Spiritual growth requires spiritual practice. We choose a path that is right for us. Permission to choose is comforting and part of a practical spirituality that deviates from traditional dogma. This flexibility does not justify lack of action, but allows us to define our own way to the Sacred.
There are 12 Master Paths, or different types of spiritual practices, as described by Dr. Ellerby in Return to The Sacred: Ancient Pathways To Spiritual Awakening. Each path or spiritual practice has an ancient past, and most are known to us in some form.
Ellerby organizes these twelve possible practices into four groups. All practices are equally viable; the best one depends on the individual.
The four:
Body-Centered Practices: ceremony and ritual, sacred movement, and music and sound
Mind-Centered Practices: prayer, meditation, and sacred study
Heart-Centered Practices: devotion, sacred service, and a guru or teacher
Soul-Centered Practices: aesthetic practice, death practice, and a life path
The challenge is to define which of the four clusters best describes us, then choose the best practice within that cluster. This does not preclude choosing other practices since most of us experiment with many paths in our quest. We may finally choose a variety of practices, but I believe that most of us have a dominant group that is our initial spiritual connection.
For example, I am a very visual person and learn by reading. I always used sacred study as my practice. In later years, I added prayer and meditation. I fit into the mind-centered practice. Perhaps each of you can find your comfort. Which one seems most appropriate as you read through the four groups? Which of the practices seem most comfortable, or which one are you more willing to try? Question your way of reacting to the world.
Some of us need some activity when we learn, or we need to read when we learn. That defines the first two groups of Body-Centered and Mind-Centered Practices.
The Heart-centered group includes those who react with emotion as a first response. Devotion, sacred service, and a guru/teacher imply a relationship-based or heart-felt connection.
The last group may be the hardest to define: aesthetic practice, death practice, and a life path. These may need a little more explanation. Most of us don’t decide on extreme fasting or a hermit existence of the aesthetic practice, yet many mystics do.
The death practice is one that most of us will experience, especially as we see our elderly parents pass on. Dr. Ellerby’s advice is not to fear death, since death is what makes us human.
I like the Life Path, or third example of The Soul-Centered Approach, and find that my focus has shifted, over the years, to this practice.
We are all different. To be successful, we want to find our greatest strength as well as try other practices. Enjoy the process and remember that “We are spiritual beings having a human experience–not the other way around.”
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Past more Exciting than any Fiction
Before The Pyramids: Cracking Archaeology’s Greatest Mystery by Christopher Knight and Alan Butler has much scientific data about a Megalithic Yard that can be traced back to the pyramids and beyond. While one can get lost in the technical descriptions, they do provide validation to these ideas that might otherwise be just interesting. Perhaps the authors go too far when they suggest that all major sites in Washington, DC are linked by a web measured in the Megalithic Yard, bringing the Freemasonry mystique to the United States.
The authors suggest the possibility “that Washington DC is a continuation of knowledge held by an advanced culture from the extreme past. And there is still an elite group of people who fully understand this” (208).
They claim that the Sphinx and other Egyptian standing structures “prove beyond doubt that the emergence of civilization…took place long before orthodox history has ever considered” (209). And they suggest that now is the time to “look again at ideas of the past” (211).
Are their conclusions correct? I don’t believe there is enough information available. But their findings pose questions of a past far more exciting than any fiction, and I do believe that the best is yet to come.
The authors suggest the possibility “that Washington DC is a continuation of knowledge held by an advanced culture from the extreme past. And there is still an elite group of people who fully understand this” (208).
They claim that the Sphinx and other Egyptian standing structures “prove beyond doubt that the emergence of civilization…took place long before orthodox history has ever considered” (209). And they suggest that now is the time to “look again at ideas of the past” (211).
Are their conclusions correct? I don’t believe there is enough information available. But their findings pose questions of a past far more exciting than any fiction, and I do believe that the best is yet to come.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol
This is an exciting read, a hard-to-put-down book that I enjoyed even more than Brown’s previous novel, The Da Vinci Code. There is one significant aspect, however, that transcends the intrigue of the story. The research that one of the characters is doing is more important than the tale itself. This is the practical spiritual message of the book.
The research lab in the story is working to prove that “human thought, if properly focused, had the ability to affect and change physical mass” (55). This suggests that concentrated thought can affect anything, such as “the growth rate of plants, the direction that fish swim in a bowl, the manner in which cells divided in a petri dish…, and the chemical reactions in one’s own body” (56). These studies show that loving thoughts impact the structure of water and negative thoughts create a chaotic, disorderly form. The ideas come from ancient wisdom.
