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Many spiritual seekers venture without and deep within looking for
the secrets of the universe. Ironically, the best-kept secret is
that there are no secrets. The universe tells all---to those who
ask---and we don't need to go to a mountaintop, a guru or even a
house of worship to see that there is spiritual meaning to our
existence (although none of these activities are bad if you're into
them). Spirituality is simply the way each of us explores our
fundamental connection to the universe at large. It is not something
that can be imposed by doctrine. Spirituality must be experienced,
for only then can we know it, feel it and apply it. And what better
way to experience it than through our own lives?
There
is an ancient idea called the "One Life Principle" which
says that there is one underlying essence in the universe, but the
expression of this essence takes many forms---baseball players,
puppies, exotic dancers, Supreme Court Justices, rocks, trees, even
criminals. If you start with this premise, and yes, this might
require a temporary leap of faith, then it follows that everyone and
everything are expressions of the same stuff and are all
inextricably connected. Science likes to call this essence energy
and religion likes to call it God, but the result is the same---this
essence is everywhere. So what? Well, if energy or God is
everywhere, then taking out the garbage is as spiritual an act as
praying in the highest temple. If we are all connected by the same
stuff, then what we do as individuals affects all of us. If the
power behind the universe is also within us, then what's preventing
us from creating what we want in our lives?
Don't
take our word for it. Get out there and start testing this premise
for yourself. If you are a scientist, notice how every action has an
equal but opposite reaction---you can't make a move without setting
off a chain of other events. If relationships are your concern,
begin treating an annoying personality like you would like to be
treated (showing some compassion might be a good start) and see how
your feelings about this person (and yourself) change. If you are
religious by nature, appreciate God's presence even in those
situations that may seem horrible and see what insight comes to you.
The more we understand how the One Life Principle operates in our
daily lives, the more power we have to create what we want and,
amazingly, the more we understand the "mysterious"
workings of the universe.
Spirituality
is not just for eggheads, the really pious, or the really desperate.
It is everywhere and in everything, if you know how to look for it.
(SM)
& Copyright © 2000 K. Weissman & T. Coyne
Karen Weissman and Tami Coyne are The Spiritual ChicksSM.
We've been stumbling along the spiritual path for longer than we
care to admit, and have gone where others fear to tread---everyday
life---to reveal the secrets of the universe. Check out our web site. |
