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Spirituality and Relationships
God
An optimal holistic lifestyle requires attention to our spirituality and relationships. Identification and attention to spiritual needs is one of the definitions of spirituality. Our relationship with a higher power is one of those spiritual needs.
Spiritual needs is one of the needs that must be met in order to sustain spiritual well-being and overall happiness. Why is a belief in a higher power essential?
A belief in a Higher Power or God is essential because we can only heal when we accept that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We all have healing to do, and healing is an expansion of ourselves into a different kind of Love and self-acceptance. As we open our hearts and minds to the power of God, we open ourselves up to healing. We surrender and open and get out of the way. If this was so easy, we would all be at peace and happy in spite of what happens in our lives.
We lead our lives yearning for spiritual energy-ways to prove that God exists because we so want God to exist. We so want there to be a Higher Power there for us. Many, if not all, of the spiritual interventions mentioned througout this website are really ways to get closer to God, to feel truly happy in spite of it all.
Spirituality and Relationships: God
Higher power is a term used in 12-step programs such as Alcoholics and Narcotic Anonymous, as well as other addiction programs. The term is commonly used in societies around the world. The concept of higher power or God or any of the other terms used, is intended for the person to look outside of themselves for help. So often we look inside for our answers. A belief in God means we search outside ourselves.
Spirituality and Relationships: God
Consider a time when you felt overwhelmed by life. Maybe things didn't go your way. Perhaps an important relationship fell apart. You suffered humiliation, physical or emotional abuse. Did you find yourself asking 'why?' I, too, have experienced some of these traumatic events. I dare say most of us have. It is while in this 'dark of night' when we seek support and love-support and love from someone or something far greater than ourselves-love and support that cannot be adequately provided by another person. We yearn for a change in our situation.
Key Point: The change we want for our lives is in our heart (how we feel) and in our heads (how we think).
It is true that terrible things happen. Things happen that are beyond our control. Things happen because we made bad choices. It is your perception of the events that determine your response. That's right-your perpection!
Spirituality and Relationships: God
In the Bible, there is a story where Jesus tells that we can build our house on sand or we can build it on a rock. Emotional stability is represented by the house. If our house is built on sand, then the winds and the rain can tear it down. However, if our house is built on rock that is strudy and strong, then the storms can't destroy it. If our house, our emotional stability, is stable, we are not so vulnerable to life's dramas-even the big ones. Strong winds, divorce, rain, physical illness and other stresses don't have to impact us. We can count on something permanent and strong. We can count on God. This belief in God or a higher power is what keeps us strong in spite of it all. This is why a belief in a higher power is one of our spiritual needs and a part of the definitions of spirituality. That doesn't necessarily mean we have to turn our will and our lives over to the care of the God. It can mean trusting in a Power of our own understanding. Seeking this understanding and strengthening our beliefs as life goes along is a big part of our spiritual life.
Our quest for a Higher Power-God- lead some of us to adopt or come back to a traditional God. Others see this Higher Power as some kind of a force or energy, and others do not define it at all.
A Return to Love is a book written by Marianne Williamson and is based on the author's experiences as a teacher and lecturer on the self-study guide A Course in Miracles, the students of which attribute its authorship to Jesus Christ. Using humorous personal narrative, Williamson explains how applying love to all difficulties, as advised by "The Course," can aid in healing. I think this is very interesting reading, and I believe reading all kinds of texts are key to spiritual growth. I enjoy reading recent and ancient texts-from the traditional to the 'new age.'
Return to Love- purchase the book or download to your Kindle.
Spirituality and Relationships: God
In A Return to Love, Willaimson writes that she discovered some things God. I find these interesting.
God is the love within us.
Whether we 'follow him' or think with love, is entirely up to us.
When we choose to love, or to allow our minds to be one with God, then life is peaceful. When we turn away from love, the pain sets in.
Whether we love or close our hearts to love is a mental choice we make, every moment of every day.
Happiness=Love=God
Spirituality and Relationships: What is it about LOVE?
Spiritual Crisis
I like to write about this topic, because you although you may not be familiar with the term 'spiritual crisis' you are most likely very familiar with the condition.
A spiritual crisis occurs when the life philosophy we've built for ourselves is so longer working for us. We know there is something more to reach for. Often times this happens as a result of a major life change or a crisis. Sometimes we go along and hear God's nudges and follow. Sometimes it takes a real kick in the pants for us to make a change. Either way, we contemplate and through the experience we grow spiritually. Some examples of spiritual crises might be serious illness, acute illness, birth, death, marriage, divorce, birthdays and sometimes events that are not quite so momentous.
Spirituality and Relationships: God
The term spiritual crisis might sound like something we want to avoid, when in truth, it is a back against the wall event that forces us to go where we know we belong. The unknown can be scary, and thus, the term 'crisis.' Understanding why and how spiritual crises develop can help to ease the anxiety. A strong belief in a Higher Power also eases the pain, however a spiritual crisis is often the result of questioning God. Afterall, if you become ill or lose someone you love, it is not uncommon to ask 'why' of God. We know there must be a good reason for things that happen, but being quiet, patient, understanding and loving may not be so easy. In crisis, we are trying to establish or re-establish a relationship with God.
Spirituality and Relationships: God Prayer is one way we commune with God. Click here to learn more about prayer.
Medititation can be very healing for people. It is one way to tune out noise and tune into God. There are many benefits to meditation. Click here to learn more.
An optimal holistic lifestyle requires our attention to our spirituality. This is just one peice of the puzzle, though. Continue to learn about a naturally holistic life.
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It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always take the advice of your doctor before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this web site.
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