SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS – 231

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE OF HEAVENLINESS

+ In this post we conclude our brief exploration of the style of the Kinesthete, or the Way of the Body, the second  of the 12 styles of the Mandala process. Ed Bastian writes:

Spiritual traditions have sometimes disregarded the body and material existence. But the physical body is inextricably intertwined with our thoughts, sensory perceptions, awareness, sensations, feelings, memories and consciousness. The boundaries between mind, body and spirit are so porous that it is impossible to discern an absolute dividing-line between them. Therefore, spiritual traditions often regard the body as the visible manifestation of the eternal mind and spirit that live on after the death. On the other hand, scientists have sometimes treated mind, body and spirit as separate and disconnected from one another, or asserted that spirit is simply a figment of the imagination, that all mental functions are simply products of the brain and nervous system. According to these views, mind and spirit cannot survive the death of the body.

But however we choose to regard the connection between body, mind and spirit, it is clear that they are causally connected. The health of the body is related to the health of the mind. Physical ailments like high blood pressure, headaches, back pain and skin rashes are often caused by stress and emotional turmoil. Likewise, a relaxed and healthy body can result in a calm, loving and forgiving state of mind. Similarly, the quality of our consciousness depends greatly on how we treat and utilize our bodies. Since our mental health and happiness is related to the health of our bodies, it is crucially important that we provide them with good food, exercise, cleanliness, clothing and shelter.

+ I believe the body is a temporary vehicle which we can use to express our heavenly identity for this limited time we have here on earth.  But we can enjoy so much and share so much with this temporary vehicle.  Let’s not underestimate this.  May you be happy and healthy as you continue to enjoy the amazing gifts the body has to offer.

But, of course, the time will come when our body will fail to be the vehicle of our heavenly identity.  Some of the styles we are about to explore may offer guidance in our search for knowledge of our greater heavenly existence.  I hope you are finding encouragement as we continue to explore these heavenly realms together supporting each other, loving each other, guiding each other.

+ We explored the Journey of the Body practices of solitude, devotion and holiness in SE posts 105 to 160. 

+ The 12 styles of Mandala: Creating An Authentic Spiritual Path: An InterSpiritual Process by Edward Bastian are listed in SE206.

+ The 7 steps of InterSpiritual Meditation by Edward Bastian are listed in SE21 and SE213.  They are described fully in his book, InterSpiritual Meditation.

+ To get inspired and illuminated by Ed Bastian, I invite you to set aside some time for these videos:

·         Seven Steps of InterSpiritual Meditation (11 minutes)

·         15 minute introduction to InterSpiritual Meditation and the Mandala Process

·         2 hour lecture & conversation

+ Spirituality & Practice offers abundant resources on the practice of Being Present and a 12s Gallery on Being Present

+ I would love it if you offered a guest post on this practice or any practice.  And, I have work to do on my Heavenliness page.  Maybe you can help.  Send an email with the subject “Heavenliness” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.

+ You can always find a link to any of the Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html