I was asked a question the other day with which I am intimately acquainted but for which I had no answer. “What does it mean to lead a spiritual life?” It is not strictly true to say I have no answer. I have my own answers, but those I recognise to be subjective, not definitive. It is, I think, one of those questions to which there are as many answers as there are querents and all will hold at least part of the truth.
To begin with it begs the question of what we mean by ‘spirituality’ itself. In this day and age it is often a term held to be quite distinct from religious belief and many will say they are ‘spiritual, not religious’, yet I am not so sure you can really make that distinction. Religion is generally defined as a formalised and organised set of beliefs, where spirituality is usually seen as a personal relationship with the non-physical life. Yet a religious belief that seeks a personal relationship with God, whatever Name is used, surely, by that definition, is spiritual? For me the choice of path matters little, it is how we choose to walk it that makes the difference between whether we embrace a particular path or merely pay lip-service to an outer form; a spiritual life should be a personal journey towards understanding regardless of the route taken.
Continue reading at The Silent Eye
Yes I agree Sue that we have to define spirituality first. For me being spiritual and religious is the same as I derive my spiritual experience from my religion. But the essence lies in your words. Care for others as you care for yourself and your. Be mindful and grateful.
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I don’t think the definition itself matters as much as the fact that we try to define it… and know where we stand 🙂
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You’re so right! It’s what we feel.
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🙂
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😍
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you know it when you feel it and live it
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Yes, you do. Beth.
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Another beautiful and insightful post, Sue. The two walk hand-in-hand. And I love what you said about it not mattering which path we choose, but how we choose to walk it. Light and love to you, dear one.
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Thank you, Jan. Love and light to you always.
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I think Beth said it best of all. You just know, and it may be different for everyone.
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I think it has to be… as we are all different.
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🙂
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