What is the spiritual gift of faith?

Posted on September 7, 2016 by JmaC

Question: “What is the spiritual gift of faith?”

Answer: The spiritual gift of faith is found in the list of the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12. Verse 9 says that some people are given the gift of faith, but the gift is not specifically explained. All believers have been given saving faith by God as the only means of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), but not all believers are given the spiritual gift of faith. Like all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the spiritual gift of faith was given for the “common good,” which means the edifying of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7).

The gift of faith may be defined as the special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God’s promises, power, and presence so they can take heroic stands for the future of God’s work in the church. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, and His promises. Examples of people with the gift of faith are those listed in Hebrews chapter 11. This chapter, often called “the hall of faith,” describes those whose faith was extraordinary, enabling them to do extraordinary, superhuman things. Here we see Noah spending 120 years building a huge boat when, up to that time, rain was non-existent and Abraham believing he would father a child when his wife’s natural ability to do so had ended. Without the special gift of faith from God, such things would have been impossible.

As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of faith is given to some Christians who then use it to edify others in the body of Christ. Those with the gift of faith are an inspiration to their fellow believers, exhibiting a simple confidence in God that shows in all they say and do. Extraordinarily faithful people show a humble godliness and reliance on God’s promises, often so much so that they are known to be quietly fearless and zealous. They are so convinced that all obstacles to the gospel and to God’s purposes will be overcome and so confident that God will secure the advancement of His cause, that they will often do far more in the promotion of His kingdom than the most talented and erudite preachers and teachers.

To sum it up, God gives all Christians saving faith. The spiritual gift of faith is given to some, who exhibit extraordinary amounts of faith in their Christian walk and who, by their faith, are a joy and an encouragement to others.

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www.mentalhealthsupportcommunity.com Home Page Description…. Knowledge is Necessary!!

Posted on September 7, 2016 by JmaC

All types of Mood Disorders have been associated with Suicide. These include Bipolar Affective Disorder, Depressive Episode, Recurrent Depressive Didorder, and persistent Mood Disorders, (e.g. Cyclothymia, and Dysthymia), which form categories F31-F34 in ICD-10 (1). Suicide is therefore a significant risk in unrecognized Depression. Depression has a high prevalence in the general population and is not recognized by many as a Disease. It is estimated that 30% of patients seen by a Physician are suffering from Depresson. Roughly 60% of those who do seek treatment initially contact a General Practitioner. It is a special challenge for the Physician to work with both Physical Disease, and Psychological Disorders simultaneously. In many instances, Depression is masked and patients present only with somatic complaints.

In typical Depressive episodes, the individual usually suffers from:

Depressed Mood (Sadness)
Loss of interest (enjoyment)
Reduced energy (fatiguability and diminished activity)

Common presenting symptoms of Depression are:
Tiredness, Sadness, Lack of concentration, Anxiety, Irritability, Sleep disturbance, and Pain in different parts of the body…..

These symptoms should alert the Physician to the present of Depression and lead to an assessment of the Suicide risk. Specific Clinical features associated with increased risk of Suicide in Depression are:

Persistent Insomnia….

Self-Neglect….

Severe Illnes…. (Particular Psychotic Depression)

Bipolar or manic depressive disorder is a Mood Disorder that causes radical emotional changes and mood swings, from Manic highs to Depressive lows. The majority of Bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of Mania and Depression from a minor state of life, to lifelong disability. The information here should not be used as a substitute for seeking Medical care for Diagnose or treatment. We are strictly Volunteered based. The Group is being created for all to come via “Multiple” Mental Disorders they may be going through with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder and other serious Brain Diseases are an extreme challenge for the individual and the entire family.

