Journeys and destinations in spirituality

We hear that spirituality is about 'living in the present'. Many masters have emphasized about the importance of 'NOW.' Yes indeed, the 'NOW' is important, but is spirituality so simple that merely living in the 'now' is sufficient? Can we let go of everything else and simply live in the present? As we are living, we are only dealing with the present. Indeed, the only time that we really have is the present. However, we are also coming to terms with the past, and also creating our future through our present. We cannot deny that the past has an impact on most us (it has made us who we are today) and neither can one say that one is not at all concerned about the future. If technically one is not at all concerned about the future, then one would make decisions that lead to immediate gratification even if it would mean jeopardizing one's future. For example, a student can decide to not study and do whatever they find most interesting or rewarding in the present (e.g., talking to a friend, facebook, TV etc). A person who is in a committed relationship can get involved with another person temporarily in the 'moment', and end up destroying their relationship. A depressed person can commit suicide, because that seems to be the only solution in the present. Is that the same as 'living in the present'? Are we just kidding ourselves by doing all sorts of unproductive and meaningless things in the name of 'living in the present'? Spirituality is a journey and a path, because life itself is a journey and spirituality is a continuous journey as long as we are alive. Learning never ends. As we interact with other beings (who are also spiritual beings), our spirituality expands and grows. However spirituality is also a destination, because there are some significant milestones along this journey, such as: 1) A curiosity for knowledge and an urge to question and seek 2) A strong burning single desire for the one truth..which takes over everything else and all other desires 3) An commitment to truth and an association with those who are committed to truth (Satsang) 4) Finding a Guru, mentor, or guide and building a committed relationship with that person 5) Having an experience that suggests to us that we are more than just body. 6) Experiencing a glimpse of true and unconditional acceptance and love..by giving as well as receiving 7) An experience of universal consciousness or cosmic consciousness..merging with nature 8) Coming to terms with our mystical experiences through the intellect with objectivity to dissociate the learning or the awareness during that experience from the experience per se (losing attachment to the experience) 9) Consciously integrating and harmonizing our mind, body, and intellect with the higher self or awareness 10) Realizing and being firmly established in one's true identity in mind, body, intellect, as well as awareness..through our actions, thoughts, and words 11) Using this great knowledge that comes from spiritual experience for the benefit of the world and leading by example 12) Continuing to realize and express that identity and grow that identity to include other beings and enabling them to also experience that identity in themselves These are some of the milestones but there could be many others. Some of these milestones are not necessary and they vary from person to person and their order can also vary. These milestones may act as signposts to tell is that we are on the right path. At various stages depending on our own strengths and weaknesses, we may have to work on the level of body, mind, intellect, or awareness. Until all are harmonized, there will be internal conflict and one will not able to function at an optimum level. One of the goals of spirituality is inner transformation, where we feel a deep connection with ourselves as well as other beings. We should be able to maintain this connection with equanimity and balance in daily life even amidst difficult and trying circumstances. Such inner transformation is a strong foundation for humanity or being a better human being. One can pretend to be a better human being by donating to charity, feeding the hungry, getting a fuel efficient or electric car, eating organic food etc, but these are just at an external level. Spirituality makes us strong enough to sustain love and compassion even amidst the most trying of circumstances and enables us to fulfill our purpose to make the world a better place, one person at a time, starting with our selves.