There is more to this story, of course. There is the drama about what is hidden beneath a building in Washington D.C. It would spoil the story to say more. What doesn’t ruin the story, though, is the importance of Brown’s research. While some of it is based in fact and some may be simply his projections of possibilities, I feel there is a significance hidden in the pages that forces us, once again, to remember that the power is within us, not solely in some hidden symbol or object yet to be found. What is to be discovered may be what many already know, as Brown suggests, that the power and secrets we search for are within.
The research lab in the story is working to prove that “human thought, if properly focused, had the ability to affect and change physical mass” (55). This suggests that concentrated thought can affect anything, such as “the growth rate of plants, the direction that fish swim in a bowl, the manner in which cells divided in a petri dish…, and the chemical reactions in one’s own body” (56). These studies show that loving thoughts impact the structure of water and negative thoughts create a chaotic, disorderly form. The ideas come from ancient wisdom.
There is more to this story, of course. There is the drama about what is hidden beneath a building in Washington D.C. It would spoil the story to say more. What doesn’t ruin the story, though, is the importance of Brown’s research. While some of it is based in fact and some may be simply his projections of possibilities, I feel there is a significance hidden in the pages that forces us, once again, to remember that the power is within us, not solely in some hidden symbol or object yet to be found. What is to be discovered may be what many already know, as Brown suggests, that the power and secrets we search for are within.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
A Review of Eyes Wide Open: Cultivating Discernment on the Spiritual Path
This book by Mariana Caplan, PhD has two significant points 1) the importance of dealing with the psychological as well as spiritual aspects of our lives and 2) the need, or not, of having a spiritual teacher.
We cannot ignore our psychological hang-ups. Just “being spiritual” isn’t enough if we still harbor old resentments, hurts, and other issues that have been ignored for many years. As a psychologist, Caplan may be a little biased on this topic, yet she is correct. Being spiritual is about being a healthy human. That includes using some form of therapy to clear our past. Caplan claims that we “must be willing to suffer our own darkness if we truly aspire to know the deeper spiritual potentialities that exist within us” (20).
When going through hard times, we may be experiencing our own karmic payback and “that it is necessary, even unavoidable, that we endure it” (101). Despite past lives and their significance, however, the fact is that “What is important is whether we are able to meet our present circumstance with a clear and discerning perspective and refrain from taking actions that further the endless repetition of unfavorable and limiting aspects of our karmic conditioning” (102).
The good news is that “future suffering is prevented through intensive self-study and practice that allows us to become aware of our unconscious processes and to intercept them” (102). Our awareness of our faults and limitations, and our desire and intent to change them, creates a better future. The control of our lives is within our reach.
The second significant point in this book is that we may not need a spiritual teacher. Caplan is very specific on this topic. She has had years of experience with teachers from different spiritual paths. While she continues to work with one, she warns of the difficulty in finding the right teacher who is both psychologically and spiritually healthy. Too many of the encounters she describes involve so-called gurus who take advantage of students emotionally, sexually, and/or financially. She mentions warning signs that can be sensed, even if not fully understood. She encourages us to listen to our instinct and steer clear of individuals claiming to have answers while making us feel uncertain and uncomfortable.
There are ways to grow spiritually other than running to an ashram in India or finding a personal coach. While we all need guidance, there are other forms of receiving assistance. Many people find a guiding book appearing at the right time in their lives. Others discover a connection to a guide on another dimension, and while there is caution against assuming or misinterpreting such a presence, there is a way to validate that. Again, trusting one’s instinct is crucial.
Caplan also warns against a “new-age” groupie mentality of following the latest, greatest person and/or idea. Chasing after this external gratification doesn’t allow one to fully develop one’s own talent or spiritual connection. There is no specific right way. That is the misleading part for many who desire answers, which may come in a variety of ways. For some, a teacher does physically appear. For others, that teacher may come in an unexpected form.
Caplan’s personal experiences bring validity to her discussions. She has lived through the psychological struggles, the spiritual quest and the multiple spiritual teachers. This book provides crucial challenges with affirming answers.
We cannot ignore our psychological hang-ups. Just “being spiritual” isn’t enough if we still harbor old resentments, hurts, and other issues that have been ignored for many years. As a psychologist, Caplan may be a little biased on this topic, yet she is correct. Being spiritual is about being a healthy human. That includes using some form of therapy to clear our past. Caplan claims that we “must be willing to suffer our own darkness if we truly aspire to know the deeper spiritual potentialities that exist within us” (20).