Mental Health and Wellness disorders are illnesses that involve the body, mood, spirit, and thoughts! It affects how one eats, and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things! Sometimes referred to as Psychiatric or Psychologic Disorders, Mental Health Disorders are caused by complex interactions between Physical, Psychologic, Social, Cultural, and Hereditary influences. They involve disturbances in thinking, emotion, and/or behavior. Small disturbances in these aspects of life are common, but when such disturbances distress the person greatly, interfere with daily life, or both, they are considered Mental Illness or a Mental Health Disorder. The effects of Mental Illness may be long-lasting or temporary. We believe that people become empowered to help themselves and others when they feel a part of something. Sharing in your journey with others will help take the focus off of yourself and in return I feel, and have heard others as well state that they felt much gratification that their story and or struggles just may be for a reason, to help those struggling and in reaching out to those whom don’t have a voice yet! We offer to help those individuals diagnosed by sharing coping mechanisms, in hopes to learn from each other’s struggles, and possibly be able to lend a helping hand in helping someone else…. Communicating, sharing, and connecting with others in a community will have a positive effect on healing in your life…. If you have been diagnosed with any Mental Health Disorder we Welcome you to this peer support group. We offer you to give and gain peer support through your journey of symptoms. triggers, treatment, and recovery.

We do “NOT” participate in our Support Group Community as Professionals.
We are Advocates on The Road to Recovery!

We offer to help those individuals Diagnosed with Mental Health Disorders by sharing Coping Mechanisms, in hopes to learn from each others struggles, and possibly be able to lend a helping hand in helping someone else.
YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER TO JOIN IN OUR SUPPORT GROUP COMMUNITY…

We believe that traditionally in Society, Mental Health concerns have been stigmatized with people often expressing both prejudice and discrimination toward those with a Mental Disorder Diagnosis. Furthermore, people with Mental Health concerns often have nowhere to turn for Support. We offer a caring and Safe Environment.

Immediate Telephone Support:
If you or someone you know needs immediate help in the U.S., call the line for hope to talk to someone live in your local area. They can listen to you and direct you to local resources if further assistance is needed. If someone has talked to you about suicide, and you believe they are currently a threat to themselves or someone else but won’t take your help, call 911.
(800)273-8255 …..1-800-273-TALK National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (877)838-2838 …..1-877-Vet2Vet Veterans Peer Support Line (800)784-2432 …..1-800-SUICIDA Spanish Speaking Suicide Hotline (877)968-8454 …..1-877-YOUTHLINE Teen to Teen Peer Counseling Hotline (800)472-3457 …..1-800-GRADHLP Grad Student Hotline (800)773-6667 …..1-800-PPD-MOMS Post partum depression hotline

Immediate Online Support:
24-hour online crisis center, visit http://www.imalive.org.
If a friend or relative is suicidal visit: http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/81.cfm National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Policy: Crisis Centers Best Practices

Depression Statistics:
Good Everyday Health Overview – http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/major-depression/depression-statistics.aspx

NIMH depression stats – http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml

CDC suicide stats – http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/Suicide_DataSheet-a.pdf

WHO global stats – http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/

WHO global women health stats – http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs334/en/

“To most of those who have experienced it, the horror of depression is so overwhelming as to be quite beyond expression. . . if depression had no termination, then suicide would, indeed, be the only remedy. But. . . depression is not the soul’s annihilation; men and women who have recovered from the disease-and they are countless-bear witness to what is probably its only saving grace: it is conquerable.” William Styron

“Mental Health Support Community Goal’s & Mission”:

SHARE THE AIR; We want all to have the opportunity to share!

GIVE BACK; We often benefit by offering support to others by sharing in our own struggles, triumphs, and experiences!

DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS ARE OKAY; We are all entitled to our own point of view!

WE ARE ALL EQUALS; Accept all Cultural, Linguistic, Social, and Racial differences and promote their acceptance!

We do not participate in our Support Group / Community as Professionals, we do not instruct or advise. However we share in our own experiences. Only we know what is best for our own Health along with our Doctor’s instructions!

IT”S OKAY NOT TO SHARE; People may just read. You do not have to share if you do not want to!

IT’S EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE THE SUPPORT GROUP / COMMUNITY A SAFE HAVEN TO SHARE!

We respect confidentiality, treat each other with kindness, and show compassion!

The *Goal *of Mental Health Support Community is that with Professional help “Support” greatly increases the chance of individuals suffering from Mental Illness to either begin, or continue on their way to, or through Recovery. Along with your Medically approved Treatment, we hope you Meet, Greet, Share, and Support with others who are dealing with the same struggles that come along with dealing with these types of Illnesses!

