Higher self – How to get in touch with it?

Higher self

By Stephen Russell-Lacy Just as there is an ego so there is a higher self.  But what is it? People often think that human beings are inherently good.  And that personal development simply involves getting in touch with one’s true self.  They believe a life, filled with compassion, joy, and peace, defines the true nature of … Continue reading Higher self – How to get in touch with it?

Ego – What causes its illusions?

ego

By Stephen Russell-Lacy As we grow up, we become aware of our being a separate, self-contained individual.  This sense of ego can be a positive thing as with self-development of personal skills, or self-reflection on inner feelings.  The trouble is there is a risk that self-occupied thoughts can also lead us to: Seeing things from … Continue reading Ego – What causes its illusions?

Non-striving in mindfulness – A paradox?

non-striving

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. According to mindfulness meditation we should adopt the outlook of ‘non-striving’ to deal with stress. But how can non-striving be a goal if we are encouraged not to strive for it? Stress and non-striving A part of my body might feel uncomfortable. For example churning in the stomach, a tense forehead, or … Continue reading Non-striving in mindfulness – A paradox?

Meaning of Life – What do we live for?

meaning of life

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. This question about the meaning of life might strike you first of all as a bit silly. After all, the world is just what it is. ‘We live and then we die. When we’re dead, we’re dead.’ I might be fascinated by what things go on in my life, but not see … Continue reading Meaning of Life – What do we live for?

Team spirit – What causes it?

team spirit

By Stephen Russell-Lacy Watching the matches in the FIFA world cup, I notice that the national line-ups apparently vary as to team spirit. You might wonder why this matters. Why is team spirit important? What brings it about? And what hinders it?   Sweden’s team spirit After eliminating very good teams, Holland and Italy in … Continue reading Team spirit – What causes it?

Satisfaction – How to find and keep it?

satisfaction

Do you ever find yourself wondering “Is this all there is? This home? This partner? This job? Shouldn’t things be better?”  The popularity of the song ‘I can’t get no satisfaction’ by the Rolling Stones suggests that a certain element of impatience with life, even futility and disillusionment, is not uncommon. “I can’t get no … Continue reading Satisfaction – How to find and keep it?

Mental health – Same as spiritual health?

mental health

For over thirty years I worked as a psychological therapist in the British National Health Service. I helped patients start to manage and deal with their mental health problems. The service expected me to discharge each case as soon as possible so I could see the next patient on the long public waiting list. Following … Continue reading Mental health – Same as spiritual health?

Spiritual Mirages

consciousness

I wonder whether you have ever seen a mirage? Mirages occur in our physical world; in the desert the interface of hot and cold air creates to the eye the appearance or illusion of water. For a time the eye is misled into seeing what is not there – it is not real. Mirages can … Continue reading Spiritual Mirages

Admiration – Do you deserve it?

admiration

You have seen the young pop performers, posturing on stage, pretentious, reeking of youthful ego and full of their celebrity status. And you wonder if you could have gone up on stage yourself and done that too. Maybe not! But what about something else you do that deserves attention — great disco dancing, passing of academic tests, goal scoring on the sports field? Don’t you too deserve some admiration? Or is the meaning of life for you something very different?

Swedenborg’s ideas

For me, Swedenborg is the grandfather of today’s new spiritual consciousness. The Divine revelation he received back in the 18C is concerned with our awareness of the inner process of spiritual awakening and connecting to God. Swedenborg’s books contain a wonderland of ideas which help me to understand God, truth and the purpose of my life here.

Here are his current top 3 ideas ……