There are wonderful books written on Spirituality, and some not-so-wonderful. Yet each reaches its appropriate audience. A great teacher once told me, “The Truth doesn’t care how it’s packaged,” and I can say I’ve gained value from every package of Truth I unwrapped — some more than others. Yet despite all the evidence, there’s still a little voice in the back of my mind that whispers, “Aw c’mon. You don’t really believe this stuff, do you?”
This column is for all who, with ten minutes or ten decades of experience with Spiritual teaching, still have that little glimmer of doubt. I assure you, if you absorb this column month after month, you may still have that little glimmer but it might not be quite as bright.
Sometimes different words and a different points of view can create a “Wow!” that’s been waiting to burst out. Perspective stimulates understanding, and often a different viewpoint can be the perfect bridge to applied Spirituality.
When I state (and I will) my theory of the purpose of life, it is not a position I’ll defend to the death – but it’ll sure make living more fun. I also think it’s worthwhile to enjoy the humor of life, so we approach it with a chuckle.
Belief Systems
“A belief system is just a thought you keep thinking,” says Abraham-Hicks. From militant Atheism to the strictest Fundamentalism; from radical vegan to raving carnivore; from Socialist to Libertarian, we are run by our belief systems. They influence everything from sex, religion and politics to life itself, before, during, and after.
With all the conflicting belief systems in the world, how can we tell which ones work? Here’s the big secret. They all do.
Indeed, every belief creates its corresponding circumstance. The more restrictive our beliefs, the more restricted our lives. For purpose of instructive abbreviation, I will use the initials B.S. for Belief System throughout.
If my B.S. says, “Life is difficult,” I struggle without satisfaction.
If my B.S. says, “I’m a guilty sinner,” I live in wretchedness and remorse.
If my B.S. says, “Poverty is a virtue,” I spend a lot of time broke.
If my B.S. says, “There’s not enough,” I never stop looking for more.
If my B.S. says, “It’s cold and flu season,” I know just when to sneeze.
If my B.S. says, “I’m born to suffer,” my happiness comes with guilt.
If my B.S. says, “I’ll never love again,” I create my own loneliness.
If my B.S. says, “I’m not worthy,” I live life as a loser.
Are you getting the instructive part of the abbreviation?
Suppose instead:
My B.S. says, “Life is easy,” I might not kill myself working.
My B.S. says, “Not Guilty,” I could live in innocence.
My B.S. says, “It’s good to be rich,” it would be OK to make lots of money.
My B.S. says, “Life is abundant,” I’d reap the bounty.
My B.S. says, “Joy is my birthright,” I wouldn’t need misery.
My B.S. says, “Perfect health is natural,” I’d swallow fewer pills.
My B.S. says, “Love is all around,” I’d live in ecstasy.
My B.S. says, “I deserve the best,” I’d enjoy it more.
Some B.S.es are better than others, but they’re still B.S.
You may argue this point. You may say, “I believe in prosperity, but I’m still broke.” Or, “I went to a relationship seminar, but I’m still a jerk.” Or, “I eat the right foods and do healthy stuff, but I’m still sick.” If you want a clue as to why such beliefs aren’t working, remember the quote at the beginning of this section: “A belief system is just a thought you keep thinking.”
Each of the first group of statements gets negated before it’s even spoken. Five minutes of affirmation might not be enough to counter 23 hours and 55 minutes of the opposite belief.
What I’ll offer each month is more B.S. — another way to picture life and the Universe that makes sense or not, depending upon your B.S. If your B.S. is B.S., what have you got to lose by living with THIS B.S.?
It’s all B.S. anyhow, so you might as well have fun with it.
Yet it doesn’t take any B.S. to scratch my nose. It itches, I scratch. That’s how it works. That’s how the Universe works, too … no matter what your B.S.
And now I’d like to invite you to explore a unique B.S. at www.spiritwithasmile.com. There you can open doors to a new world of answers to such questions as, “What is the meaning of life?” “Is there a God?” and “Who the hell are you?”