The *Mission* of Mental Health Support Community is to limit the harm that a Mental Health Diagnosis can inflict by offering Peer Support through this Net-Work; by connecting people around the World to one another in order to share your own Fears, Medication Management, possible Side Effects, Therapy, Joy’s, and Sorrow’s!

If you have been diagnosed with any Mental Health Disorder we Welcome you to this Peer Support Group / Community. We offer you to give, and gain Peer Support through your journey of Symptoms, Triggers, Treatment, and Recovery. We encourage you to share your journey of Therapy and form friendships with others who are battling the same fight that you are!
LINKS:

Health Central
Helping you live healthy! Stories that inspire us….
Mood Disorder
Unique to Manhattan, we offer 16 weekly support groups on both the East and West sides….
McMan Web
Mcman’s Depression and Bipolar Web, articles, news letters and etc….
Medicare
The official US Governemnt site for Medicare….
Mental Health Matters
Alphabetical list of Mental Disorders and Psychological Disorders…
Mental Help Net
Disorders, issues, news, blogs, Get Help…
OCD Hot Line
Overcome Depression
The cause and treatment of Depression….
Patty Duke
Patty Duke’s On Line Center for Mental Wellness Blog….
Prevent Suicide
Suicide prevention and Depression information….
American Psychological Association
Psychology Topics….
Psychology Magazine RX List
Drugs A – Z….
Schizoaffective
Support Lists For Patients and their families
Mood Tracker
Successfully Manage Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or Anxiety….
Mood Scope
Lift your mood it only takes minutes….
Every Day Health
We’re here to empower and inspire you to be your healthiest every day….
ReThink
Our goal is a better life for everyone affected by mental illness….
Counseling Directory
Find a counsellor or psychotherapist near you….
Anxiety and Phobia
Welcome to Phobia Society….
No More Panic
For sufferers and carers of people with Panic, Anxiety, Phobias and OCD….
Multiple Diagnosis
Events, Webinars, and Publications….
Health Care Today
Virtually comprehensive health care news….
A – z Drug Listing
Drug Index A – Z….
Drugs by Condition
Find drugs by disease or condition….
Drugs By Class
Search the Drug class data base….
Drugs by Pharma Companies
Search by Pharma Companies….
Drug Side Effects
Search the Drug side effects data base….
Drug by Dosage
Search the Drug Dosage Database….
Ask an Expert
Ask an Expert, Get an Answer ASAP….
Find a Therapist
Find a Therapist by City, Zip Code and etc….
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
ADHD News, Resources, Stories and more….
ABOUT Depression
Read on to find more about symptoms, treatment options, and more….
Post Traumatic Stress Disorders
Articles, Stories, Criteria, Research Tools, and more….
Social, Anxiety and Panic Disorders Health Center

Support

We’re a Supportive Community. We are not arm Chair Therapists, but friends helping friends. Support here comes in many ways, whether it is offering or receiving it, just reading other people’s experiences or sharing your own. Support can also be found in humor, artistic expression, games and sharing one another’s interests.

Our staff members are known for “Support” at Mental Health Support Community. They are there to assist members and keep our site safe. Posts that are hurtful and judgmental are taken down. Staff is on site the majority of the time. If problems occur in the absence of staff members, administration can be paged by PMing. Safety also means safe from administrative abuse. Administrative decisions are made by staff member input. No one person can make unilateral decisions except the owner if the site is at risk. This is very rare.

Secure refers to anonymity. We supply software that prohibits guests viewing any part of the site; they must register with a valid email address to gain access. Unlike many other sites, our software also prevents search engines from gaining access to the site, so no one can Google a member’s username and what they’ve posted. Security isn’t full-proof however. Members have to take appropriate steps in order to protect their identities as well. Our software and policies provide the structure, the rest is up to each member.

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for Medical advice, Diagnosis, or Treatment provided by a qualified Health Care Provider. Always consult your Doctor, or Mental Health Professional before trying anything you read here.

