A recent conversation with a friend reminded me that not everyone sees much difference between religion and spirituality. And though I feel passionate about the difference, it's not that easy to explain.
The current issue of Spirituality and Health [july/august 2017] has some quotes which show the complexity:
Author Dan Millman (Way of the Peaceful Warrior) is quoted as saying: "The word spiritual refers to the transcendent--that which inspires, uplifts, even liberates us: in the simplest terms, life's Big Picture. In my view, we're all on a spiritual quest, seeking to understand our larger purpose here, even as we address the duties of daily life.
Rabbi Rani Shapiro, in his regular Q&A column (Roadside Assistance for the Spiritual Traveler)
responded to the question, What's so healthy about spirituality?
Spirituality is about opening yourself up to love, compassion, hope, justice, and possibility.
It's about daring to see what is without the distortion of belief and creed. Spirituality is living without a net, and being surrendered to the awesome and the awful with tranquility. Living spiritually is living a life beneficial to the thriving of self and other, and that is the healthiest thing any of us can do.
Friday, August 25, 2017
LIVE EACH DAY AS IF ITS YOUR LAST?
We had a young friend over for lunch today. It's always a delight to be with him, as he has such a great sense of humor and positive outlook on life. He's also a physical trainer and works out at the gym all the time--so he is very high energy.
As we were talking about his great attitude about life, he remarked that he lived his life each day as if it were his last. When he said that, it struck me that I see him just the opposite, so I told him that I see him as if he were living each day as if it were his first!
When I said that, his eyes lit up with recognition, and he said that I was right: He lives each day as if it were the first day of his life -- not the last.
As that fact hit home, I told him that I was reminded of what I believe the Buddhist tradition calls the "Don't Know Mind." I explained that when we approach any experience with too much familiarity, we are not paying attention (not mindful) and are closed to the unique reality of the present moment.
And so it was that I heard the truth of the word of Jesus to Nicodemus afresh: "You must be born again!" That is, if you would live more fully and abundantly:
LIVE EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE YOUR FIRST!
As we were talking about his great attitude about life, he remarked that he lived his life each day as if it were his last. When he said that, it struck me that I see him just the opposite, so I told him that I see him as if he were living each day as if it were his first!
When I said that, his eyes lit up with recognition, and he said that I was right: He lives each day as if it were the first day of his life -- not the last.
As that fact hit home, I told him that I was reminded of what I believe the Buddhist tradition calls the "Don't Know Mind." I explained that when we approach any experience with too much familiarity, we are not paying attention (not mindful) and are closed to the unique reality of the present moment.
And so it was that I heard the truth of the word of Jesus to Nicodemus afresh: "You must be born again!" That is, if you would live more fully and abundantly:
LIVE EACH DAY AS IF IT WERE YOUR FIRST!
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