“There are two rules on the spiritual path: begin and continue.” – Sufi Proverb
Every Soul seeks enlightenment. We’re all on a spiritual journey whether we realize it or not. Even those who do not commit to a spiritual path are still on the journey.
One’s Spiritual Path is generally described and accepted as “an individual’s intentional journey towards deeper self-understanding, personal growth, and connection to a higher power or the universe. This may include practices like meditation, prayer, reflection, and acts of service, which can be guided by the teachings of a specific religion or spiritual tradition.” At any rate the focus is on inner development and seeking all meanings that broach the physical world.
According to the Bible, spirituality refers to a personal connection with God, achieved through the Holy Spirit, where individuals actively seek to understand and live according to God’s will, characterized by a deep relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience to his teachings. While not all spiritual people believe in God as defined by a specific religion, many do believe in a higher power or some form of divine presence, often referring to it as “God” or a similar concept, meaning that a significant portion of “spiritual” individuals would say they believe in God in some sense; however, “spiritual” can also encompass beliefs that don’t necessarily align with traditional religious interpretations of God. It has become chic in today’s society to refer God/Higher Power as “The Universe.”
You may come across many writings and descriptions of Spiritual Pathways and how to discover which is right for you. Like anything else you will choose what resonates with the inner you and you may combine several of these facets. As you seek consider the following suggestive concepts which are widely accepted:
Naturalist: Loving God/Higher Power in the Outdoors
The outdoors is your cathedral – you don’t need walls – God/Higher Power is everywhere and all around.
Sensate: Loving God/Higher Power with the Senses
In the five senses: taste, touch, smell, sound, and sight you find God/Higher Power – everyday people and everyday things. Holiday traditions, social events and even Church worship.
Traditionalist: Loving God/Higher Power through Ritual and Symbol
Using the physical world to embody (non-physical) spiritual truths. Ritual (or liturgical pattern); symbol (or significant image); and sacrifice. Through ritual and ceremonies traditionalists in turn make order out of chaos.
Ascetic: Loving God/Higher Power in Solitude and Simplicity
A non-monastic attitude – solitude, austerity, simplicity, and deep commitment.
Activist: Loving God/Higher through Confrontation
Standing up for righteousness and justice and like the Scales of Justice they seek balance. These are the confronters of error and evil. Often viewed as God’s attorney correcting mistakes and misconceptions.
Caregiver: Loving God/Higher Power by Loving Others
Walk the walk by caring and serving others, hospitality and mentoring.
Enthusiast: Loving God/Higher with Mystery and Celebration
Celebratory form of worship as well as many of the more supernatural/metaphysical modes of worship.
Contemplative: Loving God/Higher Power through Adoration
Traditional and prayer centered often very privately. Private studies bring revelations.
Intellectual: Loving God/Higher Power with the mind
Bible and/or manuscript studies. Memorization of scriptures.
“Know yourself and you will know God.” – Sufi saying
YOUR SPIRITUAL PATH GUIDE IS SRI SHABDA