When going through hard times, we may be experiencing our own karmic payback and “that it is necessary, even unavoidable, that we endure it” (101). Despite past lives and their significance, however, the fact is that “What is important is whether we are able to meet our present circumstance with a clear and discerning perspective and refrain from taking actions that further the endless repetition of unfavorable and limiting aspects of our karmic conditioning” (102).
The good news is that “future suffering is prevented through intensive self-study and practice that allows us to become aware of our unconscious processes and to intercept them” (102). Our awareness of our faults and limitations, and our desire and intent to change them, creates a better future. The control of our lives is within our reach.
The second significant point in this book is that we may not need a spiritual teacher. Caplan is very specific on this topic. She has had years of experience with teachers from different spiritual paths. While she continues to work with one, she warns of the difficulty in finding the right teacher who is both psychologically and spiritually healthy. Too many of the encounters she describes involve so-called gurus who take advantage of students emotionally, sexually, and/or financially. She mentions warning signs that can be sensed, even if not fully understood. She encourages us to listen to our instinct and steer clear of individuals claiming to have answers while making us feel uncertain and uncomfortable.
There are ways to grow spiritually other than running to an ashram in India or finding a personal coach. While we all need guidance, there are other forms of receiving assistance. Many people find a guiding book appearing at the right time in their lives. Others discover a connection to a guide on another dimension, and while there is caution against assuming or misinterpreting such a presence, there is a way to validate that. Again, trusting one’s instinct is crucial.
Caplan also warns against a “new-age” groupie mentality of following the latest, greatest person and/or idea. Chasing after this external gratification doesn’t allow one to fully develop one’s own talent or spiritual connection. There is no specific right way. That is the misleading part for many who desire answers, which may come in a variety of ways. For some, a teacher does physically appear. For others, that teacher may come in an unexpected form.
Caplan’s personal experiences bring validity to her discussions. She has lived through the psychological struggles, the spiritual quest and the multiple spiritual teachers. This book provides crucial challenges with affirming answers.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Are You An Entrepreneurial Spirit? Take the Quiz and Find Out
An entrepreneurial spirit is a person who is spiritually independent and not locked into any one set of dogmatic beliefs. An entrepreneurial spirit is a person who recognizes the importance of creating a better spiritual life.
Creativity and risk are entrepreneurial characteristics. Creativity is not just about painting a picture, acting in a drama, writing a novel or some other artistic endeavor. Creativity is being intellectually and spiritually inventive. Spiritual people must be imaginative and innovative. We must also be willing to try new ideas, new ways of thinking and acting. This involves a certain degree of risk.
An entrepreneurial spirit understands non-linear thinking, in which there is no one cause and effect. Non-linear is a different way of thinking. We can no longer expect to find one result from an event, or expect an outcome to have a single, definite cause. Linear thinking, or moving in a straight line, is no longer the only way to reflect. Instead, imagine a web of ideas spreading out in a variety of intricate patterns, but with an underlying order.
Assess yourself as an entrepreneurial spirit. Do you have the qualities necessary to adapt to change, take control of your spiritual life, and think differently?
ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT?
Directions: Assign one point for each characteristic that describes, or mostly describes, you.
Creates or seizes an opportunity and purses it regardless of current resources.
Never, never accepts “no” for an answer
Is creative and innovative
Uses both left and right brain
Works hard, is driven by intense commitment and determined perseverance
Sees the cup 1/2 full, not 1/2 empty
Strives for integrity
Burns with desire to connect with the Divine
Is dissatisfied with the status quo in spiritual life
Seeks opportunity to improve all spiritual connections
Uses failure as a learning tool
Strives for effectiveness, not perfection
Is comfortable with a certain degree of risk
Scoring: Highest Possible Score is 13
Congratulations! A score of 10 or more makes you an entrepreneurial spirit.
Our spiritual, as well as our material, world is changing. As an entrepreneurial spirit, you are willing to modify your views to accommodate new ideas. This does mean changing your beliefs. This means not limiting your thinking, but allowing new thoughts to permeate your being.
If you are not an entrepreneurial spirit, do not worry. You might want to take a look at the characteristics to see which ones you want to incorporate into your life. Being an entrepreneurial spirit is not the only way to live spiritually, but it is one way to better flow with the changes that are occurring.
