wlotus: (Tending the Flame)
wlotus ([personal profile] wlotus) wrote2009-06-15 10:42 pm

Living

I think I need to not worry so much about spiritual experiences, spiritual answers, spiritual absolutes, and spiritual paths. A lot of what I was told was absolute is not. A lot of what I have been told is certain has holes in it. But one thing is certain and has been proven by time and experience: I have a life, and that life will pass me by, if I spend it worrying about spirituality so much. Much of my childhood and young adulthood were lost that way. I want better for myself than that in my post-40 life.

Sometimes the most spiritual thing one can do is simply, mindfully live one's everyday life.

[identity profile] denimpeanut.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
Thank you for this message. I have to try to do better with this also.
ext_35267: (Heart's Desire)

[identity profile] wlotus.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
It's comforting to know I am not alone.

[identity profile] ruthiebgr8.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 06:52 am (UTC)(link)
"Sometimes the most spiritual thing one can do is simply, mindfully live one's everyday life"

Amen. (And A-women!)

[identity profile] vernnyc.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 09:21 am (UTC)(link)
very Zen

[identity profile] poliphilo.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 09:25 am (UTC)(link)
I'd agree with that.

I've always remembered something someone said about Thomas Merton- that he brewed his early morning coffee like it was an act of prayer.

Spirituality isn't a specialized subject. It embraces everything we do. Maybe the things we think of as "spiritual"- like praying, meditating, thinking about "spiritual" things- are no more spiritual than anything else.

Sometimes I think religion is just a hobby- like stamp collecting. Some people are into it and others couldn't give a damn. Praying, making coffeee- it doesn't matter what we're doing- so long as we do it with attention.
ext_35267: (Peaceful)

[identity profile] wlotus.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 04:53 pm (UTC)(link)
That seems too easy. Of course, I was brought up in a religious tradition steeped in legalism and never measuring up, no matter what one did, so I'm not surprised that seems too easy. :-)

[identity profile] catling.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 12:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Amen. I think I really need reminding on this one myself at times, thank you. :)

The quest for the Answers to Everything, the quest for spirit can be beautiful, but it can at times distract us from the beauty of simply being here, now.

[identity profile] faerie-spark.livejournal.com 2009-06-16 01:06 pm (UTC)(link)
That's a wise woman talking! *smiles*


Always a good thing to remember, too.

[identity profile] verucas-chaos.livejournal.com 2009-06-17 12:28 am (UTC)(link)
This is very true!