We are called to become...

Soul Communities

“How we relate to the world around us—and within us—has been completely transformed; that's the obvious part. The not-so-obvious part of this mind-blowing transformation is the spiritual price people pay for living lives that move too fast, are far more isolated than they can handle, and lack a community of people that help a person sustain his or her ethics, morals, and integrity.”

Caroline Myss (Caroline's Blog: “No Ordinary Times: What You Are Called to Become”)

As we know, traditional religions are rapidly losing ground. For most young people, who are watching their world being ripped apart by the forces of “radicalized religion” (which includes ALL religions), the religion of their forbears has lost its relevance, as well as its moral integrity. For the first time in history, a majority of people under the age of forty do not associate with any organized religion. This may be a necessary step in allowing something more meaningful and relevant (and peaceful) to evolve, but it leaves a big hole in certain areas of life—specifically that of spiritual community.

Now, life is moving so fast we can't keep up with it. Our technology has outrun our ability to receive, comprehend, and internalize. The Internet has changed everything in both good and bad ways—we know more, have almost unlimited information at our fingertips, and can learn about esoteric subjects without leaving home. We are also disconnected from our human family; from a spiritual community that knows us personally, and cares about our well being. We have not yet replaced the faith community's shepherding function—that of guiding people in making decisions that are ethical, moral and in the interest of both the individual and his/her community. Our human psyche and physiology cannot change as quickly as our technology, which accounts for much of the dizzying impression that life is speeding up and we are being left behind.

This will not be answered by getting rid of the technology—that's just not going to happen. But the effects can be mitigated by pulling together a spiritual community. We humans need people we trust to bounce our ideas off, to respond to our life questions, to support us in times of transition. We also need to function in that role for others. I think of the “Council of Elders” that native people convened, to which members of the tribe brought their questions, told their dreams, and received guidance and advice. We may be technologically savvy, but we still need that warm human “family” to feel soul connected to ourselves and others. Psychologically and spiritually, we need soul brothers and sisters who care about our lives as much as we do. Technology cannot do that for us.

Spiritual communities exist both inside and outside of religious establishments. We are now called to find one or start one, so that we can give and receive the support needed to get through these times of high-speed transformation.

                                       In the Spirit,

                                          Jane