engaging in politics of belonging, using God for political purposes.

Compassion and love cannot be forced or demanded. Voluntary actions should not be enforced as rules. If you impose rules, especially if they are prejudicial, discriminatory, or unjust, you lose the spiritual essence, reducing them to mere politics. Regardless of your intentions or political stance, there is always room for lies and distorted truths. Spirituality should not be coerced, even if it involves believing in God. If someone is forced to believe something, it becomes spiritually hollow. If it is merely politics, it should be openly acknowledged. Territorial disputes remain territorial until religion is intertwined with politics, often making religious conflicts more intense and bloody. We should follow spiritual rules out of love for God, not impose them on atheists, which might be acceptable politically but spiritually misaligned. God is a belief that remains undefined and understood, particularly for an evolving entity like us. If someone is spiritual but does not belong to your group, their connection to God is none of your business. Trying to interfere makes it political.

If you believe that God cannot handle or protect divine matters, you are likely influenced by politics rather than faith. Question why God created humans with an evolutionary nature. If we advance in every other area of life, why not in our understanding of God? Our genetic makeup has evolved, so we should trust that God can handle our progress. There is wisdom in believing that things are meant to be.

In the past, we threw virgins off cliffs to appease God. Today, we address global warming, advocate for human rights, explore Mars, develop vaccines, and avoid archaic practices. We have earned our place on Earth through advancements in genetics and medicine. While we are not in total control due to our ongoing evolution, we should recognize how these advancements occur. If you believe these achievements are without divine help, reconsider. God’s guidance has always been present in our evolution. Some see God as a distant entity, irrelevant to their lives, but if you examine God’s work, you may find answers. Denying divine influence means staying stuck in a zone where questioning and evolving with humanity’s needs is impossible. Conversely, if you think humans accomplish everything alone, consider that we need assistance for basic functions like breathing. Every human achievement follows our breath, beyond our control. Denying God’s role in our progress calls for a renewal of spirituality and faith. If we lacked the 2% genetic difference from chimps, we might still be in the bush, or even sacrificing virgins. Evolving with time means questioning the influence of your politics of belonging, as it can hinder your progress. Embracing spirituality beyond political affiliations and treating others as you would like to be treated helps join humanity rather than dominate it. Overcoming the politics of belonging reveals why, despite our advances, we still struggle with violence, even in the name of God.

If we all focus on our individual spirituality, we can make a difference not only in our lifetime but beyond it as well. Remember, a group cannot mediate between you and God; it is all about your deeds, not who or what you belong to. If belonging to a religion were sufficient, there would be no need for religions to encourage personal improvement. You would simply be granted spiritual benefits by virtue of your membership. It is clearly stated that you must carry your own burdens into the afterlife, so doing good in this life is essential. Religions expect personal effort, not just membership.

Heaven and hell are described as rewards or punishments, which can be likened to a “carrot and stick” approach, useful in training animals. However, as human beings, who possess a spiritual dimension, we should not need such methods to be virtuous. We are capable of self-regulation and require spiritual education rather than mere coercion. I distance myself from group politics that claim exclusivity to God based on membership. If these groups seek to foster goodness, they are placing the responsibility on individuals, which contradicts their claim that those outside their group are condemned regardless of their actions. To me, if God is not political, it does not make sense to argue that others’ salvation is restricted based on group affiliation.

This stance can be seen as prejudicial and discriminatory. If you believe that only members of your religion are destined for heaven, you might be adhering to a belief system that views God as discriminatory. While I respect the privilege of being born into a Muslim household and learning about God and spirituality, I find it problematic if one is taught that only Muslims are destined for heaven. Personal character and reciprocal responsibility are critical. Without these, one’s fate remains uncertain. The essence of spirituality is found in practical actions and personal connection with God.

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) clearly stated that helping the widows and the helpless is equal to jihad or worshiping all night and fasting all day (Sahih al-Bukhari 5353). Practical actions that help others are central to spirituality, transcending mere rituals and prayers. I believe that converting spirituality into physical actions is essential. If you fulfill your duty of reciprocation and align with your autonomy, you need not worry about your spiritual state, neither in this life nor beyond.

Prayers and worship are personal choices but do not alone convert spirituality into tangible actions. Reciprocation is a duty and a key to spiritual satisfaction. Since miracles are rare, physical action is necessary to contribute to God’s work. If you focus only on prayer and worship without contributing practically, you might question how God helps others. Spiritual entities require physical assistance, and that assistance comes from us.

If you are told that prayer, worship, fasting, and financial contributions alone will guarantee heaven, I would question that belief. Mere obedience, without fulfilling your purpose, is insufficient. If you are taught that your religious practices make you superior to others who do not worship as you do, reconsider your stance. The true spiritual purpose is to offer practical help to those in need, not merely to uphold exclusive religious practices. Believing that God can be used politically or for exclusive purposes is misguided. Your physical help is more meaningful to God than your worship alone. Without practical action, spiritual obedience loses its significance.

Regardless of your beliefs, if your spirituality benefits you while harming others, it is not truly spiritual. If you think that only those who follow your specific practices will be saved, and others will be condemned, this attitude undermines spirituality. Such beliefs are prejudiced and discriminatory, and do not belong in a spiritual context. We must be cautious about assumptions, especially those that project prejudice onto God. If you involve God in discrimination, you stray from true spirituality.

Our old politics has always been and continues to be based on the strength in numbers. If you want more power for your group, ask yourself honestly: does this truly reflect spirituality? Consider how you would feel if you were on the receiving end of your actions. If you stop acting politically, you might enter a more spiritual realm. Otherwise, you risk harming someone physically in favor of your metaphoric reality. When you prioritize your metaphoric and virtual realities over someone else’s physical reality, you not only succumb to political influences but also compromise your personal sense of justice and spirituality. Your personal values are directly connected to your atom of autonomy; straying from them may create internal conflicts.

We are all uniquely designed to evolve constantly and independently, which means our individual and collective knowledge is perpetually incomplete and evolving. No matter how authentic our understanding may be, it cannot be confined to a static box. I firmly believe in direct reciprocation between individuals and God, making the physical reality of human beings the most significant aspect of our spiritual existence. This means that if we are blessed with oxygen and a functioning body, we should ask ourselves what we are doing in return. The importance of being human is reflected in reciprocation, which I view as practical prayers and a real duty. While praying, worshiping, or believing in God religiously should be optional, reciprocation is a duty that should be taught. Even an atheist has a duty to reciprocate to achieve spiritual satisfaction. Without reciprocation, one risks taking without giving back, which can lead to spiritual dissatisfaction, regardless of worshiping, praying, or fasting.

Being aware and alive from within helps us understand our realities. Our evolution requires us to grasp the importance of both our physical and metaphoric realities. Recently, we have added a new dimension—virtual reality—that should not be trivialized or treated like a video game. Today, technology is used to devise new ways to harm others. Life can be confusing if we fail to understand and distinguish between our realities.

If you place your physical reality at the bottom of your priorities, you may continue living, but it is not natural for us, as our realities are intertwined. Our physical reality should be respected and maintained as a priority. For instance, love is a metaphoric reality. When someone dies, their loved ones continue to love them, even though the physical reality has changed drastically. While they cannot see the deceased physically, they can still feel love deeply in their souls.

Our sense of belonging to groups may not be physical, but it can make even the most educated among us act irrationally. It leads people to use religions for political purposes and to politicize justice systems, sometimes committing spiritual crimes such as prejudice and discrimination.

We have been killing each other for ego, pride, and honor. Bravery and sacrifice, though legitimate societal values, are not physical. While we cannot see them physically, their effects are undeniable both individually and collectively. As humans, our lives are more complex than those of other creatures. We must navigate not only our physical reality but also our social and religious traditions, customs, rituals, and societal rules. As we advance spiritually, we begin to question our indoctrinated education. Our mortal nature should teach us to prioritize our physical reality and that of others. This understanding helps us separate and appreciate both our physical and metaphoric realities, such as God, love, compassion, personal justice, and life after death.

If you are taught to ignore these realities and simply follow what your group demands, you are simplifying your life like other creatures, avoiding your responsibilities. This approach would be akin to burying your head in the sand, becoming less evolved. You would be avoiding the pressures of personal autonomy and the responsibilities to understand both your and others’ physical and metaphoric realities. Our lives are not as simple as eating, sleeping, and reproducing; we are not genetically programmed to be mere physical entities. Viewing yourself as such would be demoting yourself to the level of other genetically programmed creatures.

We must critically examine our metaphoric realities, regardless of what we have been taught. Choosing not to do so because of group politics can lead to harming others in the name of metaphoric beliefs, robbing them of their physical reality. Humanity has long engaged in such practices, and it is time for us to evolve individually enough to recognize wrong as wrong. We must respect physical reality over metaphoric constructs. While we have stopped barbaric practices, such as sacrificing virgins, we still harm one another over metaphoric beliefs. If you believe you are right and others are wrong, irrespective of the actual right or wrong, you are likely under the political influence of your group. Remember, we are evolving entities, and we must continue to evolve beyond the politics of belonging to enter an era of equal human rights free from prejudice and discrimination.

