Why Tradition is Over-rated
By: Madiha Bataineh
Tags: Spirituality, Change, Empowerment, Evolution, Tradition

In Jordan, the statement we often hear to justify why things are the way they are is simply “It’s tradition.”

Said like fact, it’s expressed as though this being that is “Tradition” was a source of wisdom and genius.

And it’s not.

It’s actually the greatest obstacle to tapping into the possibilities of an upgraded future, hanging instead onto false refractions of light we see of the past.

And what is at stake in these dialogues on tradition or change is our freedom, happiness, and the pursuit of our purpose.

In these dialogues between our truth and tradition is the invitation to step into our greatest power: the power of our choice. Every time we hear the voice of tradition, we have two choices: to succumb, or to challenge.

As a woman born in the Middle East, I’ve had to face the social “boundary” of tradition time and time again as it applies to my career choices, my relationships, and personal evolution.

The choice is always to believe in myself, or to believe in a “society” that knows better.

I look at where our societal values have gotten us. How much freedom has been stripped from women, from the arts and expression, and the unfolding of a higher, more connected, community that operates beyond division and separation.

And I see the space for our evolution.

The thing is, every time we allow tradition to dominate our choices, we sacrifice our truth and integrity.

And in each instance where “tradition” shows up as the cultural force limiting me from living my truth (whether it’s pursuing a shamanic career, or taking my time in a relationship), I hear the voice inside me that knows so well, this is not the truth my soul knows to be true.

Tradition and Soul are twins that took the opposite directions in life; one chose to stay blind to her truth, and the other, to listen as deeply as possible.

No matter how evolved a society (and in our case in Jordan, the answer is not so evolved socially speaking), tradition does not fuel growth.

It has contributed to keep our social bonds strong. It has served its purpose. Now, it is out-dated.

And it’s safe to say, it demands an upgrade.

But how do we step up to that challenge, to be soulful warriors of truth and empowerment? To stand for the higher truths we believe in and not allow outdated cultural blueprints to dictate our lives?

Nelson Mandela once said, “Law is nothing but organised force used by the ruling class, to shape the social order in a way favourable to itself.” And it’s exactly the same for tradition.

It has served a purpose in society. The purpose to safeguard existing norms, and resist change.

Target: Truth…and Fire

What happens when the call for change is so strong we can no longer resist?

What happens when the soulscape is ripe for change? For tuning into what TRULY matters, and nothing else. No more compromises. For trusting the truths we feel in our gut, and not allowing “Tradition” to hold us back from the reality we CHOOSE for ourselves.

If there is one thing that’s become clearer and clearer on this path of empowerment (and I grant, empowerment is a process, not a goal), it’s that everything is a choice.

Choosing to accept tradition is a choice.

Choosing to sacrifice our values to lay low is a choice.

Of course, our choices come with consequence s— but what is the price we are willing to pay; for our freedom, for our truth?

I always said freedom was my most important value, but in all honesty, my life does not yet fully reflect that. I have blind spots I am only now starting to see. In the places where it matters most, I have chosen comfort over freedom, security over the unknown that freedom brings along.

Until now.

And with a growing awareness of my blind spots, I can step more fully into my truth. Into the places where I have sacrificed my freedom to depend on a certain level of stability. Where I have held in my truth and expression, yielding to an organisation, or a parent, or some entity I perceived to be more powerful than myself.

When it comes to tradition, our generation knows it’s over-rated.

And in the whole Middle East, that system is ripe to be dismantled. But it needs spiritual warriors willing to step up and offer an alternative.

There are new choices to be made.

It’s time.

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