Embracing the Single Status: A Personal Journey

In a world where societal norms often dictate the importance of marriage and companionship, it can be quite challenging for individuals who have chosen to remain single to navigate through the judgments and expectations of others. I find myself in this unique position, where my decision to embrace a single life has been shaped by my deep spiritual inclination.

My journey began when I stumbled upon the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, a profound collection of teachings that introduced me to the concept of manifesting one’s own divinity through Kundalini awakening. This spiritual awakening sparked a transformation within me, altering my priorities and reshaping my perception of life’s purpose. The idea of finding my prince charming, getting married, and raising children no longer held the same allure it once did. I realized that my path lay in exploring the depths of my own spirituality.

As I delved further into books and resources on Kundalini awakening, I became mesmerized by the notion of manifesting my own divinity. It was a calling that compelled me to redirect my focus and embrace a life dedicated to self-discovery and spiritual growth. However, this shift in perspective was met with resistance from those around me, particularly well-meaning relatives and friends who couldn’t fathom why I chose to remain single.

In my 20s and early 30s, the questioning about my single status was incessant. Relatives and concerned individuals would inquire about my plans for marriage, expressing their opinions on suitable partners and the need to settle down. But as time passed, their suggestions turned into pleas for me to lower my expectations and settle for anyone who crossed my path. Their well-intentioned advice seemed absurd to me. How could I possibly marry someone I couldn’t even enjoy a simple conversation or cup of coffee with? The compromises they had made in their own lives didn’t resonate with my desire for a deep and meaningful connection.

When I expressed my contentment with my single status and explained that my spiritual pursuits fulfilled me, it was met with disbelief and judgment. Many individuals couldn’t comprehend my choice to dedicate my time to meditation and personal growth rather than pursuing conventional relationships. It became evident that their limited worldview was heavily influenced by popular culture, where sensationalized narratives of scandal and promiscuity dominate the media. They couldn’t fathom that there are individuals who willingly forego such experiences in favor of a spiritual journey.

It dawned on me that people tend to judge others based on their own standards and experiences. Those who have never delved into the realm of spirituality or explored the profound teachings left behind by our ancestors struggle to understand the depth of our spiritual yearnings. Even among the educated and well-bred, my dedication to spirituality was often met with raised eyebrows and half-hearted acceptance, as if my single status was merely a consequence of changing priorities after reading some enlightened texts.

As I entered my 40s, the narrative surrounding my single status shifted. People began to pity me, assuming that my spiritual inclination was a result of not finding a suitable partner. It was as if they believed spirituality was a coping mechanism for my perceived failure to marry on time.  It was disheartening to witness their inability to acknowledge and accept that my single status was a conscious choice, driven by a desire for spiritual growth.

Throughout this journey, I have learned to refrain from reacting to the judgments and comments of others. My mother once shared a valuable insight during a moment of frustration caused by baseless rumors. She advised me to pity those individuals, acknowledging their limited perspectives and circumstances. She reminded me to draw inspiration from celebrities who face incessant gossip and scandal, understanding that their happiness need not be influenced by mediocre rumor mongers!

Suffice to say – there are many people in this world who are single by choice. And by the way, when I say I am single, I mean that I am single to the core…..and not exploiting dumb males by showing them some carrot and stick incentive! Yes, it is only the ‘dumb males’ who get drawn to have affairs with any random female…the really intelligent men are busy with their work and families.