My secret fear

I live in perpetual fear that someday, at some time, a seeker of truth will come up to me and ask me, "what's the true purpose of prayers and ritual? If faith and intention are the most important things, what's the purpose of differences in physical practice?"

It's a tricky question. The essence of the question is asking what is the true purpose of physical expression, or does physical expression have a true purpose when dealing with mindful intention?

Prayer acts as a bridge between the physical and the esoteric. It plays a vital role in bringing our spiritual selves into our lives, yet we always talk about the intention behind the prayer being the most powerful and most important part... but what about the physical?

I mean, when I hear someone reciting their prayers and I hear obvious mistakes, I often take it upon myself to correct those mistakes, because in this way I help that person... right?

but, if the intention is the most important part of the prayer... then why correct it? Why worry about the physical manifestation? Why does it matter if a person does not raise their hands when asking God for something? Why does it matter if an individual recite their prayers correctly?

Obviously, it doesn't matter THAT much... obviously the intention is the most important part of it... but does that mean that the physical aspects are unimportant? Does that mean that we should allow mistakes to creep into our practices... In fact, why even cling to the practices of the past? We are praying by intention now! In fact, why even differentiate religions? As long as we agree on basics, let's just lump everyone together!!!

There are some problems with this train of thought... Prayers and their physical expressions are important towards not only expressing the spiritual, but also to establishing a spiritual identity. This does not mean that any particular identity is superior to another, far from it, but the essence of the physical action works towards creating a sense of self within a religious whole. When I pray to God, I do so surrounded by others in a chorus, a litany. Be it silent or loud. That sense of community is a part of being closer to God, because through this community God's presence is felt in our daily lives. The physical actions that accompany any prayer are essential and cannot be ignored, they are important. How we say our prayers, how we hold our hands... Although these things should never be a source of conflict amongst people, nonetheless, they hold weight in our collective consciousness, and so they should. Whether we greet each other in a unique manner, or commune with God in differing ways, "prayers" and rituals in this manner serve a greater purpose. They let you be you, while belonging...

Maybe that's what I'll say when my greatest fear is realized?

The Art of Conversation

I had a very odd conversation today. I was speaking to a Psychiatrist (there is an unjustified taboo against that phrase but just to clarify, it was to ask for help with a volunteering project), and I had this strange sense that our conversation was odd. I felt awkward and couldn't figure out why as I'm usually confident in most conversations. Maybe he didn't want to talk to me? Maybe he was sending out vibes regarding not being interested in the volunteer opportunity? Maybe... Then it hit me.

It felt awkward and odd because this other member of the conversation was intently listening to everything I was saying. He was completely silent while I was speaking, I didn't feel any sense of being... rushed...

After the conversation, my first thoughts went to why it was so awkward, what had he done, or what was he trying to tell me through silent language? That made me think, was it really a message or was I the one who handled the conversation the "wrong" way?

Looking back at other conversations I've participated in, it seems as though oftentimes everyone is anxiously trying to state their opinion as quickly as possible... often we miss opportunities to communicate and to listen. Thinking back on that makes me a bit sad. Just reflecting on this "awkward" conversation led me to learn so much. How much would I have learned in my life if I was a much better listener?

We only live for a short period of time, and maybe that's what gives us such a sense of urgency in our lives. We need to do everything we can... right? Or rather, is it more important to do everything we should do and must do, and do it with a sense of intention? I don't know exactly which way is the right way, but I feel as though doing a few things with intention and with love would lead to more satisfaction in our lives and our societies. Maybe if we all just took a moment to breathe and listen we would hear more. Maybe that's one of the many paths we can take to God. To listen to each other.

What do you say? Please allow me to listen.