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Kashf

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Kashf (Arabic: كشف) "unveiling" is a Sufi concept dealing with knowledge of the heart rather than of the intellect. 

Kashf describes the state of experiencing a personal divine revelation after ascending through spiritual struggles, and uncovering the heart (a spiritual faculty) in order to allow divine truths to pour into it.

Kashf(아랍어: كشف) "발표"는 지성이 아닌 마음의 지식을 다루는 수피 개념입니다. Kashf는 영적 투쟁을 통해 상승한 후 개인적인 신성한 계시를 경험하고 신성한 진리가 마음에 쏟아질 수 있도록 마음(영적 기능)을 드러내는 상태를 설명합니다.

 Kashf is etymologically related to mukashafa “disclosure”/ “divine irradiation of the essence”,^[1] which connotes "gain[ing] familiarity with things unseen behind the veils".^[2] For those who have purified their hearts, and who come to know the Divine Names and Attributes to the fullest of their individual capacities, the veils in front of the purely spiritual realms are opened slightly, and they begin to gain familiarity with the unseen. In Sufism, an even further revelatory capacity exists by which the Divine mysteries become readily apparent to the seeker through the light of knowledge of God. This is called tajalli "manifestation".^[3]

Veil References in Islamic Literature[edit]

Two passages in the Qur'an serve as the most solid basis for elaboration on the Sufi concept of kashf:

• [50.22] ‘Thou wast heedless of this; therefore We have now removed from thee thy covering [veil], and so thy sight today is piercing.’
• [53.57-58] The Immanent is immanent; apart from God none can disclose [remove] it.^[4]

The verb “kashafa,” but never the noun “kashf” occurs in the Qur'an a variety of times in the sense of either “to uncover” (a part of the body) or “to take away” (misfortune, danger).^[1]

Hadith of the Veils

One hadith holds particular significance for the concept of kashf:

إن بين الله عز وجل وبين الخلق سبعين ألف حجاب وأقرب الخلق إلى الله عز وجل جبريل وميكائيل ، وإسرافيل ، وإن بينهم وبينه أربع حجب : حجاب من نار ، وحجاب من ظلمة ، وحجاب من غمام ، وحجاب من الماء.

Between God, mighty and sublime, and creation are 70,000 veils. The nearest of creatures to God, mighty and sublime, are Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael, and between them and Him are four veils: a veil of fire, a veil of darkness, a veil of cloud, and a veil of water.^[5]

This Hadith is quoted somewhat differently by Ibn Majah as follows:

God has seventy thousand veils of light and darkness; if He were to remove them, the radiant splendors of His Face would burn up whoever (or ‘whatever creature’) was reached by His Gaze.^[6]

It is said that Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin to the Prophet Muhammad, prayed a prayer that included this excerpt during the month of Sha'baan:

My Lord, grant me complete severance of my relations with everything else and total submission to You. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts with the light of their looking at You to the extent that they penetrate the veils of light and reach the Source of Grandeur, and let our souls get suspended by the glory of Your sanctity.^[7]

Sufi Scholars on Kashf[edit]

Al-Kushayri expands on al-Kalabadhi’s proposal that tajalli (manifestation) of “the essence” of the Divine is called mukashafa. He then illustrates three stages in progression towards understanding the Real:

1. Muhadara—getting oneself into position vis-à-vis the objective sought. The objective remains veiled at this stage. This stage presupposes the presence of the heart, but relies on transmission of proof through the intellect (i.e. understanding God through his miraculous signs).
2. Mukashafa—lifting of the veil. Here reasoning (of the intellect) gives way to evident proof (through intuition). One directly encounters the Attributes of God. Yet, this stage is still considered an intermediary stage.
3. Mushahada—direct vision. This stage indicates an immediate encounter with The Real, without the intellect OR the intuition acting as an intermediary. This is direct experience of the Divine Essence.^[1]

Al-Ghazali—This Sufi scholar discusses the concept of kashf, not purely in its mystical sense, but also with respect to theology in general. In conjunction with Al-Kushayri, Al-Ghazali links kashf with intuition. For Al-Ghazali, mukashafa has a dual sense:

1. It indicates an inner state of purification, which is subjective and brought about by “unveiling” or kashf.
2. It describes the objective truths that are revealed through the “unveiling”/kashf.

Since, for Al-Ghazali, kashf is linked to intuition, he describes mukashafa as the certain knowledge of the unseen discovered by the “science of the saints”.^[1] Thus, kashf is considered “a light,” that is freely bestowed upon the purified worshipper through the grace of God, yet also yields sure intuitive knowledge for the worshipper upon whom it is bestowed.

Ibn Arabi—This Sufi mystic indicates the necessity for “divine unveiling” (kashf) as the means by which to understand the universality of the reality of realities (i.e. the universality of God's oneness). In fana (self-annihilation), the individual ego passes away and divine self-manifestation occurs. This self-manifestation is eternal (as it comes from God), but it must be continually reenacted by the human in time. Therefore, the human becomes a pure receptor required for pure consciousness to be realized. The human is a sort of barzakh or intermediary between divinity and elementality, between spirit and matter, and open to the experience of kashf.^[8]

Ali Hujwiri—The author of the Persian Sufi text Kashf ul Mahjoob (Revelation of the Veiled) Hujwiri argues, along with Al-Kushayri that very few real Sufis exist anymore in his time; rather, there are a large number of “false pretenders” which he calls mustaswif—“the would-be Sufi”. In his text, Hujwiri describes the “veils which should be lifted” in order to purify one's heart and really pursue Sufism. Hujwiri argues for the importance of “morals” over “formal practice” in Sufism.^[9] He was the first to directly address the problematic diversity in Muslim belief during his time. In Kashf ul Mahjoob, he describes various Sufi approaches to theoretical ideas, linking them to particular key Sufi figures.^[10]

Kashf and Shi’ism[edit]

In Shi’ism, the spiritual experience of kashf is treated as a theological rather than purely mystical dimension.

Imamis—Sayyid Haydar Amuli distinguishes three kinds of knowledge: 1) by the intellect, 2) by transmission, 3) by kashf—this is the only form of knowledge that leads to true understanding of Reality

Amuli additionally distinguishes between two kinds of kashf:

1. kashf suwari—divine manifestations reach the senses of sight and hearing
2. 'kashf ma’nawi—spiritual encounter, such as the disclosure indicated by mukashafa

Ismalis—these followers of Shi’ism put emphasis on kashf in a double sense as both a Gnostic and cosmic “state.” The Ismalis define “cycles of metahistory”^[1] which alternate between phases of “unveiling” (dawr-al-kashf) and “occultation” (dawr-al-satr).

Controversy in the Muslim World[edit]

The concept of kashf remains controversial in the Muslim world because it indicates the ability to “know” the unknowable. According to the Qur'an, Muslims are required to believe in the unseen (namely Allah), but knowledge of the unseen is a power that should belong solely to God. But it does not contradict the Qur'an because only God has knowledge of the unseen and if someone else other than God has that knowledge, then it's only because it was given to them by God.

Sufis further would argue that “the only guide to God is God Himself”.^[11] They do believe that every genuine worshipper has the capability to experience unveiling (personal revelation), but that this personal revelation occurs by the grace of God. Some say, if a worshipper fails to experience unveiling, "it indicates that that person is pursuing Sufism for a reason other than the love of God alone." Ibn ‘Arabi calls this "inner receptivity"^[12] to the manifestation (tajalli) of the divine mysteries, the essence of which is mukashafa.

Peripatetic Scholars vs. Sufis[edit]

Peripatetic scholars such as Avicenna, al-Kindi, and al-Farabi argue that the intellect unaided by divine unveiling (kashf) is sufficient in order for man to attain ultimate truth.