For millions of years, whether through religions or the belief system of reincarnation, evolution should have helped us overcome our animal instincts. If we are recycled old souls, shouldn’t our social and spiritual crimes have diminished by now? Clearly, this has not happened. First and foremost, I attribute this failure to our loyalties to the politics of group belonging. Our insecurities, born from political teachings that diminish individual relevance, contribute to this issue. Even our religions have fallen victim to the politics of belonging—or rather, to insecurity.

Religions have preached security, even in the afterlife, yet they have often acted worst when it comes to the politics of belonging. Religious wars have marked some of our bloodiest conflicts. These wars did not only occur during times of conflict; they involved continuous killing driven by political security and relevance. The extent of religiously motivated killings is so vast that it is hard to keep track. And it’s not over; it continues. People react passionately to their belief systems, and religions have exploited this passion, fueling the fire with the blood of their followers.

If we consider the value of the individual, religious groups should value it the most, as God’s work is carried out through physical human beings. Interestingly, they have often valued individuals the least, even when it contradicts spiritual principles. If human beings make spirituality manifest in physical form, how can killing them be in favor of God? God represents our metaphoric reality, and we make God a physical reality for those in need.

Regardless of how it feels to pray or worship, the real business of reciprocation cannot be ignored. Feelings of insignificance, irrelevance, or unimportance stem from the political side of religions, which aims to make individuals feel weak and insecure so they seek security within their groups. However, in spirituality, God is not a political entity. In spiritual practice, no one is treated unjustly, especially when it comes to reciprocation. Therefore, self-respect and self-esteem naturally arise from being spiritual.

Equal human rights are not confined to interactions between individuals; they transcend political boundaries. The role of the individual is crucial in translating spirituality into physical actions, making them central to our realities. If you remove the physicality from even God and the Devil, they become irrelevant because they cannot perform their tasks without physical assistance. Until human beings lend their hands, backs, and shoulders, miracles alone are insufficient. You can choose to believe otherwise, but that would disrupt everything. Without human involvement, everything becomes merely metaphoric, and metaphoric realities need physicality to be relevant. For example, if all that is good belongs to God and all that is bad to the Devil, removing the concepts of good and bad would leave human physicality as a neutral entity. Without human physicality, good and bad cannot exist, as physicality is necessary to measure the benefits or harms of metaphoric realities. In essence, good and bad do not become physical realities without human participation.

Powerful human realities such as love, hate, belief systems, and a sense of belonging to groups, along with related issues like ego, pride, and honor, are undeniable. However, scientifically, we are powerless to fully understand these metaphoric realities as repeatable facts in every individual. The complexities of these metaphoric realities still exceed our scientific knowledge because we do not yet fully understand ourselves.

A Muslim philosopher once said, and I will translate and quote as I read:

“Quote: A professor asked a student, ‘What is bad?’ The student replied, ‘I will tell you later, but first, I must ask you something. Does cold exist?’ The professor answered, ‘Yes.’ The student said, ‘No, cold does not exist; it is merely the absence of heat.’ The student then asked, ‘Does darkness exist?’ The professor replied, ‘Yes.’ The student said, ‘No, darkness does not exist; it is just the absence of light. According to physics, we can study light and heat but not cold and darkness. Bad is similar; it does not exist on its own, but is merely the absence of our faith, love, and total belief in God.’ End quote. This student was Al Barooni.”

As Al Barooni suggests, there is no cold, darkness, or bad—only the absence of heat, light, and divine goodness. Thus, understanding our realities requires logical explanations. If we cannot explain our metaphoric realities, we should at least respect our physical realities over our metaphoric and virtual ones. Our troubles arise when we follow the politics of our groups without questioning them. We may go to extremes without understanding where these extreme views come from, which could be linked to the politics of belonging and related hormonal responses.

I observe people crying, screaming, convulsing, and acting unusually simply by listening to their favorite rock star’s music or celebrating or mourning the performance of their sports team. Why do some people react this way and not others? Hormonal effects are a human reality, but they vary among individuals. If you find yourself reacting excessively, ask yourself why. If your hormones override your logical thinking, you should take your behavior seriously. In human societies, we have laws and order; we are no longer living in the wild. In our urban environment, we cannot let our hormones dictate our daily lives. If everyone lived according to their hormonal responses, chaos would ensue. If you feel overwhelmed, it is crucial to regulate and control your behavior. In today’s society, such control is necessary because we have evolved to live in cities with laws and order. Failing to follow these norms could result in losing control and freedom. We must learn to manage our hormonal and emotional responses and develop a deeper understanding of our metaphoric and physical realities.

Interestingly, when it comes to our hormonal responses, our groups often encourage behaviors that suit their political needs. They may punish you for certain actions in society but, when convenient, they might even send you to commit similar crimes against others. Depending on the politics, you could be praised and awarded as a hero for these actions. Unfortunately, your atom of autonomy is not political and does not acknowledge the politics tied to your group affiliations. According to the concept of the atom of autonomy, you are a free, God-like entity fully responsible for your actions. It is a straightforward spiritual matter, so you must address your internal conflicts personally. Despite how powerful your feelings from perceived and metaphoric realities may be, they cannot take precedence over your own and others’ physical realities.

When your physical reality is threatened by someone’s metaphoric reality, self-defense becomes inevitable. Before you become emotional about your metaphoric realities and potentially infringe on someone else’s physical reality, remember that you are responsible for your actions. This applies even if your actions are justified by race, nation, religion, or even God. Take a moment to reflect, as the responsibility lies with you. If your atom of autonomy does not approve, you will face consequences. Guilt may be a metaphoric reality, but it has real and serious physical effects on our brief mortal lives.

The question then is: where do you stand? If your sense of belonging to a group is strong enough to confuse you to the point of losing your personal identity and understanding of reality, you will fail to see that the crime you commit is the same, whether it is against members of your community or others. If your atom of autonomy is not present within you, you may not feel guilt for your actions.

Understanding this level of awareness is often discouraged by political handlers, so it is your personal responsibility to align your realities properly. Your physical reality should take precedence in your hierarchy of values. Our lack of knowledge prevents us from evolving into God-like spiritual entities, and groups often prefer you to act more like an animal driven by hormonal responses when it comes to the politics of belonging. Our evolving nature calls us to understand ourselves as whole beings, not just as physical entities.

Our spiritual side helps us evolve by gaining deeper insights into ourselves and our realities. Knowing the distinctions between our metaphoric and physical realities is not optional; it is a personal duty. To achieve this understanding, we must transcend political and hormonal influences because we are not mere animals or creatures. We are human beings. While we share bodily functions with other creatures, we are guided by our atom of autonomy, or our spiritual side. As you become spiritually aware, you will begin to question everything, including the politics of group belonging. You may question your race, skin color, gender, and depending on the era of your birth, you might question your nationalism and religion as well.

In today’s era, if you view yourself as superior based on race, color, gender, nation, or religious beliefs, you could be labeled as a bigot, prejudiced, or discriminatory. Failure to align with contemporary values could lead to trouble. In societies where equal human rights are enshrined in law, you must adhere to these laws or face social consequences. If you consider yourself superior, you must justify your beliefs, as according to your physical reality, you are mortal like everyone else. Politically influenced education affects households, and if each household produces bigoted, prejudiced, and discriminatory individuals, the entire community reflects these traits, which political authorities often exploit to maintain control. Our historical group conflicts and wars have relied on individual ignorance to sustain power. As evolving beings, we have moved beyond old political systems, and today’s era emphasizes equal human rights and freedom of speech. Being considered superior is seen as bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination, so strive to avoid such labels and take pride in that.

Consider it this way: according to my metaphoric and simple understanding, we are cells within God’s body. A cell seeking the body cannot exist apart from it. To understand the body as a whole, one must be within it. We have been taught that God is an external entity, so we look for God in the cosmos. Because we cannot see God physically, we make various assumptions—some believe God is all around us and that other cells are part of God’s body, while others think God is outside, and thus, cells must be fought and destroyed. Our physical reality should prompt us to question our existence and the nature of God. Unfortunately, we often fail to recognize God as either an external or internal entity. Imagine humanity as the body with all kinds of cells.

Our reciprocal give-and-take keeps the cycle going: we sustain God, and God sustains us. Everything must function perfectly for both cells and the body to stay alive, so everyone must contribute. If cells die, the body must reproduce them; otherwise, collective survival is at risk. If the body dies, the cells cannot live. Our existence depends on harmony between cells and the body. Despite our evolution, we have not learned from it; we continue to seek God outside ourselves and fail to see God in ourselves and in other human beings.

Our group concepts teach us differently, and we buy into these teachings due to our sense of belonging. Many groups preach that cells are insignificant, which is evident in daily life as the body continues even when individual cells die. The body’s ability to produce new cells makes it the focus, and it is natural for us to prioritize the collective over the individual in our daily politics. However, every individual should be respected for their role in maintaining the body’s vitality. The true value of an individual cell becomes apparent only if all cells die simultaneously, which would also kill the body. Humanity endures because new cells are continually produced. Reproduction relies on cells, and the importance of each cell has been and continues to be undermined by our group politics.

