… Attitude of Gratitude
This expression emphasizes the importance of recognizing and expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, opportunities, and simple joys that enrich your/my love, light, and life. It encourages you and me to shift our attention away from negativity, complaints, or a constant desire for more “stuff. This love, light, and life attitude will foster a sense of contentment and appreciation for what we already have.
Practicing an attitude of gratitude can have positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. It has been linked to reduced stress, increased happiness, improved relationships, and an overall improved outlook on life. Living this perspective encourages us to find beauty and value in everyday moments and to bring forth a sense of humility and oneness-connectedness with and in the world around us.
… Centered (non-dualistic)
For many of us human beings, it is easy and comfortable to think about things being “black or white,” “straight or gay,” “up or down.” It is part of our upbringing to think of things in life as “this OR that,” and we don’t question it because “this is the way it has always been…” Basically, this is our ego.
I agree with Father Richard Rohr, mystic, theologian, and teacher — when he talks about the “ego” in his book, The Universal Christ. Our ego is not necessarily bad, for this was a natural thinking process through our early years. This way of thinking helped us make sense of the world around us as we were learning and growing to survive on this big, beautiful blue ball. This ego, this dualistic way of seeing the world, eventually has to grow, evolve, and change, or it will be stuck within the confines of absolutes. It is in absolutes that we experience fear and hatred of the “other.” As stated earlier in the love section, individuals who seek power and dominance exploit this fear as a way to control and manipulate the masses.
As we grow and learn, especially when we engage in a life centered on love, we begin to see that nothing is absolute! Love is black and white and green and blue and an array of beautiful colors from within the rainbow and beyond. Love is up and down and left and right and sideways and every realm between.
For me, this is expressed in living and thinking in “both-and.” The Source of love, light, and life can be both black and white, with endless possibilities between them. Within a “both-and” worldview, we allow ourselves to see the possibilities, the opportunities, and the worth — of all aspects of love, light, life, living, and spirituality. “Both-and” sees the colors of the rainbow, and gets excited about the mystery with and in the wonder of its meaning, with and in the spectrum of its colors and awe.
In life, we journey to find and learn of our true self — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — by becoming “centered” and living “both-and.” Like the swinging of a pendulum, it swings back and forth and always comes to rest in the middle. Our thinking, our acting, and our being are not extreme to the left or extreme to the right; it is centered and balanced. I would recommend reading The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer (2007). He illustrates this in the second to last chapter of the book by saying:
“Sailing is such a good example… To sail properly you must hold [the sail, the rudder, the ropes] just right. But where is just right? It is in the center point of tautness of the sail against the force of the wind—not too much, and not too little. It’s what we call the “sweet spot.” Imagine that feeling when the wind hits the sail just right, and you’re holding the ropes just right. You take off with a perfect feeling of balance. Then the wind shifts and you adjust to it. You, the wind, the sail, the water are one. All the forces are in harmony. Should one force shift, the others shift at the same instant.”
Nothing is extreme; everything is an ebb and flow, a balance, a dance of love, light, and life that pervades your whole being, the whole universe, the whole oneness of everything.
… Compassion
Compassion is the quality of feeling empathy for others and the desire to alleviate their suffering. It is a deep awareness of the pain and suffering that someone else is experiencing, coupled with a genuine desire to help them in any way possible. Compassion involves actively listening to others, being non-judgmental, and offering kindness and support. It is a selfless and generous act that involves putting the needs of others equal to and with our own needs. Compassion is living the expression “namaste,” which means, “the divine with and in me bows and acknowledges the divine with and in you!”
… Creation
… eagna catholic
eagna is an Irish word for wisdom. Catholic is a Greek word καθολικός (katholikos) meaning “universal.”
… Empathy
Merriam-Webster’s Definition: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another
Merriam-Webster goes on to say, empathy involves actively sharing in the emotional experience of the other person.
