Pain and suffering cleanse the soul and provide a means by which we pay our spiritual debts.
Spiritual Debts
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.
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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.
A Message for Frontline Medical Workers
We have seen you gathered in groups around COVID 19 patients working together in an effort to save lives and minimize suffering. It is difficult work and requires you to find the courage to risk your own health to help the afflicted. Somehow you have found a way to work in the midst of suffering all around you and not let your compassion and grief overwhelm you. Your strength is greater than you realize.
Know this: You are not alone. There are spirits standing behind you to give you strength and support, and to aid you any way they can. We are witnesses to your unwavering commitment to help, heal, and save lives while sacrificing so much of yourself in the process.
For this you have been blessed and you will have a special place in our world when it is time for you to join us.
We have seen your tears and felt your grief for the lives lost in the dark hours of the long night. Do not hold back your outpouring of compassion and tears because it makes way for renewed strength and commitment when the morning comes.
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A Statement of Faith
Perhaps we all wonder at one time or another why there is so much pain and suffering. Why is life so difficult at times? Why do “bad” things happen to good people? And many other perplexing questions.
We have to accept that there are some things that we are not meant to know or that our current level of spiritual awareness precludes understanding. I believe in the old adage: “Everything happens for a reason.” This is a statement of faith in spiritual processes aimed at fostering our spiritual development.
It’s important to remember that understanding what is beneficial or harmful to our spiritual development requires a view from the perspective of eternity to which we are not privy. Something thought to be “bad” now, may in fact, be good for our development in the flow of eternity. After all, we tend to become stronger, more spiritually enlightened, and to learn lessons best from adversity.
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Step One
The Red Lotus: Symbol of Love and Compassion
Genuine, heart-felt compassion is step one for becoming a spiritual person. We cannot claim to be spiritual in any way without it.
Once we take that step and consistently look outward (as well as inward), we will have set out on a path to greater spiritual awareness.
Compassion is a powerful, unspoken prayer for mercy and healing for those who suffer.
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The Secret to Happiness
The “secret” to happiness is a consistent mindset of:
Gratitude
Thankfulness
And helping others
This will greatly diminish negative thoughts and attitudes, and being self-absorbed. In turn, this will result in greater expression of your spirituality.
Compassion as Healing
Mother Teresa, an Icon of Compassion
Credit Unknown
…And when he came into the garden, he saw the boy sitting with his face in his hands, weeping. He asked, “Why are you crying?”
The boy replied, “When I think about all of the suffering around the world, it’s painful and overwhelming. I feel powerless to help.”
“But you are helping; your compassion has power. Acknowledging the suffering of others allows us to radiate healing energy. It also gets the attention of those in the spirit realm who have the ability to bring healing to the earth plane.”
Hearing this, the boy said, “If what you say is true, then compassion may be the universal remedy for suffering of all kinds! How can the solution be so simple?”
“As I said, compassion has power. It starts a stream of healing energy and motivates people to seek ways to help the afflicted. The help we extend to those in need is healing not just to them, but also to us.”
With that the boy wiped away his tears, gave his mentor a big hug of gratitude, and went away smiling.
For those who grieve the loss of a loved one…
Try not to grieve too long. Strive to transform your grief into gratitude.
Gratitude for the time that you had them in your life.
Gratitude for the wonderful times you had together.
Gratitude for the cherished memories that will never be forgotten.
Strive to create a legacy for them that is composed of memories of love and joy rather than grief and loss…
…For their connection with you is not severed by death.
Thanksgiving Prayer
My dear God, thank you for all of the blessings and gifts that I have; that I have had; and that I may have in the future.
But most of all, thank you for your love and compassion, not just for me, but for all of your human children.
May each person strive to love all people around the world without prejudice, fear, or favoritism.
Exploring Spirituality Beyond Religion 
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