Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts
11/9/14
9/5/13
6/9/13
12/25/12
4/22/12
4/8/12
Sanctuary Electric Blue
The soul and spirit are eclectic...
Let them conduct freely outside the walls.
Too many people are bound by religion and tied to beliefs that are tight and rigid. The message there is only one way, one path, one road rang different bells for me than the ones traditionalists hear. When I broke away from the mold shaped by thousands of years of interpreted history and read the authentic and verifiable origins for myself I gained a new knowledge. An open passageway that was truly free.
There is a difference in what is commonly meant as religiously holy and what is spiritually holistic. The thoroughfare to freeing the soul, spirit and mind is not a toll road encased in the narrow paths many religions consider holy. The constraints of religion in actuality turn people away from spiritual enlightenment rather than open the door. Spirit is everywhere, conducted by us that choose to be open to it and not confined to the walls of a building and the minds of self anointed officials. We all have a direct link to the Holy Spirit of God and a Higher Power if we choose to make the connection.
Originally posted 10/16/11: reposted for Easter Sunday 2012
Let them conduct freely outside the walls.
Too many people are bound by religion and tied to beliefs that are tight and rigid. The message there is only one way, one path, one road rang different bells for me than the ones traditionalists hear. When I broke away from the mold shaped by thousands of years of interpreted history and read the authentic and verifiable origins for myself I gained a new knowledge. An open passageway that was truly free.
There is a difference in what is commonly meant as religiously holy and what is spiritually holistic. The thoroughfare to freeing the soul, spirit and mind is not a toll road encased in the narrow paths many religions consider holy. The constraints of religion in actuality turn people away from spiritual enlightenment rather than open the door. Spirit is everywhere, conducted by us that choose to be open to it and not confined to the walls of a building and the minds of self anointed officials. We all have a direct link to the Holy Spirit of God and a Higher Power if we choose to make the connection.
Originally posted 10/16/11: reposted for Easter Sunday 2012
12/25/11
This Pilgrim's Progress
Now we see through a glass, darkly...
From this world to that which is to come.
The expression to see "through a glass" (or a mirror) "darkly" means having an opaque or limited vision of our existence in this world as we aware of it in this point in time. Our sense of what is real is obscured by what we know in the dimension of reality that we are limited to presently. Only through enlightenment in an extension outside of the one we exist in now will we see clearly the true meaning of life and a higher power greater than ourselves. It is rooted in the Biblical writings of Paul in the New Testament.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully as I also have been fully known. But now abide faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love. [1 Corinthians 13: 9-13 New American Standard 1977 edition]
Although the spiritual reference is paramount and overrides all else, on a practical level to see though a glass darkly should be a daily reminder on seemingly ordinary events. The point of discord you have with someone on something political or social, an event that prevented or enabled you to do something, a mood or attitude that has a hold on you should be reason to pause and reflect that you are not seeing everything from all angles. We are humans with a limited vision of what is really happening in totality.
Personally I know where my beliefs are and where they will lead me. Although my point of reference is what I have been taught combined with my spiritual experiences I do not limit the power of God and what He may see fit for other people and their view of enlightenment. This is antithetical to what many believe, those who believe in only one way. I only see in part and not yet face to face nor know fully therefore I reserve my judgment. I do believe that the overarching principle is love and to me that also means optimism for the future and thinking positively. Everyone is at different paths and points on the continuum of personal growth and I have faith in my hope that everyone will reach their own destination in peace, love and understanding.
From this world to that which is to come.
The expression to see "through a glass" (or a mirror) "darkly" means having an opaque or limited vision of our existence in this world as we aware of it in this point in time. Our sense of what is real is obscured by what we know in the dimension of reality that we are limited to presently. Only through enlightenment in an extension outside of the one we exist in now will we see clearly the true meaning of life and a higher power greater than ourselves. It is rooted in the Biblical writings of Paul in the New Testament.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully as I also have been fully known. But now abide faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love. [1 Corinthians 13: 9-13 New American Standard 1977 edition]
Personally I know where my beliefs are and where they will lead me. Although my point of reference is what I have been taught combined with my spiritual experiences I do not limit the power of God and what He may see fit for other people and their view of enlightenment. This is antithetical to what many believe, those who believe in only one way. I only see in part and not yet face to face nor know fully therefore I reserve my judgment. I do believe that the overarching principle is love and to me that also means optimism for the future and thinking positively. Everyone is at different paths and points on the continuum of personal growth and I have faith in my hope that everyone will reach their own destination in peace, love and understanding.
10/16/11
Sanctuary Electric Blue
The soul and spirit are eclectic...