… Faith
I mentioned this in maybe too many sermons, “Faith is a journey, not a destination!” Faith is not something we possess or can take ownership of. Faith is an experience of trust, and trust is a journey of learning in love, light and life. When we say we have faith, we are truly trusting with and in something that is a truth for me and possibly you. When we say we have faith, we are trusting with and in something we may not be able to see with our physical eyes, and yet, we can experience with and in our spirituality.
For me and my truth, faith is knowing from with and in my very being, from my light connecting to the light of Source, that GOD is with me and in me. The “Breastplate of St. Patrick” says: “Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.” GOD and I are with and in oneness together, and I trust that GOD has my back. For oneness is LOVE is oneness.
… Hell & Heaven
Hell, does not exist in the sense that some Christian doctrines have traumatized humans into believing. The concept of hell has been described by some as the separation from GOD and the torment of body, mind, and spirit within a place of fire — for those who do not “believe.” This is bullshit! Such a place never existed within the Hebrew Torah, and Jesus would never have learned of such a place from his Jewish upbringing.
The concept of hell is an invention of some in the church seeking control of the people through fear. Yet, I am sure that you would agree with me that we have experienced “hell” in a real way throughout our life journey. The phrase “I have been to hell and back” has been a reality for many, myself included. I believe hell is more of a state of mind than a place or realm.
I would encourage you to do some reading about “near-death experiences.” There are thousands upon thousands of documented cases of individuals being clinically dead, and the experiences they had in death. Most describe that at death, a person reviews their life and is confronted with the hurts and pains they have inflicted upon other human beings. At that time, a sense of torment, anguish, and remorse may be felt as part of the review process — and then, total love, forgiveness, and peace.
In these near-death stories, heaven is experienced as a magnificent bright light. A light that is pure love, light, and life. An experience of GOD that goes beyond any human understanding. Is heaven like what is described in the Bible? Yes! And NO! There’s that “both-and.” I believe heaven to be a place, a realm, with and in the love, light, and light of Source.
… Journey
A journey can be defined as a process of traveling or moving from one place to another, typically involving a distance to be covered and a goal to be reached. However, the concept of a journey extends beyond physical travel and can also describe a personal or metaphorical experience of growth, experience, and spiritual/physical development. It often involves overcoming challenges, gaining new insights, and undergoing transformation along the way. Journeys can take various forms, such as a literal voyage, an intellectual pursuit, a spiritual quest, or an emotional passage through different stages of life. A journey is a transformative process of learning, that shapes a person and their perspectives as we all navigate through this life and universe.
… Life-Giving
“Life-giving” refers to the consequences of unconditional love: hope, inspiration, purpose, worth, positive growth, wholeness, and meaning. Life-giving begins and is centered in love and light, providing the necessary resources of support and nourishment for life to a positive journey within this earthly realm. Support and nourishment may include: essential nutrients, clean air and water, adequate shelter, nurturing relationships, positive experiences, and opportunities for growth and development within all areas of life.
Monophysitism (from the Greek monos meaning "one" and physis meaning "nature") is the christological position that Christ has only one nature, in which his divinity and humanity are united.
… Oneness
“Oneness" is a term that is often used in spiritual or philosophical contexts to refer to the experience of a state of unity and non-duality. It is the realization that everything in the universe is interconnected and that there is no separation between oneself, creation, and GOD. It is accepting, teaching, and living a non-dualistic mentality. All creation — seen and unseen, known and unknown — are all part of, and within, the radiant inner light of our self and the light of the oneness of GOD. The experience and understanding of Jesus’ prayer - “that they would all understand that they are one, just as you and I, are one. I am in you and you are in me. And may they understand they are in us.” (My paraphrase of John 17:21-24, Christian Scriptures)
Oneness is a journey. One that takes a lifetime of practice and sometimes multiple lifetimes to achieve. A lifetime of standing up for the rights of our neighbors and ourselves. A lifetime of living and being love, light, and life. Jesus knows this! GOD knows this! Spirit is here with and in each and every one of us to remind us of the lessons we have learned and nudge us along the lessons that are still “a work in progress.” The key to loving our neighbor as ourselves is not to focus solely on the result; it is also focusing on what is motivating us — and everything in between. One life-giving and affirming response is: that we are being “love, light and life” because we have the opportunity and privilege to use our talents, gifts, and treasures to make a difference in our own life and the lives of those around us — a life-giving journey of love, light, and life, together?
