Spiritual Renewal

This month’s topic is an interesting one. On reflection, I don’t feel qualified to talk about planning since I rarely do it and never in relation to spiritual matters! I’d much rather go along with the flow of the Universe. Renewal however, I can certainly speak to.

Considering oneself ‘spiritual’ is hardly the end of the journey. It is always slightly worrying when someone says, “I’m spiritual” or “I’m a Christian” or “I’m a Moslem”, etc. – ta da! True spirituality is not a badge or a label. It is a very personal way of being which one has usually practised on a daily basis, quietly, without fanfare, and without feeling the need to shove it down someone else’s throat. It cannot really be shared with other people, other than by example.

To maintain one’s spirituality however, renewal is vital. Eckhart Tolle counsels against relying too heavily on one ‘guru’ (and he is one of the greatest). There are many spiritual teachers and one of the best ways to renew is to read or listen to a variety of spiritual teachings and take from each what feels right for you. Another way is to meditate or just be still and breathe for at least 20 minutes every day (hard to find that 20 minutes sometimes I know but well worth the effort!) Another is to find like-minded people with whom you can congregate or correspond to reinforce and renew each other.

The challenge is to renew our thinking, our feeling and our knowing around spirituality. The chaos and busyness around us, other people’s unconscious or seemingly appalling behaviour, all conspire against our remembering the spiritual path we are on.

As Lao-Tsu in the Tao Te Ching says:

Become totally empty.

Let your heart be at peace.

Amidst the rush of worldly comings and goings,

observe how endings become beginnings.

And since prayers or affirmations can become stale if thoughtlessly recited, find some meaningful ones and mean them each time you say them. I love this part of a prayer by another of my favourite teachers, Frederick Bailes:

… the peace that is God’s nature must … be at the heart and center of my being. Nothing was ever intended to interfere with this peace. Whatever is at the bottom of my distress has no place in the Infinite Plan.

…a  timely reminder about perspective and the need to rise above the petty stuff we take on board every day as if it were important. We all need daily reinforcement, no matter how ‘spiritual’ we believe we are. On our own, we tend not to do so well. Renewing our relationship with our Higher Power daily is not only a necessity but a delight. Plan for that if you haven’t yet begun!

Love, peace and wisdom