Spirituality
Some would contend that spirituality is the belief in a supernatural realm beyond the ordinarily observable world,
personal growth, a quest for an ultimate or sacred meaning. I believe that the term supernatural gives us a false sense of reality. Spirit, the invisible realm,
is a complementary aspect of the physical realm. The two work in harmony, unity, to govern all aspects of reality.
Thus, spirituality would be the study, the attempt to understand, the connection between the sprit realm with the
physical realm. When we do so, we cultivate our body, mind, emotions and energies to a certain level of maturity.
Spirituality is universal. Often times, people link, or attempt to link, spirituality to organized religion. It is more than the human experience, and it is much
more than religion. However, our spiritual beliefs are shaped by our personal experiences. Therefore, what is
believed in different cultures concerning spirit and spirituality will vary. As our experiences and relationships change over time, so too will our beliefs
about spirituality change as we go through life.
Universal Corrective Force: Spirituality is also the belief in a higher power or divine force - which some refer to as the "Universal Corrective Force".
This correcting force is what gives us purpose and the desire to live a life that makes a difference in the world. It includes a commitment of helping other people.
Spirituality is the essences of why we show gratitude and forgiveness. And, spirit or spirituality is linked to our search for meaning and the why of suffering.
Basically, spirituality is our connection to that which is greater than our physical selves, a connection to nature (the physical realm as well as the energies that governs the Cosmos).
It is the search for meaning and purpose in life.
The Essence of Spirit, Spirituality
This subject begins with the precept that consciousness is the heart of reality. We present spirit as any and all invisible
forces within reality, within any aspect of the Cosmos. The physical is a manifestation of the spiritual.
Metaphysics was conceived by Aristotle. It has come to mean a pondering of that which lies beyond physical.
Here we contend that humanity has always contemplated the invisible forces, by whatever name we call them, since the dawn
of humanity. We take this as a given as it seems that humanity has always attempted to know what we are and what our purpose is.
The Law of Life states that we have to learn about, and from, the Prime Source of the Universe and come to understand how we
fit into the overall scheme of things. In so doing, we become better prepared to deal with the challenges of life.
Metaphysics
Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such
as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space. It can be said that metaphysics refers to the study of that which cannot be reached through objective
studies of material reality.
Some would claim that metaphysics is abstract theory with no basis in reality. We differ with that view as metaphysics
also deals with causality, necessity, and possibility.
Spiritual Metaphysics
Spiritual Metaphysics is when we experience an awakening, and show signs of spiritually ascending. It is when we realize
that life is much more than than our day to day activities.
So as to not confuse spirituality with religion - Religion is a specific set of organised traditions, setup and shared
by a community or group to provide a sense of peace and purpose. Spirituality is more-so an individual practice and has to do with having a sense of peace and purpose
through personal experiences with the spirit realm. Although is does relate to the process of developing beliefs around the meaning of life and having a connection with
other people. But not just with other people, the connection encludes all things.
We usually find these truths in meditation.
Meditation
Discover the Benefits of Meditation.
Basically, meditation is the practice of mindfulness, i.e. paying attention to the present moment with an
accepting and nonjudgmental disposition.
Spiritual meditation is when you experience the depths of who you are, your real self, stripped of all the
false perceptions you held about yourself before hand. The process allow you experience true joy and peace, and a feeling of love and enlightenment that
warms your whole being. A spiritual meditation is that meditation practice which takes you to that desired to connect with a higher power, the Universe,
that universal consciousness.
The benefits of meditation are: Reduced stress, Helps you to focus and improve concentration, Promotes better sleep, and
Improves circulation. It also: Increases self-awareness and Promotes real happiness.
Affirmations
The best way to understand affirmations is to think of them as a conscious thought on a positive and powerful idea
or desire with an aim to support you in some way.
Examples of Meditation Affirmations can be short and simple ideas such as: I am love; I am light; I am calm;
I am eternal; I am whole; I am true to myself; My life has meaning and purpose; I am peace; I am infinite; I am grounded.
