Doubt and suspicion are like unwelcome guests in the story of our lives, always lurking around, casting shadows on our relationships with coworkers, family, and friends. They taint our perceptions with negativity, stealing away our peace of mind. But on the flip side, there's something truly beautiful about living without the weight of doubt or suspicion, especially when we aim for spiritual growth.

Every day, my inbox is flooded with emails, each carrying its own emotional baggage. Some bring news of happiness and spiritual fulfillment, while others weigh heavy with sorrow. Recently, I came across a particularly troubling story filled with mistrust and suspicion, where one spouse doubted the faithfulness of the other. I tried my best to reassure them, to convince them not to torture themselves or their partner with baseless fears. Thankfully, the story ended on a hopeful note, a small light shining through the darkness of doubt.

I'm sure many of you have experienced similar trials. How often do we see family ties strained and friendships tested because of groundless suspicions?

The negative effects of uncertainty seep into our everyday lives, often requiring the help of counselors to untangle. But in this humble piece, I want to steer our attention towards something loftier—the pursuit of self-awareness and awareness of something greater than ourselves.

Sometimes, we find ourselves feeling lost in the vastness of existence, unsure of our true selves but still aware of our existence. The certainty of our being is distinct from the certainty of our essence—a nuance that's often overlooked.

The old saying "I think, therefore I am" doesn't quite hit the mark anymore in today's complex world. Many claim to think but lack a true understanding of their own existence, like a fleeting image that disappears upon closer inspection.

While I've never formally studied awareness of a higher power, it's something that's deeply ingrained within me, beyond the confines of textbooks or classes. However, I've often pondered the idea of self-awareness.

Lack of self-awareness is perhaps humanity's greatest struggle. Have you ever mistaken someone from a distance, only to realize they were someone else up close? It's a metaphor for those who don't truly know themselves, whether from a distance or in intimate relationships.

To be continued...