Comments on What does spirituality mean to you?

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Troosha - why thank you, considering that one of the main reasons I hang

around Blogit is to master the English language, I consider your kind words an extreme compliment.

I cannot disagree with anything you say in your comment, especially considering you prefaced what you feel constitutes spirituality with the words "For me . . . " What spirituality is becomes a little more difficult to articulate without reference to a higher power. I prefer terms such as a "higher cause", or a purpose above survival and self sustenance. Where some could (and would) argue that the influence which compels us, or motivates us to pursue spiritual endeavors, especially of a selfless nature, is in fact a higher power, I have trouble with this explanation. There are simply too many people in this world that conduct themselves in a manner that indicates they are as spiritually evolved as anyone, yet at the same time do not believe in God. And of course the converse is true.

posted by gomedome on December 7, 2007 at 11:57 AM | link to this | reply

gomedome

At the risk of being chewed up and spit out because man do you ever have a grip on the English language and how to carve out your thoughts (I’ve been catching up on some of your posts and comments), I think spirituality is living beyond our selves. For me, a spiritually driven life is only possible if we consider the possibility of a more powerful, omnipotent force – for some this is a traditional picture of “God”. For others, it is a continual pursuit for answers. And for others still, it is simply an inexplicable knowing that something far greater this – the here, the now, the tangible – truly exists. Is living a spiritually based life synonymous with living within the parameters of a specific religion – no. Does following the doctrines of a specific religion make you spiritual – no again. Troosha quietly tip toes out now…..

posted by Troosha on December 7, 2007 at 11:37 AM | link to this | reply

Re: I agree with ladychardonnay regarding the starting point.

as I reread my comment---I have to make this one clarification: "spirituality often ends with the notion of "belief in God"---" I agree with your post in that this sort of approach not spirituality, and the citation from scripture goes to support you. I hope this point is clearer now. (there I go thinking faster than I can type again...

)

posted by FineYoungSinger on December 6, 2007 at 11:24 AM | link to this | reply

I agree with ladychardonnay regarding the starting point.

I also agree, gomedome, that spirituality often ends with the notion of "belief in God"---from scripture: "Not all who call me Lord, Lord will enter into the kindgom of heaven."

For me, God is not only a big part of my spirituality, but the sole purpose for it: my connection to God, as well as my spiritual dependence upon God, connects to my physical existence through my will. As I bend my will toward God with my spiritual self, my personal physical existence becomes less and less important to me. I am more able to let myself go in this physical world when I am clinging to God with my spirit.

This is how I know God exists, and how I can understand in my extremely limited way His great love for me and for all of humanity through all time; why I can be at peace with His will and with His actions toward humanity through all time; why the physical world is the way it is.

God is absolutely unmistakeable and unimaginable; but will never force Himself upon anyone. He will only come to you when you have a true desire to find Him.