What are your spiritual needs and how do you fulfill them?

1. 96

   Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years ago

   
   I am a spiritual person -- this does not define my beliefs or my religion. What it does mean is that I am true to myself and my beliefs. I was raised a Christian and still have the basic beliefs, that God and Jesus do exist. I pray to God and I talk with Jesus for guidance and healing -- I also believe in the Great Mother and often ask her for guidance. I daily look within myself to listen to the voice of my soul. I give myself the time and space I need to know myself and love myself, so that I have more to give to others. I find that I am most in tune with Native American beliefs, especially the Oglala Lakhota.  I have studied different religions over several years and find that all roads lead to the same place: Spiritual Peace.
   
   Being spiritual is a natural thing for me. I believe that anyone, regardless of their belief/religion can be spiritual.
   
   How do you fulfill your own spiritual needs?

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      Dee aka Nonnaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This is such a wonderful question and I totally enjoyed what you said about you.
      
      I do a number of things depending on the situation, etc.  I read something that will give me insight;  I pray or meditate;  I just sit quietly---no TV, radio, etc.   One thing that can fill me with peace is watching a sunrise or sunset, so when I really need to give myself something extra special I take a short drive to a nearby river to watch either the sunrise (to begin my day with joy and expectation) or sunset (to end the day with peace and gratitude.)

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         Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Dee, Thank you for your thoughts. I rarely turn on the tv or radio. I live alone and enjoy my space and the quiet. My patio faces a little mountain. During the day, if I want to mediate or get inspiration, I sit out there and gaze at the wildlife (small critters, brushes, sage, boulders, etc), during the evening, I gaze at the stars and listen to the sounds of night life in the desert and on the mountain. It is a very peaceful place where I live and I feel blessed to have found this home.

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            Dee aka Nonnaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Phyllis, It sounds absolutely wonderful.  What a blessing.

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      MysticMoonlightposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great question. I, like you, believe in God and Jesus, pray to them, etc. but I also love and revere Mother Earth and commune with nature. For me, its all a part of one another and I uphold my respect and devotion to all that sustains me in my own way, not as others tell me that I should. I also consider myself very spiritual. I spend a lot of time outdoors, walking in nature, gardening, growing flowers, admiring and spending time with animals, and just sitting by a flowing stream or by a tree and just quietly reflecting on the beauty that is.

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         Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         MysticMoonlight, I also revere Mother Earth. Native Americans believe we should walk softly upon Mother Earth and do what we can to heal Her. I commune with Nature daily and find great peace in that. Thank you for contributing to this forum. I hope you come back again.

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   3. 96

      Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      To all who have or will comment in this forum, I thank you and appreciate your comments. I enjoy reading your thoughts and sharing mine.
      
      Someone asked me: "Why did you not submit this as a 'Question'?"  My reply was that to submit it as a question would mean I would have to choose the best answer and there is no best answer in general for this question. Each person who responds, does so with their own unique thoughts and beliefs and that is highly respected by me.

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   4. 0

      riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What do you mean by that? I was trying to figure out what the meaning of your statement is, but couldn't yet. If it is emotional needs like love...., I have my family.

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      1. 96

         Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Hi riddle666.
         
         As shown in Bing Dictionary, the definition of spiritual (adj) is:
             of soul: relating to the soul or spirit, usually in contrast to material things
             of religion: relating to religious or sacred things rather than worldly things
             temperamentally or intellectually akin: connected by an affinity of the mind, spirit, or temperament
         Synonyms: religious, holy, sacred, divine, heavenly, saintly
         
         My awareness/meaning of spiritual is "of soul: relating to the soul or spirit, usually in contrast to material things" and being true to my own beliefs, having faith in myself.
         
         You say your emotional needs, like love, is your family. That is a good part of being spiritual in my opinion. To know, love, and have faith in yourself is also a part of being spiritual. To have faith and belief in a supreme being is spiritual. Read some of the other comments by others in this forum and you will get a better idea of what spiritual means to different people.
         
         Thank you for participating, riddle666.

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            riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            I read the other comments and found that what they(including you) are describing is emotional needs, the feeling of love, confidence(faith in one self).
            The problem with spirit is, it is the same as the totality of the personality of a person... and I can't find a need in personality(but may be confidence can be considered one, but that is emotional, though emotion is included in the definition of personality). I can understand spirituality like that, but still I cannot understand the 'need'.
            "To have faith and belief in a supreme being is spiritual. "
            Here I have a problem. To believe in "supreme being" I should know what he said. I (as far as I am aware, no living sane person) have never seen or heard from him, so how can I (anyone) believe him?
            Is believing other people who says there is god and talk for him, be considered spiritual?
            Or is it the "need" to believe that there is a higher being, called the "spiritual need"?

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            1. 96

               Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

               riddle666, for many people there is a need to believe there is a higher (or supreme) being. I should re-phrase my statement of "To have faith and belief in a supreme being is spiritual." and add: "For some, to have faith and belief in a supreme being is a spiritual need for them." I believe that each person has a need for something that gives them peace, whatever that may be in each case. The belief that others who say there is a god and talk for him, is a spiritual need for some. I do not feel the need to have someone tell me what I should believe. If I do not feel it is right within me, how can I believe it?
               