In today’s era of nuclear weapons and mass destruction, the belief in the irrelevance of individual cells is dangerous. A single passionate individual with access to destructive power could trigger catastrophic consequences. Given our history of violence, we risk realizing a predicted day of destruction when all of humanity perishes. What happens to God if the physicality of God is removed? Would God die with us? Would it matter, and to whom? Would heaven and hell hold any significance if we no longer have physical bodies to experience them? The end of physical reality would bring an end to all realities as we know them.

INDIVIDUAL

TOTAL INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM. TOTAL COMMUNAL CONTROL

If you’re confused by today’s debates over whether to have a bigger or smaller government, you’re not alone. Both sides present solid arguments, which is why people become so passionate and create political problems. The solutions to our deep-seated differences cannot be found in extreme politics. Governments change frequently, yet the causes of our disputes remain. Unfortunately, people often remain entrenched in their preferred philosophies and disregard our spiritual nature.

In the modern era of the internet, things have changed. We’re discovering that the politics of belonging have deeper roots than previously thought, extending into families, friendships, and other human relationships. Even when there are no personal benefits involved, people still go to great lengths to harm each other and are willing to destroy democracy just to see their political party win. If you investigate what drives this animosity, you may find it rooted in a quest for security. Whether this security is genuine or not is beside the point, as people are often hurt by their own groups. Humans have always sought security, whether in primitive times or today’s urban environments. However, as social creatures, humans cannot achieve true security due to the inevitability of mortality. Fearful living is a product of our physical side, while our spiritual side can liberate us from constant insecurity.

Each time a mass shooting occurs in America, people recognize the need to upgrade their security systems. As we continuously evolve, our needs shift in response to the demands of the times. A critical look at our security systems reveals that individual stress levels are a key factor in their effectiveness. Security measures like fences and walls have been successful against animals but are less effective against other humans, who can be just as cunning as those protecting themselves. In my opinion, we are best protected when our levels of education and spiritual awareness are high. People who respect others’ property and lives are more likely to envision themselves on the receiving end of their actions and self-regulate. While gun control is crucial, as emotions can be influenced by hormones, the argument that having more guns will lead to self-restraint is outdated. In rapidly evolving mega-cities, where rules and law enforcement are essential, fearing each other doesn’t make sense. To live in large societies, we must learn to adapt and self-regulate. Unfortunately, even minor traffic incidents can escalate into violence. Parents and loved ones want us to return home safely, so it’s not just gun control that matters; it’s individuals’ ability to manage their emotional responses. In modern mega-cities and nations, a larger government is necessary. Most people prefer not to handle their own security and are willing to pay for protection, resulting in larger police forces. Those influenced by conservative ideologies might lean toward gun ownership and the death penalty, differing from more liberal views. Transitional periods bring more problems, but over time, people learn to trust the system. Nations with larger governments often rank higher on happiness scales because reducing stress contributes to overall happiness.

To understand the security systems of today’s mega-cities, one must consider the rules in place, such as traffic laws, police, and justice systems. While no system is foolproof, we gauge their effectiveness by percentages and make comparisons accordingly. Comparing societies with and without guns shows a clear preference for gun control among governing authorities. On the other hand, if people distrust their governing authorities, they may opt for self-security, which reflects an outdated approach. Security systems have evolved, and like traffic rules, we need to follow new rules that prevent crimes such as rape, robbery, or murder without repercussions. We cannot let our hormones dictate how we live. The “dog-eat-dog” philosophy is not suitable for social creatures like humans, so extreme freedom can be harmful to both individuals and society. Balancing freedom and government power is essential for effective functioning. A balance where neither the mass nor the individual dominates is ideal, and this balance must be achieved spiritually. Clearly defined rules and willingness to comply come from individuals, so education and trust between individuals and the government are crucial.

Studying why drunk driving rates have decreased can offer insights into how perceptions of security influence behavior. As humans, we have always relied on numbers for security, established long before fences and walls. Law and order require individual cooperation and understanding of the underlying issues. We are taught that strength lies in numbers, and our politics often revolve around this principle. Even a large bull can be taken down by predator cats, just as a single human cannot stand against a mob, especially with modern weaponry. Our taught knowledge assumes that our groups will support us, fostering loyalty to the politics of belonging.

Yet, even strangers sometimes intervene to help victims of social crimes. What triggers this urge to help? It may not be related to group loyalty but rather our spiritual side, which provides us with free will and a personal sense of justice. Our actions are not solely driven by security but also by our spiritual nature, which speaks a language not everyone understands. Deep down, we know that, for us mortals, security is an illusion created by political entities. Understanding this reality—that no real security exists against mortality—can significantly impact one’s happiness and contentment. Security systems are designed for group survival, which can continue indefinitely.

The size and power of government are shaped by the people, especially in democratic societies. In today’s world, freedom of speech and individual rights are essential. Individuals expect to receive help by calling 911, and emergency systems are set up by current governments. However, a small, powerless government might struggle to address these needs effectively. Security concepts—whether financial, material, or physical—continue to evolve with us. From primitive times to modern scenarios, where everyone is armed or carrying nuclear weapons, the individual remains central. Individual insecurities play a significant role in both personal and collective lives, and groups have their own agendas for security. Politics of belonging drive individuals to sacrifice for their groups, reflecting the ongoing influence of these dynamics.

To see real change, we need to start by addressing the root causes of our issues. Only an insecure individual would avoid taking responsibility for their actions, especially when those actions are carried out in the name of their group. Such individuals may not hesitate to commit spiritual crimes against even the innocent. Our spiritual nature encourages us to think of others and to help, particularly those who are innocent. If we are spiritually aware, we would avoid personal guilt, as it conflicts with our own sense of autonomy. As a political group, we often disregard what happens within the individual, prioritizing the mass over the individual. This lack of spiritual justice is inherently unequal; true justice should be universal and equitable, whether between individuals, or between individuals and corporations, nations, religions, or other groups. In matters of justice, we each have personal responsibilities, and as groups, we must plan for the long term to ensure our survival. For example, we should address issues like global warming and environmental pollution and establish systems to tackle health care and prevent diseases like COVID-19, Zika, and other reproductive disorders.

LOGICALLY SPEAKING, HEALTH CARE IS NOT SOLELY AN INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY, AS DOG-EAT-DOG SOCIETIES PROMOTE. It impacts the community as a whole, so nations should focus on preventative measures for the future. While some may argue that expanding government powers is a form of socialism and therefore objectionable, group responsibilities are essential for social creatures, regardless of their origins. This issue revolves around individual and communal security; neglecting it is akin to burying your head in the sand, avoiding potential future problems. Individually, we are more insecure than at a communal level due to our mortality. No matter how aware individuals are of their mortality, their decisions will be influenced by personal insecurities. Since we are not solely physical beings, we must also consider our lives and related matters spiritually.

The recent failure of the Texas government exemplifies the dangers of granting total freedom to insecure individuals. Conversely, a socialist government that mismanages finances and goes bankrupt represents an opposing extreme. It is not about choosing one extreme over another but finding balance within this triangle. While socialism might benefit society, if it comes at the expense of individual justice, it constitutes spiritual injustice. Equal human rights should apply not only between individuals but also against the mass.

Individually, we are all vulnerable and will eventually need help from others, regardless of our power. What I am suggesting is that we must create a personal balance between security and freedom. Although we no longer live in the jungle, where we had to protect ourselves from predators, we still need security in our urban environments and from our own kind. As social creatures, we cannot have total freedom; societies require rules to be followed. At the same time, we cannot live like bees or ants, as humans are distinct. We cannot cede all our powers to our communities. Living in a fully controlled socialist, communist, or authoritarian setting would stifle individuality. Therefore, the optimal position is in the middle of this triangle, where you can assert your rights when pushed by individuals, corporations, governments, or even religions, despite feeling weak and vulnerable. Equal human rights must extend against the mass to ensure personal happiness because we inherently believe in equal justice. Past experiences show that unjust mass systems, whether governmental, religious, or authoritarian, fail because they contradict human nature. Democracy is popular because it aligns with our understanding of human nature. Although we have inherent hormonal needs to belong, our spiritual side governs our true happiness and contentment.

As mortals, we need a balance of both material and spiritual elements to be truly happy. Our happiness is not solely tied to physical comforts; our spiritual side also requires nurturing. We experience guilt and lose happiness when we neglect our spiritual needs. Although this is a personal choice, deep happiness is one of the ultimate purposes of our mortal lives.

Why not embrace the best of what humanity offers? Democracy and equal human rights are among the greatest advancements we have made. Balancing this triangle, at least at the individual level, will help us lead successful mortal lives. Our greatest challenges stem from the politics of belonging to our groups. Prejudice, discrimination, and political injustices are related to our group mentality. Balancing this triangle individually can be beneficial, but groups often disregard individual perspectives, focusing on the mass instead. This mentality can make individuals feel insecure and seek refuge in group politics. To create change, you must first recognize your role as a personal CEO, appointed by God, and fulfill your responsibilities to both the community and yourself. Equality in human rights must be extended to others for it to work effectively.

