We can understand the spiritual path as a journey to our deepest self. Many of us experience a deep longing to live a meaningful life, a life connected to something bigger than ourselves. We learn early that this is a life-long journey striving to emerge out of the dark illusion of our separateness and into the light of the soul and its truth of unity and oneness.
We are seeking to arrive at the sacred place of our true identity –that divine essence within that is our source of love and connection with everything. But, how do we get there? We get there by looking for the soul and its lessons in the ordinary and extraordinary experiences of our lives. We get there by committing to the soul’s journey and stepping on the path. Just like pilgrims throughout history who set off to journey to a sacred site, what you discover has to do with what you are seeking. What are you seeking on your life’s journey?
The Invitation: In this regular feature we explore the joys, fears, discoveries, and challenges of walking the path in everyday life. We also explore the ways in which the outer journey of preparing for and walking the 500 mile Camino pilgrimage in Spain, reflects the inner journey of awakening to and walking towards the soul within us. We hope these experiences will resonate with you as you consciously embark on your own walk towards soul awareness. Please join us! We’d love to talk with you as we walk this path together.
Inspiration ~ The Heat of Transformation
Chickpea to Cook
One of my favorites of Rumi’s stories, Chickpea and Cook tells us about the fire of transformation. Through heat we are challenged, re-worked, and ultimately transformed. The process of boiling makes us spicy, rich, and nourishing for others. We need to be willing to be boiled, to handle the heat, and to be conscious of the need for our own transformation. It is a moment of magic when we realize that the boiling is for our benefit.
A chickpea leaps almost over the rim of the pot
where it’s being boiled.
‘Why are you doing this to me?’
The cook knocks him down with the ladle.
‘Don’t you try to jump out.
You think I’m torturing […]
The Love Within
This summer I’ve spent time cultivating that feeling of connection and oneness. I’ve become aware, with a deeper knowing than I’ve ever known before, that the source of that deep sense of connection and love is within.
Soul Story: It Takes Only One
It Takes Only One
By Guest Blogger: MJ Harden
I’ve known I can write since I was eight years old when I was a “reporter” for our community newsletter. Since then, I’ve written articles, books, brochures, websites, ads, travel guides . . . you get the idea. It’s easy for me to write. But I never wondered what I was supposed to write. If you have a talent, perhaps you should ask why.
Completing the World As Only You Can
This light-bulb moment did not occur to me until I was 40 years old. I grew tired of the mundane scribbling I was doing and I finally asked out loud:
“Tell me what […]
My Window Box
Who ever heard of a shy flower? An introvert of sorts? I was delighted at the discovery - and it made me think of the people I know and their lovely hidden gems - available for admiration by those who give them a chance and who patiently wait and slow down enough to look and discover them.
Stop Talking
As I sat down to take on the challenge to stop talking and stop thinking – because you’ve got to admit – it’s a great challenge – my first thought was, “No talking? No thinking? What else is there to do?”