Spirituality Is ...
Spirituality is a broad concept that encompasses values, meaning
and purpose. It speaks to how one turns inward to the human traits of integrity,
love, wisdom, imagination, and compassion. Spirituality encompasses the existence
of a higher intelligence, guiding spirit, or mystical transcendence. It embraces
a flowing, dynamic balance that supports and creates the healing of body-mind-spirit.
Spirituality and religion are not the same. Though religion may
have spiritual qualities and features, spirituality is more expansive. Certainly
organized religion supports the spiritual life of millions of people, but it is
not a religious spirituality that we concentrate on in APH. For example, most,
but not all, religions have rules and dogmas, and APH is most resourceful when
we remove limiting dogmas, rules, sins, and dualistic concepts of good and evil.
APH operates from a simple foundation of open-minded respect for self and other.
If we first respect ourselves, and consciously make it our intention to respect
others, we are on firm healing ground for all.
A definition of spirituality that resonates with APH comes from
a priest and author named Fr. Leo Booth who calls it, "creative positivism." He says
that through acting enthusiastic, creative and positive, you are spirituality
in action. It is our intention to bring this kind of joyful inspired spirit to
our healing.
Spirituality in Authentic Process Healing
Spirituality is a central component of Authentic Process Healing
work, perhaps the most essential, and no matter how full a definition we give
it, people will still struggle with it. This is a good thing. APH is not only
about the question of growth, but about staying open to the question which keeps
growing. The more we know, the more we become aware of all we do not know. The
vastness of unknowing becomes our friend and companion; our source of strength
and resilience. And mysteries unravel only to present greater and richer mysteries.
"Spiritual Emergence"
What is to give light must endure burning.
- Viktor Frankl
In Authentic Process Healing we view suffering, particularly
of a significant nature, as a spiritual emergency. We agree with the authors and
researchers Stanislav and Christina Grof that suffering signals the threshold
of a crisis stage in the struggle for personal transformation. APH supports transformation
in ways that help relieve suffering created from unconsciously resisting an evolutionary
process. When the Grofs coined the term "spiritual emergency" they highlighted
both the danger and the opportunity that spiritual awakening holds for us. If
we do not know what is unfolding through us, fear often drives us to hold on to
the familiar. And though awakening spiritually may feel like a crisis, every inch
of the evolutionary path is fertile ground for transformative growth. In APH we
respect the tremendous power of "spiritual emergencies" in helping us "emerge"
from our small dark cocoons of fear into the brighter world of holistic reality.
The "spirit" of spirituality keeps our essential nature strong,
even and especially through hard times. In trauma healing work we call this resilience.
It means building up and nurturing growth in that innermost part of our being.
Some perceive our spirit to be our "soul," our "Buddha Nature" or "Christ Nature."
Some say it is our "heart." It may be seen as our attitude, our joyfulness, or our
enthusiasm for working with each other. Some know it as our conscience, our
illuminated higher mind. As we look for greater sources of inspiration and happiness
on the road to complete recovery, all of these possibilities are available to
us.
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