Spirituality the art of living
Spirituality teaches that the art of living is to find real abiding happiness and satisfaction. This elusive inner happiness will come when we can discover our inner self. It is spirituality that helps us to find this inner reality, which is our inner self.Many people seek after happiness in life. Consciously or unconsciously we wish to be happy. The essence of spirituality is discovering the joy in life. The happiness synonymous with spirituality is an inner happiness that does not depend on success in the material world. Spirituality tells us that real inner joy comes not through the fulfilment of our desires but in reducing our desires.
Spirituality is simplicity. When life is complex, complicated and cluttered we feel under stress. We have no time to appreciate the finer things in life. If we can minimize the demands from the outer world; if we can minimize our desires we can enjoy the inherent simplicity of life. As Sri Chinmoy suggests
"Spirituality is simplicity, sincerity, purity and humility. A simple life helps the seeker grow. A sincere life helps the seeker fly and dive. A pure life helps the seeker become one with God's Vision and God's transcendental Reality. A humble life helps the seeker embrace the length and breadth of the entire world.
Spirituality involves living in the present. This is an essential necessity to master the art of living. When we worry about the future we create problems that may not occur. When we regret the past we waste our precious time. It is only by focusing on the present moment that we can practise the essence of spirituality. In our highest meditation we go beyond the domain of time. Spirituality is not encumbered by ideas of the past and future. Spirituality believes in the eternal now.
In the world there are teeming imperfections. There seems an endless list of problems. If we are not careful we could spend all our time finding fault and criticising others. Our criticisms may be justified but they will never bring peace of mind. Furthermore through criticising the world we do not advance its progress even one iota. Spirituality teaches us to avoid judgement. If there is anything to judge it is just ourself. Spirituality says we should not criticise the world but love the world and appreciate the good qualities of others.
Judge nothing
You will be happy.
Forgive everything
You will be happier.
Love everything
You will be the happiest.
- Sri Chinmoy
Spirituality does not require us to renounce the world. Spirituality involves acceptance. If we accept the world as it is, then we can help offer something positive to the world. If we wish to change the world the great saints encourage us to first change ourselves.
"be the change you wish to see in the world."- Mahatma Gandhi
Spirituality says that inner happiness comes from living not for ourselves but living for others. When we only seek to please our ego then we can only get a limited happiness, our pleasure will be limited. Our ego doesn't know real happiness; no matter how many desires are fulfilled we always want more. However through selfless action, through serving others we can go from a limited human perspective to becoming aware of an extended reality.
To expand our consciousness is the real art of living. In the outer world we may know many things, but spirituality shows us how to learn the only thing that really matters. Who am I?
'Various other web sites for 'Spiritualism'
Secondly 'Solitude' my personal thoughts.
continued........
Comments (30)
On numerous occasions people ask me why I love my solitude. In my opinion,it is my best friend,no one knows me better than I do. people and society believe it is not normal,well what is normal?
We are taught different beliefs from a young age of what is acceptable. Society plays a part on what we should think and what are the rules. Just because I live in society,doesn't necessarily mean I have to conform to it entirely.
I'm my own person and choose
what feels comfortable for me. I'm not particularly interested in the mundane frivolous conversations at times,
they are not stimulating to me, nor do I care much for material gains.
I choose to have social interactions with others when I want to. I choose to seek solitude in nature where I find
peace and tranquility.
Whilst I'm not suggesting that solitude is better than being with people altogether. It's impossible to completely
avoid loneliness at times in life, so I believe it's worth having a strategy to find joy in these moments. Enjoying
solitude can also give you the independence that makes you less dependable at times with others and less
likely to cling onto unhealthy relationships.
It is my personal choice,I seek solitude by the sea side and I am most grateful to live by the calmness of it.
So to those who keep asking me,that is my answer, or part there of. I like being alone sometimes,but I'm not lonely.
'Hope all had a joyous Christmas'
Yes,I am of the belief,as long as I can remember.Always eager to learn more knowledge though in this area. Perhaps you didn't know,cause I spent too much time in solitude.lol
Glad you liked reading it.
Apologize you felt it a tad lengthy. I'm not a writer,just wishing to express my thoughts on the subject. I'm not particularly concerned about discussions,it is each to their own. I've been asked a few times from members on here why I like my solitude,this was a good idea to explain via this way. Or at least some of my thoughts on the subject.
