Whoa! Did That Just Happen?
Wednesday Inspiration
This last summer I was enjoying a beautiful day in my backyard. I absolutely love it there on those hot days surrounded by the green trees hovering over me, the green grass carpeting the ground, and the green vines crawling along the chain-link fence. (My favorite color is green.)
On that day, I paced around trying to figure out how I could articulate Meister Eckhart's vision of spirituality.
(Yes, I talk things out with myself because it helps me process them. Sometimes, I wonder if my neighbors watch me and wonder if I have lost my marbles.)
This is what I came up with…
"Spirituality isn't about me seeking God. It's about God seeing the world through my eyes, recognizing God, and saying, 'Oh my God, I love you!'"
As soon as I finished saying that aloud, it happened…
I suddenly perceived everything as interconnected and flowing with the power of Divine Unity, which is Grace.
The experience caught me completely off guard. Perhaps the best way to describe it would be a triggered moment of spiritual clarity.
It was an amazing reminder of the power that words and rituals have to focus our awareness on the Divine Depth all around us so we can become attentive to it.
In a world in which spirituality is becoming more recognized and religion more scrutinized, I want to point out that I think this is where religion excels.
Every religion brings with it words and rituals that can help people strengthen their sense of spiritual resonance.
I personally find the Christian story to be very powerful in my own life. Within the context of Christianity, I find that religious rituals and spiritual exercises help me to deepen my sense of divine connection and facilitate spiritual maturation.
One example would be Lectio Divina. This ancient spiritual practice comes out of the contemplative and mystical Christian tradition. It is a way of using scripture to open yourself up to spiritual transformation. (I lead Lectio Divina Online every other Sunday, and if you are interested in trying it out, all you need to do is sign up for this free event.)
While I resonate with the Christian religion, others find that the stories and rituals of their religions serve them just as well.
It’s not as though you need to make a choice to be either spiritual or religious. It’s entirely possible to be both. In fact, I think religious participation makes the spiritual experience even more meaningful.
I would like to hear about your experience with spirituality and religion. Feel free to comment publicly or reply to me privately.
Peace, Bo
www.evolvingchristianfaith.net
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