Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Spirituality and the Desert Experience



When recently asked by a dear friend to participate in a book discussion, I was hesitant, because the book topic was spiritual in nature, and this is a topic that can be very personal.  Especially in regards to the practice of any type of organized religion.  And this particular community of "worshipers" I discovered, are mostly strangers to me. 

But not wanting to let my friend down, I agreed, knowing full well that with this book, Spirituality and the Desert Experience, by Charles Cummings, I would not be able to just sit idly by on the sidelines while others preached to me about what they believe it all means.  Especially from a religious standpoint.  The topic of spirituality is very near and very dear to my heart, as I have lived through a desert experience, or what I refer to as the "dark night of the soul" and have come out on the other side full of light, and much more wisdom about my own spirituality.  More importantly I realized that I had been fooling myself for a very, very long time. 

Deepak Chopra quotes,

"To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul.  To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions."
 

And this is so true.  For when getting in touch with your soul, you are connected to the true life source that is within all of us.  Yes, we were all born with it as humans.  It is the BE-ing part of humans.  From the moment we take that first breath.  It is the part of each of us that is directly connected to God, Spirit, or whatever you choose to call your ONENESS with the almighty Creator of all things.

It is when we let the external forces of humanity define us, which society demonstrates in many ways as essential to our happiness, that darkness creeps in. We are somehow deemed unworthy, or not as good as others if we don't have this, or don't do that.  And this is exactly how we lose our way, because this plays to the ego, and the ego kicks in to demonstrate its ability to fight the true essence of our very be-ing, which is being overshadowed or buried by this negative force of energy being thrust upon us by those external forces.

We must go inward and tune into that life source that connects all things throughout the Universe. The mind babble that is incessant will dissipate if you realize that you are not what you do, or what you have.  If we can only get out of our way, inner peace will come to the surface, and you will be free.

For I am not to be defined as a wife and mother...that's just what I do along with the job that I absolutely love.  And I always express my gratitude for all of which, I, my ego self, must participate in with my human-ness in the material world on a daily basis.  No, as I go about my busy-ness of the daily routine, I have at my disposal,  my true essence, which shines bright and keeps me in tune with God.  And it is up to me to radiate this light, so that others who may not even realize that they are even in the desert, or darkness, can see my spark and tap into the same life force through me.

Seek and ye shall find, for the truth will truly set you free! 





19 comments:

  1. Hi Vicki! I can't help but see the image you put on the right side of your blog. You are a 'blue' and like conversations 'rich in philosophy and spirituality'. Well, I'd say this book study was tailor-made for you!

    I have struggled with silent prayer for many years. My head is so busy! But I keep at it, and I know it's giving me grace. I have read about the 'dark night of the soul' through the writings of John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Calcutta. It sounds like a very intense experience. You have a lot in common with some very spiritual people.

    Gods blessings!
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Ceil. I shared an old article of yours, "God Speaks" with my friend who brought me into this book discussion. We both enjoyed it very much. God does work in mysterious ways. Aloha.

      Delete
  2. Hello Vicki.
    Thanks for dropping by my blog post today.
    The 'path' you have chosen is certainly reflective of the peacefulness that your words/life exude.
    Thank you sharing it here and I appreciate the acknowledgement of the 'desert' experience that some of us have witnessed first hand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I believe we are pulled into the desert for a reason. As we come through the darkness and into the light, we are stronger for the experience, and we are blessed with the true grace that only our creator can bestow upon us. We are one. Love and peace and joy to you and yours...always, and of course Sophie, too! Aloha!

      Delete
    2. May I thank you too for stopping by Sophie's little world! Cheers!
      Ron for Sophie

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by, Hootin Anni...and keep up with all those great bird photos! Aloha!

      Delete
  4. Very beautiful post! We all need some solitude so that we can feel God's spirit. I often turn off all the noise in my home and just enjoy!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I took my daily cup out with me for a walk in the woods this morning to hear all the happy bird songs. God is ever present. I am grateful. Thanks for stopping by Jann! Aloha.

      Delete
  5. beautiful words. I certainly believe in using my life to be a light for others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kara, you've been in my thoughts and my prayers. I send you my Aloha Spirit with much Peace!

      Delete
  6. A welcome and refreshing post! Thank you! Have a grand weekend, Vickie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Cathy! May you continue on your journey through France with God's grace by your side! Aloha.

      Delete
  7. The inner experience - the place of spirit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you stopped by for a visit, Barb. Peace be with you...Aloha!

      Delete
  8. a beautiful read and i do agree that spirituality is a personal journey, different for everyone!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Different for everyone, even though we are all connected! Aloha.

      Delete