The word “enlightenment” evokes a wide range of emotions. To many in the “New Age” community, it’s seen as the ultimate goal—revered and sought after. On the other hand, to some, the very mention of enlightenment might spark discomfort or even disdain. Whether you define enlightenment as a perfect knowledge of all things, an understanding of the mysteries of existence, or a path toward personal perfection, it remains both a process and a goal. For the purposes of this work, let’s explore the Barbequian view of enlightenment so that when we refer to it, we focus on understanding, not emotion.
Many people spend significant time and money on self-help books, seminars, New Age philosophies, and practices in the pursuit of enlightenment. We are all, in some way, searching for answers—something to help us make sense of the spiritual and emotional aspects of life, and more importantly, to understand what is going on inside ourselves. Disillusionment with social or religious circles, feelings of not fitting in, or struggles with self-esteem often drive this search. While these motivations are noble and important to address, we frequently seek answers outside of ourselves, when in fact, the answers lie within.
Let’s face it—if you had parents, chances are you’ve been shaped by their influences, and if you are a parent, you’ve likely shaped your children in ways you didn’t intend. We all carry hang-ups and complexes from our relationships, our upbringing, and our environment, especially from our formative years. The truth is, we all have challenges to overcome that help strengthen our character and, in turn, contribute to the greater human experience. The beauty of this is that it’s exactly as it should be. We are meant to have these struggles—they are integral to our growth and the process of enlightenment.
In Barbequia, enlightenment is not a fixed state of being, nor is it something that comes with a certificate after completing a series of books or seminars. It is a continuous process of understanding ourselves, others, nature, and the spiritual dimensions of life. Enlightenment isn’t about accumulating knowledge, no matter how many books we read or how many seminars we attend. Enlightenment arises from experiencing life with an open mind and an open heart.
The problem is that we spend so much time trying to figure “it” out that by the time we do, “it” has already changed. Life is dynamic, and so are we. Just as the world is constantly evolving, so too are we. This means that any time we spend trying to fully grasp “the truth” is often time wasted, because “truth” is never static—it’s fluid and ever-changing. Therefore, it’s important to use our time wisely, especially when seeking answers.
While books and seminars are valuable tools for acquiring knowledge, they are as useless as an expensive encyclopedia gathering dust on a shelf unless we know how to apply the information we gather. If we’re acquiring knowledge out of a sense of lack or to improve our self-esteem, we’re setting ourselves up for frustration. Information, after all, is not always true. However, there are often threads of truth within nearly every piece of information. Knowledge becomes truly useful when we can discern its relevance to our own lives and when we apply it in a way that resonates with us. If the information works for us—if it feels right and aligns with our values—then it is our truth.
True knowledge, when it’s useful, tends to be uncomfortable. It challenges us to take responsibility for our actions, thoughts, and outcomes—whether they’re successes or failures. This type of knowledge pushes us out of our comfort zones, encouraging us to confront issues we may prefer to avoid. But when we do, we experience a surge of excitement, power, and self-confidence, which propels us to learn even more. The key to gaining this knowledge is to approach life with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
It’s important to note that we’re talking about experiencing life, not just living it. Many people go through life day by day, following routines and goals, working toward some future achievement. They might throw in some fun and excitement along the way, but few people truly experience life. To experience life means to let go of attachment to outcomes and to trust that the Universe will provide us with every opportunity we need. It requires a shift from seeking external achievements to focusing on internal fulfillment.
So how can we experience life rather than just live it, especially in today’s world, which often feels overwhelmed by stress and external demands? Our society tends to focus on material success—bigger homes, better cars, more impressive clothes—and many people go to church to feel better about it all, aiming for “eternal life” or “enlightenment.” But what we say we want often contradicts how we act to get it.
Experiencing life isn’t necessarily opposed to going to church or following religious practices. It’s about realigning our daily actions with our deeper values and letting go of the belief that material accumulation or external success is the ultimate goal. True experience of life comes from living with intention, simplifying our desires, and embracing what truly matters.