World Spirituality

The Circle of Life

Everywhere you look in the Universe, you will find circles. From the almighty Sun, the Moon, our wonderful Earth, to the movement of energy and the creation of nests. It’s little wonder then, why many spiritual people see the evolution of life as a continual cycle. At this location, we look at how our spirituality could play a leading role in our community becoming sustainable. Let’s investigate!

P.83

LAW OF ONE: ONE WORLD, ONE PEOPLE - WE ARE ALL CONNECTED

To create a sustainable, healthy future for all, we have to respect and appreciate the sacred balance of all life on this planet, where ach and every part is connected to the whole. As the Argentinean writer Alejandro Lerner observed: "we are all one. Birds, plants, animals, minerals — we are all different manifestations of the same essential energy. Our way ahead, our searches and dreams are the molecular expression of the life experience of everything that makes up our planet. By caring for it, we will help each other to grow".

Native peoples the world over have lived by the principle of ‘the Unity of All’ and recognize the connections that are at the core of our existence on earth. We must be careful in our march of progress that we do not separate, cut up, parcel out and destroy the fragile web of life. Therefore, how do we evolve our way of thinking and acting inorder to live harmoniously with our planet Earth? What can we do? It starts with feeling good about yourself and sending positive thoughts towards all around you. See the wonders that exist in life and remember that you’re part of that wonder! A wonderful superstar!

Did You Know?

What is Spirituality

Spirituality is a connection and honouring of the oneness and inter-connectiveness of all life.

WHAT IS SPIRIT?

Spirit is energy and spirit holds an inter-dimensional passport to all levels of existence. Your spirit is with you during the day and your spirit flys with you as you dream at night. Spirit is who we are and spirit is what we are. Many cultures on Earth see our lives as the sum of all lives that we have lived before. This is called reincarnation and it’s important because life and spirit

are seen as a journey and a continual movement of growth and learning.

Freedom of Choice

It is important that all people have freedom to choose what works for them. This is said to be religious or spiritual freedom. This is why the Golden Rule is so important to respect (see page 84 for the Golden Rule).

P 84

Non - Violence

Imagine Peace

It's Easy if you Try

To build a sustainable future is to build a future of peace. We have to put aside our differences and focus on our humanity. Non-violence is more powerful than all the armaments in the world. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.”

Mohandas Gandhi (Spiritual Guru)

Native American

10 Commandments

The Earth is our Mother

care for her...

Honour all your relations...

Open your heart and soul

to the Great Spirit...

All life is sacred

treat all things with respect...

Take from the Earth what is needed

and nothing more...

Do what needs to be done

for the good of all...

Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit

for each new day...

Speak the truth

but only of the good of others..

Follow the rhythms of nature

rise and retire with the sun...

Enjoy life’s journey

but leave no tracks...

P 85

QUIZ 18: SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality reflects our relationship to all things around us and within us. To become sustainable, we have to learn to appreciate the delicate connections which keeps life balanced. The Native American Indians said, ‘that we must first walk a mile in anothers moccasins if we wish to understand them.’ Now, it’s time for the next quiz! Remember, most of the answers can be found in the previous section but some questions may require you to dig deeper. So, consider the internet, go to the library or ask a friend. Peace be with you!

1. What is spirituality?

2. In the age of climate change, why is spirituality so important?

3. Name 3 of the 10 Native American Commandments?

4. What is the Golden Rule?

5. Give an example of the Golden Rule in your own life: i.e. when you have helped someone?

6. Why is it important to look after your body, mind and spirit?

7. Why is relaxation so important?

8. List 3 ways to best achieve relaxation?

9. Despite the many differences on planet Earth, do you think everyone has the same needs?

10. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

11. List 3 different cultures who you believe display a spiritual

connection to the natural world.

QUICK QUIZ

How to Play: Connect the Questions

to One of the 3 Answers provided:

Questions:

I look like a shiny black rock.

I am a fossil fuel that is buried underground.

I am often transported by river barges.

I can pollute the air when I am burned to make

electricity.

Answers:

COAL - SOLAR ENERGY - PLASTIC

Questions:

I am used on farms and in backyard grills.

I am portable and can be shipped in tanks and

bottles.

I am a fossil fuel that is buried underground.

I am clean burning.