2006-09-29 14:21:58 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Of course, there is no one "right" answer to this question. Althought we can look to many centuries of spiritual tradition to glean some insights on this question. To me, the essential component to spirituality is to move towards a broader definition of the self, one that recognizes the participation in the divine presence in each of us, and one that is not limited by our historical conditioning or the constructs of our ego personality. A few key components to making this happen:
* develop a mindful awareness of your internal states and emotions. Don't be ruled by your thoughts and emotions. They are not you. Learn to recognize them as such, and then develop the ability to decide whether you want to act on them, or to let them pass. Meditaiton can be very helpful in this regard.
* Learn to live in the present moment. Don't let your present situation be ruled by your past mistakes and regrets. Plan responsibly, but don't always be looking to the future at the expense of the here and now.
* Learn to diffentiate between your true self and that part of your ego that is the result of parental influence, societal influence and your historical conditioning. Learn to let go of those aspects of your ego that are not your own or are no longer helpful to you. You may need expert guidance to make this one happen, as you may be too close to situation to recognize the influence of your past on your present situation.
* Come to inhabit your body and develop an awareness of your body and your breath. Ultimately the division between your mind and body is an illusion of Western science. We carry many of our our thoughts and emotions in the body, including those that are below the level of consciousness or are stuck from past experiences. Yoga, exercise, dancing, body-centered meditation, and massage are all great ways to tap into this felt sense.
* Finally, come to recognize the interdependence among all beings. Learn to recognize the divine in yourself, that it is not something "out there" or other than you.
* Don't take things too seriusly, including what I just wrote.
2006-09-29 14:48:58 · answer #1 · answered by Didgeridude 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Being spiritual is like having awareness of being tuned in.
All of us are tuned in, but some of us have the volume down so low that we don't even know the radio is on. Some of us have had the volume down for so long that we forgot the radio even exists. The idea of a radio seems mystical and far away.
Even though we have no audible awareness of the radio; we are still impacted by it's message. Being spiritual means that we consciously listen to the radio and maybe even turn up the volume, from time to time.
2006-10-01 13:04:33 · answer #2 · answered by limendoz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two extremes, one to deny reason, and two, to admit reason only.
Being spiritual means that a person is more open to the irrational mysteries of life. It sounds hippie-ish, but there is a poetry to the universe. You feel it when life takes an ironic turn that leaves you smiling. Especially when there is no rational reason why things should have worked out that way. You just want to believe it's more than simple coincidence.
Being spiritual is to be receptive to these inexplicable events, but even more it means looking forward to them and enjoying them.
2006-09-29 14:26:54 · answer #3 · answered by Rabid 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being spiritual is experiencing the spiritual dimension of life. There is the physical, mental (thought life), and spiritual...all different. Hi Sean.
2006-09-29 14:31:22 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's a very vague question, but let's see what I come up with.
What kind of belief system are you drawn to? Do you choose your beliefs off of the 'buffet of faith', or do you have set values?
Spirituality is not about being bound by a system of beliefs so much as organized religion is. Catholicism for example, gives you a set of beliefs to take on faith, and anything outside of that is a sin.
As a spiritual person, I don't believe in Hell. I believe that we as individuals create our own reality. We can create hell or heaven on earth. OR we can create nothing - which is fine as long as we destroy nothing. Nature, Fate, God, Goddess, All That Is, etc. Life balances out. Always. If we believe that we are deserving of punishment, we will bring it on ourselves. Another being need not be the deliverer.
As long as you HAVE faith in something, you're good. If you have faith in nothing, by choice, you're good. If you're confused and don't know what to think - pray/meditate on it.
Just remember, love is THE greatest power on Earth. Christians believe that Jesus loved us humans so much, that he died for our sins, so that we may thank Him in the Afterlife. I believe in reincarnation and past lives. I'm not in my first life on earth, I'm pretty sure I'm beyond my tenth incarnation.
Can you feel energies around you? If so, can you feel them all of the time? Can you hear them talk to you? If not, go to a geological store - where you can find crystals. Hold your hand over a few. If you feel warmth or energy from a particular stone - it's calling to you. Take her home and program her for protection and insight. Crystals are generally more psychic than humans (and mine is actually helping me type all this right now), and they can work through us in beautiful ways.
Being spiritual is about seeing the beauty in what we have and what is around us, not seeing the flaws as flaws; seeing the flaws as additional beauty created by love.
2006-09-29 14:34:01 · answer #5 · answered by l_marie_allen 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are Spiritual all the Time.
You are a Spirit living in a Body.
Only, befor your Saved (Spirit Recreated) you do not have the Spiritual Life of GOD Almighty in their with you.
Once you Accept Jesus into your Heart and are Recreated, the Spiritual Life of GOD is in their with you. Spirits can do that.
2006-09-29 14:30:57 · answer #6 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
its inborn for some of us....Im a spiritual thinker even before conversion. I always had questions when young that my Mom couldnt answer but guess what I found the answers..
2006-09-29 14:26:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer would depend on your religion.
I am Christian, so here is my answer.
The time that I have felt the closest to God was: (1) when I was sincerely praising God through song for his goodness; or, (2) during meditative prayer.
The standard answer is to deny yourself when you fell like giving into temptation, spend time in prayer talking to God, fast ever so often, spend time alone reading the bible, and to spend time alone thinking (meditating) on what you just read, how it applies to your life, and thinking about your place in the universe. You should also spend time praising God and doing good deeds for other people.
2006-09-29 14:34:59 · answer #8 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi Jim
Get the book, a course in miracles.
It is the master work on this subject.
Love and blessings
don
2006-09-29 14:24:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You believe in Jesus as your savior. That is the first step. Then you begin to study the bible to find out about Jesus, and how God would have you live. It's an ongoing adventure.
I have been studying the bible for ten years. Everything in my life changed. God shows me wonderful things. He has given me peace, joy, assurance.
2006-09-29 14:24:39 · answer #10 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