If you are insecure and hoard resources to protect yourself while making others poorer, you are receiving without giving due to your insecurities. Extremes always lead to chaos, whether in immediate personal suffering or long-term communal downfall. We should not only think but also educate our children about collective responsibilities. Short-term gains and losses are characteristics of physical living, while humans, being more than physical entities, must think long-term and beyond our own lifetimes. Spiritual fulfillment is crucial. If you want your descendants to live comfortably, consider their security beyond material needs.

If people believe the government should help individuals in need, then it may be necessary to grant more power to the government, similar to socialism. However, we need some form of government because we no longer live in primitive conditions. The “dog-eat-dog” philosophy does not work in human societies due to our spiritual nature. We feel good when we help others. If you oppose socialism and advocate for individual freedom, you must recognize that we are social creatures who require a factual understanding of our nature.

We evolved from a time when we had to coexist with other creatures and remain constantly alert to avoid becoming prey. Today, while we are no longer on the food chain, we still need to be cautious of our own kind. Evolution occurs through facing challenges; by thinking beyond immediate problems, we find solutions. From building walls to creating military defenses, everything was aimed at reducing stress. In essence, we traded some freedom for security and stress-free living. We created a “big brother” in the form of governments and religions, seeking security even in death. Extreme insecurity can be considered a mental health issue, and acknowledging our mortal nature is crucial. As independent beings, we function independently but also possess autonomy, free will, and a personal sense of justice, compassion, and choice.

Our personal functioning is still evolving, and we often wonder why others do not think or feel as we do, leading us to seek like-minded individuals. Human societies worldwide share a common sense of belonging and related politics. This political sense of belonging can sometimes lead us to act against our own nature. Any form of suppression or deviation from our nature will provoke reactions. Although it may feel natural to belong to a group, our thoughts and beliefs influence our feelings. Our hormonal responses reflect this, but our spiritual nature, if nurtured, can significantly influence our actions and thoughts. While living entirely spiritually is not feasible for us, as it would be an extreme, seeking balance is essential for maintaining our human status. Ignoring our spiritual side leads to a life akin to that of an animal, while depriving ourselves of it results in an inferior existence. Remember, unlike bees, we are not programmed to do good but choose to do so.

Whether you are a religious individual or an atheist, if you seek extreme views and expect everyone else to conform to your beliefs, or if you are determined to make everyone think like you, you are an extremist. If you are religious and believe your religion should be followed by everyone, even as a justice system, you may be on thin ice. Believing in things you can’t explain puts you at risk, as you can’t prove that your belief-based justice system would be universally applicable.

Justice must be blind and based on principles such as “don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want done to you or your loved ones.” It cannot be prejudicial or discriminatory. If your devotion to your religion is extreme, be aware that it can affect your hormonal responses, making it difficult for you to work against your physical instincts and provide others with equal human rights. People think differently, believe in different gods, and experience similar hormonal effects from their belief systems. If we are all inspired by our beliefs and influenced by the politics of group belonging, how can we override everything physical?

Everyone is capable of hatred and violence, often with the promise of an afterlife reward. Why would you break your spiritual code and act in ways you wouldn’t want done to you or your loved ones? Extreme beliefs can make it hard to see ourselves as independently functioning spiritual entities. You may have surrendered your autonomy to the politics of group belonging, despite being created with the potential to function as a mini-god yourself. Your atom of autonomy is not only about making responsible choices but also about answering to yourself. This is where guilt arises and can make life feel like hell. While the afterlife remains a mystery, living with guilt can be punishing, so we should focus on how to live our lives fully.

If you or your group believe we should live according to exclusive group politics, you undermine your atom of autonomy because politics and spirituality do not mix. God did not create humans to be worker bees or warrior ants; instead, God distributed autonomy among individuals. Evidence of this can be seen in the everyday good deeds performed by ordinary people. With our atom of autonomy, we turn spiritual thoughts into physical actions. Unfortunately, some of us reduce ourselves to angels, bees, or ants because we cannot question the politics of our groups. We must understand ourselves as whole human beings, not just physical entities. Choosing extremes physically leads to a diminished human experience. Exclusively pursuing spirituality can make us forget the joys of being a physical being.

The differences between chimps and humans are minimal, yet we have developed sophisticated cities, nations, and religions, while chimps remain in the bush. Why hasn’t their evolution mirrored ours? We are not just another smart animal; we must learn more about ourselves before claiming to understand God. Let’s start with fundamentals and ask serious questions: Did God create everything, including humans? Or have humans evolved enough to recognize the importance of God in our lives?

When I reflect on my own makeup, it is astonishing to think about and feel spiritually about God. How can we be a blend of physicality and spirituality simultaneously? We are still evolving and far from fully understanding ourselves, let alone God. Why do we kill each other over beliefs that are still evolving? Our understanding is a work in progress.

Scientifically, we are discovering that our spiritual side can influence our physical health. Stress connects to physical illness, and our health is not solely determined by physical factors. Thinking and believing in spiritual ways can have a positive impact on health. Although this may not be scientifically proven today, we should continue questioning all aspects of our knowledge, including religion and spirituality.

If you find benefit in having a belief system, that’s fine, but if you egotistically claim you are 100% right and everyone who disagrees is condemned, I will question it. Just as I would question those who do not believe, I ask: If you are constantly learning, how can you claim your knowledge is complete, especially concerning God? Is your certainty related to political loyalties or low self-esteem that compels you to speak passionately to avoid questioning?

For thousands of years, we have claimed to have complete knowledge, yet the world continues to change and evolve. Where do you think the disconnect lies? As groups, our motive may be political power and control, but as individuals, why not question your own behavior? You see your evolution year after year, yet you may not question the politics of your belonging.

Even though we don’t grow horns or wings like devils or angels, we are constantly evolving. The world around us changes within our lifetime. We no longer need to consult a guru, as we have access to information through technology. We need to make sense of things by questioning everything physical, while spiritual matters are more complex.

To understand God, examine yourself critically—physically, biologically, emotionally, mentally, scientifically, and spiritually. Consider the complexity of your body: ten trillion cells, hundreds of trillions of bacteria, and three million genes. How does a single cell function within your body? That’s how you function within the body of God. Is it far-fetched? Try understanding your complexity and then multiply it by seven billion to grasp the body of humanity and God. Should we work together and in synergy? What image do you have—one of a monster or a compassionate entity?

I prefer to focus on simple, everyday reality rather than magical or miraculous beliefs. Those who seek only the extraordinary may overlook the simple facts of life. If you believe only your group is right, you may not see God in humanity or humanity in God. This suggests you view yourself as a distinct part of the body, functioning independently. While we are designed to be independent, our connection to the body of God is undeniable. Our ability to live on Earth and beyond, with the help of a spiritual source, is also undeniable. Even if you understand the science behind oxygen, spirituality provides a deeper sense of connection.

Despite racial, religious, and political differences, we have been mingling and evolving together. Bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination have always been part of our journey, but the ability to live together is evident worldwide. Living and letting live, and granting equal human rights, is natural at the individual level but becomes challenging under the influence of group politics. Our differences extend beyond race, color, gender, nationalism, or religion. We must learn to live together despite these differences, and our political views should not reduce us to mere animals. Our intelligence is meant to understand spirituality and create balance between our animalistic and spiritual sides. This balance cannot be achieved by giving total freedom to individuals or total power to communities. It is about personal and communal spiritual justice. Since true security is elusive, we need to create balance rather than choose between security and freedom.

First of all, I want to clarify that I am not influenced by any particular religion, nor do I follow the political side of any religion. My goal is for each of us to take charge of our personal actions and understand where we stand in the holy realm of God. I personally believe that God is not a political entity, so God cannot be prejudiced or discriminatory against anyone who does not follow a particular religion or God’s favorite religion. I was born Muslim and do not intend to change to any other religion because, to me, they are all paths to God and should be treated as such. Otherwise, we may commit spiritual crimes like prejudice and discrimination against other individuals. My questioning is not aimed at the spiritual aspects of any religion; rather, I am highlighting where they get tainted by the deadly human politics of belonging to their groups. Where our sense of belonging takes over the individual and leads to spiritual crimes instead of fostering spirituality. Since we cannot completely escape politics, we must individually become the CEOs of our lives so that we can judge for ourselves. If we need to filter out the politics to achieve spiritual fulfillment, we should be able to do so.

My writing is directed at individuals who seek spiritual fulfillment through their religion. Interestingly, the politics of belonging within their religions often inhibit them from finding that essence because religions can preach and deny the individual’s relevance. They treat individuals like animals needing control through a carrot-and-stick philosophy. By making individuals believe they are irrelevant, they not only rob them of their self-esteem but also exert control and conformity. As individuals grow stronger, the religion’s grip or influence weakens, so they preach against individual relevance. This process of brainwashing has been ongoing for thousands of years, leading individuals to struggle with feelings of inadequacy, unimportance, and sinfulness. With low self-esteem and self-respect, individuals attach themselves to the next best thing available—namely, their group. They have been brainwashed into believing that God is so exalted that they are not worthy of a direct connection to God, when in reality, it is quite the opposite.

