Welcome to Spiritual Enlightenment
At some point during my adult years, I looked back on my life and realized I was a fraud. My physical world was drastically out of alignment with my spiritual one. It was similar to cooking an elaborate meal while starving, but not being able to consume it. I grew up in a very strict Christian setting dominated by Southern Baptist doctrines. Church every Sunday, choir, usher board, trustee board, Sunday school, morning service, evening service... the environment was filled with bible-toting scripture-quoting tongue-speaking hallelujah shouting folks! Fortunately, I was exposed to many people of integrity and positive influences that instilled in me priceless values. My parents emphasized education until it was drilled into my psyche. On the flip side, I was fed a lot of half-truths, partial truths, and altered truths by so-called well-meaning people. Ignorance, closed-mindedness, pride, & arrogance are likely some of the causative factors. Therefore, I impersonated what a Christian should look and act like based on deficient information. There was no valid connection between the worldly me and my higher self. I impersonated what a Christian should look and act like, but I had no real relationship with my Creator. I prayed to a God I was told to pray to quoting the prayers I was taught to quote. Like a soldier taking orders from his commanding officer: You do as you are told and trained to do whether you are feeling it or not!
Out of Nowhere
I am not sure what event triggered my self-realization, yet it was life-transforming. The process is nowhere near complete rendering an ongoing journey. A crucial part of my being that was sleep woke up and jolted me to the core. Sadly, many people live their whole lives and depart without recognizing that crucial element. My recognition of that element catapulted my mind to a higher wave length. There was a burst of clarity illuminating my understanding of almost everything.
One major area of enlightenment is human sensuality--the mother of physical intimacy. The religious forums that dominate the media treat it like it is nonexistent (unless a scandal hits the news) or something to shun from discussion. In contrast, sensuality should be celebrated and promoted within a God-ordained context. Consequently, inner eyes open, new ideas blossom, paradigms shift, and higher consciousness ensues.
Spiritual enlightenment brings about intelligence and inner peace. It is not about being a Biblical scholar or expert on religious topics because I am neither--far from it! I started this blog not just to disperse information, but to gain knowledge and expand my horizons. It is truly about making a connection with God who leads us to connecting with deeper aspects of ourselves. Those deeper aspects make up the true self...not our careers, bank accounts, personal possessions, or physical bodies.
Our Eclectic Universe
The physical universe is evidence that the Creator loves diversity. A child of the universe, planet Earth, clearly follows suit with its potpourri of life forms. Within the same life form is remarkable variation ( different species of fish, plants, human racial groups, etc). Does it not stand to reason diversity is expressed on every level of existence/consciousness? It does not matter if you are Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. because you are a different expression of the same universe. Different cloths of fabric are required to construct the quilt. I discovered that all religions contribute knowledge and perspectives that are necessary to complete life's masterpiece. It seems as if everyone has a piece to the puzzle of the universe that may never be fully explained on this realm.
The paths we choose to take to self-realization are possible through the gift from God called free will. I have discovered there are far more similarities than differences between the major philosophies that lend more support of each other than contradiction. Besides, I dare to count the numerous contradictions that exist just within the Christian faith. Historical and present events demonstrate other religions are plagued with the same multiple interpretations/variations. At one time, the news was flooded with horror stories of conflicts between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims...there is only one Quran is there not??? No one, no science, no religion has escaped the divisiveness of multiple perspectives. Conflicting interpretations give birth to confusion, disbelief, and disillusionment.
One will be greatly distracted if not focused on their own inner voice. It's the God inside of you and me. Ultimately, that is the key: Hearing your own inner voice because once that occurs everything else falls into place.
Aromatherapy 4 the Spirit
Inhalation of plant extracts for the purpose of therapeutic benefits is known as aromatherapy. The plant extracts are known as essential oils. The science of its effectiveness is not simply the aroma, but the medicinal effects on mental and physical well-being. It is a very popular practice that is used in both mainstream and alternative health promotion. Manufacturers of commercial preparations often label their products as aromatherapy for a particular scent added. However, the scents used in most commercial products are synthetic. Practitioners of aromatherapy argue that any smell can affect one's mood, thoughts, or state of mind. True aromatherapy can only occur through the use of pure essential oils that have medicinal properties. Different oils have different properties and are used for various purposes. They can be inhaled directly, applied topically to the body, or diffused in the air. Some essential oils can be toxic, caustic, or irritating to bodily tissues so they must be used properly. One must do the research and take the necessary precautions prior to self-administering aromatherapy. Otherwise, it would be more feasible to go to a professional. I routinely use aromatherapy as part of a holistic approach to health maintenance, disease prevention and healing. The benefits are enhanced from the cumulative impact of complementary regimens (adequate sleep, proper exercise, good nutrition, stress reduction).
In addition to health promotion, aromatherapy is also used in the religious/spiritual sectors to facilitate spiritual enlightenment and meditation. Candle and incense burning is an ancient practice in worship sanctuaries around the world. I often burn frankincense, myrrh, sage, or sweet grass at home when I am praying, meditating, or reading the Bible. It seems to relax me, open up my mind, enhance my senses, and creates an overall pleasant environment. As a result, I become more receptive to that inner voice. I believe in the holistic model that says a person has 3 major components that are connected: mental, physical, and spiritual. Does it not stand to reason that whatever influences your mental and physical states will also influence your spiritual status? What are your views when it comes to aromatherapy impacting spirituality? Do you think the effects are fleeting and minimal in their usefulness or play a more significant role in spiritualism and related rituals?
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