Spider

Spiritual Metaphysics

Spiritual metaphysics is the study of the nature of human experiences that are still considered "non-physical" or "spiritual" only because our physical senses, research and technology cannot as yet measure or detect them.

Ancient spirituality and religions are systems of belief that attempt to explain the human spiritual experience. All religions arise from the illusion of separation, because that is the nature of human experience in the physical form.

We experience ourselves as separate beings, separate from each other, separate from "God", and from the physical Universe. It is impossible from this viewpoint of separation to perceive the true nature of physical life experience, who we really are, and the life force in everything that we have labeled "God".

As science looks deeper into the nature of matter and energy, it becomes evident that the physical world is in fact non-physical, or metaphysical. The line between physical and spiritual (non-physical) is being erased.

As we dig deeper into the true nature of "reality" it is becoming clear that the separation of body, mind, and spirit is an illusion. These are all simply aspects of one thing or being. Spiritual metaphysics takes us closer to understanding and applying this information in our everyday lives.

When you delve into the world of spirituality, it won’t be long before you come across the term ‘Spiritual Metaphysics’. You might be comfortable with the term spirituality, but what does this term ‘Metaphysics’ mean exactly?

Metaphysics is the study of human experiences that are non-physical. These are spiritual in nature and can not be measured by any physical sense. It is a philosophy that concentrates on ‘All-Reality’. The relationship between mind and matter, appearance and substance, form and essence.

Meta means ‘above or beyond’ or it is used to refer to things that are self-referential. A film about a film, a game about a game, or a philosophy about philosophy.

Physics alludes to the fact that all things are governed by universal laws; physical and, in this case, spiritual.

There is an order to everything and metaphysics looks at our system of design and its creation by an infinite intelligence. Some people refer to this as God, or Source, Energy, or a myriad of other names.

Universal laws are an extension of this infinite intelligence’s being.

In other words, metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that examines the composition of the universe and the beings that reside within it.

The Ultimate Substance

Physics derives its name from that Greek word physis, which means “ultimate substance.” This ultimate substance is the route of Metaphysics and many philosophers subscribe to the idea that there is one ultimate substance. This branch of thought is known as Monism. However, just what that ultimate substance may be greatly divides opinion. There are two main contenders.

Monism

• Materialism is the belief that the universe is entirely made up of matter, energy, and everything else in the physical sense. This is also known as the physical reality.
• Idealism is the belief that the universe is made of the spiritual or the mental, which is also known as idea or the ideal

You might think that most philosophers subscribe to the fact that the ultimate substance is physical reality, in fact the opposite is true.

Matter is the obvious choice you might think. Scientists have been making great tracks in studies into matter and it’s affect on the universe. But ask yourself, have you ever seen matter? Have you touched it or heard it? The physical reality is not that physical at all. You may see it’s finished form – a stone, a piece of furniture, a toy etc. but you will never see it in its singular form.

An idea or ideal, however, becomes self-evident the moment it has been thought up. And you are the creator. You experience the thought as well as spiritual and emotional journeys as well.

Monism isn’t the only stance philosophers take when it comes to the Ultimate Substance. There is another branch of though referred to as Dualism.

Dualism

The combination of:

Materialism
Idealism
In this manner of thinking, mind, body, and spirit are all real and equally as important as each other.

That’s it! That’s the branch that makes the most sense you might think. However, think of it this way. If there are two ultimate substances, how on earth do they interact with each other? How can the soul cause the body to act? How does a physical activity transform into a mental one?

If you have the thought, “I’m going to jump across this crevice.” you might jump or you might not. If you decide to jump then this sets up a chain of events beginning with neural activity, translated into muscular activity, translated into your jump. The crux of the problem is, how did that thought become neural activity?

This is referred to as the the ‘mind-body problem.’

Is there a difference between metaphysics and spirituality?

Some people might be confused in thinking that spirituality is already a fundamental part of metaphysics. However, they are different in a number of ways and only by combining the two – spiritual metaphysics, do you look at both aspects at the same time.

To understand this, you must keep in mind the following:

Metaphysics is philosophical

It exists to explain the fundamental nature, or reality, of the world and why humans exist within it.

Spirituality is Experiential

It is more practical by nature and exists so people may explore and discover the self.

it’s about explaining the fundamental nature of the world and what it means as humans to inhabit it. Spirituality, on the other hand, is experiential, and has more to do with spiritual practices and the development and discovery of the self.

