1. On Spirituality
Whether we are entrepreneurs, soldiers, poets, engineers or nurses, we are also human beings. Whether we are religious, atheist or agnostic, we are all struggling to make sense of our worlds.
In one way or another, we are trying to connect to something bigger than ourselves, to some universal divine matrix in which we are all connected in some way. It is like we are seeking a cosmic pat on the shoulder — some kind of validation
The word ‘spirituality’ has become weighed down with different definitions. It has become a catch-all phrase that lacks a clear intention.
Traditionally, spirituality describes people practising their religion, meditating, or otherwise trying to reach higher consciousness levels. More recently, it has become very much in vogue to say, “I’m spiritual,” to explain one’s non-materialistic or non-superficial worldview.
However, the origin of the word “spiritual” is Latin. It comes from the word “spiritus,” meaning “breath.” Other words that share this root include inspire, aspire and conspire, which suggests togetherness.
It’s when we connect to our souls and the souls around us that we feel inspired — or in spirit.
Spirituality, to me, means connecting to something bigger than ourselves, to some universal divine matrix in which we are all connected in some way.
We come to earth in a human body to have a physical experience, but we quickly forget that there is another unseen, and often forgotten, part of us — our soul. We remember and access that forgotten side of ourselves through spiritual practice. Spirituality refers to the process of building a bridge to our souls, making sure that this bridge is passable in both directions.
I believe we are born spiritual but somehow lose our innocent connection to our souls as we grow up and conform to social norms.
This lost connection is hard to explain. It’s often fleeting, but we all know it and have felt it before. It’s a combination of joy and inner peace. It is a feeling of complete love where we feel safe, worthy and abundant.
Most of all, we feel whole; our highest priority is love. We become if you will allow the term, part of God.
2. Richard Rohr on ‘Midlife.’
“There is a gravitas in the second half of life, but it is now held up by a much deeper lightness, or “okayness.” Our mature years are characterized by a kind of bright sadness and a sober happiness, if that makes any sense. I am just grabbing for words to describe many wonderful older people I have met. If you have met them, you know for yourself, and will find your own words. There is still darkness in the second half of life — in fact maybe even more. But there is now a changed capacity to hold it creatively and with less anxiety.”
— Richard Rohr, Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
3. Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman
The timeless and passionate rant by Al Pacino, in Scent of a Woman. What a performance? Watch to see a man speaking from his heart. One who values soul over anything else. Just imagine having him defending you all the time.