Sufis such as Bayazid Bastami, Rumi, and Ibn al-Arabi, contrarily argue that the limited human intellect is insufficient and misleading as a means of understanding ultimate truth. This kind of understanding requires intimate, personal, direct knowledge resulting from the removal of the veils separating man from God as given to man by God himself. This is kashf.^[13]

Other Types of Kashf[edit]

The 18th century mystic Khwaja Mir Dard (d. 1785) (^[who?], relying upon the traditional terminology, classified the revelations as follows in his `Ilm al-Kitab:

• Kashf kaunī, revelation on the plane of the created things, is a result of pious actions and purifications of the lower soul; it becomes manifest in dreams and clairvoyance.
• Kashf ilāhī, divine revelation, is a fruit of constant worship and polishing of the heart; it results in the knowledge of the world of spirits and in cardiognosis ["soul-reading"] so that the mystic sees hidden things and reads hidden thoughts.
• Kashf aqlī, revelation by reason, is essentially the lowest grade of intuitive knowledge; it can be attained by polishing the moral faculties, and can be experienced by the philosophers as well.
• Kashf īmānī, revelation through faith, is the fruit of perfect faith after man has acquired proximity to the perfections of prophethood. He will be blessed by direct divine addresses — he talks with the angels, meets the spirits of the prophets, and sees the Night of Might and the blessings of the month of Ramaḍan in human form in the ālam almithāl.^[14]

References[edit]

1. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e} Gardet, L. (24 April 2012). "Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition". Kashf. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
2. ^ Gulen, M. Fethullah (2004). Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism: Emerald Hills of the Heart, Vol. 2. Somerset: The Light, Inc. p. 108.
3. ^ Gulen, M. Fethullah (2004). Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism: Emerald Hills of the Heart, Vol. 2. Somerset: The Light, Inc. p. 115.
4. ^ Trans. A.J., Arberry (1996). The Koran Interpreted. New York: Touchstone.
5. ^ Ibn al-Jawzi, Mawdu'at. Narrator Sahl ibn Sa'd al-Sa'id. Translated by Cyrus Ali Zargar. 1/166.
6. ^ Morris, James Winston (2005). The Reflective Heart: Discovering Spiritual Intelligence in 'Ibn Arabi's Meccan Illuminations. Louisville: Fons Vitae. p. 115.
7. ^ "The Invocation (Munajat) of Shabaniyah".
8. ^ Sells, Michael (1998). "Ibn Arabi's Polished Mirror: Perspective Shift and Meaning Event". Studia Islamica. 67 (67): 121–149. JSTOR 1595976.
9. ^ Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). Sufism: The Formative Period. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 101.
10. ^ Karamustafa, Ahmet T. (2007). Sufism: The Formative Period. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 103.
11. ^ Hoffman, Valerie (1995). Sufism, Mystics, and Saints in Modern Egypt. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. p. 218.
12. ^ Morris, James Winston (2005). The Reflective Heart: Discovering Spiritual Intelligence in 'Ibn Arabi's Meccan Illuminations. Louisville: Fons Vitae. p. 61.
13. ^ Chittick, William C. (1981). "Mysticism versus Philosophy in Earlier Islamic History: The Al-Tusi, Al-Qunawi Correspondence". Religious Studies. 17 (1): 87–104. doi:10.1017/S0034412500012804.
14. ^ Annemarie Schimmel, Mystical dimensions of Islam (1975), pg192

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kashf, (Arabic: “uncovering,” “revelation”), in Sufism (i.e., Islamic mysticism), 

the privileged inner knowledge that mystics acquire through personal experience and direct vision of God. 

The truths revealed through kashf cannot be transmitted to those who have not shared with them the same experience. 

The Sufis regard kashf as the alternative to ʿilm (“knowledge”), which applies systematic theology, logic, and speculative philosophy to the study of the nature of God. When the Muslim jurist and theologian al-Ghazālī (d. 1111) felt that philosophy and speculative theology had failed him, he turned wholeheartedly to Sufism, abandoning his teaching profession in the hope of finding the peace of mind that he did not find in his intellectual pursuits. 

After a period of mystical contemplation, he became certain that pure philosophical systems are contradictory and illusory and that the intellect should be used only to destroy trust in human logic. He concluded that kashf is the only means through which true and trustworthy knowledge can be attained and described it as “a light with which God floods the heart of the believer.”

Science of Spirituality (+16 Ways to Become More Spiritual)

Science of Spirituality (+16 Ways to Become More Spiritual)


Science of Spirituality (+16 Ways to Become More Spiritual)
16 Apr 2020 by Kelly Miller, BA, CAPP
Scientifically reviewed by Jo Nash, Ph.D.



When plagues hit, people turned to religion.

When war hits, people pray for and depend on one another.

When terror tries to steal life from us, we stand in solidarity and hope for the goodness of humanity.

Science is a very valuable part of humanity. However, it hasn’t yet explained it all. Stepping fully into a meaningful life requires a shift in the way we show up for ourselves and others.

Building the science of spirituality into a practice takes intention and effort. The benefits are far reaching, even if perfect scientific experimentation is somewhat elusive.

Read on to see how science and spirituality mix into what makes life meaningful and beautiful.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Mindfulness Exercises for free. These science-based, comprehensive exercises will not only help you cultivate a sense of inner peace throughout your daily life, but will also give you the tools to enhance the mindfulness of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

Defining Spirituality
Relationship Between Spirituality and Science
Science vs. Spirituality: Skeptical Take
6 Empirically Proven Benefits of Spirituality (Stress Reduction Segment)
Starting Your Own Practice
5 Tips for Your Business
5 Books on the Topic
A Take-Home Message
References


Defining Spirituality

Spirituality can be defined broadly as a sense of connection to something higher than ourselves. Many people search for meaning in their lives. The sense of transcendence experienced in spirituality is a universal experience. Some find it in monotheistic religion, while others find it in meditation.

While the understanding of spirituality differs across religions and belief systems, it can be described by finding meaning and purpose in life. Religion and spirituality are not understood in the same way, though they often overlap. Spirituality describes a much broader understanding of an individual’s connection with the transcendent aspects of life.

Seeking a meaningful connection with something bigger than yourself can result in increased positive emotions. Transcendent moments are filled with peace, awe, and contentment. Emotional and spiritual wellbeing overlap, like most aspects of wellbeing.

Self-transcendent emotions are linked to increased spirituality (Saroglou, Buxant, & Tilquin, 2008). It is hypothesized that spirituality is related to the broaden and build theory (Fredrickson, 1998, 2001). Though not all positive emotions stimulate a self-transcendent state, some increase with practices in spirituality.


Relationship Between Spirituality and Science

The relationship between spirituality and science is not necessarily contentious but has certainly had its difficulties.

Scientifically tracking emotions can be like searching for meaning in the shapes we see in the clouds. While the experience of emotions varies from person to person, the experience of transcendent emotions can be seen as more universal and is connected to spirituality.

Self-transcendent emotions connect us all through prosocial behavior (Stellar et al., 2017). Emotions like gratitude, compassion, and awe connect us all through their prosocial capacity. Transcendent emotions promote behaviors that connect human beings and stabilize prosocial connection (Haidt, 2003).

Self-transcendent emotions include:Compassion
Awe
Gratitude
Appreciation
Inspiration
Admiration
Elevation
Love

These emotions have a particular capability of bonding individuals together. They are linked with higher levels of spirituality. As self-transcendent emotions are focused on others, more meaningful, purpose-filled interactions are possible.