Another truth I see with and in oneness is the fact that we must journey, and we must do things — together! We cannot do any of this alone, well not effectively. GOD created us and our journey to be fully communal. GOD, Source intended that we would have the help of our neighbor whom we are trying to love. Source provides guides, intuitive individuals, teachers, doctors, scientists, and every other intelligence imaginable so that we would never have to journey alone. Everyone has their own talents, gifts, treasures, and experiences that provide perspective for the rest of the community. We have ancestors, angels and Spirit, for our journey as well. GOD made sure that we had every opportunity and advantage available to us if we simply acknowledged that we were not the only person, the only being in the universe. We need each other and oneness becomes a reality, journeying together with and in this need for each other.
… Pervade
Merriam-Webster’s Definition: to become diffused throughout every part of…
diffused: to pour out and permit or cause to spread freely…
… Post-Christian
"Post-Christian" describes individuals who maintain a sense of faith in and in the teachings of Christ-Jesus but have moved away from traditional Christian institutions and dogmas. Post-Christians typically adapt their spirituality to align with their personal convictions through their own sense of connection with GOD and their changing cultural context and experience. Being "post-Christian" may involve:
Spirituality — one's personal sense of and inner connection with the Divine, GOD, Spirit, Source, Creation… Spirituality encompasses a person’s beliefs, values, and practices — which cultivates a deep sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to the ebb and flow of the universe.
Questioning — accepting that everyone has the right and authority to question and interpret traditional Christian doctrines and practices that don't resonate with their own personal sense of, and inner connection with, the Divine, GOD, Spirit, Source, Creation…
Interfaith & Oneness — the openness to explore other life-giving spiritual traditions, thoughtfully embracing elements from various belief systems into one’s own spirituality, and holding Christ-Jesus as a central figure within their own spirituality. Interfaith includes those who hold no faith, those who have no definition of a divine being, and those who embrace a life-giving love of all creation and everything contained within and without.
… Realms/Heavens
“Realms” best describes the sense of the universe and the different parts, dimensions, and understandings of how the universe is made up. The word realm conveys an inclusive understanding of all that is seen and unseen. A great mystery for those of us within the Earth realm, and very familiar to those who experience the realms through meditation and hypnosis.
… Reincarnation
reincarnation is the learning journey of a spirit, reborn into different times, places/realms, and cultures…
… Sacraments
I find great value in the use of “sacraments” as part of our love, light and life. Merriam-Webster.com defines sacrament: as a Christian rite (such as baptism or the Eucharist) that is believed to have been ordained by Christ and that is held to be a means of divine grace or to be a sign or symbol of a spiritual reality. I would only add, that a sacrament is a physical element the invokes a spiritual response to the presence and experience of GOD from within.