Let them conduct freely outside the walls.
Too many people are bound by religion and tied to beliefs that are tight and rigid. The message there is only one way, one path, one road rang different bells for me than the ones traditionalists hear. When I broke away from the mold shaped by thousands of years of interpreted history and read the authentic and verifiable origins for myself I gained a new knowledge. An open passageway that was truly free.
There is a difference in what is commonly meant as religiously holy and what is spiritually holistic. The thoroughfare to freeing the soul, spirit and mind is not a toll road encased in the narrow paths many religions consider holy. The constraints of religion in actuality turn people away from spiritual enlightenment rather than open the door. Spirit is everywhere, conducted by us that choose to be open to it and not confined to the walls of a building and the minds of self anointed officials. We all have a direct link to the Holy Spirit of God and a Higher Power if we choose to make the connection.
Let them conduct freely outside the walls.
Too many people are bound by religion and tied to beliefs that are tight and rigid. The message there is only one way, one path, one road rang different bells for me than the ones traditionalists hear. When I broke away from the mold shaped by thousands of years of interpreted history and read the authentic and verifiable origins for myself I gained a new knowledge. An open passageway that was truly free.
There is a difference in what is commonly meant as religiously holy and what is spiritually holistic. The thoroughfare to freeing the soul, spirit and mind is not a toll road encased in the narrow paths many religions consider holy. The constraints of religion in actuality turn people away from spiritual enlightenment rather than open the door. Spirit is everywhere, conducted by us that choose to be open to it and not confined to the walls of a building and the minds of self anointed officials. We all have a direct link to the Holy Spirit of God and a Higher Power if we choose to make the connection.
6/7/11
Motivation Comes From Within
Our inner clock keeps us ticking...
At times it can be difficult to keep ourselves energized and remain galvanized to keep going forward. We can seek help from other sources, ranging from a professional such as a counselor, physical trainer or spiritual advisor. It may be someone older and wiser that knows you well. The key is to gain and master tools that work for us individually to apply when we need them the most. To unlatch solutions ultimately we ourselves must perpetuate our own motion by taking what we learn from advisors and internalizing it to mobilize ourselves.
It can be very dark at 2 AM when we wake up with consternation about life and the thought of mobilizing ourselves to solve problems may seem impossible. Fear is the enemy and must be treated as such. The black must be filled with light to overcome that feeling and it can only be done within ourselves at that moment. How we do that depends on what we have learned from others we have sought out and make the effort to implement the tools we've consciously developed for coping on our own. The deepest hour of night is the time to recall what has worked for you. That is the juncture to implement what you have learned about relaxation techniques, hypnosis, Transcendental Meditation, speaking to your inner self and whatever higher power you turn to. Any tool that suits you will suffice but you must have taken the time and effort to learn them beforehand.
It helps to remind ourselves when we feel lackluster that it is natural in life for our moods to change direction. We are not meant to feel good or be flat all the time or we would have no gauge to measure where we are emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. There will be periods we feel uninspired and recalling that they will pass is crucial to recognizing that as surely as the occasion of feeling colorless came upon us, it will just as quickly turn to a colorful flash of inspiration in it's own natural time. We don't need a pill to invoke it but our own inner forces to muster up positive thinking to recollect that it is normal and keep moving forward.
No one who has any sense will say this is always easy. It can take effort but that creates its own rewards. If ahead of time we have put energy into seeking ways to rise above when we are in a natural lull of life, it follows that we stand a much greater chance of preventing it from trapping us into a mode longer than it need be. As we implement and practice the devices we have gathered in our tool box of skills, we become stronger and able to resolve most downturns on our own. The ultimate reward is when others seek us for guidance and we are able to supply them with ideas by sharing what has worked for us.
At times it can be difficult to keep ourselves energized and remain galvanized to keep going forward. We can seek help from other sources, ranging from a professional such as a counselor, physical trainer or spiritual advisor. It may be someone older and wiser that knows you well. The key is to gain and master tools that work for us individually to apply when we need them the most. To unlatch solutions ultimately we ourselves must perpetuate our own motion by taking what we learn from advisors and internalizing it to mobilize ourselves.
It can be very dark at 2 AM when we wake up with consternation about life and the thought of mobilizing ourselves to solve problems may seem impossible. Fear is the enemy and must be treated as such. The black must be filled with light to overcome that feeling and it can only be done within ourselves at that moment. How we do that depends on what we have learned from others we have sought out and make the effort to implement the tools we've consciously developed for coping on our own. The deepest hour of night is the time to recall what has worked for you. That is the juncture to implement what you have learned about relaxation techniques, hypnosis, Transcendental Meditation, speaking to your inner self and whatever higher power you turn to. Any tool that suits you will suffice but you must have taken the time and effort to learn them beforehand.