If the purpose of instilling fear of God is to encourage people to be good and spiritual, then the intentions are good and acceptable. However, if that fear is used to gain control and manipulate people, even using God politically, it changes everything. If we act out of fear, it does not make us spiritually good because, as soon as that fear is removed, we reveal our true selves. Being authentic and spiritually good requires faith, which comes from a love of God and personal responsibility. The most interesting aspect here is that the atom of autonomy within us is aware of why we act as we do. That is why good or bad deeds don’t happen automatically. We are individually and collectively responsible for our actions. I remember reading a poem in Pakistan, author unknown, that went: “If intoxication were in the alcohol, then the bottle should dance; it is my prerogative to perform a drunken dance.” In the end, we are all responsible for either enjoying or performing that drunken dance. We all enjoy the drink of God, but how we respond to it is still our responsibility because the atom of autonomy and related free will remains within us. We drink and choose to dance for better or worse. Remember, you stand before God as an individual, tasked with translating spirituality into physical actions. You are an equal partner in the business of reciprocation. If you are an equal partner with Almighty God, how can you lack self-esteem? How can you be irrelevant? Who are these people who tell you otherwise, and why?

Away from the politics of belonging, within our personal and mortal selves, we each possess our own atom of autonomy—what you might call the “God particle.” With this within us, we are responsible for everything we do, whether good or bad. One might ask how God allows us to do bad things. Understanding the real story of the human individual before political interventions would clarify this. Since we are blessed with autonomy, which provides us with not only free will but also a personal sense of justice, compassion, and other aspects I call our spiritual jewelry, unfortunately, the politics of belonging have the power to strip us of all that. Irrelevant self-esteem and lack of self-respect lead us to secure ourselves by fitting in, impressing, or seeking admiration, resulting in material-focused lives. We are told we cannot be directly connected to God, leading us to assume that life revolves around physicality, causing our spirituality to take a back seat. Then we are taught that it is not us but the Devil who makes us do bad things, giving us an excuse to avoid personal responsibility. If you feel inadequate, lacking self-esteem or self-respect, let’s start with understanding the real story of reciprocation with God and the politics of belonging-influenced religious beliefs.

Focusing on “me, me, me” and “I, I, I” is a clear sign of a disorder related to a lack of self-esteem and self-respect because if you truly had these qualities, you wouldn’t seek the approval of others by boasting about your importance. You don’t have to reveal the internal story of how you feel, especially if you fail to acknowledge the help you receive. Failing to recognize the fundamental aspects of spirituality reveals a spiritual flaw. Not only do you fail to acknowledge the help, but you also claim that everything is your doing, which undermines that help altogether. What are “I” and “me”? Remember, “I” and “me” only function because of real, crucial help. If you cannot live without that help, how can you claim it is all your doing? Your achievements are dependent on your inability to function independently, so “me” and “I” are not as exclusive as they may seem. Recognizing and acknowledging that help is a pathway to humility and spiritual awareness. Even God does not claim to do everything alone; God humbly accepts that spirituality needs to be translated into physical actions by humans. This is like a clap creating a physical sound through collaboration. When you place God on a high pedestal, human individuals lose their importance, which is why religious leaders have claimed human individuals are irrelevant, saying God does everything. My question to them is: How does God’s work get done? It is done with the physical help of human individuals. Before politics, the real picture of spirituality is between God and an ordinary human individual. You can believe what you want, but this reality is undeniable: human individuals are crucial. Since human individuals cannot accomplish this without help, there is nothing exclusive about it. “I” and “me” are only significant after benefiting from free oxygen and favorable conditions in both internal and external universes.

Lack of humility is one thing, taking credit is another, but discrediting everything other than “me” and “I” amounts to destroying personal spirituality. Certainly, “I” and “me” are important, but just like God, “I” and “me” should be humble and honest. Going against what lies deep within you can have consequences; falsely claiming credit for something you know is not solely your doing is an attempt to hide your inabilities. Especially if you believe that you and God are separate entities, you will naturally desire more power due to your insecurities. If you understand and create balance from within, you would not only avoid claiming credit and discrediting the help you receive but also discover that “me” and “I” are not as exclusive as they seem but rather an inseparable spiritual and physical “us.”

As a Muslim, I will start with what I have learned. To become a Muslim, you have to say, “There is only one God, and Prophet Muhammad is God’s prophet.” You then take an oath to witness God’s oneness and Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood. In Christianity, Jesus claimed, “I am the way.” Things don’t seem so bad there. Our troubles begin when we believe that we somehow become superior to others who do not share our beliefs. Is this a personal flaw, or is it a product of education? That is for you to decide after reading this. For me, if you are prejudiced and discriminatory, you are living in the wrong era. This is the era of equal human rights, so there is no room for racism, bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination. If you cannot amend your taught knowledge, regardless of its source, you are responsible for your actions. Remember, the Pope has acknowledged equal human rights, so you can do the same.

If Jesus said, “I am the way,” or if Prophet Muhammad is “the way,” you individually need to examine the reasons for our problems. If you are too passionate about the politics of your sense of belonging, you will never connect the politics of belonging as the cause of your spiritual issues. You will not question it, and thus, will not see the politics behind religious statements.

If we consider the notion that “there is only one God,” we must acknowledge the role of the human individual alongside God. Without the human individual, God, at least logically, is not a physical entity. The human individual is the central figure in this sacred context. To illustrate this, imagine God as a fabric made from threads. If you pull one, two, or even ten threads out, the fabric remains intact. However, if you continue pulling until no threads are left, the physicality of the fabric disappears. This demonstrates the importance of the human individual in this holy picture. For further examples: consider a haunted house with no people to discuss or be scared of—does it matter? Now, imagine a town with all its infrastructure, but without any people. What happens to that town? Finally, picture a lily in a forest pond with no human eyes to appreciate its beauty. These scenarios highlight the significance of the human individual in the divine context. Yet, when our spiritual systems become entangled with political ideologies, we lose sight of our spiritual standing with God.

The relationship between a spiritual God and the physical human individual is straightforward: God is spiritual, while humans perform God’s physical work. There is nothing wrong with having prophets who guide us to become decent human beings. The issue arises when religious teachings claim that only followers of a particular prophet will enter heaven while others are condemned to hell. Such claims are inherently political, fostering prejudice and discrimination. This not only affects individuals but also implies that God is prejudicial and discriminatory. If such beliefs lead to violence or conflict, it becomes necessary to challenge these misinterpretations of divine will.

When statements are made that “Prophet Mohammad is the way” or “Jesus is the way,” they are not problematic as long as they do not exclude other paths to God. For example, if someone contributes to saving lives, like the inventor of insulin, they should be considered close to God because they convert spirituality into tangible actions. Conversely, if someone practices their faith devoutly but commits violence against those who do not share their beliefs, such as in a crusade, this contradicts the essence of spirituality. Discriminating against individuals who are not part of a particular group can violate the inherent autonomy within us. Our sense of belonging can lead us astray if we ignore internal signals and adhere only to group ideology.

If God remains silent on political matters, it risks becoming a tool for groups rather than a direct connection between God and individuals. Groups might claim that individuals are unworthy of a direct relationship with God, which leads to a dangerous detachment from spiritual reality. Beliefs that one is insignificant, unworthy, or a born sinner can undermine self-esteem and prevent individuals from recognizing their significant role in the spiritual realm. The true purpose is for each person to be the CEO of their life, transforming spirituality into physical actions. The direct connection between individuals and God is crucial, and political influences should not overshadow this fundamental relationship.

The essence of spirituality is not in competing with or denigrating others but in fulfilling one’s spiritual purpose. When religious teachings are reduced to political statements or used to justify discrimination, they deviate from their spiritual intent. The real connection between spirituality and physicality involves recognizing and honoring one’s role in the divine plan. Being part of any religious or social group is acceptable as long as it does not conflict with spiritual fulfillment.

If one is continually taught to feel irrelevant or insignificant, it impairs their ability to embrace their role as the central character in the divine narrative. This teaches us that our self-worth and spiritual contribution are essential, regardless of political or social group affiliations. Spirituality and politics are distinct: spirituality is about truth, while politics often distorts truth for group interests. To truly understand the divine, one must become the CEO of their own life, navigating beyond political influences to embrace their spiritual essence. This approach ensures that spirituality remains at the forefront, even within the context of group identities.

Remember, politics and spirituality are not compatible. The latter represents the truth, while the former twists and turns it to serve group interests. Understanding your authority and role in the spiritual picture is crucial for genuine spiritual satisfaction. Although one can belong to a group, the focus should remain on the spiritual journey rather than the politics of belonging. Our primary responsibility is to translate spirituality into physical actions, honoring the divine by being true to our spiritual essence.

