Thank you!! I'm trying. Some days are harder than others, but as long as I keep myself connected to Source, I can usually keep bringing some light. xox
You've penned a beautiful essay Mary. There are many elements in this piece for me to spend time thinking about - and for that, thank you!
One interesting new thought (to me) that happened inside my head while I was reading your essay is the idea of materialism (which I hate) and how we get bogged down by 'having to have something'...anyway, I am also a proponent of minimalism which I always thought of in terms of the material world we spend most of our time in...but I wonder...is it also possible, valuable even to embrace spiritual minimalism?
Thank you, Jack! Ooh, now THAT'S a compelling concept. What comes to mind when you mention that is the sometimes-complicated, sometimes-overwhelming multiplicity of tenets, rules, and principles that many religions espouse... when really, it almost always just boils down to LOVE. I mean, if all you did every day was love yourself and the rest of the world fully and completely, you'd pretty much attain enlightenment, no? But maybe that's not your idea of spiritual minimalism. I'd love to hear what that concept means to you! (And anyone else who's tuning in to this thread...)
Honestly Mary, I’m not 100% sure what I meant as the thought of ‘spiritual minimalism’ came into my head. I suppose I was wondering, while reading your essay, what it would mean to strip away everything (or as much as possible) that often surrounds - even pollutes - spirituality. I suppose it is the same idea I try to achieve while practicing mindfulness – to eliminate memories as I sit and breathe. To ignore future plans and wishes. To simply breathe…and to be grateful for being and life itself. It is in this moment of ‘spiritual minimalism’ I feel most alive and closest to God. My ego is locked securely out of me. All that is left is the now and the gratitude that accompanies each breath…It is, I suppose, how true love feels. So, I guess in a way, your interpretation of what I was trying to convey was accurate – but I think you wrote it much nicer.
I agree…I am also interested in what others think. And I am interested as well in developing my own thoughts about spiritual minimalism…
There you go again, Mary, speaking directly to me. Of course, I know that wasn’t your intent, but you did nonetheless. Your essay focused on a few of the issues I’ve been dealing with, the “essential unworthiness” for sure. The idea of bringing in a belief or a trait or an issue from a past life which may still be having an impact on you and your relationships in this life is worth thinking about. Certain aspects of our personalities might have ancient origins. I also appreciated the tale about the ant and the insight you gained from it, dropping the shell of our old, or false self at the feet of a higher power can be very liberating, could also be scary, but exciting at the same time. The spiritual aspect all this “work” is the most important. I need to get a whole lot better at contemplative prayer, finding that still-point that you mentioned in your last essay, but without the use of MDMA. Ha! Thanks for this.
I love that my words keep resonating with you, Rocket. I always look forward to your comments -- they are so specific, personal, and often so funny, too!
Finding that still point takes daily practice, and there are many days that I don't quite make it to stillness; I hover somewhere in between that place and monkey mind. :-) But it's all good! The process is always humbling and I always look forward to the time spent in recognition of and connection with the Divine, or Grace, or whatever you want to call it.
So many parallels…but that’s for another conversation.
Right now, my only comment is that I remember that after a few of my moves after graduate school, I cried the first time that I couldn’t fit everything I owned into the back of my car, ready to drive away somewhere new.
always thought provoking, and beautifully expressed. Thank you Mary
Thanks for the kind words, Laura! xox
Beautiful as always! I am reading through your past posts in between new SS content. Yours is so wonderfully uplifting ❣️
Thank you!! I'm trying. Some days are harder than others, but as long as I keep myself connected to Source, I can usually keep bringing some light. xox
Just beautiful Mary. Your voice is unique honest and obviously inspired!
Thank you, dear Cyn!
You've penned a beautiful essay Mary. There are many elements in this piece for me to spend time thinking about - and for that, thank you!
One interesting new thought (to me) that happened inside my head while I was reading your essay is the idea of materialism (which I hate) and how we get bogged down by 'having to have something'...anyway, I am also a proponent of minimalism which I always thought of in terms of the material world we spend most of our time in...but I wonder...is it also possible, valuable even to embrace spiritual minimalism?
Thank you, Jack! Ooh, now THAT'S a compelling concept. What comes to mind when you mention that is the sometimes-complicated, sometimes-overwhelming multiplicity of tenets, rules, and principles that many religions espouse... when really, it almost always just boils down to LOVE. I mean, if all you did every day was love yourself and the rest of the world fully and completely, you'd pretty much attain enlightenment, no? But maybe that's not your idea of spiritual minimalism. I'd love to hear what that concept means to you! (And anyone else who's tuning in to this thread...)
Honestly Mary, I’m not 100% sure what I meant as the thought of ‘spiritual minimalism’ came into my head. I suppose I was wondering, while reading your essay, what it would mean to strip away everything (or as much as possible) that often surrounds - even pollutes - spirituality. I suppose it is the same idea I try to achieve while practicing mindfulness – to eliminate memories as I sit and breathe. To ignore future plans and wishes. To simply breathe…and to be grateful for being and life itself. It is in this moment of ‘spiritual minimalism’ I feel most alive and closest to God. My ego is locked securely out of me. All that is left is the now and the gratitude that accompanies each breath…It is, I suppose, how true love feels. So, I guess in a way, your interpretation of what I was trying to convey was accurate – but I think you wrote it much nicer.
I agree…I am also interested in what others think. And I am interested as well in developing my own thoughts about spiritual minimalism…
I wouldn't say I wrote it nicer... your version is lovely. Let me know as your thoughts develop on this concept, and I'll do the same!
There you go again, Mary, speaking directly to me. Of course, I know that wasn’t your intent, but you did nonetheless. Your essay focused on a few of the issues I’ve been dealing with, the “essential unworthiness” for sure. The idea of bringing in a belief or a trait or an issue from a past life which may still be having an impact on you and your relationships in this life is worth thinking about. Certain aspects of our personalities might have ancient origins. I also appreciated the tale about the ant and the insight you gained from it, dropping the shell of our old, or false self at the feet of a higher power can be very liberating, could also be scary, but exciting at the same time. The spiritual aspect all this “work” is the most important. I need to get a whole lot better at contemplative prayer, finding that still-point that you mentioned in your last essay, but without the use of MDMA. Ha! Thanks for this.
I love that my words keep resonating with you, Rocket. I always look forward to your comments -- they are so specific, personal, and often so funny, too!
Finding that still point takes daily practice, and there are many days that I don't quite make it to stillness; I hover somewhere in between that place and monkey mind. :-) But it's all good! The process is always humbling and I always look forward to the time spent in recognition of and connection with the Divine, or Grace, or whatever you want to call it.
So many parallels…but that’s for another conversation.
Right now, my only comment is that I remember that after a few of my moves after graduate school, I cried the first time that I couldn’t fit everything I owned into the back of my car, ready to drive away somewhere new.
Looking forward to that conversation! And I can just see you, so sad to be hemmed in by "stuff." :-)
CLEARLY. But I'll take it... :-)