RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
Looking again at the title of the thread, I'd just say this. It's the first thing that would occur to me to say. When I was young I didn't even know what spirituality was. My parents were great, but not part of any faith or church. In my teens I went almost potty as I knew somethig vitally important was missing in my life, but I hadn't got a clue what it was! It was of course spirituality. Jeez, it took years to find that out!
So what does spirituality mean? Many books could be written on that, and have been. But one really basic and practical thing is that I had to walk away from my former life, friends, and interests, for a time. Not wanting to be dogmatic, returned to some of it after some months. But "being spiritual" means change, unless anybody actually grows up that way. It's change, and change is both joyful yet also hard - you are walking into new situations and friendships, which is joyful, but you do often have to leave some things behind.
V
RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
hello sam
just wanted to say that i feel what it means to be spiritual is different for different people...
for me it essentially means that i am in a process, of trying to grow, remember, reconnect, live life and be happy!!
and certainly i find (and many people find) that yoga and meditation are very useful tools on the path
having said that, there are myriad different ways to meditate and numerous different types of yoga...
remember, yoga means union - (often through bodily postures and connecting with breathe etc. - hatha yoga)
i've never even heard of the BKs, but my understanding of raja yoga (which means 'kingly' yoga, as in raj being king) is that it is the kingly form because it is a whole way of life thing, being in 'union' while chopping wood and carrying water (not just while standing on your head!). but i have personally never heard it related to celibacy!
which leads me to a synchronicity...
just this morning i read (in "Conversations with God - Book 2" by Neale Donald Walsch):-
"How can we best express this thing called sexual energy?
Lovingly. Openly.
Playfully. Joyfully.
Outrageously. Passionately. Sacredly. Romantically. Humorously. Spontaneously. Touchingly. Creatively. Unabashedly. Sensually.
And, of course, Frequently."
anyway that is my two-cents-worth for now!!
much love and blessing
wishing that you find a 'path' that feels right for you [sm=love-smiley-009.gif]
jess
xx
RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
Wow, Wow, Wow! I am amazed at the attention and love you have all given to my thread!
I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone, there was some real thought put in there.
I am sorry I have not been around to reply, today is the first time I have had to really sit down and read the replys.
I did read the first few, and inspired to go and find a book, but I thought "where do I start?" Funnily enough I was at Standsted waiting for a plane and I went into WHSmiths. They have 1 line of 1 bookshelf on mind body and spirit, so I did not expect to find anything but I thought I would have a look.
I found a book by Diana Cooper called "A Little light on the spiritual laws". I bought it and read it all within a day. It was EXACTLY what I was after! If anyone wants an introduction, or has the same question as me, this is the best book! Its so amazing, I had asked this question in my head "what does it mean to be spiritual" but I think when I actually wrote it down on this forum, it made me pay attention to the question, and so miraculously it was answered!!!
I have not been to any BK meetings, and I now feel I have distanced myself enough. And I am very grateful for what I learnt there, but I now realise that its not quite for me and that celibacy is not the be all and end all of what I want to do.
I realise that the lessons they were teaching (the ones that I liked) are available in other places and its not unique to them.
Honestly, this book is brilliant, each chapter discusses an aspect of spirituality in plain english. it talks about karma,intention, reincarnation, healing, clairty, success and lots of other aspects. I was so pleased that I raced through it, so now its time to read it again and really try and understand the lessons.
I understand there are many paths to happiness, and I guess I am open to trying any of them. Personally I do think a physical form like Hatha Yoga would be useful as my body is always blocked energetically.
I do have lots of issues I would like to resolve, and I think what I would like ideally is like a spiritual life coach, someone who can guide me through, help me build up my intuition, someone who can help me heal my past lives... any idea of where I should be looking? Probably at myself will be the answer from you!!!
I think also it would be really great to discuss in person, are there any spiritual discussion groups that I could look out for? I think thats what I liked so much about the BKs there were lots of people to talk to about the ideas. I would like that again.
Obviously this forum is a great gift aswell and I will visit again soon!!!
Thank you again everyone, you have been of great help, I especially liked this from one of you....
The most helpful meditation that I have ever done is to sit quietly and simply to tell yourself that you are the most perfect child of God and to ask to know the Love God has for you. Your answer will come as soon as you allow it to. You are worthy to receive the only gift God can give. You are the creation, you are God's gift, you are what you seek. Healing is the result of this awareness because it heals the idea that you are apart from God (life, health, abundance). Be open to guidance but do not think that you were ever without it.
RE: what does it mean to be spiritual
That last quote was from erospirit, thanks!