Mental images – Are we responsible for them?

mental images

By Stephen Russell-Lacy Emanuel Swedenborg was an 18th-century Christian mystic. He has something to say about the origin of our mental images. He claimed he could converse with people occupying, what for most of us is usually, a hidden spirit realm. This he termed the ‘spiritual world’. He said this communication took place in full … Continue reading Mental images – Are we responsible for them?

Inner path – Just one universal journey?

inner path

By Stephen Russell-Lacy. Many people find that their religion both guides and strengthens their lives. Prayer, ritual and faith for them are crucial components of their journey. Others speak of a non-religious inner path to meaning and happiness. Universal spiritual ideas Professor of psychiatry, philosophy and anthropology, Roger Walsh has observed a common way of … Continue reading Inner path – Just one universal journey?

Inner growth – What changes in us?

inner growth

Many writers recommend practical ways we can improve our inner growth. They might mention for example some martial arts, yoga, meditation, fasting, ceremony and ritual, or prayer. They often refer to a process of inner awakening of awareness that goes beyond ordinary existence and insight into universal truths. It means going beyond the mind and … Continue reading Inner growth – What changes in us?

Plant growth – A lesson in spirituality?

plant

My wife and I have recently taken on an organic allotment plot to try our hand at vegetable and fruit growing. From what I have so far learned, I have been wondering whether plant growth might have something to teach us about the human side of life. What might be the deeper lessons in nature … Continue reading Plant growth – A lesson in spirituality?

Reincarnation or Spirit Survival?

reincarnation

Most of us don’t want our bodily death to be the end. Perhaps this is why in recent decades, many Europeans and North Americans have developed an interest in reincarnation. Contemporary films, books, and popular songs frequently mention reincarnation. This belief gives us hope that life continues beyond the grave. Reincarnation is very different from … Continue reading Reincarnation or Spirit Survival?

Self-Centered Behaviour – Can I Change?

self-centered

Seeing yourself as others see you can be disquieting. Your friends and relatives, who know you reasonably well, sometimes react badly when you have a negative impact on them. Like when, without realising it, you happen to act in a self-centered way. Taking more than one’s share of food and drink, telling someone else’s story … Continue reading Self-Centered Behaviour – Can I Change?

I can’t help how I feel — can I?

How I feel

Do you ever say to yourself  “I can’t help how I feel.” Part of the humour of the long running radio show Just a Minute is the mocking of its chairman Nicholas Parsons. When panellist Graham Norton was given the topic ‘Freudian slips’ he talked about ‘man love’ revealing his ‘gruntaffilic attraction to Parsons’ and … Continue reading I can’t help how I feel — can I?

How can I swallow the bitter pills of life?

Bitter pills of life

People who moan about the bitter pills of life can get you down. For instance I don’t like Lawrence. He is the sort of individual who you may also know. Someone who comes across as a bit of a moaner and much to my embarrassment is not slow to criticise even his own children behind … Continue reading How can I swallow the bitter pills of life?

Cruelty – What is its source?

Cruelty

Cruelty is seen at the cinema and on the television. We read about it in newspapers. There is probably an element of cruelty in your self which you have no wish to have Although you may not always recognise this cruelty in yourself, you probably do notice many forms of the shadowy side of human … Continue reading Cruelty – What is its source?

In a rut? Is life a slog? Time for inner change.

in a rut

Are you finding the going a bit hard these days? Dissatisfied with life without knowing why? In a rut? “Where does discontent start? You are warm enough, but you shiver. You are fed, yet hunger gnaws you. You have been loved, but your yearning wanders in new fields” (John Steinbeck) Reasons for feeling in a … Continue reading In a rut? Is life a slog? Time for inner change.