Many positive psychology interventions are grounded in ancient religious and spiritual teachings, which are not typically included in treatment for psychopathology. There are empirically validated interventions for the following four virtues: hope, gratitude, forgiveness, and self-compassion (Rye, Wade, Fleri, & Kidwell, 2013).

By exploring the psychological theory behind these four virtues, science and spirituality can collectively serve more people.

The psychology of hope began in the 1950s. The explanation of hope was, at that time, focused on goal attainment. In positive psychology, it has expanded to explain the process of goal attainment better.

The theory includes both pathways to goal attainment and agency. Hopeful thought reflects the belief that one can find pathways to desired goals and become motivated to use those pathways (Snyder et al., 1991). Hope, by this definition, drives the emotions and wellbeing of human beings.

Depending on one’s world view, hope interventions can help find pathways to connect with the divine and improve one’s wellbeing. It will differ by religion and one’s understanding of the role of the divine in the agency of hope. Interventions that respect the individual’s worldview will clearly be more accepted and helpful.

The psychology of gratitude is conceptualized as a higher emotion connected to morality. Gratitude has been described in science as a prosocial moral emotion that is useful for two key reasons:

a) It functions as a moral barometer because it indicates when an interpersonal interaction is perceived as beneficial.

b) It reminds us that our power is limited (McCullough & Tsang, 2004).

The benefits of the practice of gratitude are far reaching, regardless of religious ideation.

The psychology of forgiveness has various definitions. The broadest definition is an adaptive human instinct activated in certain social situations (McCullough, 2008). By this definition, forgiveness does not require a future relationship with someone who has wronged you. It frees you instead of the instinct for vengeance.

The psychology of self-compassion has been empirically backed through the work of Kristin Neff. Self-compassion is conceptualized in three components (Neff, 2003):Expressing kindness toward oneself and viewing one’s shortcomings with a nonjudgmental attitude
Connecting one’s experience of suffering with that of the collective human experience
Become mindful of suffering without becoming attached or making it a part of one’s identity

These four virtues of hope, gratitude, forgiveness, and self-compassion are found in all areas of religion in various ways. Spirituality and science overlap in foundational ways to allow for the human experience to bond us in a collective experience. Interventions that value the unique worldview of each individual will be more impactful, as they allow for individual belief systems to be enhanced by science.


Science vs. Spirituality: Skeptical Take

It can be challenging to weave science and spirituality together.

Spirituality is universally connective in the realization that suffering is a part of human existence. Science and tough-minded folks often try to downplay the role that innate spiritual practice has on wellbeing.

Even well-meaning psychologists may have a negativity bias toward interventions offered in positive psychology (Sheldon & King, 2001). With a traditional focus on diagnosis and pathology treatment, less attention is spent on psychological health. Opening minds to interventions that encompass spirituality might help aid the individual in treatment.

There have been over 300 studies seeking to understand the relationship between spirituality and health (Thoresen, 1999). Yet, there remain many who question the validity of the impact spirituality can have on wellbeing. Many practitioners in the hard sciences have a healthy skepticism toward data and hypotheses that are correlational rather than causal (Feinstein, 1988).

One might say to the skeptics, though, “what will it hurt?” Discussing an individual’s spirituality in treatment could be a spark that they need to ignite their hope and motivation toward personal goals. A descriptive, rather than prescriptive, understanding of spirituality may do more good than harm, especially when action is later self-motivated.


6 Empirically Proven Benefits of Spirituality

Increased social stressors have been linked to physiological problems like respiratory illnesses and increased risk for cardiovascular problems (Thoresen, 1999).

Theorists as early as William James have hypothesized that an individual’s spiritual practices can influence physiological as well as psychological wellbeing.

With so many links to immune system boosts and higher survival rates in heart surgery survivors, it is important to have a look at the proven benefits of spirituality.

Though the causality of spiritual influence in physiological wellbeing is more challenging to prove, there is ample evidence to highlight the benefits one might experience by having a spiritual practice.

Most studies are correlational. However, most are also empirically proven across religions. Most people would agree that they don’t need experiential evidence to intuit that spirituality will help them have higher rates of overall wellbeing and life satisfaction.

A meta-analysis of over 40 independent samples reported that religious involvement is significantly and positively associated with longevity (McCullough, Hoyt, Larson, Koenig, & Thoresen, 2000). People live longer, have more satisfying, meaningful lives, and have lower rates of depressive states.

Though more studies need to be done to explore the mechanisms by which spirituality improves wellbeing, the studies that already exist indicate they’re at the very least related.

A study on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction showed improvement in overall life satisfaction and physical and mental health (Greeson et al., 2011).

Through participation in a meditation program, increases in spirituality lowered instances of depression. By becoming more mindful, a correlation with Gestalt psychology was noted, as a basis for reducing depressive thoughts in real time.

Several studies have shown an increase in job satisfaction with an increase in spirituality in the workplace (Akbari & Hossaini, 2018). The studies conclude that by building interconnective experiences into a workplace, people will be more productive and have greater satisfaction in their work.

Pharmaceuticals have not had great success in eliminating a problem if rising levels of depression. A specific form of prayer that is said to have a healing effect on depressive symptoms is meditative/centering prayer (Johnson, 2018).
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The Mindful Way Through Depression – Dr. Zindel Segal








Lowering blood pressure and hypertensive levels has been shown as a benefit of spirituality. A study on the effects of Transactional Psychophysiological Therapy showed a significant impact on patients who participated (Thomas, 1989). With proper training, nurses can help patients lower their blood pressure by finding “inner peace.”

This spiritual concept is found through intentional speech and specific religious/spiritual connection in patient interactions.



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Enhance wellbeing with these free, science-based exercises that draw on the latest insights from positive psychology.
Download PDF


Spirituality and Stress Reduction – Dr. Emma Seppala

Dr. Emma Seppala, the science director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism and author of “The Happiness Track” (2017), explains the mechanisms that can lead to these outcomes.

According to Dr. Seppala’s research, spiritual people engage in practices known to reduce levels of stress. For example, spiritual people are more likely to:Volunteer or donate to the poor. Regular community service can serve as a buffer against the effects of stress, thus leading to longer lives.
Meditate to cope with stress. Forty-two percent (42%) of spiritual people meditate when stressed rather than overeat or indulge in unhealthy coping behaviors. Meditation has all kinds of benefits, from improved health, happiness, and focus to decreased pain and depression.
Live with a built-in community. After food and shelter, social connection is the top predictor of health, authentic happiness, and longevity. Religious people are more likely to spend time with family and feel a strong sense of belonging to a community of like-minded people.
Turn to prayer. Research suggests prayer helps people find comfort by assisting them to deal with difficult emotions, encourages forgiveness, and leads to healthier relationships.

Of course, these findings could also indicate a placebo effect. We tend to feel better when we believe something will make us feel better.

Even if they are placebo effects, can it hurt to go to a yoga class, volunteer at a homeless shelter, or attend a silent retreat? The benefits may be worthwhile.

Higher levels of psychological resilience, positive emotions, and improved immune response have all been linked with spirituality. Spirituality is not a simple subject for experimental study. However, knowing that there is such a high correlation with physical and psychological wellbeing, most practitioners would agree that improvement in how care providers include spirituality in practice is warranted.


Starting Your Own Practice

Regardless of religious background, starting a practice to find moments of transcendence is highly beneficial.

Most human beings are looking for meaning in their lives. Forming connections in troubling times eases stress and depressive symptoms, and increases immune response.

