Is it me or are today's television, magazines and radio falling over themselves to increasingly broadcast and publish items of a supernatural, spiritual or paranormal nature. If it's not the latest exciting episode of a couple of handsome demon hunters returning some soulless entity back to the underworld; it's a renowned Psychic interacting with a variety of intangible beings in the 'great beyond' or assisting hard pressed detectives find solutions to a crime that had thus far eluded them.
Humans, as physical beings with a 'spiritual component', whether acknowledged or not, often find ourselves drawn towards the unknown, uncanny, mysterious, unexplained or to a power greater than ourselves. Testimony to our unquenchable thirst for something 'other than' or 'greater than' is the countless millions, possibly billions adhering to or adopting some form of mainstream or less conventional religious or philosophical belief system.
Growing spiritually in a world intrigued by power, money, and the attainment of the physical is bit of a challenge but not insurmountable. Mod cons such as electronic equipment, gadgets, and expensive cars as well as the influence of television, magazines, and the Internet have predisposed us to be preoccupied with our physical needs and desires. Can we ever strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives or are we destined to participate in an endless tug of war between the body and the soul?
Views of science and religion differ on matters of the human spirit. Religion tends to view people as spiritual beings temporarily living in physical form, while science tends to view the spirit as just one dimension of an individual. Overcoming and gaining mastery over the self is a recurring theme in Western and Eastern religions. Scientific works, however, lean towards the belief that once you have satisfied the basic physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or existential needs come next. Whatever viewpoint you subscribe to is entirely your choice -- we have no desire to promote one belief over another. If your chosen belief system is right for you and does no harm to you or others then that's the path you should follow. The following guidelines seek to find some common ground that may be applied, at least in part by all people with an interest in Spirituality.
7 Steps Towards Spiritual Growth and Awareness
Meditate
Central to cultivating the soul, spirit or psyche, is the act of meditation also known as contemplation or introspection whereby you set aside time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. This discipline, like any skill, can be learned -- all it takes is the courage and persistence to pay heed to the truths that lie within and the determination to ring fence and prioritise this regular time. Learning the fine art of meditation, unfortunately, is outwith the scope of this article -- for further information on step by step guides to meditation we suggest you utilise an Internet search engine.
Connect with Nature
Spend time getting back in tune with nature, whether the simple act of strolling in a park, kicking off your shoes and walking barefoot in your own garden or just inhaling the aroma of a vase of flowers in your own home -- find natural things to appreciate in your own surroundings. Recognise your connection with nature.
Invoke the Sense of Smell
Stimulate the senses with pleasant scents around the home -- this can be artificial or natural -- whichever you prefer. The sense of smell affects us largely at a subconscious level and assists towards the state of mental relaxation.
Invest in Sound
Invest in a portable music player with earphones and equip it with relaxing music or sounds of nature. Immerse yourself in pleasant, relaxing sounds while travelling to and from work or doing household chores. This activity should be exercised with care if you need to remain totally alert, for example whilst driving.
Express Yourself
Share your newfound or re-kindled interest in all things spiritual. Join an online forum and interact with other like minded individuals. Remember to demonstrate tolerance and humility though and allow others to exercise the same right to follow their own path as yourself.
Read a little
Read books with a spiritual slant, especially poetry, filter this through your own conscience and apply what feels right and appropriate to you, don't dismiss all just because any one particular aspect disagrees with your own beliefs.
Listen a little more
Turn off the TV -- once you get into the habit of quietening the home you'll appreciate this practice more and more. It may take a while to get used to the 'deafening silence' but try it for 20 minutes or so, turn off the telephone, keep a notepad and pencil with you. If any thoughts arise that seem to demand your immediate attention, write it in your notepad with the intention of returning to it after your quiet time has elapsed.
Spiritual growth is organic by nature. To continue to grow in spirit is a 'best endeavours' daily practice. We win some, we lose some, we slip and we fall -- the important thing is that we learn from our mistakes or omissions, and from this knowledge, further spiritual growth becomes possible. Take things at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
http://www.heebie-jeebies.info
Author Ed Detori:
We believe there is more to our existence than may first appear on the surface. We don't hold to any one creed, faith or doctrine but like to keep an open mind regarding the 'heebie-jeebies' which we define as...'strange, mysterious, inexplicable events or occurrences' happening all around us that modern scientists and psychologists would try to interpret by offering 'normal, rational, acceptable' explanations for these events. Please visit our web site which aims to collate and publish stories of these events provided for publication by ordinary everyday people such as you and I. Your story would be most welcome
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