Most spiritual traditions aim for the same ultimate goal: reaching a place of Oneness where we become one with nature, with each other, and with the Divine. But we also recognize ourselves as fallible human beings who live in a world of dualities. One way to transcend this and reach that place of Oneness, our Divine Essence, is by working with our dualities, our inner light, and our shadows. Spiritual development inevitably flows in the direction of love and spiritual maturity. When people turn away from their true nature they thwart their own spiritual development; they no longer move forward.
It can be difficult living a spiritual life in this world that typically rejects all absolutes. Absolutes like the understanding that all things, including humans, are sacred. Many people live life without realizing that deep within the core of our being is a place where our personality and human nature touches the absolute love of Oneness. This place is sometimes called our Divine Essence. Our Divine Essence draws its energy and power from the universal Oneness, and when our essence feels cut off from the Oneness, it withers. When it reconnects, our essence comes alive and we grow spiritually.
It is critical that we acknowledge the importance of inner development in the process of our spiritual growth. Inner development is finding out who we truly are as we connect to our True Nature and requires engaging in contemplation and meditation.
Let's define the meaning of "reflection and contemplation" before we move on. Reflections are thoughts, ideas, or remarks that occur as a result of meditation, which then become your center of focus in subsequent meditations or a subject for serious thought or consideration for a period of time in your daily life. These contemplations provide a path into your divine nature. Unlike other meditation techniques designed to empty the mind, reflections intensely focus on an idea while in a state of stillness or mindfulness.
Many times after posting my reflections online, I find that the contemplations and my life crisscrossed in unexpected ways. For example, after working with a reflection, I then find it is the perfect message for someone who crosses my path in some spontaneous way. Many who follow my daily reflections online report similar experiences. Working with reflections helps you make empowered choices that imbue your life and relationships with substance and depth.
Reflections are meant to stimulate your intellect and intuition and thus open a connection to your authentic self. They may confound, or they may provide "Aha!" moments. You may find you want to work with a reflection for a day, a week, or a month, letting all its nuances and facets bring moments of light into your life. I suggest looking for synchronistic events that complement the energy of the contemplation you are working on. How you engage with your contemplation is personal, and everyone's experience is unique. Savor each reflection, as if a piece of hard candy were slowly dissolving in your mouth, with many sweet and bittersweet shades. Sometimes wisdom hits square in the face. As when we walk from darkness into brilliant sunshine and it takes time to adjust. Other times it slowly works its way into our hearts and minds by repeated exposure or over long periods of incubation. In the long run, spiritual growth helps unite oneness into all parts of our lives. This is what spiritual transformation is all about.
Since birth, humanity has had one shared purpose, which is reuniting with the spiritual Source from which we came. We all tread this path in our own way to reach the common goal of reconnection with the Light that shines within us. It is this Light that silently summons us and connects our being to the Source of all things. Through daily spiritual practice we experience growth and climb the stairway of reunification. No matter where you are on your ascent, you will find reflections supportive in locating the next step toward nourishing your being. Reflection practice can be considered a wake-up call that challenges you to look at yourself and the many possibilities before you, so you can change the way you live for the better.
I look forward to sharing reflections in the coming months.
David enjoys the retired life of a public speaker, author, teacher, energetic healer, and transformational life coach. He's appeared on radio and television, including on Dr Oz, Angels Among Us, NBC national news, and PBS. A Findhorn Press author, of Voyage of Purpose and A Voice as Old as Time.
Picture -- Pretty Young Girl Contemplating The City From A Terrace
by pxhidalgo
------
HuffPost's GPS for the Soul app is based on two truths about human beings. First: We all have a centered place of wisdom, harmony and balance within us. Second: We're all going to veer away from that place, again and again and again. What we need is a great course-correcting mechanism -- a GPS for the Soul -- to help us find our way back to that centered place, from which everything is possible.
Because no one knows better than you what helps you de-stress and tap into that place of peace inside yourself, it's important for you to create your very own GPS guide -- a personalized collection of whatever helps you course-correct. Email us at GPS@huffingtonpost.com and we'll set you up with your very own HuffPost blogger account to share your guide on the site. If you're already a blogger, we encourage you to upload your personal guide today. We can't wait to see what you have to share.