Basically, Affirmation Meditation is set of techniques that integration mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Thus, it is
a way to cause the Manifestation of abstract ideas into physical reality.
Manifestation
Manifestation is when an event, action, or object clearly shows, or embodies something, especially a theory or an
abstract idea by way of object reality. Essentially, manifestation is to bring something tangible into your life through attraction and belief, i.e. to turn something
from an idea into a reality.
The concept is that thoughts become things. Manifestation is about using thoughts to produce actions, emotions, and beliefs
in such a way as to become habits and there by to create, manifest, your own reality.
Tying it all together through Spiritual Ecology
There is a need for harmony between science academia and spirituality. Spiritual ecology is an emerging field wherein
one seeks conservation of the environment and all of its inhabitants.
First and foremost, we need to reawaken the sacred in everyday life.
The central focus of Spiritual Ecology is to be a catalysts for lasting, positive, social and environmental change.
Those who recognize the need to create a future that is not driven by materialism and greed, but is rooted in spiritual
values and the reverence for nature, interconnectedness, stewardship, compassion, and service, are encouraged to become leaders and innovators within spiritual
ecology.
Eco-Spirituality
AFRICAN ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY: Perspectives on Anthroposophy and Environmentalism. A Hybrid of Approaches Paperback – December 17, 2021
by Anthony Ikechukwu Kanu PhD (Author)
The world is currently experiencing the severe consequences of the mismanagement of the environmental. This environmental crisis is posing a serious threat to the existence of the human person alongside other living organisms within the ecosystem as the exploitation of nature is finding expression in deforestation, desertification, extinction of species, forced migration, bush fire, air pollution, soil erosion, oil depletion, ozone depletion, greenhouse gas increase, extreme energy, water pollution, natural disasters, metals and solid minerals depletion, etc., (Gwamna 2016). Chiras (1989) sums up the fears in these words: “Together, the problems of overpopulation, depletion, and pollution have created an ecological crisis – a threat to the integrity of natural systems of which humans are part, and therefore a threat to the survival of human life.” (p. 5)
Regarding deforestation, which involves the removal of forest products, thereby converting the land to a non-forest use, is resulting in the damage of the habitat, biodiversity loss, aridity, etc. As a result of the disappearance of tropical rainforests, ecosystems preserved in these thick forests are facing extinction. Human activities such as digging of the soil and cutting down of plants have led to erosion (Ehrenfed 1978). Thus, nutrients needed by plants are washed away by erosion; there is also the reduction of the quality and quantity of land, the pilling of sediments inside streams, lakes, brooks and other bodies of water, etc., which is not healthy for the orgnisms residing in these water bodies
AFRICAN ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY:
Perspectives on Anthroposophy and Environmentalism
More information on African Eco-Spirituality at Amazon.com
African Eco-Spirituality
Here is a great excerpt to read on African Ecological Spirituality. I believe it is an example which the people of earth can follow to build a better tomorrow.
African Cosmovision And Eco-Spirituality: Healing The Ecological Crisis In Africa
Anthony Raphael Etuk, PhD
University of Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State
The environmental crisis that Africa as well as the rest of world
faces today, as evident in our discussion above, is closely
connected with a dysfunctional worldview and lopsided concept
of reality, namely, the materialism, consumerism and capitalism.
These triad is manifested everywhere today in the denial of
transcendence, denial of interrelatedness of cosmic realities, the
illusion of man’s absolute control and unlimited power of
scientific knowledge. These are at the root of today’s explosive
wave of industrial and technological civilization and are all a
byproduct of the spiritual poverty of the modern man. This
worldview has eroded from the hearts of many today, the sense
of sacredness of nature and the requisite attitude of stewardship
towards nature. With such defective worldview starved of
spirituality, humans have today disrupted the harmony with
nature, and dislocated the complex coherence within reality,
resulting in ecological crisis swamping the entire world.
African Ecological Spirituality
Edited By: Ikechukwu Anthony KANU, OSA, PhD
Academic Journals Online (ACJOL)
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