So, a sacrament is a way in which we practice, remember and are empowered to experience GOD with and in the physical realm of Earth. A tangible way through which we can hold, taste, feel, and consume, GOD with us. Eastern and Western Christian traditions hold to the same list of “sacraments, " which I will define: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing, Blessed Union (aka Holy Matrimony), Blessed Calling (aka Holy Orders). Sacraments utilize the elements of Earth (water, fire, wind/air, earth), to convey the presence of GOD-Universe. I will add, that there are rituals, traditions and expressions of spirituality that are valid “sacraments,” with-and-in life-giving and unconditional love. Some examples could include: Rights of passage, naming rituals, handfasting (binding of hands, binding of spirits - with twine, fabric, etc…), birth and death rituals…
… Baptism
The physical and spiritual act of pouring and/or immersion and/or dabbing with and in water, an element of Earth. Water upon our bodies, and receiving physical and spiritual pervasion of GOD’s love, light and life. An initiation ritual, that imparts the wisdom of Spirit and the knowledge of our ancestry, upon an individual beginning the journey and the learning of love, light, and life. This imparting is done at birth, as part of a families desire to raise their child with and in the sacred mystery of GOD. It is also done for anyone re-discovering their journey and learning with and in spirituality…
Defining initiation in three types:
Initiation as a recognition of a status already gained…
Initiation as an experience of transformation…
Initiation as a method for transferring spiritual knowledge and power… (Bonewits, 1984)
… Confirmation
The physical and spiritual act of laying on of hands and/or other meaningful expressions, with and in fire, an element of Earth. Another mode of receiving physical and spiritual pervasion of GOD’s love, light and life. An initiation ritual, that confirms the wisdom of Spirit and the knowledge of our ancestry, upon an individual beginning the journey and learning of love, light, and life. This confirmation is done as part of an individual's desire to continue the journey and learning imparted upon them as a child, with and in the sacred mystery of GOD. It is also done for anyone re-discovering their journey and learning with and in spirituality…
… Eucharist / Communion
The physical and spiritual act of eating, drinking and remembrance with and in earth, an element of Earth. A sacred meal for receiving and remembering the life-giving elements of GOD. Simple elements of wheat and grapes, grown in the earth, gathered by humanity, formed into bread and wine/juice because of unconditional love, and consumed with and in communion of all creation.
As part of many traditions from around the world, the sharing of bread and wine/juice is a central part of gathering as a community. At the end of many Jewish Shabbat services, the community gathers for the “oneg Shabbat (Sabbath joy) and usually begins with the Shabbat Kiddush (blessing over the wine) and HaMotzi (blessing over bread or challah).” (Everything You Need to Know About Shabbat Services, 2018)
For those who follow Jesus’ teachings and example, gathering around bread and wine/juice is essential for communing together. It has been passed down, that on the night Jesus was to be handed over to the authorities, he gathered his disciples, friends and family around the table. He took bread, broke it, blessed it and gave it to everyone saying, this is my body, my life, given for you, do this in memory of me. After the meal, he took the cup, blessed it and gave it to everyone saying, this is my blood, my life shed for you, do this in memory of me. (Note: in antiquity, shedding of blood was often associated as a symbol of “life”or “life-fource.” Also note, that I have paraphrased the four places within the Christian Scriptures that articulate the words Jesus may have said at the last supper.)
Humans have a tendency to need, and desire, physical evidence of GOD’s presence with and in us. Christ-Jesus, uses common elements of the earth — wheat formed into bread and grapes made into wine/juice, to allow us to hold, taste and consume GOD’s presence. When we gather together as a community and do as Christ-Jesus asked us to do, we remember and embrace his love, and receive his light (Body, Bread) and his life (Blood, Wind/Juice): we are indeed receiving the true body and blood, the true life-force of Christ-Jesus — in, with and under the form of bread and wine/juice. Christ, GOD — is truly present with and in this eucharist, this communion, as nourishment for our love-learning journey. As with the other sacraments, an element of Earth, is utilized to bring a tangible experience of GOD.
Important Note: The death and resurrection of Christ-Jesus is not a “sacrifice” or a “sacrificial atonement” of blood to appease an angry god. I believe with the Orthodox Christian tradition, that the death and resurrection of Christ-Jesus are seen as a triumph over death, liberating humanity from the oppression of sin. In Orthodox tradition, “Sin is the failure to realize life as love and communion, the failure to be whole, healthy, complete…” (The Original Christian Gospel, 2011) with and in the image and likeness of GOD. I define “sin” as immaturity — our goal is always to learn from our mistakes, experience, and radiate love, and embrace our light with and in GOD. As humans, we forget who we are, and who we truly are as spiritual beings, having a human experience. So, Christ-Jesus died in empathy with and in our human experience to empower us to accept the wholeness, the oneness, the love, the light, and the life of GOD, and our own love, light, and life.