 

SPONSORS :

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.

Free Full Life Time Membership full Discussion Board/Multiple Diagnosis TopicS, Open Community Chat/Shout Box daily 12:00 PM-2:00PM Eastern Time Zone mostly Tuesday’s and Thursday’s…. Weekly timely up to date News Letters, Personal Member Blogging and Mental Health and Wellness Blog, Knowledge is Necessary…. @ http://www.mentalhealthsupportcommunity.com

 

 

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A Periodic Stress Meter

Posted on September 7, 2016 by JmaC

Ask yourself this set of simple questions every few weeks to help gauge how much damaging stress you are experiencing

Overwhelming stress cripples. Neuroscientists have begun to learn that even acute, everyday stress can turn off the brain’s command-and-control center, the prefrontal cortex. Without our  mental executive, we feel helpless and out of control.

The more we learn about stress, the more we realize that monitoring stress and taking steps to keep it under control is an important preventive health measure. Three Yale researchers—Amy Arnsten, Carolyn M. Mazure and Rajita Sinha—recount the state of stress science in the April issue with their article, “This Is Your Brain In Meltdown.” Follow up on your reading with this self-assessment test compiled by Sinha,  a gauge of  both perceived stress and physical signs of tension.

  1. Perceived Stress:

Indicate with a check how often you felt or thought a certain way during the last month.

1.  In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?
___0=never ___1=almost never ___2=sometimes ___3=fairly often ___4=very often

2.  In the last month, how often have you NOT felt confident about your ability to handle your personal problems?
___0=never ___1=almost never ___2=sometimes ___3=fairly often ___4=very often
3.  In the last month, how often have you felt that things were NOT going your way?
___0=never ___1=almost never ___2=sometimes ___3=fairly often ___4=very often
4.  In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high that you could not overcome them?
___0=never ___1=almost never ___2=sometimes ___3=fairly often ___4=very often

Scoring: Total up the scores for items 1-4 above. Higher scores denote greater current stress. Keep a log to compare your scores from month to month
Adapted from: Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24, 385-396.

 

  1. Physical signs and symptoms:

Check in with your body’s stress signals. These can serve as warning signs that the situation you are dealing with is overwhelming, uncontrollable and highly stressful.

Have you felt any of the changes listed below in your body and mind when facing a highly stress situation:

  1. Heart changes (heart quickens; heart beats faster;  heart races; heart skips a beat;  heart pounding; pain in chest)

____0=no            ____ 1=yes
Changes in Breathing (breathing faster; breathing slower; gasping for air; shallow breathing; labored breathing)
____0=no            ____ 1=yes

  1. Stomach Changes (Cramps in stomach; stomach in a knot; butterflies in stomach; heavy feeling in stomach; sensation of having a bowel movement)

____0=no            ____ 1=yes

  1. Muscle tension (head pounding; headaches; tightness in face; tightness in jaw; feel tense all over; tension in back, neck, arms or legs; flushed face; tension in forehead; tension in shoulders)

____0=no                  ____ 1=yes

  1. Fear and Anxiety (jitteriness; whole body is shaky; feel restless; irritable; hands trembling; want to run and escape)

____0=no                  ____ 1=yes

  1. Sad and Depressed feelings (eyes watering; feeling choked up; lump in your throat; feel like crying; feeling empty, drained or hollow; deep intense pain sensation; hurts to be alive; tears come to your eyes; feelings are dulled)

____0=no                  ____ 1=yes

  1. Anger feelings (clenched jaw; grit your teeth; clenched fists; eyes burning; blood rushes to your head; want to smash something; want to scream and strike someone)

____0=no                  ____ 1=yes

  1. Sweat and Perspiration Changes (feel sweaty; sweat pours out; feel hot all over; palms are clammy; beads of perspiration; dry mouth)

____0=no            ____ 1=yes

  1. Sensations in Chest (sinking feeling in chest; constriction in the chest; heaviness in the chest)

____0=no            ____ 1=yes

  1. Cognitive/mental state Changes (losing focus and concentration; increased distraction; loss of memory and forgetfulness; loss of energy; fatigue or tiredness)

