Spiritual journeys often start quietly, with subtle hints or an inner nudge that eventually leads to profound experiences. Mine began in much the same way—a quest for understanding that took me through different spiritual teachings, traditions, and philosophies. I had no idea that my search would take me so deep into the mysteries of life and consciousness, but looking back, I can see that every step I took was leading me toward a transformative moment that I would never forget.
My exploration began with a fascination for the teachings of various spiritual paths. I was drawn to Buddhism’s emphasis on mindfulness and inner peace, the esoteric principles of Rosicrucianism, and the spiritual insights of Edgar Cayce and Emanuel Swedenborg. Alongside these, I immersed myself in studying the Bible, looking for the wisdom that I felt must be hidden within its pages. Each tradition offered a different lens through which to view the world and my place in it, and I was eager to learn from them all.
At the time of the experience I’m about to share, I was particularly engrossed in reading the Bible. It was late—around 2:30 or 3:00 a.m.—a time I often reserved for quiet reflection and study. There’s something about those late hours that makes the world feel still and open, allowing thoughts to flow more freely. I was tired that night, my mind starting to drift, but I kept the TV on in the background to help me stay awake. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the screen and a small lamp by my chair.
As I took a break from my reading, I glanced up at the TV. A female pastor had appeared, delivering a sermon. I caught myself thinking, “She’s an attractive woman,” before quickly turning my attention back to the Bible. I wasn’t particularly interested in what was on TV, but what happened next was completely unexpected.
As I closed my eyes for a moment of rest, I suddenly found myself in what I can only describe as a vision. In the darkness of my mind, a vivid scene unfolded: I was sitting by a river. The waters before me flowed gently, shifting between shades of black and gray, occasionally catching glimmers of light as they rippled. It was a beautiful sight—calming, mesmerizing—but there was something deeper happening. I sensed it immediately.
Then, a small, clear voice spoke in my mind: “This is beautiful.”
But I knew instinctively that the voice wasn’t referring to the river itself. In that moment, a realization washed over me. The river I was seeing was not just water flowing before my eyes—it was the flow of consciousness itself, a representation of the spiritual journey that every soul embarks upon in this life.
The blackness of the water symbolized the ignorance and unawareness we all start with, the darkness that clouds our understanding. As the river turned gray, it represented the phase of searching, the curiosity, doubts, and questions that guide us toward deeper truths. And finally, there were the brief moments of light—those precious, fleeting glimpses of enlightenment that come when we grasp a profound insight.
In that moment, I understood something powerful. Just as the river ebbed and flowed, so too does our understanding of spiritual truth. Enlightenment is not a destination but a process, one that moves in cycles. We touch moments of clarity, where everything seems to make sense, and then we are drawn back into the darker, murkier waters. This isn’t a failure, but part of the natural rhythm of learning and growth.
The vision continued to unfold, revealing an even deeper message. When we reach those moments of light—those sparkling flashes of insight—it becomes our responsibility to return to the darkness, not for ourselves, but for others. We are called to share what we’ve learned, to bring our light to those who are still in the shadows of ignorance or uncertainty. By doing so, we help guide others on their own journey from darkness to gray, and eventually to the light. In this way, spiritual understanding spreads, person by person, insight by insight.
This cycle—the dance of consciousness that I witnessed by the river—is the essence of why we are here. Each of us, at different points in our lives, will experience both darkness and light. We all have something to learn and something to teach. Whether we’re just beginning to question the world around us or standing in a moment of clarity, we are part of an ongoing process of collective growth and understanding.
The vision left me with a profound sense of peace and purpose. I realized that the spiritual journey is not about reaching a final, ultimate truth but about participating in a continuous flow of learning and teaching. Each time we discover a new truth or insight, we contribute a little more light to the world. And as we do, the light spreads, gradually illuminating the path for others.
One day, perhaps, this collective light will grow so bright that the darkness will be dispelled altogether. Until then, we each have a role to play in this grand, spiritual dance. My experience by the river wasn’t just a personal revelation; it was a call to action, a reminder that the journey toward spiritual truth is one we all share.
This is my belief. This is my spiritual truth. And I believe it’s a truth that can inspire us all to keep searching, learning, and sharing what we find.
Conclusion
The search for spiritual truth is a journey that unfolds uniquely for each individual, yet there are common threads that bind us all. My vision by the river taught me that spiritual growth is cyclical, a flow of understanding that moves from darkness to light and back again. It reminded me of the importance of sharing the insights we gain, helping others along the way. As we continue to seek, question, and learn, we each contribute to a greater collective understanding, adding our own spark of light to the world. Together, we can illuminate the path for others, moving ever closer to the truth that connects us all.
…Let’s Dance.