Here is a rough guideline on how to begin:Start small and make new habits easy. There is no need to fully adopt a set of beliefs overnight. Becoming more spiritual can be as simple as staying silent for 5–10 minutes a day in a quiet, soothing environment.
Commit. Love yourself enough to attempt to find moments of transcendent emotions daily. Through increasing hope, kindness, self-compassion, gratitude, and awe, anyone can start being more spiritual right away. All it takes is one decision to change perspective.
Practice. Finding moments of transcendence to replace moments of frustration will not happen by waving a magic wand. Human beings must practice mindful attention to their thoughts, emotions, and behavior to find experiences in spirituality.
Study. Explore others’ experiences of spirituality, whether through religion or personal journeys. Find something that you find relatable. Ask questions and get curious about people who have cultivated this beautiful way of being in the world.
Develop an optimistic explanatory style. While getting curious and beginning to ask more questions, slowing down how you speak and exploring strong personally held beliefs can open your mind to more possibilities.
Choose love and respect. With every interaction, lead with a loving and kind way of being. Even when dealing with awkward interactions, staying calm and in a loving mindset can deescalate the situation. Can you imagine the Dalai Lama yelling at someone? He interacts with skeptics and highly intelligent people who might seek to threaten his way of being in the world, yet he shows up every single time with love. He respects his interactions as opportunities to learn from alternative perspectives.
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What is the point of spirituality – The School of Life









5 Tips for Your Business

Develop a space where spirituality is accepted. While there will always be differences in how people connect with their personal spirituality, having an open space for it to show up is an important place to start. Allowing for inclusion is a vital part of any business to begin to include spirituality.

Include gratitude. Businesses that have this attitude infused into their daily work typically thrive. Infusing gratitude in every interaction is a massive shift. For instance, when a difficult conversation is happening, thanking someone for their perspective is a grounding space for all parties.

Weave a mindset of integrity and service into every aspect of your business. The more an “others-focused” approach can be intertwined in business, the better employees and customers will receive the business. Decide how employees are expected to show up and who it is you’re serving with absolute integrity and honesty.

Include compassion in how your business gives back to the world. The most impactful businesses are those with a genuine contribution that they make to humanity. Imagine if marketing focused entirely on who needed a product or service as an act of compassion.

People who are inspired by the work they’re doing are more spiritually connected to the work they’re doing. Cultivate opportunities for your employees to connect with the higher meaning of the work you do. Hold space for each employee to find the value in the work they do and the effect it has on the world.


5 Books on the Topic

The selection of books below are thought-provoking and offers an interesting blend of old and new.
1. The Science of Spirituality: Integrating Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Spirituality & Religion – Lee Bladon

For a book that integrates science, spirituality, philosophy, and more, check out The Science of Spirituality by Lee Bladon (2007).

It covers a wide array of topics linked to spirituality and what traditional science might have the tendency to overlook.

Available from Amazon.


2. Handbook of Hope: Theory, Measures, and Applications – C. Richard Snyder

Handbook of Hope, edited by professor of psychology C. R. Snyder (2000), outlines the psychology of hope.

This work offers not only the basis of psychological inquiry into hope, but also measures and applications for practitioners.

Available from Amazon.


3. The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom – Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt’s book The Happiness Hypothesis (2005) draws on ancient philosophies and their useful application for modern times.

Woven together in this wonderful work is what each of us can connect with to bring about a more meaningful life.

Available from Amazon.


4. The Road Less Traveled, Timeless Edition: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth – M. Scott Peck

Dr. M. Scott Peck wrote the classic bestseller The Road Less Traveled in 1978.

This work brilliantly wove psychology and spirituality into a guidebook for a meaningful life.

Dr. Peck tirelessly worked his whole life to improve community and wellbeing.

Available from Amazon.
5. The Positive Psychology of Meaning and Spirituality: Selected Papers from Meaning Conferences – Paul T. P. Wong, Lilian C. J. Wong, and Marvin J. McDonald

The Positive Psychology of Meaning and Spirituality pulls together papers and conferences relevant to spirituality and science.

The editors have covered a variety of topics to help understand meaning, purpose, and our way through the suffering that comes with being human.

Available from Amazon.




A Take-Home Message

The world is often in a state of tremendous suffering. Globally, humans are desperate to make sense of tragedy and psychological pain. From this vantage point, the only way through it is with spirituality.

The need to grow our understanding of the meaning of life, the purpose we have within it, and the love that we share for humanity is eternal. Stepping fully into what matters for humans will aid us in survival and into lives that are flourishing.

With appreciation, love, self-compassion, gratitude, and kindness, we might have a chance to shift into a state of improved wellbeing. Be responsible with your thoughts. Be responsible with your emotions. Be responsible in the way you treat others.

Be well, and love the ones you can.

Thank you for reading.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Mindfulness Exercises for free.


REFERENCES


Akbari, M., & Hossaini, S. M. (2018). The relationship of spiritual health with quality of life, mental health, and burnout: The mediating role of emotional regulation. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 12(1), 22–31.
Bladon, L. (2007). The science of spirituality: Integrating science, psychology, philosophy, spirituality & religion. Lulu.com.
Feinstein, A. (1988). Scientific standards in epidemiologic studies of the menace of daily life. Science, 242(4883), 1257–1263.
Fredrickson, B. L. (1998). What good are positive emotions? Review of General Psychology, 2, 300–319.
Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56, 218–226.
Greeson, J. M., Webber, D. M., Smoski, M. J., Brantley, J. G., Ekblad, A. G., Suarez, E. D., & Wolever, R. Q. (2011). Changes in spirituality partly explain health-related quality of life outcomes after Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 34(6), 508–518 .
Haidt, J. (2003). The moral emotions. Handbook of Affective Sciences, 11, 852–870.
Haidt, J. (2005). The happiness hypothesis: Finding modern truth in ancient wisdom. Basic Books.
Johnson, K. A. (2018). Prayer: A helpful aid in recovery from depression. Journal of Religion and Health, 57, 2290–2230.
McCullough, M. E., Hoyt, W. T., Larson, D. B., Koenig, H. G., & Thoresen, C. (2000). Religious involvement and mortality: A meta-analytic review. Health Psychology, 19(3), 211–222.
McCullough, M. E. (2008). Beyond revenge: The evolution of the forgiveness instinct. Jossey- Bass.
McCullough, M. E., & Tsang, J. A. (2004). Parent of the virtues? The prosocial contours of gratitude. In R. A. Emmons & M. E. McCullough (Eds.), The psychology of gratitude (pp. 123–141). Oxford University Press.
Neff, K. D. (2008). Self-compassion: Moving beyond the pitfalls of a separate self-concept. In H. A. Wayment & J. J. Bauer (Eds.), Transcending self-interest: Psychological explorations of the quiet ego (pp. 95–105). American Psychological Association.
Peck, M. S. (2003). The road less traveled: A new psychology of love, traditional values and spiritual growth (Anniversary ed.). Touchstone.
Rye, M. S., Wade, N. G., Fleri, A. M., & Kidwell, J. E. M. (2013). The role of religion and spirituality in positive psychology interventions. In K. I. Pargament, A. Mahoney, & E. P. Shafranske (Eds.), APA handbooks in psychology. APA handbook of psychology, religion, and spirituality (vol. 2): An applied psychology of religion and spirituality (pp. 481–508). American Psychological Association
Saroglou, V., Buxant, C., & Tilquin, J. (2008). Positive emotions as leading to religion and spirituality. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 3(3), 165–173.
Seppala, E. (2017). The happiness track: How to apply the science of happiness to accelerate your success. HarperOne.
Snyder, C. R. (2000). Handbook of hope: Theory, measures, and applications. Academic Press.
Snyder, C. R., Harris, C., Anderson, J. R., Holleran, S. A., Irving, L. M., Sigmon, S. T., … Harney, P. (1991). The will and the ways: Development and validation of an individual-differences measure of hope. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60, 570–585.
Sheldon, K. M., & King, L. (2001). Why positive psychology is necessary. American Psychologist, 56(3), 216–217.
Stellar, J. E., Gordon, A. M., Piff, P. K., Cordaro, D., Anderson, C. L., Bai, Y., … Keltner, D. (2017). Self-transcendent emotions and their social functions: Compassion, gratitude, and awe bind us to others through prosociality. Emotion Review, 9(3), 200–207.
Thomas, S. A. (1989). Spirituality. Holistic Nursing Practice, 3(3), 47–55.
Thoresen, C. E. (1999). Spirituality and health: Is there a relationship? Journal of Health Psychology, 4(3), 291–300.
Wong, P. T. P., Wong, L. C. J., & McDonald, M. J. (Eds.) (2012). The positive psychology of meaning and spirituality: Selected papers from meaning conferences. Purpose Research.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Miller is a graduate of the Flourishing Center’s CAPP program and published author of Jane's Worry Elephant. She is currently the owner of A Brighter Purpose, LLC, a provider in positive psychology coaching services. When she isn’t gleefully helping humans move toward flourishing, she enjoys National Park hikes and spending quality time with her adventurous family.

