It's All Spiritual, Or Is It?
I've arrived. Well, sort of. We've stopped traveling and settled into temporary digs in the sunny South. Today begins the search for a new nest.
Feeling after thought after feeling washes over me like waves. Uncertainty. Doubt. Excitement. Possibility. The best word to describe what's happening is an experience of pure groundlessness.
My Buddhist leanings invite me to embrace this sense of nothing able to be truly known, solid, stable, or predictable. Everything changes. Everything passes away. There is no security. No clear path.
The best thing we can do when we find ourselves in this place is to root our attention in the present moment. Be with what is here, right in front of us. Listen. Stay awake. Pay attention. Just breathe.
I am. We are.
Om Mani Padme Hum. The chant, set to a lovely tune, is washing through me, too. It stabilizes and grounds me in groundless. (Is that even possible?)
So today is the perfect day for me to share a post I just wrote for Women Bloom (Yes, men are welcome to read it, please do!) Blog owner, Allison Allen has it posted on her blog there.
I titled it, "Everything is Spiritual," and I believe that. Every situation we experience in life invites us to be more. Especially to be more present and notice what is here for us. In part it states:
"...it is within the context of human relationship that we’ll learn the most about ourselves. Within relationship we are able to experience, up close and personal, how well we are walking our spiritual talk—actually being the spiritual persons we claim ourselves to be. Living in the “real” world—going to work or school, being partnered, having kids, living in a neighborhood—is how we come to fully develop (and round out) our spiritual lives."
I hope you'll click on over and read it. I'll address comments there and here. Your choice.
I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on the subject.
Do you believe everything is spiritual?
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Calling all Floridians!
Just a reminder. While in Florida I am speaking at SW Florida's largest Women's Expo (Northport area), Saturday, February 20.
I'll also be offering workshops for women at Mystic See in Englewood, FL, beginning Thursday, February 18. Click here to learn more about my Florida events. I'd love to meet you there!
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21 comments:
I recall your mentioning that you might move south, but didn't realize how soon! Right now, it sounds wonderful, as I look out on our Michigan snow-scape. Wishing you the best as you look for the right place to live. Will pop over to Women Bloom soon...
Really? You're moving, moving? How exciting!
I do think it's all spiritual. For too many reasons to list here. The main reason is because I believe God's hand is on everything.
Currently, in my life, I'm being presented with an number of reasons on a minute by minute basis to walk the talk.
The Olympics is creating havoc in my town...or at least that's been my perspective based on road closures and delays. Every time I step out my door, I'm given the opportunity to breathe and maintain my equalibrium.
On a more personal note, as you know I'm in a new relationship. I chose not to have children and at the age of 48 I know more than ever that it was the right choice for me. That said, The Pirate has 5 girls. uh huh. All in their teens. (are you laughing yet?) For the most part, they're good kids and I enjoy them. When they all get bickering & complaining, it's another story. This area of my life has clearly been left to atrophy. I'm really having to tap into a source of grace that is much bigger than my own, at times like those.
It's all part of the adventure...
Blessings,
Carolynn
P.S. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support over at my place.
Loved the article. I am in the camp of "all is spiritual". My life is one filled with beauty and Divine Guidance. The times that I have turned away from that are the times when I was living in darkness. I prefer the Light.
What a wonderful post-being in the moment is the only sure path :) Sending lots of light for your speaking engagements!
Was late to your Awakened Living post, and just wished you well on your trip, only to discover here that you've arrived! And from the energy that came through this, already benefiting so much from the change...will pop over to your guest post now...
It is our orientation that makes it so—reflecting for each of us our ability to see it as such. There was a time in my distant past where I believed in evil. Having looked deeply enough within it became obvious that we all come from the same place and are ultimately one. You question in your post whether there is security. I believe our security comes from that common source—and the willingness to see it in others.
If at the core and source we are as one—and all that separates us is energy and form—then it makes sense that relationships is where we are given the opportunity to bridge this gap, wading through our differences and stories until we reach the home we all share in the heart.
The Isha Upanishad begins with “The Lord is enshrined in the hearts of all”.
Cindy,
A seasonal move it is—fall and winter in warmer climes. :-) I am not missing snow right now...
