I have suspected that for many of us who have adopted a professional lifestyle that, to a large extent, takes aim at the system (i.e. flexing optionality in location, wealth building & profession to beat the prescribed 9-5 grind)—that there may run a parallel antiestablishmentarian or boundary dissolving drive among us that manifests as a stronger-than-common affinity for spirituality, the mystical, or even religious faith.
I’m curious—among us, this group of people who are seeking to dissolve boundaries in our professional lives—do you find yourself also trying to do so in terms of your own consciousness or way of being in the world in a way that you feel extends to the spiritual, metaphysical, nonphysical or even religious?
And if so, to what extent do you feel your spiritual pursuit, however it manifests in your experience, is inextricably linked to your entrepreneurial pursuit?
Or is the answer for you “not at all”?
Tough to be self-disclosing on these topics, I know, as I understand they can generate some spicy countering opinions—so I’ll go first:
For me the answer is unequivocally “yes”. My original desire to beat the 9-5 grind, achieve financial self-sustenance (even flourishing) and location independence and freedom has felt part-and-parcel to and fueled by my personal pursuit of spirituality and the exploration of the more-than-physical. I find guidance and meaning in my personal spiritual exploration that has fueled my passion and drive to achieve freedom in the “world of Caesar”.
“And that has made all the difference.”
Just to clarify - I am posting this purely out of wondering about you all and myself and I have huge respect for all beliefs, whether spiritual, religious, atheistic or otherwise. I welcome any and all of your replies, even and especially your countering viewpoints.
Heyo! Have a great day, all :-D
Yes I’m religious, Christian.
I consider myself relatively spiritual for an atheist prescribing to materialism. Sam Harris wrote a nice book on this ‘Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion’. Even though I currently don’t meditate regularly anymore and I also haven’t had psychedelic experiences recently, these remain tools that I would go back to whenever I feel the desire.
Nope. Whimsical & spontaneous perhaps but not spiritual…
I’m a pretty firm nonbeliever in anything that sounds like a fairytale. However, I do think traveling promotes the ability to let go and live in the present, which can be very healing and cathartic for many. You’ll also grow as a person and learn about yourself, so I can see why those who are believers of something greater would be tempted to package travel as the practice of something spiritual.
Zero.
But most dn’s that I meet think they’re the main character of some Hollywood movie and they’re mostly spiritual and ‘englightend.’
Op, it sounds like you’re one ot those too.
I’m spiritual but it didn’t come from and/or has nothing to do with my nomading
Other than my drive for freedom
I just have ADHD and don’t like feeling repressed in one place 24/7, makes me feel mad
Yes, I consider myself spiritual. I’m currently researching the nomadic lifestyle, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. From my own traveling I’d say that those who are spiritual tend to be the type who want to know more and see more which in turn lends itself to the nomadic life. However, there are just as many non-believing atheists who simply just want to go on an adventure and see the world, nothing deeper than that.
Hey, this has been really interesting receiving your feedback! It wasn’t what I expected and it seems pretty clear that my suspicion was probably wrong! Pretty fascinating.
Thanks to everyone who took a few minutes to respond!
I think spirituality has lots of mental health benefits and I appreciate it from that aspect, but I wouldn’t describe myself as spiritual. I’m practical, and I borrow aspects that make sense and make society work better (have compassion for others, meditate for brain health, etc). I don’t believe in anything otherworldly, though.
I think there’s a difference, at least in my mind, between a DN and one of those really spiritual people who travels around the world looking for enlightenment. DNs are more practical, generally; they’re not hoping “the universe provides” or anything like that.