Family & Community
abracad, · Categories: externally authored, spiritualityBy Dr. Stewart Bitkoff
Q:    Speak to me of family. Spiritually what is the significance of this grouping?
Each is a member of two families: their birth/marriage family and the larger, human family. In both, meaningful membership and participation is essential to balanced living. Each person must feel they are loved and protected, and have the opportunity to express, without fear, who they are. Each is a unique soul and has something to contribute and learn.
In a family there is a connection, love and bonding. This connection occurs of many levels: it may be biological, emotional and spiritual.
Spiritually, the members of a birth/marriage family have entered the earth phase together to learn from each other. On an inner level, their souls are connected. Sometimes the lessons are painful and other times joyous. This connection extends beyond time and space.
Similarly humanity is one family. We have all come from the same source (God) and one day will return home after experiencing the many worlds.
Spiritually each person is connected and humanity, gradually, will awaken to this elemental truth. When this occurs, the world will be much different.
Families and communities are encouraged to worship together. This communal practice is advocated for more than social and emotional reasons. Spiritually, when souls focus together, the spiritual energy that is produced is life giving, integrating and transcendent. Often this communal energy exceeds and is different than what can be experienced as an individual.
In those moments, it is possible to spiritually know and experience the reason for existence. When the soul, spiritually, is at peace with the Source there are no questions, only answers. Those moments are transcendent, become the basis and alter the direction of a life.
On the spiritual path, there is another family. This is the family of believers. Souls come together to support each other in the work and make spiritual progress that can only be accomplished in harmonious groups.
This experience of group energy, working toward a common goal and accomplishment is similar in other endeavors as well. Sometimes those who work together in a vocational setting become so close they characterize their experience as a special and familial one. Also sports team members, who work and accomplish success, describe a special energy and bonding.
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How does one learn? We are taught by parents, by school, by religion and our community. This is how we learn to make choices. Usually we choose based upon what we are taught to see and feel.
How do we break free of this patterned existence? Why do we want freedom?
Foolish one, it is our destiny to learn to see beyond the world of appearances. There is a yearning within that cannot be stilled, until, the bird of the soul soars free.
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When the house is empty
And those we love have gone,
O how the heart cries out.
Yet on a deep inner level
We are never alone or very far apart.
For even at a distance
We have within a magical capacity
To touch those we love.
By concentrating and focusing
On the love we share, in that moment,
We are again together.
Here in this place of celebration
There is no time or space
And we unite in each other’s arms.
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Parents
Traveler: Tell me of parents.
Master:Â Your mother and father
Were joined so you might be
And from your mother’s womb
You entered this world.
Mature parents only desire
That which is best for you
And from a babe
They have watered you
With their love.
Thy mother and thy father
Are to be honored
And loved
For they are part of you.
Those who have mistreated others
And deliberately injure their kin,
Harm their own souls.
If you seek the Beloved’s Court,
Only those who loved
And cherished all travelers
Shall enter within.
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None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother
What he wishes for himself.
-Mohammad
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Check-out my two books: Sufism for Western Seekers: Path of the Spiritual Traveler in Everyday Life and The Ferryman’s Dream. Both books are also in Kindle format and available on Amazon.com or local bookstore.
If you are interested in learning more about universal mysticism and Sufism, contact: drbitkoff@yahoo.com.
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Filed in: externally authored, spirituality
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