Universal spirituality
Most of us were raised in one of the major religious belief systems. In the United States the majority come from a Christian heritage. But outside the US you’re just as likely to be Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or more telling, Non-Religious. However, a metamorphosis has been taking place in the consciousness of a large number of traditional religionists. Long-held beliefs, imbued as articles of faith, are quickly unraveling.
Congregants realize that every major religious book or sacred text holds the fundamental belief that there is only one Creator-God and humans are all one family in that Divinity. In a recent 2012 survey in the US, a large and growing number of people identified themselves as unaffiliated with any religion. This “Non-Religious” group is the fastest growing segment in the surveys. These individuals call themselves agnostics, theists, humanists, or they fall under an even broader designation known as spiritualists. Who are they, where did they come from, and what belief system do they follow?
Spiritualists are coming of age in a time of rapid changes on the planet. They’ve abandoned the teachings of their birth faith and are no longer content to abide by the rules of religious doctrines. They’ve begun in-depth explorations into the world of Eastern religions, the mysteries of the long-hidden esoteric texts and schools, the indigenous teachings of nature,
shamanic practices, and even into ancient Wiccan and Druid lore. When asked to identify their beliefs, many simply said, I believe in the spiritual nature of all things.
Science & Technology
Science and technology played a significant role in this new awakening in spiritual consciousness. Space exploration sent images back to earth from the Hubble and Cassini telescopes which opened horizons far beyond what had previously been known. Star systems and galaxies, one named the Eye of God, made us look at the visible universe from a much more cosmic perspective. Quantum physics went a step further, stretching our minds to grasp the concept of a unified field of energy where the entire universe and everything in it was united in consciousness, complexity and reality. The internet fueled that connectedness in consciousness. Any individual could explore arcane teachings, study the latest updates from science, or actually connect with like minded individuals from all over the world. Every bit of information was available to the seeker by touching a screen or typing a word on a keyboard.
Spiritual Consciousness
Emerging from this interconnectedness is a world-wide level sense that all of us are in this together, no matter what occurs. The Japanese earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown were not isolated events in Asia. Rather, the world’s attention was fixed on prayers, relief efforts and the greater understanding that the atmospheric wind currents carrying toxic air had no borders. Technology visionary Steve Jobs death, expected though it was, reverberated in cities all over the world as spontaneous memorials sprang up in front of Apple stores. Underlying these events, whether an Asian nuclear disaster or the death of an American visionary, people came together in spiritual communion, in shared solace, and in prayer.
Those who follow the essence of Universal Spirituality believe there is a global unity on earth that is also reflected in the cosmos.
They embrace a universal oneness of not only all religions but of all people in one global family. They do not follow any one religion but instead thoughtfully take the essential truths that the religions collectively espouse and incorporate those universal truths into a personal working model.
Universal Spirituality
That personal working model is an inherent part of Universal Spirituality for indeed it is a personal doctrine and approach to living. The practitioners beliefs are more mystical. They easily grapple with a very broad Cosmic understanding of God even as they acknowledge the Divine Spark within each individual. They are governed not from a strict set of rules and laws, but from the place where compassion abides in the human heart. Their goal is to live life not from a place of fear, but with respect and love.
In their practices, which might include meditation, prayer, chanting, contemplation and yoga, they aspire to find the true essence of their being. The practices take them on an inner journey of introspection and self-awareness. They express themselves in a personal way by living a more spiritual life. They acknowledge the major changes occurring all around the world and personally experience the hurts, pains and anguish caused by unconscious behaviors. They believe they are responsible for their lives based on the thoughts they think. So, they take an active role in conscious living. They see themselves as the agents of change for the new earth paradigm that is evolving on the planet. They know they are creating the world we all believe is possible. In this spirit of loving cooperation and global union lies the essence of the new Universal Spirituality.
Jo Mooy
is a visionary artist, lecturer and published writer, and a nationally awarded photographer. She can be reached at Jo@starsoundings.com and at www.starsoundings.com