I think spiritual needs differ from emotional, mental, physical, relationship needs, etc. because of the relationship we have to the path itself and the higher powers and other beings we encounter there. Our needs might be things we seek and have not found (or not found enough of) or they may be the nourishing things that sustain us well, and we gratefully have them in abundance. I don't think need implies lack or loss. Rather, needs are what builds us up. Some of mine are love, healing, and wholeness. What other needs might you or I have, spiritually speaking? Enough time to meditate? Sacred objects or images to focus with? Spiritual companions to have conversations and celebrations with?
Let's talk about our needs as spiritual people. Ones that are met, and ones that have not been met. What is it like to know that you have this or that spiritual need?
I think a little self awareness goes a long way toward radical self acceptance, radical self compassion, radical self honesty, authenticity and sustainable self-care. Knowing what my needs are has led me to find ways to fill them, at times it's easy, and others it's not. Sometimes it's unconventionally, and sometimes with help from a friend. Other times, I don't even recognize my own need until someone comes along with a great opportunity for me that fills the void in a new way.
How do we get spiritual needs met when they can't be touched or seen the way food, clothing, shelter, and physical contact are?
This can take a certain amount of grace, or serendipity. It might take a bit of magic or manifestation. It may involve deeper questioning until something shifts inside to allow for the need to be met. Whatever it is that moves mountains for you, know that it's okay to ask. Sometimes the answer is no, or not yet. But give the universe or your higher power express permission to bestow blessings on you!
Do our basic needs have spiritual elements? For example do we need to pray before we eat to best benefit from food?
I think there are many ways in which people have traditionally put blessings on their food, homes, clothing, tools, vehicles, animals, and other essentials. It's customary in a lot of cases for what has become superstitious reasons it seems, however, I think if there is a relationship involved in the actions you take to purify or sanctify your needs, then there is a reciprocity that naturally forms between your guides and allies and your family and kin. Do you build relationship with the material world and the forces that support and sustain it?
Is it possible that yearning for something we lack, is an essential part of the spiritual journey?
In religious studies discourse, there is talk of the "yearning" aspect of pluralism; that most religious traditions involve a certain amount of yearning for something. Whether it is connection to a Goddess or God, or enlightenment, or a seat in Heaven, or other sacraments, relationships, and benefits, most people living religiously, at least in the Abrahamic or even the "Big 5" world traditions, have an idea of what it is they are striving toward. Not necessarily with spiritual folks... There are ideas such as non-attachment, active inaction, and being in the Now, throughout some of the Eastern and New Age paths. So maybe spiritual needs aren't universal. What do you think?
Who is responsible for meeting our various spiritual needs? the clergy? the divine? ourselves? our partners? our community of spiritual seekers?
I really do think it's a collective effort, and that we can find what we need within much of the time.
In what ways can we access the strengths of these other people while still navigating our own direction on our path?
Needs push and pull us like winds. Knowing that need and desire differ from each other, we can take just about as much as what we need from the offerings of other folks to us, without abandoning our self-control and greedily indulging. It's important to remember reciprocity, a gift for a gift, even if settled up later on, and even when no one is keeping tabs. In that way, we can all carry a lighter load and hone in on what calls to us specifically.
What else comes to mind about spiritual needs? If you 'd like to talk about your spiritual needs, I am always happy to lend an ear!
♥ Jacki