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[최민자의 한국학 산책] 왜 오늘날 한국학인가

[최민자의 한국학 산책] 왜 오늘날 한국학인가 < 최민자의 한국학 산책 < 오피니언/피플 < 기사본문 - 일요서울i

[최민자의 한국학 산책] 왜 오늘날 한국학인가

기자명 성신여대 정치외교학과 명예교수   

입력 2023.05.12

==

현재 우리 인류는 문명의 대순환주기와 자연의 대순환주기가 맞물리는 시점에 와 있다. 세계는 지금 지구와 인류의 미래를 지키기 위해 기후행동 1.5℃ 실천 운동에 나서고 있으며 생존 모드로의 대전환이 촉구되고 있다. 과학기술의 발전이 인류의 생명 위기를 해결할 수 없다는 것은 MIT 연구팀이 로마클럽에 제출한 연구보고서 『성장의 한계』가 50여 년이 지난 현재 과학계의 연구 결과와도 일맥상통한다는 점에서 알 수 있다. 영국의 수학자 어빙 존 굿이 예단했듯이 인공지능 기계가 일단 튜링 테스트(Turing test: 인간과의 대화를 통해 기계의 지능을 판별함)를 통과하면 기계가 더 똑똑한 기계를 설계하게 되고 최초의 초지능 기계는 인간이 만든 마지막 발명품이 될 것이기 때문에 미래의 지능폭발에 대비하는 순전히 기술적인 전략이란 없다. 지구는 지금 누가 누구를 지배하느냐가 문제가 아니라, ‘공존이냐 공멸이냐’ 택일의 기로에 섰다. 인공지능 기술에 대한 사회적 제어력을 높이는 것은 결국 인식의 전환이 있어야 가능하다.

인간의 마음이 밝아지지 않으면 세상이 밝아질 수 없다는 단순한 진리를 수천 년 동안 국가 통치 엘리트 집단의 통치 코드로 삼았던 나라가 바로 우리나라다. 한국학 고유의 생명 코드는 우주 자체를 하나의 네트워크로 본다는 점에서 양자역학으로 대표되는 포스트 물질주의 과학의 코드와 본질적으로 상통한다. 따라서 한국학 코드는 낡은 과거의 것이 아니라 사조(思潮)의 대전환이 이루어지고 있는 현재에 재음미되고 재해석되어야 하는 ‘가장 오래된 새것’이다. 우리 고유의 코드는 만물이 만물일 수 있게 하는 제1원인인 ‘생명’에 대한 개념적 명료화를 통해 종교와 과학과 인문, 즉 신과 세계와 영혼(천지인 삼재)의 통합성을 자각하게 함으로써 그것이 곧 인류의 ‘보편 코드’이며 오늘날 ‘통합학문’의 시대를 여는 단초가 되는 것임을 알 수 있게 한다.

오늘날 한국학 코드의 부상은 한국의 국제위상 강화와 한류 현상, 그리고 현대과학이 주도하는 포스트휴먼학에 의한 생명의 재발견에 따른 것이다. 동아시아 문명의 새벽을 열었던 한국학 코드의 현재적 의미와 가치는 한마디로 생명의 네트워크적 본질에 대한 인식을 바탕으로 생명 위기에 대응하고 인공지능 윤리와 생명 가치가 준수되는 새로운 규준의 휴머니즘을 제시함으로써 새로운 계몽의 시대를 여는 ‘마스터 알고리즘’이라는 데 있다. 우리가 새로운 규준의 휴머니즘에 주목하는 것은, 한국학 코드가 인류 사회와 기술혁신의 새로운 규범으로 자리 잡을 수 있는 미래적 비전을 함축하고 있기 때문이다.

벨기에의 과학자이자 사상가이며 ‘카오스이론’의 창시자인 일리야 프리고진은 개체가 무질서해도 집단으로는 규칙과 질서를 가지고 있으며 바로 그것을 찾고자 하는 것이 카오스이론이라며, 이는 위기의 시대에 새로운 질서의 가능성을 찾고자 하는 것이라고 했다. 또한 그는 자연의 물리현상에서 카오스(혼돈)와 불안정성이 진화를 가져오는 필요조건이라고 보고, 카오스이론이 갖는 문명사적 의의는 바로 유토피아의 가능성을 제시하는 것이라고 했다. 혼돈 속에는 창조성의 원리가 내재해 있다. 동이 트기 전 어둠이 가장 짙은 것과 같은 이치다. 한반도에 지선(至善)과 극악(極惡)이 공존하는 것은 지금이 소멸기이고 새로운 문명의 꼭지가 여기서 열리기 때문이다.

한국학 고유의 생명 코드는 서양의 이원론이 초래한 생명의 뿌리와 단절된 꽃꽂이 삶, 그 미망의 삶을 끝장낼 수 있는 마스터 알고리즘이다. 상고시대 우리나라가 세계의 정치적·종교적 중심지로서, 사해의 공도(公都)로서, 세계 문화의 산실(産室) 역할을 하게 했던 이 생명 코드로 동아시아 최대의 정신문화 수출국이었던 코리아의 위상을 되살리고 세계시민사회가 공유하는 새로운 규준의 휴머니즘에 입각한 새로운 계몽의 시대를 열어야 한다. 이것이 바로 우리나라 최초의 정사(正史)인 『신지비사』에서 ‘영혼을 잃고 땅에 뿌리박혀 울던 자가 영혼을 찾으면 그것이 개벽의 시작이다’라고 한 것이다. 이는 곧 새 하늘과 새 땅을 창조하는 ‘다시개벽’이다.

새로운 문명이 열리기 위해서는 배타적 민족주의나 국가주의가 아니라 널리 세상을 이롭게 하는 홍익인간 DNA를 가진 민족의 역할이 요구된다. 우주만물이 생성·변화하는 원리를 함축하고 있는 태극기는 ‘생명의 기(旗)’이고, 우리는 태생적으로 ‘생명’을 문화적 유전자로 이어받은 민족으로서 21세기 생명시대를 개창해야 할 내밀한 사명이 있음을 인지하지 않으면 안 된다. 정녕 우리는 새로운 역사를 창조할 운명을 지니고 있음을 깨닫지 않으면 안 된다. 

