To Be On A Spiritual Path
"To be on a spiritual path means to live mindfully, paying attention to the signs along the road and being conscious of our body — the vehicle we are traveling in — and of the needs and safety of others on the journey.
"To be on a spiritual path means to look inward as often as outward, knowing that the externals of our lives are reflections of our thoughts and words, manifestations of that which we are imagining and energizing into being with the fuel of our passion.
"To be on a spiritual path means to use the rearview mirror to be sure that the path behind is clear of debris and that we do not obstruct another's journey with clutter of our own. It means making peace with our past, knowing our future contains it, and summoning the courage it takes to acknowledge, forgive, and release whatever we have clung to that impedes our movement.
"To be on a spiritual path is to take responsibility for creating our own creed, based on our commitments, and to respect the rights of others to do the same. It also means to reflect anew on what beliefs we've inherited to be sure they are compatible with our wisdom and compassion.
"To be on a spiritual path is to embrace the mystical paradox that while we are singular, physical beings on this journey, we are also profoundly connected to one another, animated and sustained by the same vast Spirit that abides in the star, the petal of an iris, the howl of the wolf. […]
"To be on a spiritual path, it is necessary to forgive yourself for wrong turns, for failing to yield, for driving under the influence of others. These are minor and forgivable infractions. The more important rules of this road are to be attentive, to notice when you stray, and to get back on the path as soon as possible.
"We could all use a road map for the journey inward, a guide away from the crowded thoroughfare to the quiet path of our own true calling; a reminder that it is not the destination, but the journey, that is important. The fourteenth-century Italian saint Catherine of Siena once wrote, 'All the way to heaven is heaven.' Perhaps this is roadmap enough — this one stark line enough to keep us walking, reminding us that the wind we feel on the back of our necks is nothing less than the breath of God.
- Jan Phillips, from "Finding the On-Ramp to Your Spiritual Path: A Road Map to Joy and Rejuvenation"
What does being on a spiritual path mean to you? Can you share a personal story of a time when the wind that touched the back of your neck felt greatly special? How do you develop the ability to see what's special in every experience?
Wow. I am still thinking about the line. "It is looking in the rear view mirror that we haven't left any clutter behind, any obstruction for someone else. To leave the past behind and be sure that it will be there in future." This translates for me to surrender, awareness, being in the present, compassion, love.
To me, to be on a spiritual path is to consciously and continuously shed and let go of what is not our true identity. We have created for ourselves so many hats to wear, so many identities, most of them practical, but limited and 3D :-)
The day we come around and remember, really remember, our true identity__each of us a spark of Divine light__we'll realize that there is nothing out there to gain, to acquire, to accumulate, or to achieve, both materially and spiritually.
All that is left for us to do after that day of "remembering" is to consciously and continuously shed and let go of all the layers of conditioning we have believed and acquired, and have been holding on as part of our identity, for many many incarnations.
Until all that remains is pure Light! :-)
I feel that to be able to see what's special in every experience, one needs to remove oneself as the doer and see the event as an amazing synchrony of cause and effect, as well as the Act of the Spirit which animates and sustains us. Every time I am able to detach myself, neither feeling proud of myself for good things or cursing myself for the bad, I feel like an unnecessary burden has been lifted off my system. I feel liberated in the moment. I also feel that to see a clutter free path in the rear view mirror, we can start acting today, because the past is gone and all you can do about it is forget and forgive as well learn the required lessons and apply them to today's actions.A sangha, such as this, is surely a helpful place to deepen any spiritual practice.
For me Spiritual path is ......" Do good to everyone. if not, keep silent. Don't do bad to anyone. All for good, bad for nothing. Disparity and Dispassion are the two ways for simple and spiritual life."
"It is a lesson we all need-to let alone the things that do not concern us. He has OTHER WAYS for OTHERS to follow Him; all DO NOT go by the SAME PATH. It is for each of us to learn the path by which He requires us to follow Him, and then TO FOLLOW HiM in that path."
Saint Katherine Drexel
Catholic Digest's Quiet Moment from yesterday. Amen Saint Katherine! Please pray for us.
For me at the moment being on a spiritual path means seeing others as mirrors and everything as an opportunity to learn and open. This is a stark contrast to blaming and feeling victimized which was my old pattern. The old pattern still creeps in every now and again, especially with those I am close to so I keep being gentle with myself and choosing to open.
Seeing the perfection in every moment ,and being grateful
Beautiful post. Thank you.
To me, being on a spiritual path is to be happy at all times:)
We can be happy at all times only when we are one with everyone and everything.
Right now being on a spiritual path means reading and appreciating these open hearted soulful responses. They stand in stark contrast to the toxic hateful comments I've stumbled upon on the internet where people seem to find pleasure in attacking others beliefs. When I read a political article, I rarely go near the comments because it's certain that poisonous responses will follow. It's so satisfying find a site where hearts and minds stay open. And yes, Jan Phillips is a wonderful writer. Check out her other books. They're equally amazing.
Wow! Brilliant piece of writing! Just so brilliant!!!
To me, one word is being on the spiritual path..... L O V E......in thought, word & deed.....always/often.
so appreciate this piece of writing . Thank you. Will share it.
This is amazing!! So well written.