Carolynn,
It does sound as if your life is presenting many ways for you to connect with (and live through) your spiritual identity. Quite the challenge, I'd say, with a new relationship too! I appreciate that you are looking at it all as an adventure. :-)
Jill,
It's so nice to hear that you have awareness of where the "Light" is for you and you orient yourself toward that. I hope that this is a time of light for you...
Michele,
May we all find the value in living in the precious present!
Lisa,
Thanks for the well wishes. The travel went fine. :-) Now to get settled in...
Benjamin,
I do agree. Our perception and orientation is key. I appreciate what you say about our oneness and how our "security" can be found in that. Wonderful! Love the Upanishad quote too...Reminds me of Yogananda. :-)
Groundlessness. Wow. That's where I've been.
I do believe it's all spiritual. Every moment. Depends upon how open I am, how strong I stand in Faith, how willing I am to embrace.
As you write in the article, it's all about Love really; how we relate to others and the world. The energy we allow to flow through us and share.
Dear Joy,
Love how you put this! "Depends upon how open I am, how strong I stand in Faith, how willing I am to embrace." You summarized our (best) response to living in the unknown perfectly! Yes, you are living testimony to that. I hope all is well in your world!
Hi Jan .. I'm not concentrating right now - and I did click through to the chant .. but need to come back.
I'll go over to Allison's blog .. I do hope the looking has resolved itself ..and you've found a happy place for the next few weeks? or months? Look after yourselves .. Hilary
Hilary,
Today may you find yourself at ease with a song of peace in your heart. Breathe.....I am breathing too, as we have not found a place yet. I trust it will show up though...Be well, really!
Hi Jan,
I'll be popping over to read the other post in a moment...but just wanted to say...groundlessness is such a great place to be...even though it is scary at times...but it is all about possibility and presence as you have stated...it is an adventure.
may your every step be blessed with the fresh awareness of THIS moment.
Hi Jan,
Glad to hear that the seasonal move went well.
And I totally agree with you. Spirituality is everywhere and it is a constant. The reason why so many may not see it is because fear (a.k.a the ego) gets in the way.
Hope all is well.
Hi Jan -- that's true, I think it serves us to let go of the distinction between our spiritual practice and the "rest of our lives," just as I think the "work" and "life" distinction could use some rethinking as well. In each moment, I think, we can practice being aware of the assumptions we're making about the world and letting go of those that aren't resourceful.
So glad to hear you made it safely to Florida.
I do believe everything is spiritual ~ will comment over at Allison's soon. I have more questions than answers.
Hi, Jan!
I really do believe that everything is spiritual, too. I love the snippet you included from your post, which talks about how we enter relationships - even those that last only a moment or two - for the purpose of learning more about ourselves and whether or not we can walk our spiritual talk. You said that so clearly (thank you!).
If more people understood that concept, perhaps our interactions with one another would begin to shift. Perhaps our hearts would open more, and perhaps the energies of our world would raise up in higher vibration.
Speculation never gets us far, though, so I think I just need to press forward with greater determination to really "live" this message, and walk my talk as often as possible.
Laura,
I appreciate your reminder about groundlessness. I am now in Day 9 of being groundless and it is becoming easier to navigate and, honestly, I am feeling more comfortable with it. This is rather surprising to me—a planner person by nature—so I am well aware that this is a next very important step for me and my growth. It is especially rooting me in the present moment. Learning much here....xo
Nadia,
I tend to agree that our ego does keep us from being open and aware that spiritual invitations are constantly being offered. Especially in the guise of fear, worry, and anxiety. :-) May we all walk with greater ease.
Sharon,
I will look forward to those questions, and always remember you can e me privately about any of them. :-) Be well!
Megan,
This intention of which you speak is very important. If we can put this desire for ourselves at the top of our list, so to speak, it does open up a new path of awareness. Without that intention (to be a true walker of our talk) then it simply becomes a passing fad and not a habit well worth "working" for. And as you know, relating to others in this way initially does take "work." xo
Totally believe everything is spiritual. Totally. and the comment that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Love that quote. Have a great time in Florida. You will settle in and enjoy it so much! See you up north later in the year!
Diantha,
Thanks for the well wishes. I wish you safe travel too. May all our journeys be blessed...
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