Spirituality

Reading. Just a bunch of words strung together to inform, entertain and relate.
As such, I had been doing some 'light' reading recently and I stumbled upon Spirituality... (oooo touchy subject! RUN)  It inspired me, and made me look at my own spiritual growth and so I am sharing with you what I have come across.

Firstly a bit of background. As a young Christian myself, I have observed in our community it has become an 'uncool' thing for young  males in particular to be church goers - or even have some basis of spirituality in their lives.

I believe it's down to disillusionment of what a true basis of spirituality actually is. The dictionary defines it as:

                       n. a concern with things of the spirit. 

This is interesting as I believe that many people are mislead into believing that when one mentions spirituality the automatically assume "church" or "Islam" or something of the sort, but in reality these are bodies in which the spirituality can be harvested and grow around people who believe the same things and are on that journey with you too.

What the key issue is here, is that some people have a lack of consideration of the world around them. As we carry on through our self-centered lifestyles which, as a result, will not do us any favours in the long run because when we put on displays of good character just to save ourselves from retribution in the afterlife, that actually displays selfishness in your previous life - which is problematic.

So how does this relate to us?

We  have been bogged down in a society which harbours: racism, injustice and inequality it is very difficult for them to get their mind out the secular and focus in that of the 'spiritual'. Questions of the afterlife come second to ever lasting torments and struggles of THIS life and thus the one which is not here and now becomes over shadowed and forgotten.

Malcolm X and Dr Martin Luther King Jr were both filled with selfless spirituality and used this to spread their messages to the masses in order to create a fair and just world. Although they had very different view points, it was their spirituality which kept them above water and gave the perseverance to go on. In essence, following their spirits.

We need to seek that divine unconditional love, because it is the best feeling that anybody could ever imagine feeling. For example, for me the act of weeping in the presence of God, at his mercies and his love for me (and everyone) was tantamount to any other earthly experience. I felt as if I could feel Him calming my spirit and evoking the love of Christ's sacrifice for me and my sins.

Whether you are taken to Zen Buddhism (meditation), Christianity, Islam (prayer) or whatever in still remains that your spirit needs to be catered to. I am talking about a relationship with God and NOT the institution.

I shouldn't really label spirituality with religious institutions but people tend do this often and the shades of grey become more and more obvious - which I could talk about for ages, so this is for another day and another posting. :)

I do understand that there are a large number of people who are sceptical, and I totally understand that. Spirituality is deep inside, and if your spirit yearns for the love of music or arts then strengthen it. However for me personally, I seek for a true relationship with God and my other loves fall below him.

So to sum up :

- Stop thinking of divinity as limited to the confines of a building. It begins within.
- Stop building our faith on fear of damnation.
- Stop seeking personal salvation above the good of the whole.

and as I was reading up I came across this list of things for spiritual growth:

1. Set aside a place at home to reflect, meditate or pray.

2. Read, watch or listen to material which promote good character and a balanced living.

3.Measure spirituality by cultivating harmonious relationships. NOT just by attending services or participating in rituals. 

4. Practice forgiveness of yourself and others. 

5. Perform acts of service within your family and your community. 

And on that note I finish here. I do hope I have touched somebody today, however if I have aggravated or annoyed anybody, please do not hesitate to leave a comment I would really value other points of view.  

                                                                        

                                                                                                               Blessings, I.K