The internet and social media is the single greatest thing to have happened to spiritual growth. Here are the top 5 ways that I think it has contributed.

1. I am not alone

No matter what one is going through and how one is feeling, there is always a friend to connect to, a group to find solace with. Making connections is now only a few clicks away. In my experience, I’ve found Twitter a fantastic resource to meet new people that have similar interests. And Facebook has been an ideal way to deepen connections.

2. Find the right teachers, right now

Its win-win for leading spiritual teachers and seekers to interact with each other. And the internet has scaled up this opportunity incrementally! It is so easy to stay in touch with what your favourite teacher is thinking and doing right now by following them on Twitter and becoming a fan or friend on Facebook.

I am a huge admirer of Dr John Demartini [I often joke that the 'D' in my DNA stands for Demartini =)] I follow him on Twitter, @DrJohnDemartini! To my delight, I now receive his messages everyday right in my mobile phone inbox. Sure balances receiving all those SMS spam messages =D

3. Small shifts, consistent shifts

Everything said spiritual growth and change can be difficult at the best of times. It important to keep making small steps on a daily basis. Each of us wants different kinds of information and importantly, different amounts of information to guide us along our path. Social media is a great way to lift yourself by reading a touching story, a thought-provoking video, or inspiring quote.

A person is the average of the 5 most frequent thoughts in his head. Slowly but surely, I have seen my own thoughts and state of mind become more positive, and this is helping me follow the spiritual path in small, everyday ways.

4. The quest for readership

Most people who sign up to social media networks want to connect with others [duh!] and in this quest to be noticed we often put our best foot forward. Sort of like a first date. But on the web, everyday is something new, everyday we meet new people and everyday is a first date! We are compelled and motivated to be creative, witty, inspired and interesting. We are enthusiastic about learning and eager to share. These qualities and emotions, I believe folks, are an experience of our true nature.

Building readership and followers can be reduced to a stupid, manipulative exercise at its worst, but at its best, it is a true art that develops a person in many dimesions. One thing I have frequently seen is that people are better able to face adversity. When we have to talk about our problems with others, we often see more clearly the gifts and opportunities that the adversity brings with it. On the internet no one will read you for too long if you just rant, but if you learn important lessons from your difficult situations, then suddenly, everyone is interested!

5. Making spirituality financially viable

About time too! There has always been this great divide – spirituality OR materialism. The emerging paradigm is that spirituality AND materialism can, and often do, co-exist wonderfully. The best known spiritual teachers of our time are well cared for in material terms as well. The emphasis of their teaching is to attract abundance in all forms, including financially.

Online, being a provider of uplifting spiritual content is becoming a great secondary or even primary source of income for many people. It’s a great place to meet prospective clients, build credibility and reach the world in ways that are mind-bogglingly vast and lightning quick.

If you liked this post, subscribe to this blog’s alerts, or follow me on Twitter @drsanthan, or send me a friend request on Facebook. So we can grow together =D

Please share with me some of the ways that the internet and social media has helped you grow.

Wishing you lightness