This week: At Peace With What I Cannot Know Edited by: SophyBells  
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Hi, I'm SophyBells ~ your editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter.
The Rev. Scotty McLennan, author of the book Finding Your Religion, compares humanity's innate need for spiritual searching to climbing a mountain. In his view, we are all endeavoring to climb the same figurative mountain in our search for the divine, we just may take different ways to get there. In other words, there is one "God," but many paths. I honor whatever path or paths you have chosen to climb that mountain in your quest for the Sacred.  |
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At Peace With What I Cannot Know
As I've grown older, I’ve discovered inspiration acknowledging what I don’t know rather than pursuing and claiming certainty. For instance, I don’t know for certain if there is an afterlife. I just can't know that for sure - there is no physical evidence I can claim for me personally, and so I am content to leave it at that, rather than endlessly chase after elusive questions. Please recognize that doesn’t equate to "I don't think there is an afterlife.” There may be, but I honestly don’t know for sure. And one way or the other it won't change how I live my life.
That said, it is also empowering to acknowledge what I do find persuasive, what I do believe. I AM persuaded there is a Sacred aspect about the universe - some sort of "god" to use religious vernacular. I experience the Sacred emotionally and intuitively in a way I can’t know it cognitively. For instance, I understand the basic concepts of physics with my intellect. But I am moved by knowing that elements forged in the caldron of stars have coalesced into myriad life forms on our planet. It touches my heart to consider that humans have evolved to the point where periodic elements reflect on their place in the cosmos. For reasons I can’t define, knowing that, connecting with that sacred presence, makes me want to be a better person.
Similarly, I am awed by the capacity of many species to organize for the common good. In particular, we humans sometimes rejoice in goodness that happens for others. We often empathize with their suffering, redirecting our behavior for their benefit. We occasionally exercise self-restraint for the well being of other species in deference to their intrinsic value. We sometimes even make sacrifices for the well being of others. The expression of such good will feels sacred. As the Mr. Rogers quote goes - when he was a child and frightened by scary things in the news, his mother told him to look for the helpers, "you will always find people who are helping." In other words, focus on those who are helping during a time of disaster for inspiration and hope. That is where I find the Sacred - without having to name or box or otherwise define it concretely with religious dogma.
For me, understanding the historical Jesus remains essential for cultivating my spirituality, as that is my faith background. Regardless of not knowing all of the answers, I remain daunted at the challenge of following Jesus’ example. Whatever label that brings, Jesus’ vision of a world organized by mutual commitment to the common good rings true for me. It has the feel of the Sacred, whatever mystery that word might imply. And being at peace with what I cannot know for certain, I’m inclined to let that suffice for pursuing a faithful life.
At the end of the day, I have found it more valuable to experience a relationship with the Sacred rather than to try to pursue complete understanding.
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We all have doubts sometimes even if we know we don’t have to.
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Here are responses to my last newsletter "Spiritual Newsletter (May 29, 2019)" about Time Away Nourishing Our Souls:
From Quick-Quill 
We bought a new stove for our new house. I was at work on a Monday after the time change. My husband was frantic. The stove wouldn't work. He'd tried to reset it and turned all the power to house off to reset it, but alas nothing. He instructed me to call the company. After a number of transfers a woman asked. "Did he push the Sabbath button?" I asked my husband and after a while he admitted he had. "You stove/oven will be off for 25 hours. He'll have to take you out to eat." We didn't know we had a Jewish oven.
This is WONDERFUL - thank you for sharing! 
      
From shepherd46
Sophy, this is a lovely piece and so necessary for most anyone to read and digest. My husband and I are beginning to take more time to rest. For many years, being in the military -- me being a military wife -- we have moved many times, adjusted and have undergone stress in various forms. Now, we are taking more time for ourselves -- but probably need to take more time. But, it feels great just doing nothing now and then. I just listened to a short piece that Audrey Hepburn left before she died. She said something to the effect, "When you're feeling sad, tired or anxious, go outside and you will find solace in nature and God." Those few words have helped me so much -- and your words, too.
Many blessings,
Morningstar
So glad it was helpful - thank you for letting me know. And thank you for sharing Audrey Hepburn's wise words. 
From queenkissy
My Soul Sister (AKA best friend of 25 years) had an accident that is keeping her at home instead of driving over-the-road with her Hubby. I've been making the 3-hour drive to her place in the mountains once a month to stay for a few days. It's amazing how much better I feel both physically and spiritually when I return home. At first, I felt a bit guilty leaving my family behind. But now, we all look forward to my mini mom-cation.
How wonderful that you can help your friend - and enjoy your mom-cation in such a beautiful place.
From: Soh ~ Luminousa
A Sabbath's importance is really experienced when we're at the peak of our work schedule. That was what lead me to plan a trip to the Himalayas during the summer vacations. It was the first trip of it kind that I had taken i.e. a short trek in the lower Himalayas, which rejuvenated my tired soul in time to rejoin work for the next academic year.
Sounds wonderful - so glad you had the chance to take such a spiritually rejuvenating trip.
Please keep your comments and suggestions coming! Until next time! SophyBells |
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Spiritual: June 26, 2019 Issue [#9615]
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