Spiritual Growth: the Spiritual Challenge of Modern Times

To grow spiritually in a world defined by power, money, and influence is a Herculean task. Modern conveniences such as electronic equipments, gadgets, and tools as well as entertainment through television, magazines, and the web have predisposed us to confine our attention mostly to physical needs and wants. As a result, our concepts of self-worth and self-meaning are muddled. How can we strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives?

To grow spiritually is to look inward.

Introspection goes beyond recalling the things that happened in a day, week, or month. You need to look closely and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Periodically examining your experiences, the decisions you make, the relationships you have, and the things you engage in provide useful insights on your life goals, on the good traits you must sustain and the bad traits you have to discard.

Moreover, it gives you clues on how to act, react, and conduct yourself in the midst of any situation. Like any skill, introspection can be learned; all it takes is the courage and willingness to seek the truths that lie within you. Here are some pointers when you introspect: be objective, be forgiving of yourself, and focus on your areas for improvement.

To grow spiritually is to develop your potentials.

Religion and science have differing views on matters of the human spirit. Religion views people as spiritual beings temporarily living on Earth, while science views the spirit as just one dimension of an individual.

Mastery of the self is a recurring theme in both Christian (Western) and Islamic (Eastern) teachings. The needs of the body are recognized but placed under the needs of the spirit. Beliefs, values, morality, rules, experiences, and good works provide the blueprint to ensure the growth of the spiritual being. In Psychology, realizing one’s full potential is to self-actualize. Maslow identified several human needs: physiological, security, belongingness, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization, and self-transcendence. James earlier categorized these needs into three: material, emotional, and spiritual. When you have satisfied the basic physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or existential needs come next.

Achieving each need leads to the total development of the individual. Perhaps the difference between these two religions and psychology is the end of self-development: Christianity and Islam see that self-development is a means toward serving God, while psychology view that self-development is an end by itself.

To grow spiritually is to search for meaning.

Religions that believe in the existence of God such as Christian-ism, Judaism, and Islam suppose that the purpose of the human life is to serve the Creator of all things. Several theories in psychology propose that we ultimately give meaning to our lives. Whether we believe that life’s meaning is pre-determined or self-directed, to grow in spirit is to realize that we do not merely exist.

We do not know the meaning of our lives at birth; but we gain knowledge and wisdom from our interactions with people and from our actions and reactions to the situations we are in. As we discover this meaning, there are certain beliefs and values that we reject and affirm. Our lives have purpose.

This purpose puts all our physical, emotional, and intellectual potentials into use; sustains us during trying times; and gives us something to look forward to—a goal to achieve, a destination to reach. A person without purpose or meaning is like a drifting ship at sea.

To grow spiritually is to recognize interconnections.

Religions stress the concept of our relatedness to all creation, live and inanimate. Thus we call other people “brothers and sisters” even if there are no direct blood relations. Moreover, deity-centered religions such as Christianity and Islam speak of the relationship between humans and a higher being. On the other hand, science expounds on our link to other living things through the evolution theory. This relatedness is clearly seen in the concept of ecology, the interaction between living and non-living things. In psychology, connectedness is a characteristic of self-transcendence, the highest human need according to Maslow.

Recognizing your connection to all things makes you more humble and respectful of people, animals, plants, and things in nature. It makes you appreciate everything around you. It moves you to go beyond your comfort zone and reach out to other people, and become stewards of all other things around you.

Growth is a process thus to grow in spirit is a day-to-day encounter. We win some, we lose some, but the important thing is that we learn, and from this knowledge, further spiritual growth is made possible.

Did you know there are health benefits to feng shui? Feng shui has long been heralded for its ability to increase people’s energy levels and give them a much healthier life. This may sound unusual to some people, but really think about it.

Feng shui calls for a clutter-free, well lit area with good air circulation. That by itself can do wonders, but when applied with various feng shui techniques, it can make amazing improvements in your state of mind.
Nobody likes living in a mess and that can affect you mentally. To maintain a space that is beneficial to your health, there are only three basic needs that have to be met.

Fresh air is very important in the modern world. Thousands of years ago there weren’t factories and cars all over that seriously diminish air quality. Even in your home there are many pollutants - from things like your stove, refrigerator, and animals.

The easiest way to help eliminate some of these pollutants and to add something beautiful to your home is to get some air purifying plants. Many types of small palm and fern are renowned for their ability to suck in toxic substances that are in the air. In addition, they put out oxygen which is always a good thing.

