Introduction
In our societal journey, there lies a subtle yet profound limitation in merely aspiring to uphold the status quo. This path transforms us into products, polished and packaged by the prevailing system. In this system, we often become mere imitations, replicating established norms and patterns. But is conforming inherently detrimental? Not necessarily. However, it’s crucial to understand that true, meaningful change is beyond the reach of those who do not transcend the system.
Transcendence is not about rebelling without cause. It is about comprehending the system deeply – seeing its functions at a more profound level. It’s about delving into the ‘whys’ behind the system and deciding it’s time for new ‘whys,’ leading to the emergence of a new system. This new system is not external but is embodied within you. As you detach from the existing framework, a new paradigm arises – one that originates from the system but is now guided by your internal state.
We exist in one of two states: either as products molded by the system or as creators shaping our realities. We can be consumers passively navigating the machine or innovators actively redesigning it. The choice is between remaining cogs in the existing mechanism or becoming the architects of new systems. This blog post explores this dichotomy, inviting you to reflect on your role: Are you a reformer maintaining the status quo, or a creator forging new paths?
Living in the System
As we grow and assimilate into our culture and society, we’re subtly guided to fit into a pre-existing system. This system, established by those before us, influences not only how we earn our living and behave in public but also subtly shapes our thought processes. Our conditioning is deeply ingrained through various channels – music, TV, Hollywood, and education are just a few examples.
Initially, I found myself resisting these mediums. My opposition stemmed from a clear understanding of the system’s intent: to mold individuals into efficient, conforming ‘machines’ or workers. This realization was frustrating, as it seemed to stifle creativity and promote a culture of conformity. The unspoken rule is to be ‘normal,’ but in doing so, we often end up concealing our true selves. The system, in its quest for order and uniformity, often dismisses and labels certain aspects as unacceptable. This act of hiding our uniqueness and complexities is a direct result of the system’s influence on our perception of what is socially acceptable.
Understanding the System
Having learned more, my perspective towards the system has shifted from resistance to understanding. I now realize that being upset with the system’s design is a common reaction. We often think that the architects of the past were misguided or fell short in their endeavors. It’s easy to believe we could have done better. Still, such a belief comes with the hindsight advantage, viewing past solutions from the vantage point of our current era, where those old problems are resolved, leaving us with new challenges birthed from those very solutions.
Instead of dwelling on criticism, a more constructive approach is to understand the system: to comprehend the reasons behind its design and how it aligns with our current stage in life. Understanding paves the way for solutions. I now recognize that the existing system was necessary for the times we were in. Given the limited resources and the level of evolution back then, the system we have now was conceptualized.
There was a sense of pride in moving beyond the primal needs of early humanity. The Industrial Revolution, in particular, shaped the perception of those living through it. This era placed a strong emphasis on machinery and technology, viewing them as solutions to our problems. Advancements in technology led to better medicines, easier access to food, and new forms of entertainment like television.
Our life’s enhancement through technology led to a mechanistic worldview. Institutions were seen as the solution to life’s challenges, and education was touted as the primary means of improving our lives. In this hierarchy, doctors and lawyers were esteemed as the pinnacle of societal success.
What being a reformer looks like
Reformers of the system are the ones who we like to call NPCs. In the movie The Matrix, reformers serve as the agents who live to keep the system going. They live according to the rules of the system and make sure to produce what serves the system. When speaking about the status quo, these people are the ones who are chained by concepts such as hypergamy, tax brackets, status, and fame. These concepts define the current system that we have, and there’s a reason for it. The person who operates as a reformer does not have to like the system or even be aware of it, they just have to operate as the system designed them.
For example, there are plenty of people who complain about the issues of the economy but do nothing to create a life outside of the current economy of time in exchange for money. These people might hate the system, but they still operate by it, and their lives are dependent on the system.
The person who operates based on status is also a reformer of the system. People who change how they treat a person based on their appearance and position are also reformers. For example, people will treat me differently if they know I am a millionaire compared to if I am a regular person. This is inherent in the human condition but I know that authenticity cannot exist in such a system. Reformers of the current system prefer to “play it safe” and work by what has proven to work, meaning playing the game they have been taught since childhood – to climb up the ladder in society to get what they want.
This is what it means to be a reformer in the current culture/system but let me now say why this is not really in the best interest of people from a logical perspective.
