Religion, with its guidelines and rituals, provides form and format for living a spiritual life; the practices act as aids to reach the goal of living a spiritual life spontaneously.

What is spirituality? An underlying basis of pure unconditional love, arising in format of caring acts.

Pure unconditional love is the spiritual basis of religion. It is when we act with caring love - unconditional love at all times - that we feel joy and peace. Symptoms of joy and peace are an energized body and harmonious thinking.

Religious tools are the means by which we dig into the depths of our mind and soul through devotional and service-full practices, nurturing our character into a full-blown flower of wisdom.

A spiritual life is a most practical life. A practical life, because acting from an energized body with harmonious thinking reaps results for our good and the common good most efficiently, most easily. And isn't what is done for the highest good, the most efficiently, the most practical approach?

Religions may seem to have many differences at first glance but the common goal is spiritual enlightenment. Our upbringing, culture, personal tendencies may draw those 10 people in a room to 10 different religions but the goal of each person is joy in living by the easiest route.

Spiritual practices common to many religions:
    1. A form of supplication, prayer for intercession;
    2. A time of listening quietly for the answer in reflection, meditation;
    3. An interval for giving thanks, appreciation for new insight;
    4. A time for action; action in the world based on new insight.

The church or temple or mosque or hut or cave or quiet corner of a room or stillness alone at night provide a setting for soul searching. And, action on insight is accomplished for all, universally, in daily living.

Religion in its meaning of re-alignment leads us to realign with our beautiful, radiant and spiritual selves, that we may most happily and harmoniously lead fulfilling daily lives - spiritual lives.

Devotional practices

Giving thanks, being devotional, becomes a life-long habit when begun early.

Giving thanks can be in the form of prayers or devotions from religion, leading to uplifting thoughts arising spontaneously at any time.

Prayers and devotions can generate feelings of appreciation.

When we are devoted to our religious practices the rewards show in our daily life as increased clarity of mind springing from the awakening of a pure heart of love - love developing from dedication and self-giving of our time and energy to even thoughts of love preceding acts of love.

When we feel appreciative we are feeling happy and peaceful in that moment. In times of stress, taking time to remember one thing we do have, with appreciation, helps us see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Daily life has moments of ups and downs; the downs more easily transformed into sweetness by an appreciation, uplifting verse or thankful thought.

text and photo ã 2002 Susan Kramer
http://www.susankramer.com
susan@susankramer.com

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