Even though they are different, the studies of both informally overlap. After all, both topics deal with issues that transcend physical conditions and causes.

What exactly is Spiritual Metaphysics?

Ok, so we can see what metaphysics comes about, but how does spirituality come into it? What exactly is spiritual metaphysics?

Spirituality is a term that is often used when describing those human experiences that are non-physical. Spiritual Metaphysics then is the view that reality is at it’s core, spiritual, not physical. Here we are all experience part of an ultimate truth.

Spiritual Metaphysics doesn’t have a concrete definition, so it is important to understand metaphysics in itself aligning with the premise of spirituality. The non-physical substance of the universe can be thought of as being spiritual.

This belief is seen in many new age and pantheistic world views and it is an area that is expanding continuously. Many spiritually inclined philosophers are studying spiritual metaphysics in the hope that we gain new knowledge into the human experience and essentially, our reason for being here.

Spiritual Metaphysicians believe that the separation of mind, body, and spirit is an illusion. The universe is about unity and all forms that exist within it are as one.

Think of an ocean for example. Water may exist in many forms, a droplet, a wave, spray, or even steam. However, it is all made of the same substance and even with the rise and swell of the water, it all returns to be as one.

Spiritual Metaphysics is similar to this. Rather than water, we are all made up of energy. Everything around us is comprised of tiny particles of energy moving at the speed of light.

By accepting this, it is easier to understand that we are all as one.

Silence

Pineal Gland (Spirituality)

The famous philosopher Descartes described the pineal gland as the “principal seat of the soul.” You’ve probably heard of this gland being the “third eye,” a mystical chakra point residing right in the middle of your eyebrows. It turns out these ideas aren’t too far off. The small, rice-sized, pinecone-shaped endocrine organ known as the pineal gland sits alone in the middle of the brain and at the same level as the eyes.

What Does the Pineal Gland Do?

How you think and feel every day depends on the pineal gland. As the producer of the hormone melatonin, the quality and duration of your sleep relies on how well it produces this hormone. This tiny organ regulates your daily and seasonal circadian rhythms, the sleep-wake patterns that determine your hormone levels, stress levels, and physical performance.

The Secret : What they don’t want you to KNOW!

Every human being’s Pineal Gland or The third eye can be activated to spiritual world frequencies and enables you to have the sense of all knowing, godlike euphoria and oneness all around you. A pineal gland once tuned into to proper frequencies with help of meditation, yoga or various esoteric, occult methods, enables a person to travel into other dimensions, popularly known as astral travel or astral projection or remote viewing.

With more advance practice and ancient methods it is also possible to control the thoughts and actions of people in the physical world. Yes, it is bizarre, but the United States, former Soviet Union governments and various shadow organization have been doing this type of research for ages and have succeed far beyond our imagination.

Pineal Gland is represented in Catholicism in Rome; they depict the pineal as a pine cone in art. The ancient societies like the Egyptians and the Romans knew the benefits and exemplified this in their vast symbologies with a symbol of an eye.

Pineal Gland reference is also in back of the U.S. dollar bill with what is called the ‘all seeing eye’, which is a reference to the ability of an individual (or group of individuals) to use this gland and go to the other side (spiritual world) and possibly control the thoughts and actions of people in the physical world by knowing what they are thinking at all times in our physical world.

Various research being conducted so far confirms that there are certain periods in the night, between the hours of one and four in the morning where chemicals are released in the brain that bring about feelings of connectedness to one’s higher source.

Pineal Gland in Culture & Religion

Buddhism

The third eye is known as the middle eye of Shiva in Buddhism. Furthermore, images and statues of the Buddha show him with a pinecone-like covering on top of his head. In Buddhist meditation, one of the objectives is to activate the third eye in order to become aware of the experience of the primary reality.

Christianity

The symbol of the pineal gland is the pine cone, since this is relatively how it appears in its physical form deep inside the brain. It is so revered by the Vatican that a special Vatican court had been built called the ‘Court of the Pine Cone’ where the world’s largest pineal gland symbol is on display. The symbol of the pine cone, which is representative of the pineal gland, is found on the staff of the Pope. The teacher Jesus told individuals that “the eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” This referred to the internal third eye that sees out into the higher and more subtle forms of energy and Reality.