               You ask, "To believe in "supreme being" I should know what he said. I (as far as I am aware, no living sane person) have never seen or heard from him, so how can I (anyone) believe him?" I agree with you. All my life, because I was born into a Christian family, I have been told what to believe. I was given answers from the KJV bible when I asked questions. When I began seeking my own answers, I found that the bible is all the word of man, not God. And, the bible has changed many times over the centuries. Each time it is re-written, a group of scholars and religious people get together and decide what the interpretations of the original authors mean. This does not work for me, for some it does.
               
               I saw a poster the other day showing a group of children in school. The caption was: "Children should not be told what to think. Children should be told HOW to think."  That makes a lot of sense to me. Far too many people have been raised to believe their is only one way to achieve eternal peace -- which has created far too many young adults who are lost because they see there are other opinions and do not know what is truth for themselves, so they seek some sense of peace, often in bad places or with drugs, or they become vulnerable to those who wish to control others. For me, peace does not come from any bible or any book, but, from within myself.
               
               And who is to say that what Paul, John, or any of the original authors of the bible were right? If you read their books in the bible, they each have their own versions of what happened.
               
               You wrote: "The problem with spirit is, it is the same as the totality of the personality of a person... and I can't find a need in personality(but may be confidence can be considered one, but that is emotional, though emotion is included in the definition of personality). I can understand spirituality like that, but still I cannot understand the 'need'." Yes, I believe that spirit is the totality of a person, or the essence of who that person truly is. The way I believe, the "need" is based on what each individual feels they must have to be happy in life and to accept themselves.  Personality is a rather confusing term. We are labeled with personality types that may or may not be true. I have always been labeled as shy and quiet. I am quiet, yes, but shy? No. I just talk when I feel I have something important to say. I do not talk just for the purpose of talking -- so, I have never been labled as "outgoing", "confident", "assertive", or anything other than quiet and shy. So, to me, personality is a misnomer -- I prefer the term "I am who I am".  And, I am quite comfortable with who I am.
               
               As I said in the beginning, I believe that each individual has an inherent right to find their own truths and have faith in their truths, faith in their self. This is the basis of spirituality for me.

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                  riddle666posted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Thank you Phyllis Doyle,
                  That was a well thought out and coherent reply.
                  So my answer is, I don't know. I am happy the way I am but am I always happy? No, but I don't remain like that for too much of a time either, it simply goes off just like it came. I, most of the times, does not feel any need nor I think about it other than the usual human stuff like food and all. I don't feel the need to have anything.

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                  1. 96

                     Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     You are most welcome, riddle666 -- and thank you for your comments. You are happy the way you are, so, that is good.  As long as one is happy the way they are, there is little need for anything else in their life.

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               2. 59

                  A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                  Sorry, but everything you describe is indeed "materialistic satisfaction or fulfillment"
                  
                  
                  
                  In other words, spiritual means having religion. Yeah, we already knew that.
                  
                  
                  
                  But, someone else has already told you what you should believe, that's why you have religion.
                  
                  
                  
                  But, there is nothing else you can refer to support your beliefs other than the bible. It has to work for you, there is no other way.

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                  1. 96

                     Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                     Sorry, I do not agree with you. There is nothing materialistic about my spirituality. I gain spiritual strength and growth from within myself, when I help others, when I walk in nature, when I feel good about myself. I do not have a religion, really. If you want to call it religion, then my religion is my way of life and faith in myself.
                     
                     Also, no one told me what to believe, except when I was a child. What I believe as an adult came from my own instincts and experiences in life and is right for me.

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                        A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                        But, everything you've described thus far was of the material world.
                        
                        
                        
                        That's nice. Those are all of the material world, they are more or less the same for everyone.
                        
                        
                        
                        Yes, you have religion.
                        
                        
                        
                        Like most other believers, you've tweaked the characteristics of Jesus to be your personal invisible friend.

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                           Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                           Material nature? Being material is owning/possessing THINGS. I am not a materialistic person. And -- I will not get into a debate with you about your views. You can believe what you like. I know my truths, you do not. I would like to add that you obviously are a troubled man, as your screen name implies.

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                              A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                              In the context of the discussion, "material" simply means real and tangible, not imaginary.
                              
                              
                              
                              Your beliefs are not so different from others, they are based on the same religion but tweaked for your own personal invisible friend.
                              
                              
                              
                              In other words, you choose to insult me personally, how very Christian of you.

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                                 Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                 I'll bite, How is this an insult? She apparently is merely agreeing with the name you have chosen for yourself. Is this one of those "I can say what I want about myself but you can't agree" things?

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                                    A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                    Really? And, what would lead her to believe that I'm troubled? What indication did I give in my post that would have her stray away from the subject matter in order to not only focus on me personally, but to draw a conclusion regarding my personal welfare and make it public?
                                    
