The True Essence of Spirituality: Inner Work Beyond the Surface

For a long time, I believed that spirituality was something you could access through specific practices: the serene atmosphere of a yoga studio, an unforgettable time at the retreat, or a daily meditation practice.

I thought that to be spiritual meant to engage in these activities, which, while enriching and supporting, weren’t the only answer to my healing and transformation.

It took me years to realize that true spirituality isn’t confined to such spaces. It’s not something you can restrict to particular activities. Authentic spirituality is an expression of how we navigate our lives and how willing we are to face our mind-manufactured nonsense and break our limits. 

Lost in the concept of inner work

For much of my journey, I view inner work as a series of tasks—meditations on the beach, journaling, reading self-help books, or attending ayahuasca retreats. 

I thought these external practices were the gateways to inner transformation. I followed all the recommended steps, hoping that by doing so, I would unlock the profound changes I sought. But despite my dedication, something always felt incomplete. I wasn’t experiencing the deep, lasting transformation I had hoped for.

The issue was that I was missing the essence of what spirituality truly means. I was focusing on external activities rather than addressing feelings of guilt, shame, fear, or anger. It’s easy to get caught up in the rituals and techniques of inner work without confronting what lies beneath the surface.

I discovered that deep inner work requires more than just going through the motions—it demands a courageous and honest exploration of ourselves, our foundational trauma, our toxic traits, and our limiting beliefs.

I began to understand that spirituality is not about escaping the everyday world or seeking enlightenment through retreats and rituals. Instead, it’s about how we confront our self-imposed limitations created by ego while navigating the complexities of our existence. It’s about being true to ourselves and how we respond to the highs and lows of life.

Rethinking Inner work: beyond surface practices

Realizing this, I embarked on a different path – one that required me to look deeper within myself. I had to confront the foundational trauma and limiting beliefs that I had been avoiding. I also realized that any negativity I experienced in my life was something I created myself. 

What I found was that inner work is about more than just introspection. It’s about using our insights and willingness to change to actively take steps toward healing while keeping compassion in our hearts.

This approach to my growth became a foundation of my coaching sessions and how I lead my clients toward their inner freedom. 

Through this process, I began to see spirituality not as an isolated activity or a set of rituals but as a conscious, lived experience. It became clear that my spiritual journey intertwined with every aspect of my life. It was reflected in how I treated others, faced adversity, built my coaching business and showed up for my clients, and how I approached personal growth. 

Integrating spirituality into everyday life

In the end, I discovered that spirituality is not a destination but a journey that unfolds through our commitment to being true to ourselves while being willing to break through our limitations. It also taught me that the more I know, the more I understand I don’t know anything. 

A good friend of mine often tells me that I am extremely self-aware. My response is that I am aware that I am unaware. We always laugh it off, but it’s true. This journey taught me that I know nothing about life, which allows me to be a seeker while striving to stand in my truth instead of pretending that I have my shit together and everything is love and light (because it’s not). 

So, if you find yourself struggling with your own spiritual journey, remember that it’s not only about the rituals or the external practices. A big part of it lies within the complexity of your inner work – the honest examination of your beliefs, the confrontation of your traumas, and the willingness to change and grow. 

Embrace the journey with courage and compassion, and you may find that spirituality is not a distant ideal but a deeply personal and transformative part of your everyday life.

What are your thoughts on spirituality and inner work? Feel free to leave a comment below.