By Stephen Russell-Lacy If we have an inner searching attitude then I’m sure a growing number of higher thoughts will come alive in daily life. In practical terms, you might help this happen by: Talking about ethical issues with people you know. Reading spiritual books including sacred writings Joining discussion groups concerned with important … Continue reading Inner searching – But how?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Contents of a talk about self-observation and spiritual presence given at Well Spring House Swedenborg Open Learning Centre 1/7/23 We have a natural tendency for mindless reactivity Jumping to conclusions Travelling to the venue where I presented this talk, I indignantly watched a driver ahead of me stall in the queue … Continue reading Self-observation and spiritual presence
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. This is the third script of a series of 6 podcasts asking how we can link ourselves with love and light. One of the great questions of life. In this episode the question arises, if love and light are seen as a transcendent feature of existence, what might be the role of … Continue reading Contemplation – Linking to transcendence?
By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Anyone can fall ill. Medical science reveals natural causes of disease such as genetic predisposition, toxic environments, and microbes. Like the rain and hail, sickness can fall on anyone. But what about factors that make us better? What causes healthy recovery, healing, and cure? Universal power of healing According to many spiritual … Continue reading Disease – What causes bodily healing?
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?
by Stephen Russell-Lacy. When on life’s path we are all likely to be blown off course by the myriad unsettling and distracting things in the world in which we live. By worries and stress to do with, for example, gaining social esteem, earning a living, keeping friends, or finding a mate. And so you may … Continue reading Spiritual practice – Which one is best?
A Buddhist makes the claim that the self does not exist. In Sanskrit this is called anâtman. In other words my notion of I or myself is an illusion. When people first hear this, they are astonished. How can anyone deny they exist? Don’t we have our own thoughts and feelings? Don’t we act in … Continue reading Buddhist idea of no self – True or not?
People often think that human beings are inherently good. And that personal development simply involves getting in touch with one’s true self. In addition, they see this true self as the potential within us all for being truly good. A life, filled with compassion, joy and peace, defines the true design of each individual. However, … Continue reading True self – How to attain it?
Ever noticed someone in your team not pulling their weight, whilst you are working hard to get the job done properly? I remember one day when my side of the family were visiting us. I was expecting my wife to do all the practical things that needed doing whilst I just sat chatting. I even … Continue reading Mary and Martha – Are they in you?
For some people, there appears to be no presence of God in the world and in their lives. No God in religious ceremony. No God in sacred writing. No God in prayer. If you cannot find God in these ways then you might wonder, ‘Can I find God in meditation?’ Meditation practice The various traditions … Continue reading Meditation – Finding God in it?