She asks "What is Spirituality?" and then explains that after surveying and interviewing 200 spiritual leaders it was apparent that there is no right answer.
Spirituality is NOT the same as religion. I've said it for years that I'm not religious however, I don't think I've ever truly defined what being spiritual meant for me. I had an idea of what the vision looked and felt like but never really invited spirituality in my life with a definite intent.
According to Lesser, defining this idea/tenet for oneself is the first step in the journey of life's great adventure. So, I begin by forgetting everything I think I know about anything, becoming comfortable with the unknown and displaying fearlessness as I embrace a "beginner's mind" which is similar to that of a young child's optimistic, wide open nature of questioning.
This will be uncomfortable for me but I can only imagine the sense of relief it will bring my mind, body and spirit to NOT fear the unknown and be okay with not knowing.
Buddhists use the word "shamatha" to define spirituality which means "tranquil abiding". One of the values in my life is Happiness and it always seems that the key to this is within my definition of spirituality.
My heart is so heavy thus in this state of being happy with a light heart seems impossible however, there are things I have to do so that I can relax such as letting go of the thought of perfection since this is NOT reality and admitting I don't know something.
Returning to the idea of the "Beginner's mind", as coined by Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki, is about "discovering the essence of our humanness" in other words our true nature and an attitude of divine possibilities.
While I continue to consider my definition of spirituality, I do know that it involves happiness, living gleefully in the present, balancing the mind, body, heart and spirit.
What is spirituality to you?
[Quotes to follow]
*Lesser, E. (1999). "The Seeker's Guide: Making Your Life A Spiritual Adventure." Villard: New York
1 comment:
Peace Sister...
my thoughts and a touch on the subject: < Religion > for u to accept that u do not have a religion is just a HUGE beginning and a big step in acknowledging life sciences and spirituality. The Greatness that the science of everything in life teaches is studying all literature and not conforming or confining yourself that puts a restraint on your spiritual elevation. For example "your going 2 hell if u dont believe in or follow OUR god"
Finding that divinity within and around is a life long journey. Many distractions can cause a struggle w/ being conditioned and having the emotional attachment in which we were forced to live by according to our environment. However according to universal law our natural self grows in mathematical life formations. You dont have to be a rocket scientist but you do have to have an OPEN Mind BODY SOUL.
We are not perfect however we are perfect within how we choose to live our lives. My idea of life is different than yours and it would be judgmental for me to say that u are imperfect because our decisions. As long as your aim is reached for a positive walk of life then eventually you can work on the imbalanced areas that keep you from being Divine.
Follow your mind and your heart your soul and your level of awareness will expand and broaden. The Universe will bring u the right lessons to unfold the answers in front of you. the key is understanding and its up to you to unlock its mysteries.
PEACE!
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