Inconceivable wrote:Some consider this ability to recognize this essence a way of seeing or knowing the heart of another. I've experienced this phenomenon. It's truly awesome and humbling.
Those that are truly spiritual seem to have a hightened awareness that all life has a sacredness about it and has value. They manifest this awareness by being drawn toward healing the pain of all living things.
When I think of someone who is spiritual, I think of a person that countenances charity - to see as we are seen.
Something like that..
This is a sublime definition. I like it. I also need to keep asking about it.
Do you think a supposed "spiritual dimension" to the essence of our interaction with other people is simply a POV? Has anybody out there felt a deep connection to another person without any supposed "spiritual dimension"? Whatever we suppose will not make it true or false but it will define what we find meaningful.
I understand that having a definition of spirituality in my pocket will not end all questions. I see there is no straightforward definition. I only fear our disregard or diminishing of the human experience in favor of this ill-defined spirituality.
Oh for shame, how the mortals put the blame on us gods, for they say evils come from us, but it is they, rather, who by their own recklessness win sorrow beyond what is given... Zeus (1178 BC)
Ezias wrote:What? I didn't write that. Must have your embedded quotes off somehow.
I paraphrased'ish.
"Washington Washington waa" like the noise grownups make in the Schultz's peanuts
not waaaaa as in waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaambulance.
I got no beef with you Ezias (I just have no idea what your response had to do with my post is all - I dunno. kinda average human intelligence mingled with alcohol or something).
When I think of spirituality, I think of personal spiritual practices, such as prayer, fasting, and alms giving.
Personal spirituality has evolved for me over time. When I was a young Mormon I'd sit on the city bus, close my eyes, and think I could feel the spirits of people around me. (ha) As an atheist, good people and nature moved me, in a spiritual way.
"I'm spiritual not religious" is a phrase I have never understood. (Along with, "I was raised Catholic.") They both seem to be code for something that I haven't decoded.
Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction -Pope Benedict XVI
madeleine wrote: and think I could feel the spirits of people around me. (ha) As an atheist, good people and nature moved me, in a spiritual way.
How do you interpret your experiences of empathy now? In mormondom it is called the ability to "discern spirits" (and is "evidence" that the church is true, I might add, just like everything else spiritual that is unrelated to the church). Have you developed your discernment abilities? Do you have them now? What does that mean to you? I'm always open to new ways of looking at things.
My view now is much different than when I was Mormon or atheist. In all those times, as a Mormon and an atheist, I had a sense of God is there in spot "A", what is of God is there also in spot "A", and everything else is somewhere or something else. It is a break from reality, now, as I view it.
Now, I view my entire life as being where God is, or, God is in all aspects of life (not just mine).
In terms of discernment and evidence...Not sure what you are asking...Discerning God's will? Or something else?
Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction -Pope Benedict XVI