11 May Connection to Spirit and the Sacred Mystery—You’re Part of It, So Why Not Honor It?
Almost all of us feel that there is something “out there and in here” other than our normal, time-limited, material existence. While there are literally hundreds of names for what I will generically call a “Universal Life Force,” what matters is not so much how we identify it (or argue about it), but how a positive connection to something we deem to be spiritual can enhance and enrich our lives.
Sample scenario #1: Tomás is not self-identified as a religious person; however, he has deep spiritual beliefs. One day, one of his colleagues asks him why he is seemingly able to handle the stress of work without the blaming and complaining that comes from so many others. Tomás just smiles and says that work is just one way to be of service in his limited time here on the planet.
Sample scenario #2: Sally belongs to a faith-based organization that provides housing assistance. She would like to solicit contributions for their annual fundraising event, and carefully considers putting up some flyers at work and sending out an e-mail to her group. In the end, she decides to only invite those with whom she has a social relationship outside of the office.
Why will this help me at work? A greater sense of purpose, a belief in something greater than ourselves, and the ability to tap into a higher or deeper source of meaning can help us get through the workday with more grace and style.
Why is this so difficult at times? Spiritual beliefs must be carefully balanced, especially at work. Since we respect the diversity of all faiths and perspectives, we are all generally mindful about not imposing on others. And on the opposite end, we are uncomfortable when someone is trying to convert us to the way he or she believes.
Your frank self-assessment:
- When was the last time you sat down and reflected on what you truly believe? Where is there clarity versus confusion for you?
- What inherited patterns of religion, spirituality, or ritual do you still keep? Which ones have you reduced or eliminated? Are there any that are unique to you and your new family?
- What are the primary ways in which you put your beliefs into action? Where are there more opportunities?
My tips:
- Check in with your personal belief system to see what the differentiation and overlaps are between what you view as religious versus spiritual.
- Find time for quiet. While there is spirit-in-action, there is a tremendous benefit to taking some time for stillness in each day. This could be as simple as sitting quietly on a bench.
- Be spiritually humble, even though you may be unshakable in your beliefs.
Action for traction:
- Pick one practice or ritual that you know deepens your connection to spirit. Recommit to the consistency or depth of that practice.
- Take the risk—not at work!—to engage with someone who you know has very different spiritual beliefs. See what you can learn from him or her, and identify some areas of common ground.
- Write down two or three attributes of your spirituality, and then look for places in the coming week to “walk your talk” without anything resembling “preaching.
Baked-in benefits:
- You’ll feel connected to a larger sense of purpose and meaning, at work and outside of work.
- You won’t sweat the small stuff (and in almost every case, it is indeed small stuff).
- You’ll radiate genuine positive vibes to those around you.
Excerpt From: Flip Brown. “Balanced Effectiveness at Work. How to Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor without Driving Yourself Nuts.” Published by: Starr Farm Press