Why being a reformer isn’t the best thing for people
The thing that people don’t understand is that when you are a reformer, you can only repeat what the system has designed for you. You live constrained by the system. But if you are a creator, you live outside the system, creating a system of your own. As a creator you are on the leading edge, serving as the bridge between humanity and its next evolutionary leap.
Many people don’t grasp that being a reformer means you’re limited to replicating what the system has already designed. In this role, you live within the constraints of the system, becoming a product that’s polished, replicable, and designed to be failure-proof. This safety, however, comes at a cost: it’s essentially an exchange of your authentic self for the security of being accepted by the system. As this product, you are ‘sold’ to companies for their advancement, constantly seeking validation and assisting others in their ascent within the system.
Unfortunately, this mindset leads to inevitable limitations. There will always be a ceiling to your achievements because you’re functioning as a cog in a larger machine, bound by its rules. For those seeking to break free from this cycle, the conventional path of climbing the societal ladder isn’t the solution. Instead, it’s more empowering to create your path or, better yet, find a ladder that offers true freedom. And what might this ladder be? It’s the ladder of spiritual evolution.
The current system we navigate is, in fact, a distorted reflection of a more profound internal hierarchy – the hierarchy of evolution itself. When we realize there’s an intrinsic order based on spiritual realization, we reach a turning point. It’s at this juncture that we can step out of the game and become creators of systems, transcending the limitations imposed by our societal constructs.
What it means to transcend the system and how to do it
Recognizing the restrictions of being a reformer within the system leads us to ponder a crucial question: How do we transcend this system? Transcendence is not merely about creating change for its own sake or rebelling against established norms. True transcendence stems from a deeper, more meaningful place within us. It’s about aligning with who we are meant to be in this world, being true to our innermost self rather than conforming to external societal expectations. This is not about rebelling against the system, but rather integrating it and then contributing to it in our unique ways.
Understanding and transcending the system requires acknowledging its foundation and purpose. We are, after all, products of our environment, and negating the system entirely would mean negating a part of our evolutionary process. To truly transcend, one must integrate and comprehend the reasons behind the system’s design and how it has served humanity. Recognizing why some choose to be reformers is part of this understanding. With this insight, we can reach the core of the system and initiate change from a new perspective. The creators of the past system did not have the knowledge or context we have now, thus, with our current understanding, we have the opportunity to bring forth a new system.
In liberating ourselves from the roles of mere consumers or cogs in the machine, we become the architects of change. Through our experiences, we identify the gaps and weaknesses in the system, acting as bridges that lead humanity to its next evolutionary step. The hierarchical structures we see in society today are but distortions of the true structures inherent to spiritual evolution. To occupy a higher status within this true hierarchy means to channel consciousness at a higher level, to embrace depth. As we observe evolution, we notice the distinct differences in how plants, animals, and humans express Spirit – it’s a constant progression of Spirit finding new ways to manifest itself.
Hence, the current societal system is just an interpretation of this deeper, spiritual phenomenon. When one truly understands this, they reach a pivotal realization: The key driver of evolution is realization itself. As we become enlightened, gaining a higher understanding of ourselves and the universe, we create new states of being. This enlightenment paves the way for new systems, and new ways of living and being, driven by our evolved understanding and insights.
Conclusion: Embracing Evolutionary Transcendence
In our journey through the intricate tapestry of societal structures, we stand at a crossroads between conforming as reformers and transcending as creators. This exploration reveals that true transcendence is more than just a rebellion against the status quo; it’s a profound journey toward self-realization and spiritual evolution. By understanding the limitations of the current system and recognizing our potential to be more than just cogs in a machine, we open ourselves to new possibilities of existence.
We’ve seen how the current societal structures are but reflections of a deeper, spiritual hierarchy of evolution. To ascend within this true hierarchy means to channel consciousness at higher levels, embracing the full depth of our existence. As we become enlightened, our understanding of ourselves and the universe expands, leading us to create new states of being and, consequently, new systems.
As architects of our destiny, we have the power to reshape our world, bridging the gap between humanity’s past and its evolutionary future. The key to this transformation lies in our realization and willingness to step out of pre-defined roles and embrace our role as creators. In doing so, we don’t just change our individual lives; we contribute to the collective evolution of humanity, guiding it toward its next monumental leap.
Thus, the question remains for each of us: Will we continue to conform within the confines of the existing system, or will we rise as creators, shaping a new path of spiritual and societal evolution?