Ancient Egypt

The third eye is known as the Eye of Horus or the Eye of Osiris. According to Egyptian mythology, Nekhebit, the Vulture Goddess was a maternal Earth Mother symbolizing regeneration of life, from death comes life, as the vulture is one of the few animals that can mainly subsists on bodies of animals that would poison others. Uatchet, the Snake Goddess, was venerated as a fertility goddess, snakes lay many eggs, and as protection from snakes.

These two goddess became the part of the crown over the third eye. Later, the snake goddess became associated with the Serpent Fire whose it’s power came out at the third eye, instead of the top of the head which became associated with another god. Modern scholars and philosophers have noted the staff’s symbolic parallels to the Indian Kundalini, a spiritual energy in the body depicted as coiled serpents rising up from the base of the spine to the pineal gland in the moment of enlightenment.

Ancient Greece

Ancient Greeks believed the pineal gland to be our connection to the “Realms of Thought”. Galen (~130-210 CE) discussed the pineal gland in the eigth book of his anatomical work On the usefulness of the parts of the body. He explained that it owes its name (glandula pinealis) to its resemblance in shape and size to the nuts found in the cones of the stone pine. He called it a gland because of its appearance and said that it has the same function as all other glands of the body, namely to serve as a support for blood vessels.

Iamblichus repeats the statement of Plato that the study of the science of numbers tends to awaken that organ in the brain which the ancients described as the “eye of wisdom”, the organ now known to physiology as the pineal gland. Speaking of the mathematical disciplines, Plato says in the Republic (Book VII), “the soul through these disciplines has an organ purified and enlightened, an organ better worth saving than ten thousand corporeal eyes, since truth becomes visible through this alone.”

Dionysus, later known as Bacchus to the Romans, was continually depicted carrying a “Thyrsus,” a fennel staff woven with ivy and leaves and topped with a pinecone. The Thyrsus, purported to drip with honey, was regularly used as a sacred instrument at religious rituals and fetes.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, the third eye is the eye of clairvoyance. Hindus wear the Tilak, which is the red spot located between the brows. Symbolically, it is used to represent enlightenment. Hindu sacred texts describe the deity Shiva as possessing a third eye. The third eye in the center of the forehead symbolizes spiritual knowledge and power, and is thus called the eye of wisdom or knowledge. According to the texts, the powerful gaze of Shiva’s third eye annihilates evil, and thus the evil-doers fear his third eye.

Benefits of activating your pineal gland/third eye.

A lot of people believe that the third eye functions as a spiritual gateway through which you can see beyond time and space. In short, activating the third eye, your perceptions exceed the limits of the material, physical word and the mind awakens and connects you to levels of being where time doesn’t exist. And this leads to a number of great advantages:

1. Greater awareness / Awakening.

Awakening your third eye metaphysically opens our eyes from a deep spiritual lethargy. This allows us to begin to perceive the “truth” that surrounds us.

What this means is that you will begin to see the world we live in is full of control and inequality and is not in harmony with the rest of the Universe.

You will feel a desire to be free and live in a world filled with love, compassion and truth. Eventually, you will feel and see the interconnectedness with everything around you in nature and will feel a deep connection with the Universe.

This is a deep sense that allows you to see the beauty in all things and to realize that your physical I is not your true nature.

2. Psychic Powers / Empathy.

Your instincts are as a well-adjusted compass that points you in the “right” direction to achieve what your soul is looking for.
With activating the pineal gland, you are able to read instinctive signals far easier until they become almost like another sense, hence the term sixth sense is derived from.

It’s almost like you know what will happen and what will be the results of certain events. That’s why some people think that the most notable prophets of our time had their third eye opened.

The feeling that we are all part of the same whole also becomes clear and you are capable of empathy with others, knowing that they are part of the same universal consciousness.

3. Laws of attraction / Space order.

As a result of the opened third eye, the third eye chakra is activated, which in turn will help to balance your chakra system.

When you are energized and in harmony with the Universe, you are like a giant magnet for events, people, situations etc. By harnessing the power of the positive intent, gratitude and love, you can manifest much more beauty in your life. You will notice that the number of useful “coincidences” will be greatly increased.

 4. Vivid dreams / Lucid dreaming.

Since your pineal gland regulates your sleep cycles, you will find that you sleep much better and that your dreams are more vivid and you’re lucid dreaming.

