rachMiel wrote:Aha! Did you grow up in a strong spiritual family/environment? Religious?
That's actually a very good question. Hope you'll allow some verbosity, because this is not a yes/no answer

But, it got me thinking about my parents, for sure ... I'm an only child. I was very close to my aunts and uncles (Dad's side) growing up, but we drifted apart after my move to the US of A.
My family is Hindu (I'm not, never considered myself one), but not fanatical about it ... yes, there is some idol worshiping and ceremonies and stuff, but it's not hardcore or in-your-face (never was). That's the religion part of the answer. Now, on to the more important part.
I think that, despite unfavorable life circumstances, I was blessed with
very conscious parents. Examples of what I mean - they have always allowed me space to be myself and do what I wanna do, for the most part. They've guided me without requiring absolute compliance. When I told them I had just quit my well paying job, they said, "Ok. What's the plan now ?", as if I had just told them I'd caught a cold ... no big deal ! Of course they care about me and my well being, but they are quite well aligned with the now, so they don't complain and guilt trip me over my actions. They let me be me.
In fact, a huge catalyst in my own spiritual awakening, I think, occurred when they were visiting me three years ago. Having observed my violent anger, my father looked at me one day, and calmly asked, "Why do you constantly let external circumstances affect your inner state ?" That definitely woke me up.
So, to better summarize, my parents are quite conscious (compared to most), without really creating an identity for themselves as spiritual people. Their wisdom derives from their vast life experience and having modest means (as opposed to deriving from formal spiritual teachings). They're just really wise and humble people. They're the one good card I was handed when I came out of the womb. I started life with one good card, despite everything else.
Sorry for making you read all this, but I just couldn't justify a yes/no response to your question.