It helps to remind ourselves when we feel lackluster that it is natural in life for our moods to change direction. We are not meant to feel good or be flat all the time or we would have no gauge to measure where we are emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. There will be periods we feel uninspired and recalling that they will pass is crucial to recognizing that as surely as the occasion of feeling colorless came upon us, it will just as quickly turn to a colorful flash of inspiration in it's own natural time. We don't need a pill to invoke it but our own inner forces to muster up positive thinking to recollect that it is normal and keep moving forward.No one who has any sense will say this is always easy. It can take effort but that creates its own rewards. If ahead of time we have put energy into seeking ways to rise above when we are in a natural lull of life, it follows that we stand a much greater chance of preventing it from trapping us into a mode longer than it need be. As we implement and practice the devices we have gathered in our tool box of skills, we become stronger and able to resolve most downturns on our own. The ultimate reward is when others seek us for guidance and we are able to supply them with ideas by sharing what has worked for us.
9/29/10
Standing On Solid Ground
Maintaining strong character built on solid ground...
Our society has developed large deserts of shifting sand,
Our personal selves must be able to withstand sandstorms.
Now more than ever we must root ourselves in a solid foundation of a strong sense of self, keep our values in the forefront and be strong in the face of constant change and adversity. Allowing external events to shake us for more than a brief moment in time will erode our ability to cope in a rapidly changing world. This is easier said than done and for many of us we are having to work at strengthening our selves and any weaknesses in our constitution.
Some days it is difficult to put one foot in front of the other but it cannot be said enough: to stop or pause and tarry too long risks the chance of never getting started again. It's a personal mantra.
One thing is certain for most of us is that everything we knew on how to operate and the rules to play by on three major fronts, employment, living arrangements and healthcare, are shifting in ways that are unclear at best and in constant flux. We see it in our jobs, whether we own a home with a mortgage or lease with a property manager or landlord, in our healthcare. Everything seems subject to change in a flash.
It's key to remember that we have little control over the large changes going on in society right now. What was the method one week for handling things may change the next without notice. We also have to learn to accept that a lot of things important to our feeling economically and psychologically secure cannot be counted on to remain stable. We may think that our jobs are relatively safe only to find the next week that our hours have been reduced or worse, have been eliminated. The deal we thought we had with a mortgage broker or property manager may suddenly be changed, regardless of what we thought was a legal contract. We can suddenly discover that a medication is no longer covered or our health insurance has been cancelled.
There is nothing consoling about any of these things, all of them and more have happened to me, they were all unsettling. It is the product of a social order that has been disrupted by an economic crisis, political winds and social and technological change. Everything is subject to change in ways that are not comfortable and most of us are creatures of habit one way or another. There are moments I wonder if I have what it takes to carry on until I realize the alternatives are not good options.
It can seem as if only the strong survive and the weak fall by the wayside and there is some truth in that. We must make a personal choice to stay as strong as possible.
More than ever, it is critical to have built into our character assurances of our own selves, our own identity and know that no matter what happens, the fundamental principles of our inner selves are built on sound foundations, held up by solid pillars with a sturdy roof and strong walls, to shelter us from the storm. Otherwise we will be tossed around in the wind with each change that hits us. Now is the time to resolve any lingering personal issues, work on self-doubt, seek support if necessary to build and maintain an internal foundation on solid ground, to avoid the proverbial Biblical building our personal spiritual house on shifting sand. That is our only real assurance that external events will not whipsaw us into feeling we are out of control of our lives.
Our society has developed large deserts of shifting sand,
Our personal selves must be able to withstand sandstorms.
Now more than ever we must root ourselves in a solid foundation of a strong sense of self, keep our values in the forefront and be strong in the face of constant change and adversity. Allowing external events to shake us for more than a brief moment in time will erode our ability to cope in a rapidly changing world. This is easier said than done and for many of us we are having to work at strengthening our selves and any weaknesses in our constitution.
Some days it is difficult to put one foot in front of the other but it cannot be said enough: to stop or pause and tarry too long risks the chance of never getting started again. It's a personal mantra.
One thing is certain for most of us is that everything we knew on how to operate and the rules to play by on three major fronts, employment, living arrangements and healthcare, are shifting in ways that are unclear at best and in constant flux. We see it in our jobs, whether we own a home with a mortgage or lease with a property manager or landlord, in our healthcare. Everything seems subject to change in a flash.