This means that you will feel that you can control your dreams and you will be able to realize your true infinite self and the infinite possibilities that exist in a state of sleep.

Additionally, you will realize that this world of dreams is the same as the “real world” in which we live, for example the fact that we have unlimited possibilities and we are all masters of our own universe.

5. Astral travel / Astral projection.

When the third eye connects to this level of existence where there is no time and space, our soul is able to rise above the physical body and astral travel in time and space.
It has the ability to go anywhere in the universe and at any time in the universe.

Many people belive that when we dream, we actually astral travel, and with fully opened third eye we are able to astral travel while we are awake, for example, when we meditate.

 6. Imagination / Creativity.

With activated pineal gland, you are continuously connected to the plane of existence where our souls reside.

In the plane of existence, there is no time or space, just an endless love and truth – everything that has happened and will ever happen already exists in the plane of existence.

Seems close to what are the akashic records, don’t you think?

After connecting to it, you will find that your imagination and creativity are super charged and you are able to find solutions to problems easier because all the solutions to all problems already exist in this place. Along with the ability to have vivid dreams and lucid dreaming, this will spark your imagination to a whole new level.

I would really love to hear your views on the benefits of opening the third eye brings. Remember before you dive in into this, make sure to read all possible information because as with everything, there are dangers of opening the third eye.

4 Ways to Activate the Pineal Gland

Activating your pineal gland may be helpful for regulating mood, sleep, and energy levels. Here are 4 ways to get started.

1. Get Out and Into the Sun

Sun exposure kick starts the pineal gland and stimulates the mind. Any type of light exposure, either directly or indirectly, activates the pineal gland, prompting it to produce serotonin; the neurotransmitter responsible for mood and energy levels. This is why it’s crucial to avoid light after the sun goes down, because you need your pineal gland to produce melatonin and suppress serotonin. This process can only be accomplished by reducing light from electronics and lightbulbs as much as possible.

2. Sleep in Complete Darkness

A dark environment ensures your pineal gland produces enough melatonin to ensure good, restful sleep. Make sure you avoid backlit devices like phones, tablets, computer monitors, or TV right before bed. The lighting of these devices stimulates serotonin production, tricking your pineal gland into thinking it’s daytime, confusing your wake/sleep cycle.

3. Sun Gazing

Sun gazing is perhaps one of the most controversial exercises you can do to activate the pineal gland. Here’s the basics of the practice: within the first 15 minutes of sunlight at the beginning of the day and then the final 15 minutes of sunlight at the end of the day, you gaze into the sun for a couple of seconds, but only a couple of seconds. Again, sun gazing has its risks. Simply getting out in the sun and having your eyes exposed to light indirectly can help stimulate the pineal gland without having to stare directly.

4. Meditation

The pineal gland responds to the bioelectric signals of light and dark, and meditation activates this bioelectric energy. With practice, you can learn to direct this energy to this highly-sensitive organ.

Modern Problems with the Pineal Gland

Calcification is the biggest problem for the pineal gland. Fluoride accumulates in the pineal gland more than any other organ and leads to the formation of phosphate crystals. As your pineal gland hardens due to the crystal production, less melatonin is produced and regulation of your wake-sleep cycle gets disturbed.

Research also reports fluoride hardening accelerates sexual development in children, particularly in girls. And this is a serious problem as a study from 30 years ago reported 40% of American children under 17 were found to have pineal calcification in process. Since then, we’ve see children, especially girls, experience the early onset of puberty.

In addition to fluoride, halides like chlorine and bromine also accumulate and damage the pineal gland. Calcium supplements can also cause problems. Without enough vitamin D–64% of Americans are vitamin D deficient–calcium does not become bioavailable and calcifies human tissue, including the pineal gland.

Eliminating fluoride may be the best first step for reducing health concerns. Use fluoride-free toothpaste, avoid tap water, and drink filtered water. For the best filtered water, use a reverse osmosis water filter. Eat calcium-rich foods rather than taking calcium supplements if you can get plenty of vitamin D.

Spirituality

Spirituality

What is spirituality?

Spirituality has many definitions, but at its core spirituality helps to give your life context. It's not necessarily connected to a specific belief system or even religious worship. Instead, it arises from your connection with yourself and with others, the development of your personal value system, and your search for meaning in life.