Lighting is very important also. Light is one of the most powerful forms of energy in the universe. Many of us don’t get enough sunlight exposure on a daily basis. Feng shui encourages the use of natural light whenever possible, but in areas where that isn’t an option full spectrum lighting is recommended.

The last basic need is to stay free of clutter. Get rid of stuff you don’t really need and don’t be a packrat. By starting with these three basics, you can learn more and start applying feng shui cures to your home and life.

A great way of self improvement is through spiritual development. It’s a challenge this day in age, but self improvement comes via challenge, right? Spiritual development brings enlightenment, peace of mind, and better understanding of ourselves as well as others.

To grow spiritually in a world defined by power, money, and influence is a Herculean task. Modern conveniences such as electronic equipments, gadgets, and tools as well as entertainment through television, magazines, and the web have predisposed us to confine our attention mostly to physical needs and wants. As a result, our concepts of self-worth and self-meaning are muddled. How can we strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives?

To grow spiritually is to look inward.

Introspection goes beyond recalling the things that happened in a day, week, or month. You need to look closely and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Periodically examining your experiences, the decisions you make, the relationships you have, and the things you engage in provide useful insights on your life goals, on the good traits you must sustain and the bad traits you have to discard. Moreover, it gives you clues on how to act, react, and conduct yourself in the midst of any situation. Like any skill, introspection can be learned; all it takes is the courage and willingness to seek the truths that lie within you. Here are some pointers when you introspect: be objective, be forgiving of yourself, and focus on your areas for improvement.

To grow spiritually is to develop your potentials.

Religion and science have differing views on matters of the human spirit. Religion views people as spiritual beings temporarily living on Earth, while science views the spirit as just one dimension of an individual.

Mastery of the self is a recurring theme in both Christian (Western) and Islamic (Eastern) teachings. The needs of the body are recognized but placed under the needs of the spirit. Beliefs, values, morality, rules, experiences, and good works provide the blueprint to ensure the growth of the spiritual being. In Psychology, realizing one’s full potential is to self-actualize.

Maslow identified several human needs: physiological, security, belongingness, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization, and self-transcendence.  When you have satisfied the basic physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or existential needs come next. Achieving each need leads to the total development of the individual.

Perhaps the difference between these two religions and psychology is the end of self-development: Christianity and Islam see that self-development is a means toward serving God, while psychology view that self-development is an end by itself.

To grow spiritually is to search for meaning.

Religions that believe in the existence of God such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam suppose that the purpose of the human life is to serve the Creator of all things. Several theories in psychology propose that we ultimately give meaning to our lives.

Whether we believe that life’s meaning is pre-determined or self-directed, to grow in spirit is to realize that we do not merely exist. We do not know the meaning of our lives at birth; but we gain knowledge and wisdom from our interactions with people and from our actions and reactions to the situations we are in. As we discover this meaning, there are certain beliefs and values that we reject and affirm.  Our lives have purpose. This purpose puts all our physical, emotional, and intellectual potentials into use; sustains us during trying times; and gives us something to look forward to—a goal to achieve, a destination to reach. A person without purpose or meaning is like a drifting ship at sea.

To grow spiritually is to recognize interconnections.

Religions stress the concept of our relatedness to all creation, live and inanimate. Thus we call other people “brothers and sisters” even if there are no direct blood relations. Moreover, deity-centered religions such as Christianity and Islam speak of the relationship between humans and a higher being.

On the other hand, science expounds on our link to other living things through the evolution theory. This relatedness is clearly seen in the concept of ecology, the interaction between living and non-living things. In psychology, connectedness is a characteristic of self-transcendence, the highest human need according to Maslow. Recognizing your connection to all things makes you more humble and respectful of people, animals, plants, and things in nature. It makes you appreciate everything around you. It moves you to go beyond your comfort zone and reach out to other people, and become stewards of all other things around you.

Growth is a process thus to grow in spirit is a day-to-day encounter. We win some, we lose some, but the important thing is that we learn, and from this knowledge, further spiritual growth is made possible.

Do you believe in Karma or Fate? Karma, the belief that “You reap what you sow” may have originated with Buddhism or Jainism, but you don’t have to be of either belief to believe in Karma. Fate, on the other hand, is the belief that a “predetermined and inevitable outcome or ending” will occur; and you have no control to change this usually grim course of ending. And if you believe in karma, does that mean you must believe in fate also?

Personally, I believe both are valid concepts reliant upon each other, yet exist independently as well. While there will always be circumstances beyond our control, I do believe we have the ability to change our fate with the practice of karmic belief when it comes to much of our life.