Will try again to make it through lol
Slow deep breaths,yours hurts,mine never switches off.Not sure which is worse?
Thanks,,,why does this not surprise me?
Well,it is a part of our human,spiritual being,let me look up on the Chakras for this.
As I write this, an amazing chorus of chirps, tweets, shrieks, songs, calls & warbles fill the air, through my open bedroom window!
A Happy New Year to you..
It's everyone's ultimate goal to find happiness and inner peace,I certainly don't hold all the answers.Also Everyone is unique in their own way. I'm of the opinion,I don't focus on what other people think of me or what I believe in. I think though that we should just have tolerance and accept peoples different beliefs what ever they be whether we agree on them or not.
Hello, thanks for dropping by. Wow,your back and you sound very energized from your holiday.
Fantastic photo's BTW,they look like the perfect palace...!
Pleased to hear the birdies are chirping,your own special Twitter indeed. And a 'Happy New Year' to you..!
Of course I have unanswered questions that's life. This is what I enjoy about knowledge and eager to learn more.
Whilst we want to focus on the positives of solitude and not the negatives that come along with loneliness or the psychological factors with this.
There is a difference, in my opinion,solitude is something you choose,loneliness on the other hand is something imposed on you by others. Loneliness is an emptiness,solitude is an inner fulfillment. It is a voluntary retreat being away from other people,loneliness can seem out of our control,and we are certainly not at peace. Again thank you and good night.
One must begin to know my mind first..
I have no problem with anyone having their quiet time, especially myself, and as far as knowing the minds of others, i have the ability to feel and sense beyond and will become harmonious
This was a shocking tragedy a few years back at 'Port Arther',I was in the north of the state at the time it happened,very sad.
Incidentally anyone looking for solitude,then I would say Tasmania the place for it.
I enjoyed reading your blog... all of it.
I've been learning about causes of stress and ways to reduce anxiety. You mention several topics that are related to this topic.
Acceptance reduces stress. There is a natural order to things (and people). To accept what is, just as it is (without judgement) keeps anxiety low.
Living each moment, focusing only on that moment ... thinking only of what is in front of you and what your senses tell you ... this is a manner of meditation ... when the past, the future, all thoughts outside the present time and place ... when these 'extra' thoughts are quiet, we feel peaceful.
This concept cannot be described in a sentence. Those who are not interested or are impatient aren't likely to be receptive.
Thank you for writing this blog.
Very nicely said and spot on. Stresses a major factor in today's society. The self knowledge practiced continually is the solution to personal growth and internal advancement.
The natural solutions to our stresses,anxieties ect,that can cause us a lot of damage,knowing ourselves to make sense of our lives.
Meditation,yes as you mentioned,a great benefit,I use exercise as another good therapy for reducing anxiety.You are also looking at someone who's experienced Anxiety attacks,and breathing techniques are extremely important. Hypnosis BTW is another alternative which has proven to be successful,a thought anyway.
Your words,'This concept cannot be described in a sentence,those who are not interested or are impatient aren't likely to be receptive' Yes 'Amen'.
Thank you for your wise words.
If by any chance you are passing by this blog again,I've been reading up on the suggestions of Citrine and Carnelain. Still reading,thank you. Also if you have any suggestions in regards to the 'Thyroid' when out of alignment from an alternative approach. Much appreciated.
Hypnosis was one idea I had along the way. My sister (who has dealt with anxiety issues far longer than I have) suggested that it's a good idea to collect several tools you can use when you need them. One is therapy -- seeing someone who can suggest additional tools. For me, this provided my turning point and enough tools to bring me back closer to normal. I'm still learning the tools but am certainly more receptive to these topics than I would have been a year ago.
It does help when you have someone who can resonate with you. Thankfully today there are those therapies made more available. Like you I became more receptive towards the topic after my late 20's in experiencing Anxiety or an attack. Trying to describe it little lone understand it was an issue with in it's self.
Lets us know with the Hypnosis technique or anything you like to discuss on the subject.
I know here in Australia we have a reasonably good Mental Health care System. Or at least in Queensland it's very good. I would suspect or hope so also in your neck of the woods.