Tag Archives: Expression of the Spirit

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!

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Nature, A More Expansive Spirituality

Sentinels of Peace

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.

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

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.

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 its release makes way for renewed strength and commitment when the morning comes.

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Compassion as Healing

How is My Divine Self Revealed?

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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Compassion as Healing

Pillars of Spirituality

How is My Divine Self Revealed?

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.

A Glimpse of the Soul

 

Source Unknown

 

You’ve likely heard the saying that “eyes are windows to the soul.” Masking during the pandemic has led me to believe there is some truth to this.

With everyone wearing a mask, we are forced to focus on the eyes of strangers that we meet and engage in conversation. What I have found is that if you open your mind and remain present, you may see a beautiful soul behind the eyes of people that you meet.

When this happens, your communication will be beyond the form of words or conscious thought; rather, it will be a primordial sensitivity and understanding. An inexplicable knowing between strangers that is uplifting and joyful.

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With Spirit Eyes I See...

Spiritual Kinship