                                    Should we all spend our time focusing on each others usernames and attributing them to some personal aspect of that person? To what end? What purpose?

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                                       Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                       Good point.
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       Sometimes it helps us gain some kind of understanding of that person so it will allow us to tailor our approach to that person at times. This allows us to be more effective in our own communication (at times) because communication is not one size fits all

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                                       1. 59

                                          A Troubled Manposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                          I would tend to agree with that, as well, however the intent of those who focus on my username by associating my posts with it is clearly to insult. They say that because they feel they have been personally insulted when their beliefs are criticized.  It is the reason why I choose that username, to see exactly who would use it as an insult. The observations of that were not at all surprising.

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                                             Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                                             That works. I briefly wondered why you chose that name

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   5. 83

      pennyofheavenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Silence

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      1. 96

         Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         I so understand that, pennyofheaven. 

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   MizBejabbersposted 11 years ago

   This is a wonderful question and one that is easy for me to answer. I am not religious, as I profess no religion as defined by man. I am a spiritual person and have been formally trained in metaphysics, mostly Tibetan spiritual beliefs. Although the school went out of business many years ago, a group of alumni formed and we have met together for the last 35 years to do full moon and new moon meditations to bring down energies (of light) to be distributed on earth. I believe that the energies meditated into this realm by us and by others similar to our group were a major part of the Earth’s Ascension of last December. I continue to work with these energies, including the energies of Archangels Michael and Metatron. I guess if I have a “religion” that would be it. I also do Reike.
   I am part Native American but I do not work with shamanism like my husband does. I do enjoy his healing flute work, and we often discuss the similarities in our spiritual work. Together we find life in the plant kingdom, although I take my beliefs a step further. I not only spend time with plants, I talk to rocks! And if I listen, they speak to me, well, not really, but they have an awareness that comes through telepathically if you let your mind be still. The mineral kingdom is very alive, especially the crystals, and I have an interest (thought not developed into a skill) in crystal healing. These spirits are all part of Gaea, as are we, the humans, and I love working with them all.

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      Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      MizBejabbers, like you, I have no religion that is defined by man. Nature is my church, rainbows are my stained glass windows. Oh my gosh, you talk with rocks -- so do I. I feel such deep spiritual qualities in rocks and gems. I often make a crystal grid when needing to draw positive energy into my home or my self. I paint rocks according to what they tell me. I collect unusual shaped rocks that speak to me. I make "Rain Rocks" and keep them in a basket -- Hmmmm .... I think I will write a hub on my Rain Rocks. I so agree with you, Nature's spirits are all part of Gaea, as we are. Blessings to you.

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         MizBejabbersposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Awesome! Do write the hub, I would love to read it.

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3. 61

   Zelkiiroposted 11 years ago

   Considering that I have no belief in any spiritualistic whatevers, I'll read this instead as "intellectual/emotional needs," to which I'll have some answer.
   
   For me, I need to have art in my life at all times--music, movies, drawings, theater, fiction, you name it--and I demand that it be intellectually stimulating (e.g. a philosophical novel) or emotionally rewarding (e.g. a feel-good action anime).
   
   If I cannot engage my brain or invest any emotion into it, then I want no part of it (I'm looking at you, Fate/Stay Night, you loathsome piece of shyte).

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      Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Well, thank you for your thoughts, Zelkiro. I feel that the way you fulfill your "intellectual/emotional needs" is a form of spirituality, for you are being true to yourself. I admire anyone who can be true to their own beliefs. Art is a very creative and comforting thing to have in life. I like art in my life, too -- some music, my creative beading, drawing, and museum pieces, are part of my life that inspires me and engages my intellectual side. Archaeology fascinates me and also triggers my intellect and curiosity in cultures and history.

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   rob chambersposted 11 years ago

   I'm confused by the word spiritual. I don't even know what this means. I feel great and positive after a workout.

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      Phyllis Doyleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Rob. To me, spiritual is your true self, the essence of all that you are. It is not a materialistic satisfaction or fulfillment, but, the kind of fulfillment you realize that you have faith in yourself, you love and respect yourself, little things make you happy, you feel joy in the things you like to do, you just feel good about life and who you are. Working out makes you feel great and positive -- that is part of your spirituality. Walking in Nature is one way I feel great and positive. As shown in Bing Dictionary, the definition of spiritual (adj) is:
          of soul: relating to the soul or spirit, usually in contrast to material things
          of religion: relating to religious or sacred things rather than worldly things
          temperamentally or intellectually akin: connected by an affinity of the mind, spirit, or temperament
      Synonyms: religious, holy, sacred, divine, heavenly, saintly
      
      Have a great day, Rob. Thanks for contributing your thoughts in this forum and I hope you come back, read, and share more with us. May you always walk in peace and harmony.

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   psycheskinnerposted 11 years ago

   The meaning and purpose in my life does not come from a believe in entities on a spiritual plane, thus I do not call it spirituality.

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   janesixposted 11 years ago

   I don't have any spiritual needs. Spirituality has been forced on me. I would prefer my old life back, minus the materialality.

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