Creativity and risk are entrepreneurial characteristics. Creativity is not just about painting a picture, acting in a drama, writing a novel or some other artistic endeavor. Creativity is being intellectually and spiritually inventive. Spiritual people must be imaginative and innovative. We must also be willing to try new ideas, new ways of thinking and acting. This involves a certain degree of risk.
An entrepreneurial spirit understands non-linear thinking, in which there is no one cause and effect. Non-linear is a different way of thinking. We can no longer expect to find one result from an event, or expect an outcome to have a single, definite cause. Linear thinking, or moving in a straight line, is no longer the only way to reflect. Instead, imagine a web of ideas spreading out in a variety of intricate patterns, but with an underlying order.
Assess yourself as an entrepreneurial spirit. Do you have the qualities necessary to adapt to change, take control of your spiritual life, and think differently?
ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT?
Directions: Assign one point for each characteristic that describes, or mostly describes, you.
Creates or seizes an opportunity and purses it regardless of current resources.
Never, never accepts “no” for an answer
Is creative and innovative
Uses both left and right brain
Works hard, is driven by intense commitment and determined perseverance
Sees the cup 1/2 full, not 1/2 empty
Strives for integrity
Burns with desire to connect with the Divine
Is dissatisfied with the status quo in spiritual life
Seeks opportunity to improve all spiritual connections
Uses failure as a learning tool
Strives for effectiveness, not perfection
Is comfortable with a certain degree of risk
Scoring: Highest Possible Score is 13
Congratulations! A score of 10 or more makes you an entrepreneurial spirit.
Our spiritual, as well as our material, world is changing. As an entrepreneurial spirit, you are willing to modify your views to accommodate new ideas. This does mean changing your beliefs. This means not limiting your thinking, but allowing new thoughts to permeate your being.
If you are not an entrepreneurial spirit, do not worry. You might want to take a look at the characteristics to see which ones you want to incorporate into your life. Being an entrepreneurial spirit is not the only way to live spiritually, but it is one way to better flow with the changes that are occurring.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Eight Values That Define Our Lives
Who are you? What defines you? What are those ideals or values most important in your life? Are they things such as honesty, loyalty and/or respect for others? We know not to lie, steal or cheat, but what other values do we honor?
Eight concepts define our ethical beliefs:
Compassion – caring about ourselves and others
Unity - feeling connected to others
Truthfulness – being honest with ourselves and others
Fairness - treating ourselves and others fairly
Tolerance – allowing diversity in ideas and beliefs
Responsibility – assuming the consequences of our actions
Respect – accepting our own and others’ opinions
Service – helping ourselves and others
Which ones make you who you are? Then think about which ones you honor in others, but fail to allow for yourself:
Do you treat others fairly, but not yourself?
Do you respect others’ opinions, but not your own?
Do you help others and volunteer for many charities, but fail to take time for your own chores?
Do you show compassion to others, but neglect your own needs?
Know your beliefs, acknowledge them, and honor them for yourself, not just for others.
In situations of conflict, we know the right thing to do. We tap our inner wisdom to see how any potential decision feels. Trust that. Honor what is right. Act on your beliefs.
What beliefs reflect your parent within, the nagging voice that warns you when you are doing something wrong, even when you try to quiet and ignore it? What are the beliefs that, when ignored, wake you up at night and disturb your sleep?
Think of a dilemma in which you debated what to do. What helped you make that final decision? Were you at peace with it? Remember those values that allow you to believe in your decisions, and trust yourself.
Spirituality is the larger part of the ethical issue. 95% of us believe in God or something greater than ourselves. Despite differences, most religions and spiritual paths teach the same eight principles as mentioned above: Compassion, Unity, Truthfulness, Fairness, Tolerance, Responsibility, Respect, and Service. We live spiritually by honoring these values and focusing on the ones most important to us. Trust who you are and what you do by respecting your beliefs.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Are You a "None?"
The Hartford Courant, on September 29, 2009 (A1), reported on a study that showed 15%of U.S. adults were not part of any organized religion, up from 8% in 1990. While those numbers don’t surprise me, and I agree with their predictions that the numbers will continue to rise, I did find the article disturbing. There seemed to be an underlying negative statement concerning that 15%, who were described as the “American Nones,” as if those of us who do choose not to participate in any organized religion were somehow lesser than the majority. Half of these “Nones” believed in God, and some were atheists. I have no problem with anyone who chooses to be part of any organized Church. I just wish that there were more openness for those who do not. Perhaps this same lack of acceptance of any differing views is what is driving the higher number of “Nones.”
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