We are comfortable around things we can observe and explain. We rely on our ability to understand, to trust what our senses tell us, to analyze and organize things. We are secure when we can recognize cause and effect, find rational reasons, and create order.
Spiritual life makes us nervous. Spiritual life goes beyond our control.
Spiritual life is not about experimenting and verifying results. Spiritual life is often about things we are not as able to see, hear, or smell. Spiritual life is at least as much about Why? as it is about How?
It is easy for us to assume that spiritual life is less tangible, less concrete; that it is spooky.
Spiritual life can be intimidating, even frightening. Spiritual life is a little like nuclear physics, full of energy and power that we cannot see. It can sound conceptual, theoretical, or unrealistic. It is a challenge to explain spiritual life in clear examples that reflect its true depth and complexity.
The best, least spooky way I have found to talk about spiritual life is that it is not about rules. It is a relationship.
Physical life is how we relate to the universe through our bodies. Intellectual life is how we relate to the universe through our minds.
Spiritual life is how we relate to the deep sacredness of the universe.
We can distract ourselves for long periods of time. When we are faced with a deep spiritual truth we have ignored, it can frighten us. Like someone seeing a ghost, we find it spooky.
The fact that we are not able to discern and experience spiritual life well does not mean it is not there all the time.
How does the deep sacredness of the universe get your attention?
When do you spend time and energy strengthening your appreciation for spiritual life?
[Image by Caroline]
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