Psychology and Spirituality Part 5

November 12, 2024

Psychology and Spirituality Part 5

Sometimes, we exclaim, “If only I had known what was coming!” But if we did know what is around the corner, we might give up on life. We’d likely be overwhelmed with our coming illnesses, losses, pain, and traumas. Though we would be delighted to know our happy events, we could not imagine overcoming our adversities. However, we do not see what’s next, so it is our decisions that radically affect our lives. According to our awareness of reality, the results of our choices teach us about ourselves, others, and the universe. Then, our consciousness increases.

We make decisions as the person we are at the time, and their outcomes help create the person we are becoming. Making decisions and navigating the world proceed from a visceral desire to fulfill our purpose. Some of us are in touch with that purpose, some are still searching for it, and others think we know it, but it may be our ego’s purpose, not the true purpose at our depths. Whether we follow our ego, soul, or the amalgamation of the two, we can transcend our less-developed selves.

Another reason it is not best we know the future is that if we did, our lives would be about anticipating and preparing for the next event, whether marvelous or tragic. This would then be our life’s purpose; it would bypass the growth process and arrest our development.

Our ego mind strategizes what we are going to do next. It uses the psychology of our mental structure. However, our souls do not depend on cognitive strategies alone. It primarily goes by inner guidance beyond thought— a combination of our divine spirit expressed through our bodies, minds, and hearts. Then, the cognitive processes are engaged to support the things about which the soul is guided.

The amalgamation of the ego and the soul is the way of wholeness.

Spiritual practice: Can you articulate your soul’s purpose? If you can, it may be rewarding to place a reminder of that purpose in your home, car, and workplace. It can be a quote, a photograph, a piece of art, or anything you associate with the “Why” of your life. If you cannot articulate your soul’s purpose, you may want to enter spiritual direction to explore that important area.

Self-inquiry: Why may it be difficult to distinguish our ego’s and soul’s purposes? How can you tell when they have the same purpose?

Dear God,

Please give me a candle of the spirit. I pray for guidance to my true purpose. I pray for your help and your companionship to fulfill it. Amen