Navigating Spiritual Groupthink: Don't Lose Yourself when you Find Yourself

Joining a new community, be it spiritual, freedom fighters, corporate or otherwise, can feel like stepping into a high school cafeteria—all the cliques, all the pressure to fit in. But here's the catch: even in the realm of enlightenment and spiritual growth, groupthink lurks in the shadows, tempting us to conform for the sake of safety.  This survival mentality is programmed since we’re young, to fit in.  Fitting in is safe.  Fitting in keeps us alive. Here is a great video that illustrates this. 

Myself, I found a slow boil of losing myself amidst groupthink in spiritual communities out of a desire to fit in. I've always been a bit of a lone wolf, but community is imperative to cultivating connection and support and the desire to grow. I've had to completely abolish myself from certain groups after seeing or experiencing too much of what most don't see behind the curtain. It can be a slippery slope to fitting in.

If you're on a quest for true sovereignty, here's the secret: it's about knowing yourself amidst the sea of influences, discerning what you truly believe amidst the noise of collective ideologies.

So, how do you maintain your authenticity while seeking connection with like-minded souls? Here's my take, gleaned from navigating various spiritual communities, jobs, and cultural landscapes:

1.     Discover Your Core Values: Start by exploring a wide range of values. James Clear's website https://www.jamesclear.com offers an extensive list to get you started. Choose at least ten that resonate with you on a deep level, then pare down to your top three.

2.     Define Your Top Three Values: Dive deeper into your chosen values. Look up their definitions and ask yourself if they truly reflect what you stand for. If not, redefine them in your own terms, aligning them with your authentic beliefs.

3.     Self-Reflect: Reflect on your past experiences. When were you most aligned with your values, and when did you feel a disconnect? Identify patterns and learn from them to guide your future decisions.

4.     Give Yourself Grace: Embrace the journey of self-discovery with kindness and compassion. Understand that growth is a messy, nonlinear process, and it's okay to stumble along the way.

5.     Embrace Adaptability: Recognize that your core values may evolve over time. Stay true to them while remaining open to growth and change, both within yourself and in your interactions with others.

Remember, authenticity is your greatest asset in navigating spiritual communities. Trust in your core values to guide you, and let them serve as a beacon that attracts your true tribe.