SALTY CAKE

Every single thing that exists, whether we classify it as living or non-living, has a purpose in this life. The stomach’s role in digestion, the heart’s function of pumping blood, and the erythrocytes carrying oxygen are all examples of the purposes assigned to the human body, which is our material aspect. The stomach, heart, blood cells, and even substances like cholesterol, insulin, and serotonin—all of them work in harmony to sustain life within the body.

We, too, are part of the infinite existence, the universe, and creation—often referred to as Wahdat al-Wujud (the Unity of Being)—something beyond the grasp of our limited minds. Just as cells both make up the body and serve it to sustain its existence, we, too, both form the universe and serve it.

Or do we???

If we remained in the state in which we were born (or rather, if our minds remained as pure as they were at birth), then yes. But for most of us, the answer is no.

We are born with minds free of concepts, yet over time, we fill them with endless mental constructs. As if that weren’t enough, we categorize these concepts, actions, and behaviors as right or wrong, good or bad, necessary or unnecessary. We condition ourselves to perform actions we classify as right/good, often unconsciously. But when we become conditioned, we disconnect from our true essence.

As a result, we fail to receive the divine messages that guide us toward the actions necessary for the continuation of existence. Instead, we mistake the noise—born from our conditioned minds—for true guidance and act accordingly.

For example, while the Universe/Life/The Creator/The Divine directs me to turn right, I convince myself that turning left is the better choice because I have been conditioned to believe that left is good. So I go left. But what I don’t realize is that turning right would have led me to my highest potential—one that would have benefited both me and the entire existence. Instead, by going left, I enter a dead-end street. I struggle with obstacles, face countless difficulties, and ultimately go nowhere. And then what do I do? I blame fate! I resent The Creator, as if I had no part in the situation I created for myself.

Consider this:

A fish is promised an infinite, magnificent ocean. It is told: Follow this path, take these actions, stay away from these things, and you will reach your paradise—your vast, boundless ocean—and live a wonderful life.

But the fish envies the bird. It has been conditioned to believe that flying is superior to swimming, so it chooses to act according to the thoughts in its mind. The result? After a futile struggle and an unnecessary battle with life, the fish meets a tragic end. Not only does it fail to fly, but it also loses its life. Then, in despair, it mutters, I guess this was my fate...

Does this scenario sound familiar to you?

I have lived the fish’s experience countless times. I have struggled through hardships, fought unnecessary battles with life, and thought that if I overcame them all, I would reach the goals I was taught to believe in—the ones I was conditioned to think would bring me happiness.

Like the fish, I repeatedly attempted to fly—an act entirely contrary to my true nature. Until… I turned toward the Divine. Until… I listened to my heart.

Because the Creator already knows the most perfect possibility and places it in our hearts, guiding us toward it. When we listen, things flow effortlessly. And what follows? The fish reaches its ocean… and true freedom.

If you find yourself asking:"Why are things not working out?""Why am I always in conflict with life?""Why do I keep encountering the wrong people?""Why am I struggling with financial difficulties?"

Then you have likely strayed from the path the Creator has opened for you.

How to get back on track?I’ll share that in my next article.