… Reconciliation / Forgiveness
The physical and spiritual act of giving and receiving forgiveness with and in wind/air, an element of Earth. Another mode of receiving physical and spiritual pervasion of GOD’s love, light and life. With our breath and being, we extend and receive forgiveness.
I asked chatGPT, What is “forgiveness”? [Why you may ask? Because chatGPT is the collection of words and wisdom from around the world. I wanted to get a consensus on what “forgiveness” may mean, so I utilized this tool.]
Forgiveness is a conscious and deliberate act of letting go of feelings of resentment, anger, and the desire for revenge towards someone who has wronged or hurt you. It involves releasing negative emotions and choosing to replace them with understanding, empathy, and a willingness to move forward without holding onto grudges or seeking retribution.
Forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean condoning or excusing the actions of the person who caused the harm. Instead, it's a personal process that benefits the forgiver by freeing them from the emotional burden that comes with holding onto negative feelings. It can contribute to emotional healing, personal growth, and the restoration of inner peace.
Forgiveness can take different forms, ranging from forgiving someone directly and reconciling with them, to simply releasing the emotional attachment to the hurtful event internally, without necessarily engaging with the wrongdoer. It's a complex and individual journey that may require time, reflection, and sometimes support from others, such as friends, family, or professionals.
Forgiveness doesn't always mean that relationships will be fully restored or that trust will be immediately regained. It's more about allowing oneself to move forward without being weighed down by the pain of the past. Ultimately, forgiveness is a powerful act of self-empowerment and emotional liberation that enables individuals to create a healthier and more positive emotional, mental and spiritual state.
(ChatGPT, 2023) Note: I did make some modifications.
… Anointing
The physical and spiritual act of giving and receiving of anointing with and in water, fire, wind/air, and earth, all elements of Earth. Anointing often refers to the ritual act of applying oil or other elements of Earth, to a person, object, or place as a ritual of consecration, blessing, and conveying divine presence. Another mode of receiving physical and spiritual pervasion of GOD’s love, light and life. Anointing is found in various religious traditions and can symbolize setting apart someone or something for a special purpose, invoking divine favor, or signifying a spiritual connection. Many will use anointing to heal with and in body, mind, and spirit. All Earthly elements may be used in the form of lighted candles, oils, blessed water, blessed bread, crystals, spiritual rituals like Reiki, etc…
… Blessed Union (aka Holy Matrimony)
The physical and spiritual act of joining together informed and consenting hearts (spirits), minds and bodies with and in, all elements of Earth. Another mode of receiving physical and spiritual pervasion of GOD’s love, light and life. Unions are celebrated in many different ways around the world, with different rituals and traditions that date to the beginning of human history. All Earthly elements may be used in the form of lighted candles, oils, blessed water, blessed bread, crystals, spiritual rituals like handfasting (binding of hands, binding of spirits - with twine, fabric, etc…), etc…
(Note: There are laws in many areas of the world that govern the solemnizing of the union of informed consenting individuals. These laws should be respected and honored, if they are life-giving and reflect the voice of the people. There are life-giving laws that may rightly govern the “age of consent” for the well-being of body, mind, and spirit of those seeking union with each other. There are laws that may seek to validate the level of informed consent and awareness of the consequences of these individuals' actions by requesting verbalization of informed consent through words and/or actions. However, disqualifying any union simply on the basis of: color of skin, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, age (after legal “age of consent”), financial status, or mental health status, is not life-giving and is against the law of love.)
… Blessed Calling (aka Holy Orders)
The physical and spiritual act of blessing and affirming the occupations-callings of individuals, with-and-in, fire, wind/air, and earth, all elements of Earth. Another mode of receiving physical and spiritual pervasion of GOD’s love, light and life. Billions and billions of individuals have various occupations, jobs, careers, and whatever you want to call our “calling” in love, light, and life. GOD empowers us to work for the benefit of all creation, and that work is to be celebrated, blessed and done in gratitude for the knowledge, talents and experiences we share with each other.
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