Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times by Philip Goldberg

Author:Philip Goldberg [Goldberg, Philip]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hay House
Published: 2020-04-13T22:00:00+00:00

Choose Your Orbit

Affiliations do not have to be all-or-nothing propositions. While many people sustain membership in a group for life, others move on to new associations or affiliate with more than one. Some steer clear of organizations altogether. And many stay put but change their level of commitment or the nature of their participation.

Most spiritual organizations resemble the classic image of an atom, with a nucleus where the greatest power resides—in the pastor, the guru, the leadership council, etc.—and circles orbiting at different distances around the nucleus. The closer you get to the center, the more spiritual energy is usually found and more benefits can be obtained—and more is demanded by way of loyalty, commitment, and conformity.

The key is to reflect deeply about what you want and need from a spiritual institution and evaluate whether those wants and needs can be met by the one you’re in. It’s also important to assess both the risks and rewards of involvement and to determine if the balm of belonging may have side effects. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Am I able to be myself in that community?

Can I speak my mind honestly without fear of ostracism?

Are topics that matter to me treated as taboo?

Are doubt and disagreement tolerated?

Do any policies offend my values or ethics?

Are the leaders arrogant? Self-important? Contemptuous of other institutions?

Is there too much pressure to conform?

Am I getting what I need and want spiritually?

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