Some Thoughts on Spiritual Balance

Do a search on Google and you end up not only with lots of results but also lots of temptations to pursue fascinating paths that divert you from your original inquiry. Yet, when it comes to diversion, searches relating to spirituality lead to some pretty intriguing results, not the least of which is the proposition that Google is God.

I can only imagine that The Church of Google is simply an original and clever parody. Still, a more sobering piece by Thomas L. Friedman, author of The World is Flat, makes a similar comparison between Google and God. At some basic level, these comparisons do touch on our human craving for meaning and connectedness, as well as a desire to experience a relationship with a higher, all knowing power.

Seeking something greater than ourselves is a spiritual quest that often produces a sense of awe and reverence. And while Google is a fun tool in our quest for knowledge, it can’t compare with the wonder of a star-filled sky, a majestic natural view, or the arrival of a new life.

With spirituality such an intrinsic human quality, it pays to keep a sense of balance about it. While one side of your spiritual life may be practicing a religion that provides an established belief system, the other side of your spiritual life can be balanced with a variety of individual and group activities that support inner peace and a sense of connectedness; such activities include: good works, prayer, contemplation, meditation, clarification of life meaning, and community building. 

The value of balance is that it is the best protection against what psychologist and retirement expert Dr. Richard Johnson, calls “meaning deprivation." As well, it breaths love and light into your spiritual experience. And after all, love and light can make you shine for yourself and for others.

Own your spiritual life … and shine!

Contact me if you are at mid-life and want to assess your personal life balance and create a plan for a more balanced life.