Eclectic Spirituality

While reading the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, I did not expect to come across a spiritual discipline that would be a perfect combination of my own idea of spiritual formation, and a wonderful way to connect with the Lord. What I mean by this, is that I was wanting to create a gratitude journal, but I wanted it to be deeper than just a list of things that I was thankful for. That is why I fell in love with the idea of writing responses to the questions that were posed in the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, but still taking a few minutes to write a list of things that I am grateful for! A journal like this is also a great way for me to see the strong points in my day or week, and the areas where I need improvement. Since journaling has always

Every human being has a worldview whether they are aware of it or not. Although the notion of a worldview might appear basic in nature, the word itself simply meaning how one views the world around them, worldviews are much more complex and far reaching. A worldviews development occurs over the course of a lifetime, shaped by the complex and unique experiences of an individual and the sum of family traditions, religious beliefs and cultural histories. It is an all-encompassing interpretation of reality that plays a central and defining role in our attitudes and concepts about life. While worldviews are formed based on the answers to fundamental questions about human existence, they simultaneously shape

In William James’ 1902 book “The Varieties of Religious Experience” he opens with depicting the approach of his review. He clarifies that it would be of little advantage to construct the examination with respect to regular people who have bound religious encounters and emulate customs which have been passed on to them. Rather, he centers the review around 'religious virtuosos '. In addition, as he clarifies in his second address, the attention must be on individual religious experience instead of corporate, in light of the fact that it is more central. Actually, it is out of the extreme encounters of a little few that most religious developments (or "factions" as he terms them) have created. Part 3 builds up that individuals appear to have the ability to encounter the concealed furthermore an inclination to see it as being more genuine than things seen, listened, touched or tasted.

The topic of spirituality and religion is filled with much confusion. In most all religions, there is a greater purpose in which believers attempt to reach a better state of living, usually in death. The question then arises, how does one go about obtaining this better living? In the book Four Spiritualities, Richardson defines four main spiritual pathways: the journey of unity which pertains to jnana yoga, the journey of devotion which pertains to bhakti yoga, the journey of works which pertains to karma yoga, and the journey of harmony which pertains to raja yoga. Furthermore, he correlates four main Myer-Briggs personality types. With these four pathways and personality types, one can

Our generation will keep America a trusting and safe place for others to come to during times of war and hardship. We shall keep America a place of freedom and acceptance where no one is discriminated against or put down for their beliefs. We shall keep America strong and make sure that it stays that way. I believe that if all put aside our differences and came together to help rebuild America to what it once was we may be able to restore the glory that we once had before.

We should be aware of our worldviews because it as an important aspect of who we are; based on our surroundings, we grow intellectually to the person we are today. According to Developing a Worldview by Deanne Spears, “Worldviews are personal and unique,

What people of my generation do and learn now will affect the world in the future. This is evidence that I have a great responsibility to not just America, but to all of humanity. We must obey God in all that we do, educate ourselves, and develop an attachment to our nation to achieve the necessary components of America’s survival. We must also learn that one day we will be the inheritors of the country we live in. If we fail to do what we must to prosper our country, we will forever ruin the United States- the Land of the Free and the Home of the

An individual’s worldview impacts every area of that individual’s life. As explained by Entwistle, an individual 's feelings as to science and Christianity is directly related to their worldview, a point of convergence that focuses and reshapes our awareness of the world and our place in it (Entwistle, 2015). Points

Otherwise we never reach to what we want. In addition, cultural shift also changes the world in preparation for the final stage of the earths’ evolution to become one divine being. Simply said, our understanding of religion and its accompanying ideas are constantly changing. The way we looked at topics and issues a few hundred years ago is much different than we do now. Therefore we must keep in mind the importance of cultural shift in order to understand religious issues.

Spiritual disciplines will prepare us for our journey in Christ. I feel if understanding correctly, the classical Christian Pilgrimage remind us that we all have issues requiring regular examination. In chapter eight, the classical Christian Pilgrimage tells us we are at different stages on the path of wholeness in Christ. However, in my thoughts some areas of our Christian journey we may be doing well, but in other areas we have not touched at all. Not to mention, these are the place we are not ready or capable of handling yet, however, as we mature in God and He knows what we can handle, then we are awakened. God awakens us to our true selves which have not been completely revealed. In reality, once we reach maturity to God, he reveals all that is hidden deep inside of us (the real us/you). By the same token, he let us see the inner behaviors, attitudes, desires, in fact how we measure up in them being Christ-like. I feel the awakening stage deals with the comfort of being set free of these issues that are holding us back also causing detours on our path to wholeness in Christ. Equally, the threat is being afraid to see who we really are; also how far from Christ-like we really are. We must first be awakened from our separation also alienation from God (Mulholland 79-82).

Today’s society consists of many worldviews. Most people tend to pull beliefs from different religions, but often stick to one main worldview. A worldview to me is the gathering of beliefs that shape what we do on a daily basis and forms our overall view on life. When I look at my beliefs critically, I am able to see my worldview and see how it compares to different worldviews, but also how it compares mainly to the Christian Worldview.

Spirituality and religion hold different values and truths depending on your personal beliefs. Being religious is a belief or practice that contains certain values one should follow. When looking deeper into religion you can find spirituality which is the part of religion that effects our spirit and soul, it is not tangible. “The Sacred within” is spirituality and pertains to God dwelling inside of our heart and soul. When looking at “the sacred within” there are certain senses that we can tap into so, we may obtain that sort of spirituality. Through solitude, silence, imagination, and nature, we can have a better sense of spirituality.

According to Hutchison (2013) the biopsychosocial approach used by many social workers is an examination of the biological, psychological, and social systems; all are seen as interconnected. In recent years the spiritual dimension has also gained popularity in research and recognition as being inseparable from other dimensions of personhood. Culture is also seen as a powerful environmental dimension that demands acknowledgment to truly gain insight into a person’s worldview. The following is a brief summary of these dimensions in regards to youths experiencing bullying.

Around the World there are various differentiating religions. They all have a similar goal which is to see past everyday concerns in quest of a higher moral drive. Western and eastern religions both are very spiritual in various diverse ways. The western religions focus on monotheism, whereas the eastern religions are polytheistic.

The journey through life is certainly not an easy one. As Madonna brilliantly sang, “Life is a mystery, everyone must stand alone;” I believe we all must experience on our own. Although our family and loved ones may of tried to shelter some of us as children, facing our own obstacles was inevitable. I believe silence provides us with the tranquility we need to adhere to our beliefs; the world is filled with distractions, by eliminating the diversions in our lives, we are able to concentrate more on our spirituality. I feel people's surroundings play a big role on their perception of life, being around people is healthy, we are designed to socialize. Although, being one with nature allows us to divide ourselves from mingling with others, and appreciate the blessings God has offered us, such as the sense of sight and all of its wonders. I believe imagination and faith go hand in hand; Since God can not be physically viewed, we must imagine the Lord's presence. Through the combination of solitude, silence, imagination and nature, we are able to develop a sense of respect for our spirituality, and truly find the sacred within ourselves.