____0=no            ____ 1=yes

  1. Changes in urges or cravings and intake (increased urge for cigarettes, alcoholic drink; caffeine, comfort foods; overeating;  overdrinking; loss of appetite)

____0=no            ____ 1=yes

  1. Sleep changes (insomnia; frequent waking; difficulty falling or staying asleep; early waking)

____0=no            ____ 1=yes

  1.  Other changes (increased aches and pains in joints; increased frequency of colds, other signs specific to you)

____0=no                  ____ 1=yes

Scoring: The more changes you said yes to, the greater the impact stress is having on your body and mind.

 

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60 Affirmations to Support You Through Meaningful Life Changes

Posted on September 6, 2016 by JmaC

Studies show that affirmations contribute to our well-being in tangible ways. Dig in to a year’s worth of positive self-talk from Louise Hay, Caroline Myss, Eckhart Tolle, Shakti Gawain, Marianne Williamson, S&H readers, and more.

 

PURPOSE: Affirmations to call forth your highest self.

By being calm and aware, I know intuitively the right thing to do, moment to moment.

The more I focus my mind upon the good, the more good comes to me.—Louise Hay

My inner guidance is there for me to call on anytime I need or want extra clarity, wisdom, knowledge, support, creative inspiration, love, or companionship.—Shakti Gawain

Don’t ask to understand the secrets of the universe but simply to know what this moment means.—Caroline Myss and Peter Occhiogrosso

If you have found your truth within yourself there is nothing more in this whole existence to find.—Osho Zen

When the compulsive striving away from The Now ceases, the joy of being flows into everything you do.—Eckhart Tolle

Now is the time to envision your life the way you want it to be and to take action in that direction.—Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine

Your spiritual unfoldment is occurring at all times whether or not you are aware of it.—Steven D. Farmer

Every moment there is a possibility to be total. Whatsoever you are doing, be absorbed in it so utterly that the mind thinks nothing, is just there, is just a presence.—Osho Zen

Be at peace as you enter the waters of deep change and initiation.—Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

I am creating financial security through the use of my talents.—Marianne Mitchell

I am open and receptive to blissful, knock-my-socks off miracles in every area of my life.—Emmanuel Dagher, reader

Luminous and productive energy flows through me.—Marianne Mitchell

I open my heart to receive the highest power available to me. I trust I am being led to where I need to be.—Pat Tovo, reader

Your life is perfect as it is, if you live it with your heart wide open.—Marianne Williamson

I am the person I was meant to become.

The world is a better place because of what I create.

Everything I do is an opportunity to be completely present.

The smallest action can make a difference. My life is important. I can change the world just by being here, right now.

I am relaxed. I feel the energy and current of the universe. I don’t need to ask questions, because I know what I am meant to do.

Feeling will get you closer to the truth of who are you than thinking.—Eckhart Tolle

I use my intuition and intelligence to guide me at all times. — Pamela Wells

When I allow myself to be guided, it doesn’t mean that I won’t make mistakes or have failures. I am willing to let things go that aren’t working and pursue what is working.—Shakti Gawain

I am neither too little nor too much, and I do not have to prove myself to anyone. I am okay as I am.—Louise Hay

I change my life by transforming myself.—Amy Zerner and Monte Faber

HEALTH: Positive self-talk for your mind and body.

Perfect health is my divine right, and I claim it now.—Louise Hay

Before you can heal others, you first have to heal yourself.—Caroline Myss and Peter Occhiogrosso

I listen to my body and pay attention to what it is telling me.

I create my own beauty. I take care of my body, outside and in. I feel and look my best.

When your mind is busy with fearful or negative thoughts, say directly to those thoughts, “You are not invited to my party!”—Nancy Balestrini, reader

My inner dialogue is kind and loving. My thoughts create only good experiences.—Louise Hay

Sleep is sacred. I show my love for my body by giving it the rest it needs. I sleep deeply.

The divine dwells within you and desires that you heal.—Caroline Myss and Peter Occhiogrosso

My home is a clean, warm, and happy place that supports my well-being.