 성신여대 정치외교학과 명예교수 mzchoi33@naver.com

 

알라딘: 파미르 고원의 역사와 문화산책 김규현

알라딘: 파미르 고원의 역사와 문화산책


파미르 고원의 역사와 문화산책 
 (지은이)글로벌콘텐츠2015-08-20





465쪽

목차


머리말

제1장 프롤로그
제2장 타클라마칸 사막의 끝자락에서
제3장 천산 산맥을 넘어 소그드초원으로
제4장 파미르고원의 나라, 타지키스탄
제5장 가자, 파미르고원으로…
제6장 바람과 구름의 고향, '파미르 하이웨이'를 달리다
제7장 총령진, 타쉬쿠르간으로
제8장 다시 타클라마칸 사막으로

부록
참고도서목록



저자 및 역자소개
김규현 (지은이)


서울에서 태어나 성균관대학교(화공과 중퇴)와 해인불교전문강원, 

베이징의 중앙미술대학, 라싸의 티베트대학에서 수인목판화와 탕카를 연구하고 

1993년부터 ‘쌍어문 화두’를 들고 양자강, 황하, 갠지스, 인더스강과 티베트고원과 실크로드를 종주순례하면서 그 여행기를 신문 잡지에 연재하였다.

1997년 <한국티베트문화연구소>를 설립하여 우리 문화와 티베트 문화의 연결고리에 관련된 저술에 몰두하여 

≪티베트의 신비와 명상(2000년)≫, 

≪티베트 역사산책(2003)≫, 

≪티베트의 문화산책(2004)≫, 

≪혜초 따라 5만리≫(상·하), 

≪바람의땅, 티베트≫(상·하), 

≪실크로드 고전여행기 총서(5권)≫, 

≪파미르의 역사문화 산책(2015)≫ 등을 출간하였다. 

또한 

KBS다큐 <차마고도(6부작)>, 

KBS역사기행 <당번고도(2부작)>, 

KBS역사스페셜<혜초(2부작)>, 

KBS다큐 <티베트고원을 가다(6부작)>,

MBC다큐 <샤먼로드> 같은 다큐를 기획하여 리포터, 고문역을 맡아왔다.

근간에 

≪나마스떼! 김 써르(Namaste! Kim Sir)≫와 

≪네팔의 역사와 문화산책≫ 그리고 

≪티베트와의 인연, 4반세기≫가 출간 준비중에 있다. 

그리고 3년 전 아내 이승실 여사가 먼 길을 떠난 뒤, 바로 네팔로 건너가 안나뿌르나 설산 기슭의 비레탄띠 휴먼스쿨에서 자원봉사를 하며 어려운 아이들을 돌보면서 살고 있다. 접기

최근작 : <우주의 중심 카일라스>,<나마스떼! 김 써르>,<네팔의 역사와 문화 산책> … 총 22종 (모두보기)

The Business of Spirituality: On Money, Branding, and Other Taboos

0:26 / 1:32:05

The Business of Spirituality: On Money, Branding, and Other Taboos

Harvard Divinity School

39.9K subscribers

2,836 views  Mar 8, 2019

"Business" is a taboo topic in divinity school--but anyone who wants to change the world needs to understand how to think like an entrepreneur. Leading experts on social and wellness entrepreneurship, innovative leadership, and the intersection of money and spirituality share their stories and wisdom in a panel discussion.

Learn more about Harvard Divinity School and its mission to illuminate, engage, and serve at http://hds.harvard.edu/.

====

How to Build a Spiritual Practice for Major Business Growth | Entrepreneur

How to Build a Spiritual Practice for Major Business Growth | Entrepreneur


How to Build a Spiritual Practice for Major Business Growth

If you feel stuck right now, strengthening your spiritual practice -- or adopting one in the first place -- might help you get back on track.


BY GURPREET KAUR • NOV 4, 2021


Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.


You might think that spirituality has no place in your business. At least some entrepreneurs think like that. Most often, we are bombarded with the messages that claim productivity, analysis, charts, decks and the like are the keys to business success. These are all very handy tools when you have the clarity, vision and passion for what you do.

But let's be honest, even the most successful entrepreneurs feel the heat of running their own businesses. If you're a business owner, you are the driver. And if you're not at your best, it impacts the whole business, right? I'm sure you've experienced it. So, what do you do? Keep pushing forward? I suggest not; if you do, you're on the fast track to burnout.


A lot of emerging research shows correlation between entrepreneurs' spiritual practices and the growth of their businesses. For example, a literature review conducted by Balog, Baker and Walker (2013) published in the Journal of Management, Spirituality, & Religion summed it up by saying, "There is a rich connection between the personal values of religion and spirituality in the life of the entrepreneur and the success of their venture." It begs the important question: Could your business benefit from your spiritual practice?

If you feel stuck right now, strengthening your spiritual practice — or adopting one in the first place —might help you get back on the path to success.

Related: It Worked for Steve Jobs: Here's Why Spirituality is Critical for Entrepreneurial Success


Here are some exercises you can try to feel more at peace and grounded, which can translate to major business gains.
Journaling

I swear by journaling. It is one of the first things I assign to my clients when I start working with them. You can journal in a notebook or the notes app in your phone, and there are even apps created specifically for journaling that are helpful as well. I personally like Day One.

You can have several different journals going at a time. I have one for my personal reflections, one for each of my daughters, one for health notes and some for projects I am working on. If you have never journaled before, here's how to begin: Just write freely about anything that is bothering you. It is always a good start to unleash your thoughts on any given situation. Additionally, free writing can allow you to experience distance from your thoughts and feelings, which might lead to increased levels of awareness.
Observing

Observing things as they are without judgement is also called mindfulness. Create time to simply witness your thoughts, feelings and actions as an impartial person. You can do this for ten minutes at a time, especially if a situation is bothering you. For example, if you are bothered with how you reacted to a situation, recall the memory of the situation as if you are watching a movie. Watch yourself reacting as you might watch a child — with compassion and understanding. At the core, we all want to be understood and unconditionally accepted for who we are. This exercise allows you to experience just that.

Following your intuition

We all have intuition, and we follow it on daily basis without even realizing it. Have you ever had an immediate "gut feeling" about something being either right or wrong without any logical explanation or reasoning? That's your intuition. The more you follow these illogical feelings, the more connected you feel with your true inner wise self or spirit. Being intuitive makes you engage your right brain, which is where emotions, senses, inspiration and creativity reside. A successful entrepreneur keeps a good balance between a creative mind and a logical mind.

Related: Spirituality Isn't a Part of Success. It Is Success in Its Entirety.
Breathing

We can't survive without breathing, but did you know that breathing can also control our emotions? There are so many different types of breathing patterns that influence our bodies in different ways. Research shows that simply being mindful of your breath can be a very effective tool to combat anxiety, depression and stress. A practice of mindful breathing is also helpful in connecting with your inner self or spirit.

There you have it! Use these four simple methods to practice spirituality for the success of your business. If you currently do not have a spiritual practice, trying one (or several) of the above strategies can help you start building one that suits you.


Related: 7 Reasons Spirituality Is Integral to an Emotionally Wealthy Life


Gurpreet Kaur

Licensed Professional Counselor, Life Coach, Speaker, and Author
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Life Coach, Speaker, and an Author. Dr. Kaur is very passionate about self-love, self-empowerment, wellness, reaching the full potential, and quantum mechanics principles application in life.

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It Worked for Steve Jobs: Here's Why Spirituality is Critical for Entrepreneurial Success

Business leaders should be touting the benefits of a daily spiritual practice openly and loudly.

BY ELIZABETH PEARSON • JUL 27, 2021

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder and long-time CEO, is best known for being an inventor, innovator, and one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time — but he also had a strong and deep spiritual life.

After taking a break from corporate life in 1974 to backpack across India and search for spiritual enlightenment, Jobs adopted a life-long Buddhist practice and a strict vegetarian diet.

