Being on a Spiritual Path: Simplicity
To me, walking on a spiritual path with someone means you are a friend of my heart and soul, and I will stand with you, beside you, whatever your actions or choices. This ‘loyalty’ has always meant to me something like the relationship of Shams and Rumi. Once we enter into deep states together, led by one another, we are deep friends of the heart, walking a spiritual path side by side. We will always be deeply connected on the inner plane, you, and I, and all those we have sat with and prayed beside.
Finding a spiritual teacher can be simple. Look for someone who uplifts your heart. Today, many people have several beings in their lives who can inspire them. Each of us can find our way to one who has gone before us and can lead the way, perhaps only for today, perhaps for a longer time.
One way to improve our being and our habits of thinking and reacting is through inner introspection. Awake early enough each day to have time to commune with your spirit, with your heart and soul. Find a comfortable, quiet, and safe place to sit quietly. Pray to the One daily. Do practices as guided by your spiritual guide.
Throughout the day, take time to think about God and your teacher. Read the writings of the spiritual teachers who attract you. Don’t rush the reading. Give yourself time to contemplate the teachings as you go about your daily activities. Perhaps a paragraph, a half-page or a page a day fills your heart, mind and connects you to your soul.
Attend gatherings with those on your path. Love them and their company. Learn from your companions. See the mirrors that arise to show you the way.
My Beloved Teacher
A glimpse of my teacher through the trees,
I run down the path
With great gladness in my heart,
Knowing the welcoming embrace that awaits.
If only I could remember this
And run into the embrace of the Beloved,
Each moment with joy and gladness,
Welcoming the embrace of the One.
Nina Massey
Thinking About Loving, Living and Learning
In the writings of the great Sufi masters, the analogy of a garden is used to help one understand spiritual progress. The garden of the heart can be cultivated. Experiences of spiritual upliftment, wondering at the beauty of nature, feeling the love of a kind mother or father, or a loving friend, being inspired by the exalting influence of a teacher all cultivate an understanding of the Divine energy. They assist in the flowering of unconditional love, flowing like a fountain from the heart of one into that of others. These experiences bring joy to the hearts of both the giver and the recipient.
Many indigenous people believe that we dream our life into being. Our thoughts and points of view direct us to choices that create our lives. Because many of our choices are driven by unconscious projections from our store of woundedness, we move about as if in a dream, not seeing reality as it truly is.
In Hinduism, the concept of ‘Maya’ points to the appearances of the phenomenal world as an illusion. Perhaps this is because we all see everything in our daily lives differently. We see through the colored lens of our minds and unconscious thoughts and feelings.
Consider your thought patterns. What are the things in the outer world which bother or irritate you? How are they related to your own past experiences?
What are the things in your life which bring you to a loving state of being? How do you find joy, delight, and happiness in your daily life?
Paint Pots & Spontaneity
The road that has been the most well-traveled
Has deep, deep ruts
That are difficult to maneuver.
Indeed, that are as hard to stay in
As they are to get out of.
Nina Massey
Hopefully, you will find many thoughts, ideas, and techniques that might help you improve the quality of your life. The energetic state of being in which we exist can change the quality of our lives and the lives of those around us and even the state of the world.
Having worked with hundreds of children from preschool age and up, as well as adults, teaching and coaching for over 40 years, I have watched and learned much about our brains and our minds, relationships, and group dynamics. I hope that there will be seeds of ideas and methods in these writings, that will help you to find ways of changing your actions and thereby your state of being, so that you are happier, and therefore those around you will be influenced by your state of joy and bliss.
I awaken singing
With heart and soul.
Show glare tenderly.
I’ll miss you.
Show love tenderly.
Come close to me.
Come play with me.
An angel of the light, the fire,
Reflects the firelight.
The snow reflects the snow,
The night and the stars reflect the night.
The moon reflects the sun.
A puddle reflects the light of the sun.
In the mirror of the heart,
What will we reflect?
Nina Massey
You might want to keep a reflection journal. Try answering some of the questions. Consider just reading a post or less each day, allowing your mind to reflect, absorb, and integrate ideas. Try some things during your workday, when you are with those you love when you are making choices about what to do.