At our last Exploration Gathering we discussed the question: Is there something greater than ourselves? The conversation produced a synergy of thoughts and experiences from the group. In this post we’ll explore some of the themes that surfaced and look at what else we did in this fantastic gathering.
Something close to us, bigger than ourselves
The group consensus was that there is something greater than ourselves. At a minimum it is a higher part of ourselves that is connected to the universe in some mysterious way. Some described knowing this is true because they listen to their small, still intuitive voice. This voice, for them, comes from this higher self.
Another theme was that there is something greater that created the Universe or at least kicked-off its creation. This something (Energy, Universal Intelligence, God, etc.) lives in every creation, animals and people. We are not separated from it. The group generally rejected the idea of a “guy in the sky.” This presence was seen as much more personal and close as if it lives in us. The group shied away from the name “God” because it has the tendency to conjure up a being separate from us.
Good vs. Evil
In the course of the discussion, the subject came up: If this presence is Good, what about evil? What is that about? Rev. Jim gave his opinion and theological view on evil. If we believe that the original creator of the universe gave its creations freedom of choice or an indeterminate, evolutionary direction, then we can choose from many different paths. Some paths are beneficial to life and others are destructive. So evil is all the less constructive choices colliding with all the more constructive ones.
The Eternal Now with Alan Watts
The group watched a video featuring the voice of Alan Watts on the subject of “the eternal now.” Watts presents various theological views (particularly Eastern philosophies) in a way that is more easily comprehensible by westerners. Alan challenges us to see that we are alive only in this now moment. That life is to be experienced in the now. The past is gone, the future doesn’t exist yet. He says we spend a lot of energy regretting the past and fearing the future and we miss out of truly living.
Alan presents various Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist points of view on the subject in this fascinating short video The Eternal Now. The group highly recommends you take a look. It might just blow your mind!
Quotes
If you feel connected to something larger than yourself, you're driven by the very highest level of achievement, greater than the people around you, whether that means God, spirituality, or a set of values you live by. In short, something that will outlast and outlive you completely.
Studies have shown that those who believe in some kind of a higher power tend to be happier and less depressed and anxious than those who don’t. When you believe in a higher power—whether divine or secular—it gives you a feeling of control and a sense that life is inherently meaningful.