Observe how the mind labels an unpleasant moment and how this labeling process, this continuous sitting in judgment, creates pain and unhappiness.—Eckhart Tolle

I know my truth. I can speak from my heart. I feel my center and can move through my daily life with ease.—Jordan Hoffman

If you feel a void in your life fill it in healthy ways.—Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine

The moment you start seeing life as nonserious, a playfulness, all the burden on your heart disappears.—Osho Zen

I am happy and grateful that my body is healthy and whole and strong.—Mary Sheehan Larrick, reader

A time for rest or more tranquil surroundings may enhance the quality of your life.— Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

I surrender my ego and no longer let fear rule my life. I have love, faith, and hope.—Pamela Wells

A golden aura of divine protection surrounds you.—Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

Thank you, Mother Earth, for unconditionally holding me up through my bones, so that I can fully relax all of my muscles when I’m at rest.—Sharon McCarthy, reader

I love my scars. They tell my life story and remind me of what I have survived. They show my resiliency.

I honor my body by making healthy choices. I nourish it with wholesome, natural food. I choose to be healthy and feel good.

I pay attention to my food and think about how it will make me feel. I stop when I am full. I eat mindfully.

It feels good to move my body. Every muscle and cell works in harmony. I am graceful and strong.

I live my life free of fear. I am adventurous and engage with the world.

I am organized. I am mindful of where I put my possessions. I let go of things I don’t need.

The mind is very powerful.  You must infuse it with kind and loving thoughts.— Isha Lerner and Mark Lerner

RELATIONSHIPS: Affirmations for a sense of peace—with your loved ones, and within yourself.

I have always been worth loving; I just did not know it before. I love and accept myself now.—Louise Hay

Peace: within our world, within our country, within our community, within our family, and within ourselves.—Melinda Faecke Crocker, reader

I am in charge of my own happiness and responsible for filling my own needs.

I make myself vulnerable and share my stories with those who have earned my trust.

God knows me better than I know myself, and he still loves me unconditionally.—Brenda Brassington Driggs, reader

I visualize myself feeling, trusting, and following my own energy. I am completely true to myself, alive and empowered, fully and freely creative. —Shakti Gawain

That which I create in the world returns to me.—Pamela Wells

My child is her own being. I am a good parent who has raised a unique, capable person.

I do not take things personally.—Amy Zerner and Monte Faber

I am a generous lover. I honor my body and connect with my partner through touch. I am worthy of having great sex.

I choose to have trustworthy people in my life. I’m not afraid to set boundaries to protect myself.

I am grown-up and comfortable enough to ask for what I want in positive ways.—Louise Hay

Forgiveness is a powerful healer. Don’t hold on to the energy of past disappointments  or conflict.—Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine

Every circumstance is a chance for you to practice being the person you truly want to be.—Marianne Williamson

I love and approve of myself.—Caroline Campbell Mistry, reader

True compassion requires not only the feeling of warmth that emanates when you are in touch with your heart center but acts of kindness, even if this simply means being a fully attentive listener.—Steven D. Farmer

Everyone has an interesting story. If you cultivate the habit of asking about it, your life will be much richer.—Marianne Williamson

I am calm. I keep my stability even when the people around me are out of control. I am balanced, and so my relationships are balanced.

I let go of hurt and anger.—Amy Zerner and Monte Farber

Being alone feels comfortable. I am happy in my own company. I use my time alone to reflect and recharge.

My spouse and I know each other better than anyone. We take care of each other to make a strong family. Our marriage is something worth celebrating.

I choose to be with someone who loves me for who I am.

 I am surrounded by people who love and support me, and I love and support myself.

I respect myself and know that my opinion and voice matter. I communicate my feelings and needs in healthy, respectful ways.

The people close to me know I care about them. My love is enough. I trust them to manage their own lives.