So, if spirituality played such a massive role in one of the most successful entrepreneur's life, why aren't more business leaders touting the benefits of a daily spiritual practice openly and loudly?

It's possible many hesitate to talk about the connection because they believe that spirituality and entrepreneurship are mutually exclusive.

To help connect the dots, here are five ways being super spiritual can help your business grow:

1. Set your intention

When you are crystal clear on the intention of your business, the universe will show off its infinite power to organize and line things up to support the achievement of your goals.

Deepak Chopra advises that we list our desires, then "release this list of desires and surrender it to the womb of creation, trusting that when things don't seem to go my way, there is a reason and that the cosmic plan has designs for me much grander than even those I have conceived."

Being spiritual brings to the forefront that true success comes from adding value to the lives of those we work with and the customers our business provides for, and as long as that is at the root of your intention for your business, there's nothing that will stop success from flowing to you.

2. Mind your thoughts

When you "vibe high" and radiate gratitude towards your business, gifts of equal or greater value will flow to you. Think of your feelings and thoughts as boomerangs that build speed and energy on their path back your way. The massive bestseller, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, explains this concept and how we can produce the "Law of Success" by carefully choosing our thoughts and what we give our attention. "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve."

Related: Are You a Spiritual and a Solo Entrepreneur? Then Here's What You ...

3. Ask for signs

Chances are that if you're on an entrepreneurial journey, there were "signs" (aka little nudges from the universe) pushing you to explore and make your ideas manifest. Now that you've started your business, it's even more imperative to listen to the messages and nudges coming from your soul — let that be your GPS. Consult your soul and the universe by asking for unavoidable signs. For example, you could ask to see a penguin within the next 48 hours to reassure that you are on the right path. Pam Grout's bestselling book, E-Squared, has nine do-it-yourself energy experiments that prove your thoughts create your reality.

4. Lead with your soul

Another key teaching in spirituality is that of self-awareness. Being an exceptional leader requires you to be fully present and aware of yourself — your motives, your goals, and your expectations.

Weekly mediation will help create a deep spiritual connection with yourself, which will increase your level of self-awareness and help you hone an inspirational leadership style. Spirituality supports being humble and constantly staying open to the countless learning opportunities that go with entrepreneurship.

5. Detach

It can feel incredibly scary for an entrepreneur to let go and hand over authority and responsibility to someone else, but it's critical for growth. Letting go can be extremely difficult because you may fear losing control of your business or its trajectory. Some leaders believe that if they want the job done right, they must do it themselves, or at least be a highly involved part of the process. But, if you incrementally turn over portions of responsibility to competent team members, you'll invite collaborative success that can be rewarded to the individual and the entire team, which will earn loyalty and performance.

On a spiritual level, when you let go — you surrender and trust that the universe is always working to serve your highest interest. If you can surround yourself with talented team members, you can lean back into the deep soulful knowing that everything will unfold as it's divinely meant to.

Spiritual values have remained the same over centuries, and it's time for entrepreneurs to use them to their advantage. They are expressions of love, devotion, service, compassion, and kindness, and by tapping into them you allow your business, and yourself, to reach their highest potential.

Related: Spirituality Isn't a Part of Success. It Is Success in Its Entirety.

Elizabeth Pearson

Founder- Elizabeth Pearson Executive Coaching

When Elizabeth Pearson's 15-year career in corporate sales left her unfulfilled and depleted, she decided to bet on herself and start a business. Now, as an

Incorporating Spirituality Into Your Business May Be The Key To Success

Incorporating Spirituality Into Your Business May Be The Key To Success


FORBESWOMEN
Incorporating Spirituality Into Your Business May Be The Key To Success
Annie Ridout
Former Contributor
Journalist, author of Shy, founder of The Robora and business coach

Jun 20, 2019,08:09am EDT






Fairy oracle cards ANNIE RIDOUT

Oprah Winfrey speaks publicly about her daily spiritual practice—including starting the day with thoughts of gratitude. Arianna Huffington sets intentions for the day and meditates for 30 minutes. And Headspace founder Andy Puddicombe has built a multimillion-dollar app based on his Buddhist meditation.


So, should all entrepreneurs embrace spirituality and rely on it to help with growth?

Spirituality broadly means relinquishing a certain amount of responsibility for your own life and believing that there is something bigger at play. It is the belief that you are guided at least in part by a higher power. But it doesn’t require you to follow a specific religion, just to be open-minded about life beyond earth.

Sometimes, we don’t even realize we’re following a spiritual path because it’s so engrained in our culture. For instance, the horoscopes we might read in the newspaper on our commute to work and take comfort in, because we’ve been told we’re going to have a great day or that good fortune is coming our way.


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I’ve found myself following a handful of spiritual practices within my own business: setting positive affirmations as reminders in my phone that appear and remind me I’m on track—eg. "money is coming your way." Also, listing everything I’m grateful for. And more recently, I found a box of fairy oracle cards, which—like tarot cards—some people believe can be used to predict the future.

I’m not sure I believe in a higher power but pulling out a fairy card with the title "financial flow" that says money is coming my way gives me hope. It makes me feel positive. And that, in turn, affects how I operate in business. I might be more open to offers, risks and feel deserving of my success.

Curious as to how other entrepreneurs incorporate spirituality into their business practice—and what results they believe this has yielded—I asked four women to share their experiences.


Suzy Ashworth: mindset and business coach, author, TEDx speaker



Suzy Ashworth SUZY ASHWORTH

Suzy meditates most day. She feels it enables her to create space and calm in what might otherwise be considered a chaotic and overwhelming life. “I also feel that meditation creates the space for inspiration that comes from beyond my logical thinking mind,” she says.

Another part of her daily routine is journalling and future visioning, which she uses to create the life she wants to lead. “As I write down the vision I have for me in the future, I tend to write that future in the present tense. As I write, I allow myself to get into the feeling of what it is I desire, as though it is already done.”

Some people might simply call this goal-setting, says Ashworth, but she includes it as part of her spiritual practice. She also uses angel cards almost daily to strengthen her intuition.

"A friend of mine once said that we need to give the intellect of the brain a rest in favor of tuning into the wisdom of the heart and strengthening our intuition. Going with your gut feeling is an important skill and is absolutely necessary for me, when I'm looking to take risks in both business and life. The cards also provide inspiration for how and what to communicate to my community.”

And these practices have paid off.

“I absolutely credit the speed at which my business has grown, revenue-wise, to just under £500,000 in sales in last year to the combination of work ethic and my spiritual and mindset practice. This has allowed me to make quantum leaps in growth,” she says.

“And the best example of this to date is that in June 2019, my business received just under £30,000 in sales in 15 days—in the most easeful, graceful way. This was off the back of facilitating a retreat in Barcelona that took my own spiritual practice and alignment with receiving to an even deeper level.”

Before opening her mind to looking beyond the physical world, in terms of business, Ashworth was working 10-12 hour days and not seeing the financial results she desired. So she took practical steps like employing support and adjusting the business model, but also started to change her mindset.

“Whilst I do not believe that you can sit on your backside and meditate your way to a million,” says Ashworth, “I know that when you have a strong spiritual and mindset practice, you can bypass what the brain says is logical and acceptable and create extraordinary impact and income in far smaller amounts of time."

Sarah Akwisombe: creative entrepreneur and business strategist



Sarah Akwisombe AMANDA CLARKE

“When I was in the early days of my business,” says Sarah Akwisombe, "I got myself a money and manifesting coach called Jennifer Macfarlane—aka The Money Medium—who has helped me to think bigger along every step of the way.”