It's key to remember that we have little control over the large changes going on in society right now. What was the method one week for handling things may change the next without notice. We also have to learn to accept that a lot of things important to our feeling economically and psychologically secure cannot be counted on to remain stable. We may think that our jobs are relatively safe only to find the next week that our hours have been reduced or worse, have been eliminated. The deal we thought we had with a mortgage broker or property manager may suddenly be changed, regardless of what we thought was a legal contract. We can suddenly discover that a medication is no longer covered or our health insurance has been cancelled.There is nothing consoling about any of these things, all of them and more have happened to me, they were all unsettling. It is the product of a social order that has been disrupted by an economic crisis, political winds and social and technological change. Everything is subject to change in ways that are not comfortable and most of us are creatures of habit one way or another. There are moments I wonder if I have what it takes to carry on until I realize the alternatives are not good options.
It can seem as if only the strong survive and the weak fall by the wayside and there is some truth in that. We must make a personal choice to stay as strong as possible.
More than ever, it is critical to have built into our character assurances of our own selves, our own identity and know that no matter what happens, the fundamental principles of our inner selves are built on sound foundations, held up by solid pillars with a sturdy roof and strong walls, to shelter us from the storm. Otherwise we will be tossed around in the wind with each change that hits us. Now is the time to resolve any lingering personal issues, work on self-doubt, seek support if necessary to build and maintain an internal foundation on solid ground, to avoid the proverbial Biblical building our personal spiritual house on shifting sand. That is our only real assurance that external events will not whipsaw us into feeling we are out of control of our lives.
9/20/10
FWIW: A Different Drum
Marching to Zion...
If my life ended tomorrow, which I certainly hope it doesn't, I can sure say it hasn't been boring because I made sure it wasn't.
If my life ended tomorrow, which I certainly hope it doesn't, I can sure say it hasn't been boring because I made sure it wasn't.
4/3/10
for you have been
...born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable,
For,
"ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS,
AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
THE GRASS WITHERS,
AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD
ABIDES FOREVER."
I Peter 1:24,25
For,
"ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS,
AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
THE GRASS WITHERS,
AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD
ABIDES FOREVER."
I Peter 1:24,25
4/1/10
Some Times
When what you're following isn't so great...
That's probably the time it's a good idea to pull back, change lanes, pass and move along.
That's probably the time it's a good idea to pull back, change lanes, pass and move along.
3/31/10
Build Character
Invest in yourself...
Take control of your life.
Educate yourself and develop your mind.
Take good care of your health, mental and physical.
Have relationships with people who are good for you and who you are good for.
Think positively, work at replacing bad habits and thoughts with good ones.
Figure out what works best for you and develop a habit of positive self-talk and engage in it. Ignore any idea that it doesn't work or what others may say about it. Affirmative self-talk does work by reducing stress and improves your life. I'm living proof of that.
It's not my style to go into a list of things I've survived, although there are people who know all about them, without them I wouldn't have survived. You'll just have to trust me that these concepts have worked as tools for getting me through tough times and past them.
Take control of your life.
Educate yourself and develop your mind.
Take good care of your health, mental and physical.
Have relationships with people who are good for you and who you are good for.
Think positively, work at replacing bad habits and thoughts with good ones.
Figure out what works best for you and develop a habit of positive self-talk and engage in it. Ignore any idea that it doesn't work or what others may say about it. Affirmative self-talk does work by reducing stress and improves your life. I'm living proof of that.
It's not my style to go into a list of things I've survived, although there are people who know all about them, without them I wouldn't have survived. You'll just have to trust me that these concepts have worked as tools for getting me through tough times and past them.
3/28/10
Some Things My Parents Taught Me
although I don't always follow them...
1. Be responsible for what you do. Clean up after yourself, pay your bills, be on time, take care of your possessions, fix your mistakes, apologize if you're wrong, be honest, tell the truth. Respect other people's property; don't trample the land.
2. Perseverance. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Don't give up in the face of adversity, it will make you stronger and success will be more rewarding. You can do anything you have a mind to, if you think it's worthwhile and you really want it. If anything is worth doing, it's worth doing well.
3. The Golden Rule. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Civilized people have a sense of fair play; don't kick the underdog. Respect other people's differences, be civil and polite. Have a modicum of respect for the social order, moral values and habits of the general population.
4. Be selective of the company you keep. They can either help you or harm you and always reflect on your choices about character, yours and theirs. Appreciate your friends and people who are good to you; don't hate your enemies, you made them. You can always find someone worse off and someone better off than you.
5. Eat right and take care of your health. Value learning and education. All that glitters is not gold. There is beauty in simplicity. Respect nature and wildlife. Be prepared for a rainy day. Think before speaking. Don't talk too much. Waste not, want not. Haste makes waste.