Fate,  while considered a predetermined or inevitable ending, offers choices and variables in my opinion. The choices create the variables to what those endings inevitability become. Rather than having no choice on how any given event might end, I believe we change our fate through the karma we create by our thoughts and actions - or lack thereof. This brings many variables into each circumstance or event. Karma results from those choices and in essence determines what our fate is to become.

So while fate might appear to be predetermined, I believe it offers more than one option as an outcome. It might be true in some situations that fate will have its way no matter what we do; but more often than not, I think we are given our choice of what our fate will become. Or at the very least - how we arrive there. Which still leaves choices. Because how we arrive there will also effect the end result of ‘who’ we become. But, don’t just take my word for this. Prove it to yourself whether karma and/or fate really exist or not.

A simple process, for experimental purposes, can test the credibility of both Karma and Fate. By simply asking yourself a few questions, the answers will come with absolute results one cannot deny. So, let’s put this to the test, shall we? But, before we get started, grab a sheet of paper and a writing instrument. Draw a vertical line down the center of the page, the starting point of which should be about an inch from top of page. [NOTE: For "Cause and Effect" thinkers who claim to discount karma and/or fate, I have a challenge for you as well.]

• Think about a past event in your life, where no matter what you did or tried, you could not achieve the results you desired. Title the page with this event [to which you have good memory] you thought was predetermined, fate.
• Then think about the actions you took in your attempt to achieve the outcome you desired. Log those actions on the left side (column 1) of the paper.
• Now I want you to think about the actions you did not take or discounted for one reason or another and log those on the right side (column 2)
• Using your best logical reasoning, hypothesize the probable outcome of column 2. Column 2 might even result in more than one hypotheses.

Here is something else to consider while you are at it: Have you ever done something selfish you knew was wrong yet did it anyway? Only to have someone else do the very same thing to you - at some point later? Did the thought of karma pass through your mind? A “poetic justice” so to speak? Did you question if things would have turned out differently, had you not taken selfish action?

Two people of same intellect are given the same task to complete. Both have the same set of instructions, tools, and resources on how to accomplish this. To which each adheres to - in identical order and fashion. Yet one will succeed while the other fails. How can this happen under the theory of cause and effect?

The only logical conclusion one can come to - will result in giving credence to both Karma and Fate. What do you think? Weigh in with your comments below. I am always open to alternate theories and beliefs.

Do you believe in Heaven?

We all need something to believe in, especially when we seek hope during dark moments. Some might displace their anger though, and blame God. Some will draw strength from God during difficult times. While most people do believe in God (regardless of how they define theirs), does that mean they believe in Heaven?

Religion, like politics, is a passionate topic and can become a heated debate very quickly. We each have our own perception of what we think God is or desires of us. But, most will agree on what “God’s Word” is and that it is the supreme word. Ask ten people how many commandments there are, most likely you will receive the same answer from all ten. Ask ten people to name God’s son, most likely you will receive the same answer ten times - again.

But, if you ask ten people to explain what Heaven ‘means’ to them, most likely you will get ten different explanations - why? It’s not that they disagree on what Heaven is, but perception will lead to different descriptions, not necessarily a difference of opinion.

And just as the ‘ideas’ will change from person to person, so do the ideas about ‘how’ you achieve Heaven. Do you believe? Do you think we each have a purpose to fulfill before we are accepted into Heaven? What are your spiritual beliefs?

You can read about my view of Heaven, in a poem I wrote called: Heaven’s Door I hope you enjoy it. I wrote it as a reminder, to all God has promised. It’s only when our “perception” is that God has not heard our cries that we might lose our way - but, the reality is - He has a master plan, only we have forgotten how to listen.

If you would like to read some of my other poems, visit my poetry site.

I decided to add a Poems & Poetry section to my blog, until I have my poetry site back up and running. Today I added a couple more that have special meaning and I thought you might enjoy.

Today’s additions are titled “A Brain Awry” and “Heaven’s Door.”

A Brain Awry was written as a dedication to my daughter. One day we hope to look back and reflect upon it as an example of how far we have come.

Heaven’s Door was written as a reminder of all God has promised. Sometimes we might think God doesn’t hear our pleas or prayers, but the reality is - God knows what we most ‘need’ and that might differ from what we desire. But, when our job on earth is done, he shall call us home.

Each can be found on the top page menu, under Poems & Poetry. I hope they stir the emotions within your hearts. Thank you for taking the time to read my postings.

Please share this site with everyone you think would enjoy the diverse variety offered here.