This is part of a thread on Columbus Underground
Generally, the capacity of the human brain for data collection, and perhaps synthesis as well, is such that the sum of the emotional, cognitive, and sensory info is too big to fit into our sense of selfhood at any given point in our lives.
Seems that’s where ‘spirituality’ is applicable. Via specific activities–whether of practical and/or symbolic value ( the latter being rituals)—or via general approaches to living that seem ‘spiritual,’ we become more in touch with the totality of our minds.
With a ‘spiritual’ perspective, we’re more aware of, and better able to access the mental trove that results from the biochemical marvel arising from all the temporary molecules and borrowed atoms in our heads.
For my own use, though not in every day conversation with others, especially strangers, prefer ‘totality of being’ over ‘spiritual.’ To compare notes with others, this also pertains to how I no longer think of ‘having a relationship with God’ but instead seek to bring into awareness a greater portion of my brain’s mental phenomena.
Because of the apparent vastness of each of our minds, which even in childhood is too big to fit into our day to day sense of self, seems not surprising humans have imagined gods, devils, good and evil spirits and other ways to account for the sense there is something more within our minds than just ourselves.
Indeed there is something more in our minds than ourselves, but suggest it’s the vastness of ‘data’ our brains produce, and not the will of God or something otherwise supernatural. This would explain why prayer ‘works’ for many people, regardless of whether a divine being is actually interacting with them.
Leave a Reply