“Spiritual” is both a simple and profound state of organizing power. It is only a belief. A powerfully enduring belief that we are all part of an invisible force, like nature, complete with seasons, weather, and opportunities for personal growth.
Many of us decide to experience Spirituality as an adventure. Many others miss the adventure due to life’s merciless perils, believing that perils are something that must be focused on and fixed or resolved. Either way, you look at life, it seems to insist that we learn from our experiences, and clearly, we have choices. We may learn now or later. Just know that learning is an unavoidable pleasure (my choice). A few others have phrased it this way: “You can do this the easy way or the hard way, but one way or another . . . ” I recommend the adventurous way.
If you’re considering the therapeutic experience for yourself, please know a couple of points first. A source of spiritual energy is at play. The experience is mystical, almost magical, most certainly spiritually energized. I’m not clear precisely why each individual comes, presumably to feel happier about their lives, to feel satisfied in a way that they do not feel before they come in. Therapy is truly a pathway forward and the methods I employ are my own, but I have learned from everyone.
I have learned from the existentialists to be positive by remembering what is most meaningful to me. Behaviorists remind me and reinforce my positive behaviors, cognitive psychologists have infused “perspectives” into my thinking. I learned from many others – including Sports Psychologists – to intentionally remember, focus on and spend time thinking about positive memories and make my goals reflect what’s most important in life to me.
Today I decided to be more conscious and deliberate with my spiritual life. I now intend to lead my life – more consistently – in a spiritual manner. One method I’m taking advantage of – in the aim of my pursuit – is daily meditation and mindfulness.
Meditation allows me to be more aware of and directly in touch with “my vibe.” The energy or emotional mood that I’m feeling and expressing at any given moment is controllable. The first step is to be aware of it. It’s easier to recognize when we are “in a state” or feel “terribly moody.” Others will typically let us know. But when we’re somewhat more in control and even keel, what then? This is where we live most of life, and this is where our “vibe” counts the most.
I close my eyes and assume a meditative mind. I intend to hear and feel my spiritual connection. Intention assists me to connect spiritually, to love, to gentleness, and with the ultimate source of power, without judgment. Spirituality, like life, is powerful and pervasive. We cannot control either, nor should we try. But we can control our vibe through “a spiritual meditation.”
I love gardening, and I use it as a metaphor. Also, I can look out of my window and see the trees in my back yard – for instance – relying on light from the sun (consciousness). I cannot see, but I understand that trees also have an enormous root system below the level of awareness that relies upon water and nutrients from the ground (like our subconscious or spiritual reality). Generally, the garden is a calm and peaceful place since it is part of nature or the “universal mind.”
“Life is growing, evolving, and improving, naturally. Like nature, we too, have a natural beauty and style of our own. Don’t stress. Don’t lead with greed or lust for life. Let yourself move gracefully. This is rhythm well tuned.” Richard W. Anton
Do you consider yourself to be part of a spiritual system with a universal plan? Spirituality evolves as we journey on the path of life. So, travel well. Live well. To live our lives well, I mean that we must grow and evolve on our journey. Allow life to shape us and become all that we can become.
We must learn from our mistakes and pursue our success. Learn about ourselves and change through our current life experiences. Evolve or mature, intrapersonally, in mind. Yet, we also grow and evolve between or with others, our interpersonal life. And there are many spiritual disciplines available to us that guide our journeys. What are your spiritual practices?
We all have thoughts and beliefs about just about everything in life. More specifically, our psychological processes reflect our faith or spiritual beliefs. Hopefully, our practices, too. They provide meaning about the situations we wake up to every day. We have our usual thoughts and behaviors. And we have potential thoughts and behaviors related to our spiritual journey.
Our journey is full of capabilities that creatively combine to create the kind of life we believe is worth living. The experience that we produce every day is guided by and reflects our inner life. Our beliefs, values, and even how we care for ourselves emotionally create our identity. Our identity gives rise to our future — what we spend most of our time thinking about. Hopefully, the future matters most to us.
Ancient texts have referred to “saving yourself.” Philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato were concerned with “virtue,” “morality,” and “reasonable thought.” In the last century, Psychologists have applied practical application to “emotional healing” and “recovery” in counseling or therapy. We often talk about aligning our personal goals with the “flow of life.”
Spirituality develops with attention, awareness, and implementation, resulting in our best at home and work. To make this happen and to feel the flow of life requires energy, effort, and guidance. For that reason, consider acquiring support for yourself.
At this precise moment, people around the planet are holding onto their spiritual paths. We are grasping onto a strong desire. We are clutching at a deep expectation to feel in the “flow” of life. To experience this flow, we need to live out the “best version” of ourselves. We need to perform and experience life at its highest levels – levels of “peak performance.” We can’t do this alone. Above all else, the process implies ongoing consultation.
There are two types of learning. We can learn algebra and accounting, coding, and memorize medications. That’s definitely going to take learning. The other type focuses on our inner experiences. We learn about life and ourselves. This often means learning through hard knocks. Psychology provides us with a less painless means.
What if the purpose of life is not only to find someone. To marry. But to begin and maintain profound cooperation with each other. To not only accept where each of us differs, but to embrace those differences now, before it’s too late. What if when we die, if we were lucky enough to bond with someone, that in a sense we are reborn once again, but this time the two of us are born as one single bodily person?
Spirituality is – ultimately – about practicing our faith. Chiefly, a faith in a power higher than ourselves and faith in ourselves. Practice having faith that you can do it. Believe that if you apply yourself – and express what’s best about yourself – life will turn around for you. It will save you, liberate you, and bring life to your dreams. I, for one, sincerely believe that we can experience self-confidence, happiness, and great relationships. Discover the details for yourself.
I believe that we’re here to grow, and to grow and evolve, we must experience life for ourselves. We choose our life every day, moment by moment. Let’s choose wisely.