Religion
of Kindness
“Kindness
is not a bad religion, no matter what name you use for God.”
Barbara
Brown Taylor
Abba
(father), Alpha and Omega (beginning and end), Attiya Youm (ancient of days),
Christos (anointed one), Elohim (creator), Elah and ‘ilah (Aramaic and Arabic) Thyah
(I will be), YHWH (I am), Brahma (creator), Emmanuel (God with us), Great
Spirit, Higher power. All these are names for God, and there are many, many
more. For all faithful people, everywhere, we may not call God by the same name, but the God we call by name is the same
God. Whichever name we use for God means “the divine essence of life at the
center of creation.” When something pulses with holiness, it is deeply alive
and glowing. It is numinous.
When we
are “in the zone,” so to speak, either in deep meditation or prayer, we are
numinous as well. Our auric body—the energy body that extends out from our
physical body—expands outward and glows. In that moment, we are only capable of
kindness. That state of numinosity, of being open, of connecting with the sacred,
is pure compassion. You will know it when you feel it. Most people describe it
as “blissful.” The boundaries that define you cease to exist, and your soul is
at peace with the world. In that state, you can bless but not curse, and send
out only the energy of love and healing. Regardless of your “beliefs,” whether
you are affiliated with a particular religious institution or not, your
open heart is capable of loving kindness.
If we
practice the religion of kindness, every day is a holy day, and every week is
holy week. The energy you emote is life-giving, soul-saving and healing for both you
and others. So, whatever name you go by, whichever name you use for God, practice kindness. It is sufficient in itself.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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