The Dichotomies of Life

From what I’ve learned, the best advice I can give to current and future generations is to trust the unknown spiritual processes that shape our lives by guiding us to where and what we are intended to be and by giving us challenges to overcome that will make us stronger. When faced with adversity, do not ask why; rather ask, “How can I respond in a way that is uplifting and affirmative?”

The old adage, “Everything happens for a reason.” is supremely true in our daily lives. Trust that you are being guided and follow the path laid before you. Along that path you will face failure and success; sorrow and joy; pain and pleasure; sickness and healing. These life contrasts lead us to greater spiritual understanding and shape us into more kind, loving, compassionate, and generous human beings. Expression of these four attributes along with experiencing the above dichotomies of life constitute the purpose and meaning of life. 

You might like to see the following related articles:

How Life Works

The Quintessence of Life

The Joys of Existence

In my view, the best times in life are those spent with family, enjoying nature, and pursuing adventures.  While accomplishments at work can be satisfying, time outside of work is where we find the joys of existence!

You might like to see the following related articles:

Nature, A More Expansive Spirituality

Sentinels of Peace

When Death Comes to Call

Fear not when death comes to call…

It will take you to another world

Free from the burden of the body.

A place of indescribable beauty, 

Infinite possibilities, and profound opportunity.

Fear not, for you will be delivered into loving hands.

The Beauty of Prayer

Image by Franz Bachinger from Pixabay

I want to share this beautiful poem about prayer by the Native American poet, Joy Harjo. It was not titled by the poet.

To pray you open your whole self
To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon
To one whole voice that is you
And know that there is more
That you can’t see, can’t hear
Can’t know except in moments
Steadily growing, and in languages
That aren’t always a sound but other 
Circles of motion
Like eagle that Sunday morning
Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky
In wind, swept our hearts clean
With sacred wings.
We see you, see ourselves and know
That we must take the utmost care 
And kindness in all things.
Breathe in, knowing we are made of
All this, and breathe, knowing
We are truly blessed because we 
Were born, and die soon within a
True circle of motion,
Like eagle rounding out the morning 
Inside us. 
We pray that it will be done
In beauty. 
In beauty.

Earth Karma

Credit Unknown

Cause and effect applies not only to our interactions and treatment of people. It also applies to our actions concerning the natural environment and the planet as a whole.

As citizens of Earth, we have an obligation to not only care for one another, but also for all living things. We should view ourselves as stewards of the Earth, all of its inhabitants, and its physical and ecological environs.

We will be held accountable for our actions that result in, or contribute to, the destruction of habitats, extinction of animal and plant species, pollution, and climate change. Retribution for our past abuses of the planet have already begun.

You might like to see the following related articles:

How Life Works: The Law of Cause and Effect

The Karma of Thoughts 

One Species Among Millions

The Karma of Thoughts

The forces of cause and effect operate not only in response to behaviors, things we do or do not do, but also to the nature of our thoughts. If our thoughts are filled with love and compassion, then good things will come to us. If our minds are filled with anger, hate, or malice, then we will not have happiness and fulfillment, and spiritual retribution is sure to come.

You might like to see How Life Works: The Law of Cause and Effect. for a more general discussion of this topic.

An Expanded Faith

Spiritual Forces
from steemit.com

It’s important to have faith…in God, yes…

But more generally, faith in the spiritual forces and challenges that shape our lives in ways that lead us to greater love, compassion, and spiritual awareness.

You might like to explore this topic further in the following related articles:

A Statement of Faith

Faith and Spiritual Awareness

How Life Works: The Law of Cause and Effect

Religion and Spirituality

  • Aurora Borealis by Matt Houghton

 

In my view, spirituality and religion are related, but not the same thing. Religion has arisen in an attempt to codify spiritual thought and ideas by the establishment of doctrines, creeds, stories, and other traditions – and to make it “experiential” through ritual and repetitive prayers.

But these things can distract us from the organic spirituality present in all of us. They can distract us from the spontaneous human experience of our spiritual nature and longing.

 

You might like to see the following related articles:

The Key to Effective Prayer

The Essence of Spirituality

The Key to Effective Prayer

Prayer will be heard with greatest effect when it comes spontaneously from the heart and soul expressing in your own words your desire to help others or to become a more spiritual person.

Do not pray for material things because God has already provided what you need. Do not pray for elevation of your earthly status, for it counts for nothing in the spiritual realm. Rather, pray for elevation of your soul through your expression of love, compassion, and service.

 

You might like to see the discussion of prayer that appears on pages 76-81 in The Teachings of Silver Birch, edited by A.W. Austin.