Spiritual Practices - As Meaningful & Relevant As Ever

     "A spiritual practice or spiritual discipline (often including spiritual exercises) is the regular or full-time performance of actions & activities undertaken for the purpose of cultivating spiritual development. A common metaphor used in the spiritual traditions of the world's great religions is that of walking a path. Therefore a spiritual practice moves a person along a path towards a goal. The goal is variously referred to as salvation, liberation or union (with ultimate reality or "God"). A person who walks such a path is sometimes referred to as a wayfarer or a pilgrim." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_practice

     "The term spirituality lacks a definitive definition, although social scientists have defined spirituality as the search for 'the sacred,' where "the sacred" is broadly defined as that which is set apart from the ordinary and worthy of veneration.
     The use of the term 'spirituality' has changed throughout the ages. In modern times, spirituality is often separated from Abrahamic religions, and connotes a blend of humanistic psychology with mystical & esoteric traditions & eastern religions aimed at personal well-being & personal development. The notion of 'spiritual experience' plays an important role in modern spirituality, but has a relatively recent origin.
     Social scientists have defined spirituality as the search for the sacred, for that which is set apart from the ordinary and worthy of veneration, 'a transcendent dimension within human experience ... discovered in moments in which the individual questions the meaning of personal existence and attempts to place the self within a broader ontological context.'
     Spirituality can be sought not only through traditional organized religions, but also through movements such as liberalism, feminist theology, & green politics. Spirituality is also now associated with mental health, managing substance abuse, marital functioning, parenting, & coping. It has been suggested that spirituality also leads to finding purpose & meaning in life." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirituality

     See: http://healthyhealers.blogspot.ca/search?q=meaning
     and: http://mindfulnessforeveryone.blogspot.ca/search?q=meaning

Kazuki Yamamoto - Japanese barista extraordinaire

Meaning in Life - the Essential Internal Compass & Life Force

     When parents, religious organizations, & schools fail to teach-by-embodying the meaningfulness of life, who will shine a light on & nurture this critical life force within each human being?
     Mindfulness (MBSR) is an evidence-based method / way of being, through which we EXPERIENCE the fact that meaning in life is independent of external forces. 

     "cross-sectional studies indicate that people who report greater meaning in life show less distress following stressful events such as terrorist attacks, cancer diagnoses, and bereavement.
     ... despite the toxic effect of bullying, meaning in life may prevent a young person from internalizing the victimization and/or provide a young person with additional reasons to live. 

     counselor, school or family-based interventions designed to bolster meaning in life & teach students that meaning in life should not be tied to external forces could be effective at helping students maintain a strong meaning in life, regardless of external circumstances that are perhaps beyond her control."

       Henry KL et al. The potential role of meaning in life in the relationship between bullying victimization and suicidal ideation. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 2013 DOI 10.1007/s10964-013-9960-2.

Pan Ice by Don Pentz   http://www.fogforestgallery.ca/bios/bio_pentz.html