Posted in Spirituality | Leave a comment

EXPLORING THE MEANING OF SPIRITUALITY

Posted on September 6, 2016 by JmaC

One of the great gifts of spiritual knowledge is that it realigns your sense of self to something you may not have even ever imagined was within you. Spirituality says that even if you think you’re limited and small, it simply isn’t so. You’re greater and more powerful than you have ever imagined. A great and divine light exists inside of you. This same light is also in everyone you know and in everyone you will ever know in the future. You may think you’re limited to just your physical body and state of affairs — including your gender, race, family, job, and status in life — but spirituality comes in and says “there is more than this.”

Notice that spirit sounds similar to words like inspire and expire. This is especially appropriate because when you’re filled with spiritual energy, you feel great inspiration, and when the spiritual life force leaves your body, your time on this earth expires. These are two of the main themes of the spiritual journey:

  • Allowing yourself to be filled with inspiration, which also translates into love, joy, wisdom, peacefulness, and service.
  • Remembering that an inevitable expiration awaits to take you away from the very circumstances you may think are so very important right now.

The study of spirituality goes deeply into the heart of every matter and extends far beyond the physical world of matter. Spirituality connects you with the profoundly powerful and divine force that’s present in this universe. Whether you’re looking for worldly success, inner peace, or supreme enlightenment, no knowledge can propel you to achieve your goals and provide as effective a plan for living as does spiritual knowledge.

GOING BEYOND THE PHYSICAL WORLD

Perhaps the best way to think about a spiritual approach to the world is to contrast it with a more common materialistic approach.

  • The materialistic approach: The materialistic approach relies primarily on empirical evidence provided by the five senses — what can literally be seen, heard, tasted, touched, or smelled. This approach depends on the outer appearances of things to decide how and what to think and feel about them. A materialistic person fixes whatever may be wrong or out of place in his or her world by moving things around and effecting outer changes.
  • The spiritual approach: In contrast, the spiritual way is to see beyond mere outer appearances and the five senses to an intuitive perception of the causes behind outer conditions. Someone with a spiritual approach may change and uplift their world by first transforming and improving his or her own vision.

One of the main teachings of spirituality is to look within and find what you seek within yourself. The external world is ephemeral, temporary, and ever changing; in fact, your body will die one day, sweeping all those worldly accoutrements away like a mere pile of dust. Your inner realm, on the other hand, is timeless, eternal, and deeply profound.

KNOWING HOW SPIRITUALITY DIFFERS FROM RELIGION

Although religion and spirituality are sometimes used interchangeably, they really indicate two different aspects of the human experience. You might say that spirituality is the mystical face of religion.

  • Spirituality is the wellspring of divinity that pulsates, dances, and flows as the source and essence of every soul. Spirituality relates more to your personal search, to finding greater meaning and purpose in your existence. Some elements of spirituality include the following:

• Looking beyond outer appearances to the deeper significance and soul of everything

• Love and respect for God

• Love and respect for yourself

• Love and respect for everybody

  • Religion is most often used to describe an organized group or culture that has generally been sparked by the fire of a spiritual or divine soul. Religions usually act with a mission and intention of presenting specific teachings and doctrines while nurturing and propagating a particular way of life.

RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY CAN BLEND BEAUTIFULLY

Different religions can look quite unlike one another. Some participants bow to colorful statues of deities, others listen to inspired sermons while dressed in their Sunday finery, and yet others set out their prayer rugs five times a day to bow their heads to the ground. Regardless of these different outer manifestations of worship, the kernel of religion is spirituality, and the essence of spirituality is God or the Supreme Being.

Spirituality is:

  • Beyond all religions yet containing all religions
  • Beyond all science yet containing all science
  • Beyond all philosophy yet containing all philosophy

As one becomes more spiritual, animalistic aggressions of fighting and trying to control the beliefs of other people can be cast off like an old set of clothes that no longer fits. In fact, many seekers begin to feel that every image of divinity is just one more face of their own, eternally ever-present God.

Loving and respecting all religions and images of God doesn’t mean that you have to agree with all their doctrines. In fact, you don’t even have to believe and agree with every element and doctrine of your own religion! This goes for any teachings you may encounter along your path. Everybody thinks that what they are doing is right. That’s what’s so fun about the world. Everybody is doing something different, and each one believes deep in his soul that what he believes is right — some with more contemplation and conviction than others.

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