Inspirational Quotes

Spiritual Quotes

(Anmol:  Here is a guest post from my friend and great spiritual blogger Nigel Coates.  He is the author of Explore Meditation, which is simply a great site for meditation information, meditation techniques and spiritual wisdom.

If you would like to be a guest author on Master of Meditation and Yoga, please email me at anmol@anmolmehta.com).

How to Make Spiritual Friends

By

Nigel Coates

I don’t belong to a single religion or faith – but I do believe in God. My God.

I am walking briskly down my own Spiritual Path … which just happens to pass right by the smorgasbord buffet of all beliefs and possibilities.

I’m guilty of picking and choosing the things that resonate with me and leaving the rest – but I’m OK with that.

I don’t have a banner to stand under, like the Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus or Taoists do, but I do know that there are many other people just like me.

It is in our nature to ask questions and to explore the many different things that grab our interest.

What I truly believe in … continually changes as I learn. I am happily a work in progress.

No one can tell me what is right or wrong – but their opinions can provide fuel for my thoughts.

No one can hand me a single book (like the Bible or Koran) and tell me that every word in it is truth. I know they both contain many words of wisdom, but when I question their ideas I draw an understanding that is relevant to me.

But when I meet people who question my practice, my best explanation is to say that “I’m spiritual, not religious”. But that’s still a broad brush to paint myself with.

So if you can relate to any of the above – Do you ever feel lonely or isolated? Do you ever question exactly to where, or to whom do you belong?

Let me introduce you to a simple test I have been working on to help me find like-minded souls.

Smile Test to Find Like Minded Souls:

It’s called the Smile Test. (It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.)

Step 1. Walk down the street and smile at a stranger.

Step 2. Pay particular attention to whether they smile back. (If they do, move to step 3)

Step 3. Look them in the eyes and say the secret code-word … “Hello”.

Step 4. I’m still working on the exact details of this step, but it involves ad-libbing, being confident in your worth, and enjoying yourself.

I have been exploring this practice, as I have realized that the ‘feeling of belonging’ holds hands with the ‘feeling of connection’. It can be with 100 people in church, chanting in a small meditation circle, with a man waiting for the bus, or with a child at a birthday party.

Having an awareness and appreciation of your meaningful connections extends your spiritual family – and forms your supportive clan.

It all seems so simple, right? But there is a catch: The value of the connection.

I’ve dusted of the little book of ‘Mom Sayings’ to help me out.

Spiritual Inspirational Quotes:

Talk is cheap.

There is a sale on in my lunch-room at work where you can pick up an ear-full of negativity for next to nothing … (Apart from the occasional knife in the back). It’s important to note that not all bargains are good investments!

Actions speak louder than words.

Love is a verb. It’s a ‘doing’ word. Beware of those who sing the carols of Angels and keep time by tapping their pitch-fork. People who are bullies or energy vampires should be avoided. Don’t listen so much to what people say … Look for what they do and how that makes you feel.

And finally, Practice what you preach.

Meditate to create an awareness of your true beliefs – really listen to the words that pass your lips – and carefully observe how you are making your way along your own spiritual path. Are all three elements in alignment?

No one is perfect, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! (Just remember to celebrate all that you achieve, instead of berating yourself for the times you fall short).

OK, one more for you … If you’re going to talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk.

Forming a Spiritual Community:

When you are true to yourself – your energy will attract what you need. (Not always what you ‘want’ – but that’s a different topic)

When you connect with people on your path whom you respect – know that they are your spiritual brothers and sisters.

They form the clan of like-minded individuals all around the world who work in the light, celebrate goodness, and … smile at strangers.

Our unifying voice might not be as loud as the well-established religions, but when you listen with your heart you can hear us loud and clear.

Nigel Coates is the moderator of Explore Meditation, a spiritual-growth blog offering guided meditations and insights to open your awareness and help you stand fully in your own power and glory.

Subscribe to Nigel’s newsletter to receive free Guided Meditations and spiritual insights … Just for starters.

http://www.exploremeditation.com