1. Be responsible for what you do. Clean up after yourself, pay your bills, be on time, take care of your possessions, fix your mistakes, apologize if you're wrong, be honest, tell the truth. Respect other people's property; don't trample the land.
3. The Golden Rule. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Civilized people have a sense of fair play; don't kick the underdog. Respect other people's differences, be civil and polite. Have a modicum of respect for the social order, moral values and habits of the general population.
4. Be selective of the company you keep. They can either help you or harm you and always reflect on your choices about character, yours and theirs. Appreciate your friends and people who are good to you; don't hate your enemies, you made them. You can always find someone worse off and someone better off than you.
5. Eat right and take care of your health. Value learning and education. All that glitters is not gold. There is beauty in simplicity. Respect nature and wildlife. Be prepared for a rainy day. Think before speaking. Don't talk too much. Waste not, want not. Haste makes waste.
3/13/10
Through A Glass Darkly
"For Now We See In A Mirror Dimly...
but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known."
(I Corinthians 13:12)
Understanding this piece of Scripture, whether you're a pure Christian Believer or choose to acknowledge basic premise truths in life, is a powerful understanding. We have an obscured view of life and selves and regardless of personally held belief systems, being aware that we do allows a better perspective on how things are and the control we do and don't have over circumstances. How also we can make the best of them and not allow kismet to overcome us.
For me the Personal Key in Life is intrinsic in me and my belief is it's rooted in my Christian background and the fundamental basic truths originally intended in the New and Old Testaments. They provided the foundation for the broader understanding of how to interpret and cope with the world. I am not so arrogant and audacious to believe that access to understanding, enlightenment and spiritual awareness is limited to one religion or spiritual path. This has given me much trouble over the decades with fellow Christian Believers...so be it.
My Key is about rising above, looking up and thinking positively and faith in a Higher Power. We can always look around and find someone better off and someone worse off than we are. We are bound to feel downhearted at times, it is how we turn it around that matters. It takes work.
Our vision is veiled but we see enough outline to tell what is good and right and where and how to proceed. On occasion we get rare visions of beautiful clarity, however mostly it's operating on instinct. Experience is the greatest teacher and to not learn from it is folly. Once you go near the fire, you don't go back to get burned again. Negativity spirals down a dark pit. Thinking positive and heading to light attracts others looking for light, not darkness...support always helps. To that end, take from Jesus, "Let your light shine before men in such a way they may see..." (Matthew 5:16).
If you're secular and believe nothing spiritual, I won't argue with you over that, it's your choice and everyman has free will. On the other hand I won't argue with you if you draw your Higher Power from a supernatural being or a belief that is different from mine, my only judgment is I must perceive that it comes from light.
__________________________________________________________________________________
but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known."
(I Corinthians 13:12)
Understanding this piece of Scripture, whether you're a pure Christian Believer or choose to acknowledge basic premise truths in life, is a powerful understanding. We have an obscured view of life and selves and regardless of personally held belief systems, being aware that we do allows a better perspective on how things are and the control we do and don't have over circumstances. How also we can make the best of them and not allow kismet to overcome us.
"On Reflection" by JR Snyder Jr 2010
For me the Personal Key in Life is intrinsic in me and my belief is it's rooted in my Christian background and the fundamental basic truths originally intended in the New and Old Testaments. They provided the foundation for the broader understanding of how to interpret and cope with the world. I am not so arrogant and audacious to believe that access to understanding, enlightenment and spiritual awareness is limited to one religion or spiritual path. This has given me much trouble over the decades with fellow Christian Believers...so be it.
My Key is about rising above, looking up and thinking positively and faith in a Higher Power. We can always look around and find someone better off and someone worse off than we are. We are bound to feel downhearted at times, it is how we turn it around that matters. It takes work.
Our vision is veiled but we see enough outline to tell what is good and right and where and how to proceed. On occasion we get rare visions of beautiful clarity, however mostly it's operating on instinct. Experience is the greatest teacher and to not learn from it is folly. Once you go near the fire, you don't go back to get burned again. Negativity spirals down a dark pit. Thinking positive and heading to light attracts others looking for light, not darkness...support always helps. To that end, take from Jesus, "Let your light shine before men in such a way they may see..." (Matthew 5:16).
If you're secular and believe nothing spiritual, I won't argue with you over that, it's your choice and everyman has free will. On the other hand I won't argue with you if you draw your Higher Power from a supernatural being or a belief that is different from mine, my only judgment is I must perceive that it comes from light.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)