Regardless of the abilities that God might possess, their value or importance becomes questionable if all human beings were gone. On the other hand, if we as human beings do not understand ourselves, we end up living like ordinary creatures, displaying certain animal traits despite our civilization and evolution. As individuals, we must grasp self-regulation and discipline to truly be human. Religions have attempted to use a carrot-and-stick approach, but it has not been entirely effective, as our societies are still plagued by various crimes. Personal regulation is inherently individual, and while authority figures may enforce control, that control often collapses when the authority is absent. The fear of God falls into the same category. Remember, God does not speak directly; if God does not influence one’s behavior, people may commit crimes. Thus, understanding spirituality and the reciprocal nature of personal growth is crucial for individuals.

Our life troubles arise when we stray and allow our untamed, animalistic traits to overshadow our spiritual side. In both the animal kingdom and urban environments, domination is a common theme. From personal relationships to business dealings and even religious practices, this struggle for dominance is ongoing. While our behaviors are evolving, our animal traits still need to be addressed. If this concept confuses you, it is essential to learn how to respect and balance these urges to remain spiritually aware. Otherwise, there is a significant risk of spending a lifetime in confusion. Dominating others for personal gain has been a persistent problem, leading to not only individual issues but also wars. Our political and collective behaviors often overshadow our personal sense of justice, resulting in both personal suffering and ongoing cycles of revenge and conflict.

Understanding our animalistic side can shed light on why we have urges to dominate others. As we become more aware of our sense of injustice—especially when attacking other groups—we can begin to understand the consequences of these actions. Life can become less complicated if we choose to live as spiritually aware beings. This understanding has the potential to foster peace both within ourselves and collectively.

A personal sense of justice is not difficult to grasp if you follow two simple rules of spirituality. First, do not do to others what you would not want done to you or your loved ones. Second, walk a mile in another person’s shoes to understand how they are similar to you.

When politics infiltrates spiritual systems like religions, it leads to excuses for dominating others. From looting and degrading to committing spiritual crimes in the name of religion, these actions contradict the teachings that claim to promote spirituality. The evidence is visible in past and present conflicts, and it is crucial to hope that this trend does not continue into the future. If we remain within our chosen groups, our politics will perpetuate behaviors that have lasted for millennia. It is only when we evolve to become responsible individuals—embracing a shared humanity—that we can overcome our past, animal-like behaviors. The key difference between humans and other animals lies in our inhibitions. If you let your animal side take over due to substances or emotions, you will allow it to dominate your actions, regardless of your level of education. Education was meant to signify our evolution and civilization, but despite our progress, we still struggle to address our animalistic traits, hindering our spiritual growth and compassion.

I believe that the politics of group belonging have significantly damaged our personal spirituality. It is time to extricate politics from our sense of belonging and appreciate the true essence of being human. Spirituality connects us individually to God and humanity as a whole. Regardless of religion, if we prioritize personal spirituality, humanity can unite. Otherwise, the politics of group belonging will keep us confined to our ancestral divisions.

If we learn to treat each other as instruments of God’s work, we can overcome differences and unite. If religions remove their politics of group exclusivity, the doors of spirituality will open for them; otherwise, they risk losing credibility. Many nations and religions preach that their members are superior to others, based solely on group affiliation. This kind of teaching fosters false self-esteem, prejudice, and ignorance. Regardless of education levels, people may stand against human rights and commit injustices in the name of their group.

Humanity, equal individual rights, and justice for all are far more important than any religious rule, tradition, or ritual because they are rooted in spirituality. If you can transcend religious and national boundaries, respecting each individual as God’s working hand, you will find spirituality. If enough people adopt this perspective, humanity will collectively find spirituality. Equal human rights are the gateway to this path, while the politics of group belonging act as a barrier. Without change, politics will perpetuate old behaviors. Consider the dangers of mass destruction weapons: politics combined with religious fervor can be deadly for both humanity and the existence of God. To be truly spiritual, we must respect each other’s rights, rather than following religious traditions blindly. We need to separate politics from our religious beliefs to benefit from having a religious faith.

There is no room for injustice in spirituality. A group cannot violate even one individual’s human rights. This is why the spiritual side of religion has been compromised. To govern a mass of individuals, a successful political system is required. Therefore, keeping our belief systems free of politics helps individuals remain spiritual. In reality, governing systems cannot be foolproof; there will always be some form of selection. Thus, our justice systems should be free from political influence, with spirituality as their foundation. A justice system that allows individuals to challenge the state and win is effective because it prevents the mass from overshadowing personal rights. The purpose of a justice system is to support the weak, and if the weakest can win against the strongest, it reflects true spiritual justice. Conversely, if religion or justice systems are tainted by politics, they fail.

If you approach today’s social systems with a mindset of political domination, you are likely heading for trouble. We no longer live in primitive conditions where security was different. Today, we have entrusted power to governing systems. While individual security remains important, the nature of security systems has changed. Governments or religious authorities, often questioned, may not always work for individual benefit. Historically, politics has favored the mass over the individual, resulting in injustices where individuals suffer. As the essence of humanity, individuals deserve respect and justice. No one should be above the law, not even governing authorities or religions.

Being mortal makes it crucial to be responsible for our happiness. Relying on authoritative systems has not provided the security, happiness, and contentment we seek. Increased weaponry, wars, and related problems like death, depression, and anxiety have become more common. When expectations are unmet, personal weaknesses become more pronounced. The absence of a belief system and personal weakness relate to understanding personal value. As human beings, we work directly with God, not for Him or our groups, but as equals. This places us on an equal footing as subcontractors, not servants. If you fulfill your responsibilities honestly—as a partner, family member, community member, or in your spiritual reciprocity—you will experience less stress, greater self-respect, and self-esteem. Comfort in your mortal existence is closely linked to your personal input and sense of justice.

If you receive free oxygen and live in good health, your gratitude should not be limited to once a year. Your ability to live is not within your control, nor is it controlled by your family, community, nation, or religion. It is directly connected to the source, or God. Navigating the external chaos of the world and the internal chaos of existence is complex. While you have a say, the alignment of complexities for you personally is evident. If you still believe you are functioning solely on your own will, just look around and see how vulnerable a mortal being can be.

When you are taught or you believe that everything happening in your life is solely your own doing, you might be missing out on a crucial aspect of personal justice. Understanding this requires educating yourself to avoid situations that could lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. It undermines the importance of the most vital aspect of your life: your individual happiness. This often turns many of us into mere puppets or slaves to our groups, making us feel weak, fragile, and insignificant. We are mortal, and this reality means that our temporary lives should be lived fearlessly, cherishing every happy moment. If anything requires you to sacrifice your happiness, especially if it comes from your groups, it should be examined and judged through your personal sense of justice.

By no means am I advocating for selfishness. I am simply acknowledging the fact of mortality, which calls for spirituality more than our political religions. No one should shirk personal responsibility and hide behind the politics of group dynamics, like God and the Devil. When individuals fail to question their groups, those groups become too powerful to challenge. The story of an unfulfilled life due to personal weakness begins when you do not take charge of your own destiny. Do you really have a say? If you ask yourself this question in the dead of night, the answer will point you to your God-given free will.

There are two things common to all human beings, regardless of differences: oxygen and free will. Ask yourself, do you appreciate them? If not, do you believe you are the human being God intended you to be? Since you are not programmed to be a weak puppet or a slave to your groups or even to God, how can you allow it to happen? Go back and align yourself with spiritual principles to help translate spirituality into physical actions with the understanding that even the CEO is essentially a subcontractor. Recognize the power of group politics but also strive to be the CEO of your own mortal life. This approach will not only bring spiritual fulfillment but also enhance your self-esteem, self-respect, significance, relevance, and deep contentment in being an instrument of God’s will.

Equal human rights, civil achievements, racial and sexual justice, and national and religious freedoms all relate to humanity’s progression toward its potential. Although hurdles like religious extremism and racial superiority still exist, we are making progress step by step. Despite setbacks, there is a net gain today as people around the world advocate for equal human rights. Issues like human sacrifice, violence against homosexuals, racism, slavery, and various forms of prejudice are improving, though not fast enough. This slow progress is due to the politics of belonging to groups. While we are evolving and progressing in many areas, our religions, racism, and nationalism often remain entrenched in outdated politics of belonging. Overcoming this would enable us to advance rapidly and unite as humanity.

Unfortunately, every achievement has been accompanied by the loss of human lives, as progress often meets strong resistance from those unwilling to change. History teaches us that to achieve something, we must fight for it. Even when progress benefits humanity, we still struggle against conservative forces. Despite our ability to discuss and debate, we often ignore or fail to acknowledge our incomplete knowledge. We have experienced kingdoms, empires, communism, socialism, and now democracy, yet we still grapple with kingdoms and authoritarianism. We have not fully shed our ancestral knowledge, even when proven wrong. As human beings, we are not only taught to believe that our ancestors cannot be wrong, but we are also expected to protect their traditions, customs, rituals, and rules. This education emphasizes loyalty to our groups, which is why even in this era of equal human rights, we still face racism, prejudice, and religious conflicts. For humanity, change has never been easy; reaching our potential or evolving requires peeling away layers of personal and collective insecurities. Our politics of belonging to a particular family, gang, community, nation, or religion have been our downfall. While we are born into humanity, our politically influenced education of belonging teaches us otherwise. If we learn to belong to humanity, we will see that humanity transcends all political divisions.