For many, spirituality takes the form of religious observance, prayer, meditation or a belief in a higher power. For others, it can be found in nature, music, art or a secular community. Spirituality is different for everyone.

Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human experience—something that touches us all. People may describe a spiritual experience as sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness.

Some may find that their spiritual life is intricately linked to their association with a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. Others may pray or find comfort in a personal relationship with God or a higher power. Still others seek meaning through their connections to nature or art. Like your sense of purpose, your personal definition of spirituality may change throughout your life, adapting to your own experiences and relationships.

Spiritual questions

For many, spirituality is connected to large questions about life and identity, such as:

• Am I a good person?
• What is the meaning of my suffering?
• What is my connection to the world around me?
• Do things happen for a reason?
• How can I live my life in the best way possible?

Spirituality refers to the evolutionary process as it drives us forward, eventually, to perfect wholeness. It relates to the expansion or evolution of consciousness. And, thus all activity-be it physical, emotional, intuitional and so forth-that leads towards greater perfection, goodness and wholeness is therefore spiritual. The scientist working, for example, on a cancer cure is involved in spiritual work, as is the diplomat attempting to bring harmony between warring parties or the artist seeking to create a beautiful masterpiece for enhancing the quality of life.

Spiritual values are qualified by ever-widening horizons, synthesis, growth and wholeness as well as greater vision, understanding and integration.

We know that without the physical sun, the world would be a dark, cold, dead place. Without the Soul-the heart of the inner spiritual wisdom-the inner sun, the world is full of psychological darkness in the form of ignorance, selfishness and separateness.

How can spirituality help with stress relief?

Spirituality has many benefits for stress relief and overall mental health. It can help you:

• Feel a sense of purpose. Cultivating your spirituality may help uncover what's most meaningful in your life. By clarifying what's most important, you can focus less on the unimportant things and eliminate stress.
• Connect to the world. The more you feel you have a purpose in the world, the less solitary you may feel — even when you're alone. This can lead to a valuable inner peace during difficult times.
• Release control. When you feel part of a greater whole, you may realize that you aren't responsible for everything that happens in life. You can share the burden of tough times as well as the joys of life's blessings with those around you.
• Expand your support network. Whether you find spirituality in a church, mosque or synagogue, in your family, or in nature walks with a friend, this sharing of spiritual expression can help build relationships.
• Lead a healthier life. People who consider themselves spiritual may be better able to cope with stress and may experience health benefits.

Discovering your spirituality

Uncovering your spirituality may take some self-discovery. Here are some questions to ask yourself to discover what experiences and values define you:

• What are your important relationships?
• What do you value most in your life?
• What people give you a sense of community?
• What inspires you and gives you hope?
• What brings you joy?
• What are your proudest achievements?

The answers to such questions can help you identify the most important people and experiences in your life. With this information, you can focus your search for spirituality on the relationships and activities in life that have helped define you as a person and those that continue to inspire your personal growth.

What types of spirituality are there?

• Mystical spirituality is based around a desire to move beyond the material world, beyond the senses, ego and even beyond time. This approach centres on personal relationships and a sense of unity with all things. 
• Authoritarian spirituality is a particularly strong form of spirituality based around a need for definition and rules. This type of spirituality is particularly common in specific religious practices.
• Intellectual spirituality focuses on building knowledge and understanding of spirituality through analysing history and spiritual theories. This approach can be found in the study of religion, also known as theology.
• Service spirituality is a common form of spirituality in many religious faiths. This is predominantly built around serving others as a form of spiritual expression.
• Social spirituality is often practiced by people who experience a spiritual feeling in the company of others. Social support is often seen as one of the important aspects of spirituality in general.

Why do people practice spirituality?

Many people see spirituality as a great way of seeking solace and peace in their life. It can often be practiced alongside things like yoga, which ultimately focus on stress relief and release of emotion. 

Spirituality is also used as a way of gaining perspective, recognising that our role in life has a greater value than just what we do every day. It can separate a person from dependence on material things and establish a greater purpose. Some people also see spirituality as a way of coping with change or uncertainty.

The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

The truth is, spiritual health is inextricably connected to mental, emotional, social, and even physical health. When our spirit is healthy, our body is healthier, our brain is healthier, our relationships are healthier. Our entire soul is healthier.

