Embodying Spiritual Life

Embodying Spiritual Life February 4, 2017

Some people are convinced spiritual life is about what we think. They believe it is more deeply spiritual to hold certain opinions and ideas. For them, spiritual life is essentially analytical and intellectual. They see growing spiritually as learning and finding answers to questions. It is important for them to be able to explain spiritual life reasonably and rationally.

Other people are certain spiritual life is about behavior. They put their trust into specific actions and practices to strengthen spiritual life. For them, spiritual life is something which needs to be experienced. They believe we grow by doing, by following steps into deeper spiritual life. Their priority is often to be consistent and regular in their practices.

My understanding of spiritual life is different. I have been part of communities which held each of those perspectives. Now I understand spiritual life as a relationship.

In my tradition and experience, we are the embodiment of spiritual life. We are the hands and feet, the eyes and ears of the Sacred. As we become more fully ourselves, we are more fully able to embody spiritual life. We bring spiritual life to everyday, physical life.

I am not saying we have nothing more to learn, or spiritual practices are meaningless. My point is spiritual life is greater, and more important, than our opinions and how we act.

Spiritual life is not something we are able to force to fit our schedules. We cannot squeeze it into our carefully constructed mental frameworks. Spiritual life is stronger than our ability to analyze and to practice. We become the body of spiritual life.

Spiritual life fills our world and ourselves, pouring out of us into those around us.

When do you bring spiritual life to everyday life?

How will we embody spiritual life this week?

[Image by Wei Tchou]


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