Individually, we need to become evolved spiritual entities who can translate spiritual thoughts into physical actions. With our evolution and understanding of civilization, we should be able to debate and discuss changes peacefully, but we are far from achieving this. Our ongoing political and religious disputes and wars are evidence of this. Unfortunately, we cannot continue in this manner. On one hand, we have evolved with nuclear weaponry; on the other, we have not evolved spiritually. A politically influenced human with animalistic urges and access to nuclear weapons is a dangerous combination. Our evolution is imbalanced; while we continuously undermine each other’s knowledge, we carry forward ancestral disputes. Despite our civilization and evolution, we still struggle to engage in civilized discussion and debate.

Achieving balance is challenging, even on an individual level, let alone collectively. Our disputes are largely products of the politics of belonging. Social changes and everything in between have been influenced by the politics of belonging. We are accustomed to changes imposed from the top down. As those in power spend money and use influence to maintain control, individuals have historically been weaker participants. However, today belongs to an era of democracy and equal human rights. Individuals are being educated to be CEOs who understand and navigate the politics of power. These changes will shift from the bottom up, allowing for debate and discussion so that decisions are not made by a few with vested political and personal interests. How will future changes be shaped by individual awareness? Where will it lead humanity? Will we revert to old patterns or address ancestral differences and disputes? Can we evolve from our current level of civilization? Our potential remains in flux as we continue to evolve. One thing is certain: in the business of reciprocation, we all must contribute equally to achieve health, happiness, and success. Remember, if you are not healthy, you cannot be happy, and without health and happiness, meaningful success—whether individual or collective—is unattainable.

No matter how powerful, real, and influential they may feel, our hormone-driven urges cannot be left unchecked. The same applies to the politics of our sense of belonging to our groups. In reality, we are each a reflection of the spiritual world. We must create balance from within. Our sense of freedom and personal sense of justice are there to counteract the politics of belonging, which can lead us to become prejudiced and discriminatory. Since we are neither exclusively spiritual nor solely physical entities, we need to balance both aspects to truly live as human beings.

Each of us is blessed with our personal atom of autonomy and related free will to choose and decide, but we must also answer to our inner authority. Our innate compassion, sense of justice, and love help us navigate our spiritual and physical journey toward faith. Not all of us are naturally team players; we also have the ability to function independently. If we let our hormonal responses and the politics of belonging dictate our truths, we may end up at odds with our atom of autonomy. Our spiritual side, or atom of autonomy, can be just as strong as the politics of belonging. Internal conflicts have consequences for us individually. Just ask a war veteran if the politics of belonging have compelled them to commit crimes against others or innocents, leading to guilt and strong negative feelings. This internal struggle, which I consider a real form of hell within our mortal lives, must be acknowledged and understood.

How much and who is truly responsible for our actions? Some might argue that their belonging group is strong and can punish or ostracize them, so they must conform to their religion or nationalism. Regardless of the legitimacy of this claim, we join causes due to internal imbalances and are responsible for our actions. When you examine yourself with your personal sense of justice, you will see that not feeling guilt is a sign of personal weakness. Since we all have an atom of autonomy within us, we cannot simply let our physical side make all our decisions. We are unique entities because we must answer to ourselves, which is why we need to understand what really goes on within us.

If you focus solely on the physical aspects of life, you learn about our animal side—mechanical, technological, scientific, and medical facts. If you explore your spiritual side, you encounter non-physical realities such as compassion, love, sacrifice, forgiveness, guilt, ego, pride, honor, bravery, and even self-worth and self-esteem. Ask yourself: can you live without acknowledging one side or the other? At the end of the day, we are not merely mechanical bodies nor simply spiritual entities. We need to acknowledge our uniqueness and learn to merge and balance both aspects of our knowledge. When we achieve this, we first acknowledge the vastness of our knowledge and then use it to live our mortal years with quality. This personal responsibility should prompt us to question and learn what is necessary to function within ourselves and our social settings. To do justice to ourselves and others, we must become the CEOs of our lives—functioning as real human beings rather than as worker bees, warrior ants, or extensions of group ideology. We need to see our individual and personal truths behind our physical, social, political, and spiritual realities.

Interestingly, it is not the truth itself but our belief in that truth that shapes our personal reality. For millions of years, human societies have grappled with non-physical truths and evolved with imbalances. Nothing gets discovered without pursuit; if we don’t question, we remain stuck at the same level, regardless of time passing. Every culture has segments of the population that believe and disbelieve in strange and unexplained things. Despite our scientific advances, traditions, customs, rituals, and religious rules remain popular. The question is: why? Despite our scientific and technological progress, there are still many who prefer religious beliefs over scientifically repeatable facts. They struggle to see the politics of belonging as a problem. We tend to view life through our personal lenses and follow whatever feels right. Most people do not question their religious beliefs, relying on others to guide them, which is where politics-related problems arise and taint our spirituality.

Our sense of belonging to groups is so powerful that it can affect our hormonal levels. Look at our sports, political parties, nationalism, and religious extremism—these influences can shape behavior. Scientifically, we observe this but may not understand why it happens. Similarly, we struggle to understand and break down non-physical realities like love, compassion, sacrifice, forgiveness, ego, pride, honor, bravery, and even guilt. This is because science often fails to acknowledge the existence of our spiritual side and its non-physical truths. To understand something, we must first acknowledge its existence.

We often reject the existence of certain fields of knowledge and remain stuck in our ways. We view ourselves as merely physical beings and attempt to fix ourselves mechanically rather than addressing the root causes of our problems. By not acknowledging, rejecting, or underestimating the influences of our spiritual side, we may miss out on finding real solutions to problems that stem from spiritual issues.

Simplifying the complex nature of human beings through political lenses can keep us behind and cause us to underestimate the importance of spirituality. We cannot even agree on what it means to be human. If you visit a doctor, they will focus on fixing symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. Scientifically, we have not fully explored our spiritual nature, and there are aspects within us that remain immeasurable by current scientific knowledge. Religions, on the other hand, often overlook the importance of the individual within the broader spiritual context. They undermine individual humanity for political control, with traditions, customs, rituals, and rules reflecting the politics of belonging. Those who seek to explore beyond the politics of belonging often find themselves entrenched in conflicting philosophies, believing that God favors specific groups rather than humanity as a whole. I strongly disagree with this notion.

As I mentioned, I do not believe in a God who is for some but not for all. I believe that as human beings, we are metaphorical cells of a single entity, which you could call God. Looking at God physically, you see humanity as a whole. If you perceive with spiritual eyes, you will see that God is for all divine cells, not just for some or specific body parts. Claiming God for certain people doesn’t make sense to me because, as humans, we wouldn’t prefer some cells over others within a functioning body. By examining ourselves without political influences and the sense of belonging, we can discover our own spiritual belief systems. There is no need to reject or discredit the religion we were born into to address our spiritual deficiencies.

Imagine this analogy to gain perspective: Picture a brain cell loudly proclaiming that if it were absent, all other cells would die. To someone spiritually illiterate, this might make sense, but before it happens, the heart cell interjects, saying it supplies oxygenated blood for survival. The lung cell adds that it provides oxygen. The skin cell mentions its role in protection from infections. The liver and kidneys talk about their roles in cleaning and filtering. The colon claims it provides essential nutrients. Eventually, God speaks and says that in such a chaotic and bickering environment, He cannot stay. The entire body must function in harmony for God to remain within. If the body cannot function harmoniously, none of the individual cells can contribute to turning spiritual things into physical actions. This analogy highlights the need for collaboration and understanding of both sides. A cell cannot understand the whole body’s workings unless it experiences death, which makes physical existence meaningless.

Discussing existence and being prejudiced or discriminatory is linked to the knowledge we have been given.

Understanding the human spiritual side is a monumental task, yet religions often become mired in group belief systems, living as if they are just a part of the body rather than the whole. This division isn’t necessarily due to spiritual reasons but rather the politics of belonging. Science, preoccupied with creating biological and nuclear weapons, seems more interested in proving religious predictions of doomsday rather than exploring spirituality.

Remember, it’s not the truth itself but your belief in that truth that shapes your personal reality. For many, spiritual truths—such as love, devotion, compassion, passion, guilt, and justice—are more significant than scientifically proven facts. If you don’t explore these spiritual aspects of your soul, you may struggle to trust a teacher who simplifies life to mere equations like 2+2=4.

While numbers are objective facts, they don’t necessarily address the needs of aging mortals. For us, happiness, contentment, and a spiritually fulfilled life are the ultimate truths, even if they cannot be fully understood with our current knowledge. If you live a life focused solely on scientific accuracy but miss out on spiritual fulfillment, you may find yourself unfulfilled. A life without spiritual satisfaction is like a machine—mechanical and unfulfilling.

To experience a truly meaningful life, one must understand mortality and embrace the unknown and unexplained aspects of life where 2+2 no longer equals 4. For instance, our life transitions—moving from weakness to strength and back again—are consistent truths of human existence. These transitions, though simple and widely accepted, point to deeper truths about happiness and contentment.

