Everybody’s got ‘religion’ — some idea of what the good life is. The difference is between those who consciously recognise this and those who prefer to live in denial. And, denial is a dangerous game because ignoring something does not make it go away. Our deeper beliefs and habits will still continue to influence us hidden away in the dark. 

Hidden belief 

Those who dismiss ‘religion’ with hand waving thinking that it does not apply to them, are gravely mistaken. For, everyone has some idea of what it means to live well — a system of beliefs. Whether you believe that happiness is to be found through ‘career success’ or in the reclusive life of a nomadic wanderer, there are always underlying beliefs at play. Beliefs about what is important and about what is ‘good’. Beliefs that can shape the entire path of your life — how you use your time and energy, what you do and don’t do. 

Not realising that all this is tantamount to ‘religion’ only means that you are giving-up your own agency. Giving-up agency in your life because you fail to acknowledge the fundamental drivers behind your actions. And, how can you choose differently if you don’t understand the underlying forces at play? 

Seeing that everybody’s got religion  

While everybody’s got religion, and a deeply personal one at that, it is useful to recognise external influences. Dominant social narratives and cultural norms that inevitably shape how we view the world. Narratives and norms that form the foundations of your personal religion. 

Religion is not something reserved for church or temple goers or football supporters, it is something we all have. The question is how ready are you to really consider what your religion might be? 

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Harsha is a 1:1 coach and independent thinker based in London. He empowers people to find more clarity, confidence and focus in their lives — to cut through the noise, in a world so full of it. Harsha’s new book, Machine Ego: Tragedy of the Modern Mind, is now available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon.