this time ~ this space

Oneness is the perfect expansion
Of our inner reality.
Let our heart’s oneness only increase
To make us feel
That we belong to a universal world – family,
And this world – family
Is a fulfilled Dream of God.

- Sri Chinmoy

Relationships are often troubled when religious differences arise but when they do we all have the choice of seeking spiritual common ground rather than dwelling on differences. We can choose to let the sun shine in. This may be harder to do in internet relationships but if we are focused on conscious living it can be done.

IMO following any spiritual path is not about pledging an allegiance to institutional doctrine, dogma or a reliance on scriptures. Scriptures from all faiths provide guidelines, inspiration and contain wisdom. At the personal level spirituality is about experience and practice. Granted that individuals and groups have different explanations for what they experience but, there are teachings and tenets for practices that can be recognized as universal, regardless of which spiritual path one may follow:

dana = authentic generosity (charitable giving of the self and sharing of possessions, donation)
metta = selfless love and good will toward all beings (loving kindness)
karuna = compassion (respect, acceptance, forgiveness)
mudita = altruistic joy filled with peace and contentment (appreciative joy at the success and good fortune of others)
sila = self discipline -abstaining from physical and vocal actions that cause harm to oneself and others
uppekka = equanimity (an inclusive state of open mind free of attachment, aversion, bigotry, craving, ignorance and intolerance)

These universals are the essence of teachings of both Buddha and of Jesus. They are also found in other traditions as well. I think they do constitute common ground for all people who are aware of their spiritual nature. And, it’s my experience that many religious people are not aware of their spiritual nature.

Readers, what do you think?

Related post: Who am I? Who are you? Who is God?

Although my state of mind has improved greatly I admit that I have been feeling a bit of slippage. Depression is an immobilizing disease and I know that so, to reverse the direction of the downward slide, I’m taking some action that was inspired by a post to the Blog Cataolg forum by gmoney entitled Only positive thoughts!

Affirmation of the day exercise
Write a single positive affirmation on thirty 3 x 5 index cards. Take one card a day for each day of the month. This card is your affirmation for the day. When you get to the last card start again.

To make this daily affirmation process grow, write out thirty different affirmations for each month of the year. Keep the 360 cards in a recipe box and continually use the collection year after year, adding new affirmations as you need them.

You can, of course, keep these affirmations on your computer if you so choose or, you can use any size of index card you want but, the advantage to using 3 x 5 index cards is that they easily fit into your pocket or purse and are always there when you need a reminder.

Invitation to share your affirmations
I intend to start today by placing my first daily affirmation at the top of my sidebar. I believe that this sharing will help me to become more spiritually connected to my readers. And, it’s my hope that my readers will share their affirmations by submitting them as comments to this post.

Let’s grow a garden of affirmations to inspire us every day and to keep the blues at bay.

Related posts found in this blog:
The Eight Irresistible Principles of Having Fun
Crossroads: Happiness Questions
Happiness is a decision made between the ears
Self Confidence Boosters
Being happy no matter what