What Being a Spiritual Warrior Means

"Say goodbye/ to not knowing when/the truth in my whole life began...I've learned/to let go/of the illusion that we can possess/I've learned to let go/I travel in stillness..."-Madonna, I'll Remember

The Basics of Spiritual Warriorhood

Most people associate the word warrior with combativeness. For the Spiritual Warrior, this is not the case. The basics of being a Spiritual Warrior are to be very clear in your intentions, to strive with excellence and to be very hard-nosed about removing any blocks to what you know is your path. According to John-Roger, the author of Spiritual Warrior: The Art of Spiritual Living, some other basic characteristics of the Spiritual Warrior include: dedication, commitment, discipline, focus, acceptance, cooperation, understanding, enthusiasm, empathy, surrender, health, wealth (of Spirit, not necessarily financially), happiness, prosperity, abundance (of positive qualities), riches, loving, caring, sharing and touching (emotional inspiration). I would also personally add patience, living and traveling joyfully in the Silence and valuing one's Divine mission over anything in the world.

I very recently attended a brief conference about Spiritual Warriorhood. The presenter of that conference further pointed out that a Spiritual Warrior is basically someone who has adapted to a modern world while demonstrating the importance of ancient values. Yet, they are also willing to undergo challenging though necessary shifts in consciousness in order to open themselves to growth. It means learning to turn within in order to explore and to find your true Home.

Even though being a Spiritual Warrior means simplifying your life as much as possible, it is not always an easy life. It means doing what you (confirmed by the Divine, or God, if that's what you're more comfortable with) believe is best to maintain the path you have chosen to follow. At times, it may even mean making the difficult decision to temporarily or permanently physically separate from someone in your life who is presenting obstacles to your path. If you do have to make that decision, remember that it is not the individual him- or herself you're letting go of, it's the negativity that they are holding within themselves and will not let go of.

One thing the Spiritual Warrior never does is cut anyone out of his or her heart even if physical separation is best. Remember that, like you, that individual has a soul which is a teardrop of the a whole ocean. You are the only one you can change and the best that you can ever do for anyone else is to love them and hope for the best for them.

Famous Spiritual Warriors

The two most famous Spiritual Warriors are Jesus and Buddha. What they both have in common is that they both followed the path that they knew was best for themselves and would greatly benefit the rest of the world. Jesus went through a persecution and crucifixion to demonstrate perfect forgiveness. After three days, he resurrected and completely overcame the illusion of death. Buddha tried many rather self-sacrificing things, including starving himself physically in desperate attempts to find enlightenment. In the end, he found it in a place even he probably least expected it: by meditating under a Bodhi tree. Spiritual Warriorhood also means having an open willingness to surrender to the Divine out of the world of illusion and to welcome the unexpected with open arms.

The second most famous Spiritual Warriors are Joan of Arc and the Virgin Mary. The former was also a warrior literally. Because she cooperated so carefully with her guides, Archangel Michael, and the ascended masters, Catherine and Margaret, she led France to victory, crowned a chosen king and even endured her cruel transition with the sweetest grace. The latter simply surrendered everything to bring a chosen savior into the world.

Conclusion

Overall, being a Spiritual Warrior means making communication and cooperation with the Divine the main priority (Note: This is the metaphysical meaning of Mary, the sister of Martha in the Bible) over anything and everything the world has to offer. This world, after all, is not eternal and will not last forever. Why not value what is eternal instead?