What Does It Mean to Be “Spiritually Healthy?”

Spiritual health may mean something different to each of us. To me, spiritual health means connecting with God (The Universe, The Divine), on a daily basis through slowing down, tuning in, listening, and obeying the whispers. Spiritual health involves stepping out of our mind and body, getting in touch with what really matters, and living in line with our truest self.

 

In order to improve our spiritual health, we, first, need a desire to grow, spiritually. Once we have that desire, it’s important to begin some form of daily spiritual practice. After all, it’s only through practice that we see self-improvement and growth.

6 Benefits of Daily Spiritual Practice

There are plenty of reasons to start a daily spiritual practice. Here are six I’ve discovered over the years. I hope they inspire you to make your spiritual growth a priority, and start “practicing” today!

 

1)   We all have a spirit. And, when our spirit is unwell, our body, mind, and soul are unwell too. I know not everyone identifies as a “spiritual” person. That’s okay; we don’t have to identify as “spiritual” to have a spirit. When we neglect our spirit, it shows up in other areas of our life, whether we notice it or not. Taking care of our spirit makes all areas of life a little better. Don’t believe me? Just try taking care of your spiritual side for a while. You’ll see the benefits soon enough.

 

2)   Spiritual practices improve health, increase personal growth, strengthen relationships, and are the way to true self-actualization. better parent, spouse,We can read and study and work until we’re blue in the face, and we can achieve great growth and learning this way. But, our greatest learning comes on the spiritual plane. It comes when we get quiet and still. Only then can we listen and hear and know the things we need–to improve ourself and our relationships, to be a , partner, or child. To be a better person.

 

Practices such as prayer, meditation, scripture study, pondering, stillness, yoga, and mindfulness (to name a few) open us up. They re-connect us with the Divine. They allow us to hear the fine whispers that can guide our life. They allow us to step out of our everday worries–out of our own “agenda”–and be who we really are. As one of my favorite men wrote, “We are very busy people. We have so much to do. We need to get off by ourselves once in a while and think of the spiritual things and build ourselves spiritually. If you have a study at home, lock yourselves in it. If you have a place in the basement where you can be by yourself, go there. Get by yourself…. Just meditate and reflect…about yourself and your relationship to [God]. If will do something for you.”[2] Yes, it will.

 

3)   Most spiritual tools and practices are not only backed by experience; they’re backed by research. Even though I know, from experience, these spiritual tools and practices lead to greater health, meaning, and purpose in life, you don’t have to take my word for it. Practicing meditation, mindfulness,[3] prayer,[4] and even being in nature have all been shown to improve health and wellness, in the scientific research too. In fact, as one study says, “nature plays a vital role in human health and well-being.”[5] All the more reason to get outside and get still today.

 

4)   At the core of every trauma is a spiritual wound; and focusing on spiritual health can heal us. That’s what I have learned, not just from my own experience, but time and again from those I help in therapy. It may be easier to see or feel the physical, emotional, or mental wounds, but pain and trauma also impact the delicate spirit, whether we sense that impact or not. When we focus on creating spiritual health, we not only feel emotionally stronger. We heal.

 

5)   When we engage in spiritual practice and “obey the whispers,” we’re not only healthier—physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We grow. As I write in my memoir, This is How We Grow: “There are some principles that are time-tested to be true, and when we live according to those principles we experience an increase of joy. Obeying the whispers is one of these. Call it your conscience, the voice of God, the spirit, the Holy Ghost—it’s like a radio wave continually broadcasting which you can only hear if you sit and tune in. It is up to each of us to listen for this guidance and up to each of us to choose to obey.” As we listen and obey, we know what we need to do. And, we’re somehow given the strength to do it. And, that makes us grow.

 

6)   Having a Daily Spiritual Practice is the surest path to Joy. We all have joy, deep within. But, for most of us, our joy is covered up by the stress, drama, and trauma of life. Only when we get still, pray, connect, listen, do we begin to uncover our joy, leading to a continual source that improves our life and everyone around us. Bottom line: if we want true joy, we need to connect, spiritually. As Eckhart Tolle writes, “It is from inner space, the undconditioned consciousness itselt, that true happiness, the joy of Being emanates. To be aware of little, quiet things, however, you need to be quiet inside. A high degree of alterness is required. Be still. Look. Listen. Be present.” That about sums it up.