From “Goddess Inspired

The Collected Writings”

• This book is a compilation of spiritual teachings, focusing on the influence of Goddess inspired spirituality and the principles of Divine Grace.
• Key themes include the exploration of happiness, the interplay between spirituality and mental wellness, and the integration of various religious philosophies into personal practice.
• The book emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, meditation, and incorporating mantras and kundalini practices to achieve enlightenment.
• The writings advocate for a non-dual perspective of spirituality, recognizing both the spiritual journey and the human experience as interconnected.
• The narrative also showcases reflections on a decade-long monastic journey in India, and a subsequent life that included challenges with mental & physical health, and a search for deeper spiritual meaning.
• The book explores the relationship between spirituality and traditional religious practices, emphasizing that true spirituality does not require external deities or places of worship.
• It argues that enlightenment is a state of acceptance, devoid ultimately of the need for spiritual “distractions”, because human nature is viewed as inherently divine.
• Key points include the examination of the concept of divinity, karma, and how societal conditioning can distort spiritual paths.
• The role of spiritual guides or gurus is highlighted, emphasizing that their purpose is to reflect divine nature back to practitioners, rather than serve as objects of worship.
• Advocacy for practical spirituality that combines daily life with spiritual practices, such as mantras and meditation, to achieve mental wellness and transcend mundane struggles.
• Genuine satisfaction comes from aligning with one’s divine essence, challenging the notion that happiness is found through material means or external validation.

Theme of Spirituality: True spiritual practice does not rely on an external God or religious structures, but is an inner pursuit of truth and self-awareness.

Path to Truth: It’s important to discern the obstacles in spiritual journeys, with a critical examination of devotional paths. Abandon dogma and fundamentalism!

Mental Health Intersection: The connection between spirituality and mental health is deep. Conventional religions can at times even exacerbate mental health issues or conversely promote well-being. Modern therapeutic practices also promote well-being, (with a good guide or counsellor). I believe this is especially true when guided by spiritual components.

• Multi-Faith Acceptance: I promote a multi-faith approach, encouraging individuals to take what resonates with them and discard the rest, advocating for personal truth over imposed beliefs.
• Practical Enlightenment:  I promote a “Practical Enlightenment” that supersedes “general enlightenment” by highlighting the importance of surrender, personal responsibility, and recognizing one’s Divine nature as a path to achieving inner peace and purpose. I present the insights gained from my spiritual journey and philosophy regarding the application of spiritual principles to everyday life. I argue that a practical approach to enlightenment embraces both human experiences and divinity.

Topics

Mantras, Kundalini, Shakti

Amalgamating all these components is a significance Practice goal, Find how they relate to spiritual practice and mental wellness. I assert that the repetition of mantras purifies the mind and facilitates spiritual growth.

Goddess Inspired Spirituality

The essence of spirituality is in in tune with a higher consciousness, but also there is the issue of accepting one’s own consciousness. This is one view about one’s own Divinity – which may be hard to accept. The universal presence of the Goddess, (n all religions), facilitates this higher level of self-awareness/mindfulness. Personal experience with various spiritual philosophies/religions can play a role in leading a fulfilling life. (So it’s still personal choice where pathway/Deity is concerned).

The Gunas – What is Happening?

Some more terminology!

The three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) in nature are the qualities of nature, that influence human behavior and spirituality totally. It’s important to be of aware of these qualities and their impact on one’s spiritual practice and mental wellness. Sattva is Pure activity/quality. Rajas is Pleasure Focus activity/quality. Tamas  isDark/Deluded activity/quality

Divine Grace!

What is the concept of Divine Grace?  My view is that Grace is essential on the spiritual path but requires the insight that surrendering the ego leads to receiving grace. There is a balance between self-effort and grace in achieving spiritual breakthroughs.

Spirituality and Mental Wellness

A major connection is that of spirituality with mental health. There is a significant impact of spiritual practices like mantra repetition on psychological well-being. I advocate for the integration of spirituality in mental health treatment and emphasizing the healing power of connection with the Divine. (Outer and inner). While spirituality can be expressed through religious practices, it can also exist independently, focusing more on personal beliefs and individual experiences rather than institutional doctrines.

Life and the Universe

This is my term for all life’s complexities, and acknowledge the existence of suffering as a pathway/means to understanding and transcending worldly limitations. Spiritual awakening can lead to insights transcending personal struggles.

Spiritual Responsibility: Taking ownership of one’s spiritual path involves integrating everyday experiences with spiritual practices, recognizing that personal choices shape one’s destiny.

Can someone be spiritual without belonging to a religion?

Yes, spirituality is a personal experience that can exist outside traditional religious frameworks and can be tailored to individual beliefs and practices.