The challenge arises when we confront the reality of our mortality. If you have always expected life to fit neatly into the equation 2+2=4, you will be disappointed, especially as you age and lose cells you cannot replace. This loss may impact your happiness and contentment, which are the true treasures for mortals. If you rely solely on scientific facts, you risk missing out on spiritual fulfillment.

Understanding God may involve examining yourself. Consider your ten trillion cells and hundred trillion bacteria with millions of genes. The complexity of your being might require more than just scientific explanation; it demands a perspective akin to that of a CEO who comprehends mortality, not just an egotistical viewpoint.

Our quest for understanding God is akin to two cells debating the existence of the body—they lack the perspective to grasp the whole. Just as cells are part of a larger body, we need to recognize the existence of non-physical spiritual realities. Science and religion have both struggled with this, often failing to explore or acknowledge spiritual dimensions fully.

The evolution of human understanding is ongoing. As we continue to learn and discover, it’s clear that we don’t know everything. Debates about the existence of God are similar to cells debating the body’s existence—they lack the capacity to see the bigger picture. Our pursuit of knowledge must include spiritual dimensions, not just scientific facts.

We often reject spiritual exploration due to political influences and preconceived notions. Science may disprove certain religious claims, but this does not necessarily negate the importance of spirituality in our lives. True understanding requires balancing scientific and spiritual insights, recognizing that both contribute to our overall well-being.

Religions and belief systems impact us in ways science cannot always explain. Believing blindly may lead to insights that non-believers miss. Human imagination can transform a simple idea into something profound. Personally, I believe in God not out of fear of hell or desire for heaven but to avoid committing spiritual crimes against others. Belief in God can offer spiritual benefits and help us navigate our lives meaningfully.

Spirituality and politics should remain separate. I may question and disagree with various religious traditions because they often stem from political motives rather than genuine spirituality. True spirituality is about helping humanity and doing God’s work with pure intentions.

Consider how a child finds joy in simple things. While adults chase after happiness and contentment, often without finding it, children experience untainted joy. Our personal life circumstances and hormonal fluctuations can obscure our ability to find spiritual pearls. By clearing the clutter accumulated from societal, parental, and religious influences, we might rediscover pure joy and satisfaction.

Cleaning up mental and emotional clutter is essential. Can you forgive past hurts? Can you face your fears and attachments? Surrendering control and facing these issues may help you reconnect with a childlike joy. It’s not an easy process, but recognizing the temporary nature of our journey can help us let go of unnecessary fears and attachments.

Ultimately, it’s more important to focus on what we seek rather than what we avoid.                    Embrace the journey of self-discovery, acknowledging that we are not finished products. Our understanding evolves, and so must our approach to spirituality and knowledge. By recognizing the balance between physical and spiritual aspects, we can live more fully and meaningfully.

Quote: “Don’t make unhappiness the goal; avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.”

You can choose to represent your good and bad sides, but accidents can still happen. Does this mean you are responsible for everything you do or what happens in your life? If you wholeheartedly accept that there is room for accidents and mistakes in your life, only then can you address your need for control. Otherwise, each of us will face some kind of dissatisfaction or mess we don’t like. Being mortal requires us to understand what life is all about. If you are terrified of dying, how will you even live? If you expend all your energy avoiding the inevitable, what will you have left to give? Your purpose in life is to reciprocate for the blessings you’ve received. Your oxygen is free, your body functions, and you have an atom of autonomy, which is akin to divine free will. If you think the purpose of your life is merely to pray and fast, who will do the real work for God? Turning spiritual thoughts into physical actions is the job we all have. If you’re seeking untarnished joy, deep spiritual satisfaction, and soul-satisfying happiness, take responsibility to reciprocate in practical ways. Instead of building grand mosques, churches, or temples, help the truly poor, feed the genuinely hungry, or pay your taxes so governments can assist the needy. While it’s important to know how your money is used, avoiding taxes by finding loopholes is not kosher, especially if you’re seeking a fulfilling mortal life. Remember, the politics of belonging may compel you to attend religious places and meet like-minded people. Your intentions may be good, but if your money is used for wrong purposes, you need to ensure it is spent correctly. If your mosques, churches, or temples are grandiose while poverty, hunger, and homelessness prevail, you may be on the wrong path, influenced more by politics than spirituality.

As the CEO of your life, you need to balance all areas. If helping your religious institution is sufficient for you, you might be influenced by a sense of belonging rather than a spiritual purpose. Both senses are extreme, so you must balance them. They are naturally ingrained, but you control and balance them because you are the boss of your life. If others are pulling your strings, it indicates a spiritual deficiency on your part, so put your CEO hat on.

I personally draw the line when it comes to taking risks that harm others or myself in the name of my group. Some might see this as selfish, but I believe it’s about creating balance, taking personal responsibility, and clearing clutter. A strong desire to fit in, impress, or be admired by a group is not a flaw but can lead to harm or spiritual self-destruction if unchecked.

From anorexia and bulimia to drug and alcohol addiction, unhappiness, and spiritual unfulfillment to even suicide, these issues arise when others have too much power over us or when our sense of belonging is out of control. We are fundamentally similar, so it’s not the circumstances but our response to them that matters. An imbalanced individual, unaware of their role as a CEO of their life, may spend their whole life seeking others’ approval, missing out on fulfillment. Seeking security only to find it’s elusive, intellectual disease driven by the need to please can force one to live a life of fitting in, impressing, or seeking admiration without spiritual sense. Some may lose their self-identity, becoming extensions of group ideologies, leading to prejudicial and discriminatory behavior, and committing spiritual crimes. Compassion and respect for oneself and others can help one understand the principle of “live and let live,” which is the spiritual rule of treating others as you wish to be treated.

Since both our internal and external spaces are beyond our control, we should seek our personal reasons for being alive, especially when things are not in our control. We all walk our paths and prefer not to have anyone disturb or end them. Even if things are beyond our control, we should not do to others what we don’t want done to ourselves. This is the spiritual understanding of our free will. When viewing life solely through physical or spiritual lenses, things become murky. A purely physical view reduces human life to mechanical and animalistic terms, minimizing our humanity. Although we evolved from simpler creatures, we have unique treasures, such as our spiritual side, that set us apart. Our imagination and ability to translate thoughts into actions have always been with us. Have you ever wondered where this spiritual “jewelry” came from?

The power of thoughts is evident in our physical responses, from salivation and excitement to increased heart rate from memories or nightmares, highlighting human complexity. Focusing only on physicality simplifies the picture based on our understanding. Even today, the placebo effect remains an unresolved mystery in medical science, showing we still have much to learn. Our progress comes from those who question, whether religious or secular. If a religion preaches not to question and to believe blindly, it creates doubt by keeping individuals irrelevant to maintain political control. With the rapid changes brought about by the internet, questioning is unavoidable, and humanity must adapt. Seeking truth is important, and individuals can benefit from belief systems if they understand that spiritual satisfaction comes from experiencing life as it should be, not from blindly following religious or political doctrines.

Understanding our problems begins with individual actions and concludes with an individual’s expiration. We should focus on the causes and consequences related to the individual. Solutions also lie within the individual. If we view ourselves as CEOs of our lives, we can see, understand, and act according to the politics of belonging to our groups. Recognizing how our political affiliations can reduce us to mere worker bees or warrior ants, shouldn’t we look inward to understand what is happening within ourselves?

As groups, we often fail to overcome our desire to dominate others, including our followers. As long as we have the ammunition of individual blood and the rage of revenge for lost love, things will remain unchanged. The true impact of our disputes is felt and suffered by the individual. When individuals are insecure and politically bombarded with a sense of belonging during their formative years, they have little chance to question the authority of their groups. Especially if they believe they are worthless, unimportant, and irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

The biggest problem is that we are taught to view the world through the political lens of our belonging groups, which inhibits us from looking beyond group politics. Politics often accepts lies and deceitful illusions, making us believe that we are individually irrelevant. In contrast, our spiritual side offers nothing but the truth, affirming that the individual is the most important, meaningful, and relevant part of the grand picture. If we change individually, we can change everything.

The pain of lost love should teach us to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves, which is a spiritual principle. The need for individual growth has never been more urgent. Interestingly, we can outgrow our insecurities and address our problems. To address personal insecurities, we must balance our sense of belonging to our groups with our personal sense of freedom.

Groups strive to secure their followers by emphasizing the group’s importance. However, a group can only offer prayers and cannot prevent illness, aging, or change our mortal nature. Their claim of providing security falls short of reality. We all must come to terms with our mortality to realize that no mortal being can achieve absolute security.

Being used politically, spending a lifetime feeling unimportant, losing self-esteem, and committing spiritual crimes in the name of our groups is a grave human condition. Not accepting personal responsibility for actions and hiding behind the politics of belonging represents a low state of humanity, far below the real human status of a CEO who possesses individual autonomy.

We need to view ourselves through a broader and spiritual lens rather than a narrow political one, as billions of us need to understand our reality. From both physical and spiritual perspectives, our individual importance is crucial to the divine world. Each and every one of us is a vital part of spirituality.