After realizing how much manifesting and breaking down money blocks did for her ability to make money, Akwisombe decided to create a course on Money and Manifesting that is now run through No Bull Business School.

“I also often consult tarot cards myself if I need a little bit of guidance on business decisions or 'what to do next' type scenarios and I set intentions around the new and full moons to do with the business and my goals. I just did this the other night and it was spookily accurate,” she says.

She feels the coaching from Macfarlane has helped her to stretch for bigger targets and push for more. “And that has a knock-on effect in terms of what we turnover financially,” she says. “Mostly because I'm now outside of my own limiting beliefs around what I can make.”

“As a kid I saw my dad earn over £100k a year salary. To exceed this seemed almost impossible but I've done it and I can only attribute that to doing the spiritual mindset work that has allowed me to realize it's possible,” adds Akwisombe.

“I've also totally manifested brand collaborations. One night I wrote down a list of 100 things I wanted, one of which was to collaborate with my favorite designer fashion brand Moschino. I woke up the next day to an email asking if I wanted to be part of a campaign for Farfetch wearing, you guessed it, Moschino. Could it be coincidence? Of course. But I don't know if I believe it is.”

Like Ashworth, Akwisombe believes that you can’t just read a book on manifesting, write a cheque to yourself for a million quid and then sit on your sofa and expect it to turn up. “I believe the universe works with intention,” she says. “You have to make the first step and it will then give you something back. Then you take another and the same thing happens.”

Interestingly, she avoids words like "graft," believing it trains us to believe that success “is only at the end of a really hard road. I prefer to think about applying myself. The more I apply myself to something, the more it's going to pay off. That's not measured in how many hours I've put in or how little sleep I've had. It's about the intention.”

Tamu Thomas: founder of lifestyle brand Three Sixty



Tamu Thomas EDMOND KAMARA

For Tamu Thomas, spiritual practice is a fundamental part of her business. “It provides me with the holistic support necessary to show up and do my work in a way that feels meaningful,” she says, “rather than fuelling productivity addiction and depletion.”

She uses practices such as meditation, affirmations, breathing techniques and journaling, and reads angel cards most days. “Each day starts with a guided meditation. I have a morning ritual and schedule spiritual practices throughout my day such as 10 minutes of specific visualisation twice a week.”

Thomas says that visualisation and somatic-style affirmation are her “go-to tools in terms of business planning”. And that this goes hand-in-hand with business analysis and strategy. “I struggle with the term manifesting, as it can suggest that there is no action required, which is not the case at all,” she says.

“When I'm really stuck I get a tarot reading from Leona Nichole Black," she says. “Leona’s readings provide me with clarity in relation to my mindset and this ultimately benefits my business, enabling me to conduct myself powerfully rather than play small.”

In terms of results, Thomas feels calmer in her approach to business. “I'm creating and planning from a place of calm,” she says. “When I decided to end the clothing element of my brand, my spiritual practice enabled me to do it without stress.” And she has continued to successfully grow other areas of the business.

I have developed a very grounding faith in myself, which gives me permission to be authentic and make connections based on who I actually am. This has led to me being booked to speak at events, deliver workshops and collaborate on projects sharing a more soulful way to approach life and business.”

She agrees that nothing is going to happen if you “lay in bed visualizing and reading angel cards.” But her spiritual practice puts her in the head and heart space necessary to trust that she is capable and can take appropriate action.

“Action is the binding ingredient creating a harmonious relationship between spirituality and strategy. Without the action, you oscillate between the smug high of what you know and the crippling self-judgement and criticism that comes from knowing but not doing.”

Aisha Carrington: Intuitive self-love guide and founder of The Get Lit Retreats



Aisha Carrington AISHA CARRINGTON

“I have always used manifestation in my business,” says Aisha Carrington. “It’s helped me to work with some amazing people and event spaces for my retreats that were out of my price range when I was starting out.”

She uses angel cards to help guide any new business ideas that she feels she may be overthinking or lacking patience with, and says that the cards always point her in the right direction.

Carrington also uses a tool called the "sway test," which relies on finding an answer via the way her body sways. “Recently, I was finding it hard to find a villa for the retreat I was planning in April,” she says. “When I said ‘the retreat is in May’, my body swayed forward meaning yes. When I said ‘The retreat is in April’ it moved backwards. When I looked for the same villas in May that weren’t free in April, they was available and the retreat was perfect.”

She believes that if you set intentions and are open to intuitive signs, you will then feel confident to take action. “My saying is intention plus action = magic,” she says. “It's not always meant for you and that's where determination or graft won't help you."

"I believe in divine timing; we’re all being intuitively guided daily and we all manifest things without realizing. Higher powers are always available to us. The most magical things happen every day when we are open to receiving.”

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.

Annie Ridout



Journalist, author of 'Shy: How being quiet can lead to success' and founder of The Robora. We help... Read More


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SPIRITUALITY IN BUSINESS IS THE NEW BLACK — another startup story

SPIRITUALITY IN BUSINESS IS THE NEW BLACK — another startup story
NOVEMBER 9, 2020
SPIRITUALITY IN BUSINESS IS THE NEW BLACK

KATHARINA KUGLER
NOVEMBER 8,2020


SPIRITUALITY IN BUSINESS IS
THE NEW BLACK



Spirituality is not a topic we tend to speak openly about although all of us have made spiritual experiences to one degree or another (whether we are aware of it or not).

Talking about spirituality in a business context is even rarer, and often met with questioning looks and sympathetic smiles.

However, bringing spirituality into the business world is by no means part of an esoteric new age movement — in fact, it might just be the best-kept secret to create fulfilling careers and thrive in business…

I believe that it’s about time to demystify and normalise the topics of spirituality and personal growth and discuss how it can help to improve the way business is being done to create happier, healthier, and more abundant lives.

Defining “Spirituality in Business


Please bear in mind that this is not a universal definition of spirituality, it is based on my own views to-date, and I do not claim to be an expert and have all the answers. In fact, this definition is likely going to evolve, but let me attempt to put my understanding of it today into a few words;

“Spirituality is a concept of looking for answers from within, as well as all supporting practices and activities that aid a higher-level understanding and perspective on life itself.”

Spirituality often leads to feeling more connected to our inner selves and the world around us, a sense of unity and oneness with all, and it can therefore involve a search for the meaning and purpose of one’s existence.



Contrary to common beliefs, spirituality is not about religion, superiority, living alone in a cave, or doing nothing. Instead, it is about:

• Experiencing and creating deeper connections (improved relationships)
• Fostering alignment of your inner and outer worlds (feeling content and happy)
• Responding deliberately (as opposed to reacting to situations)
• Mastering the mind and ego (overcoming challenges faster and more effectively)
• Focusing on growing, learning, and getting better every day (achieving goals)
• Creating awareness of emotions (making better business decisions)

Although spirituality is a concept that is not talked about much in the business world (yet), I believe that it is the most underestimated leadership tool that is accessible to all of us.

In fact, spirituality may be the best-kept secret to building thriving businesses and careers.

Why should you consider bringing in more Spirituality into your business?

When you do the deep work and truly know who you are, what your purpose is, why you are doing what you are doing and how you want to show up, you can stop constantly questioning yourself and wondering if you are doing the right thing. Of course, your intentions will change over time and it is worthwhile to revisit them regularly, but you will notice that you are spending less energy and time overthinking and questioning.

Instead, your actions and intentions will be focussed on what’s right in front of you —
You will start to see meaning in the work you do & how your contribution completes the puzzle. You will notice how it helps you grow personally and professionally. As a consequence, your workday will be filled with more happiness and ease.

“Contrary to common beliefs, spirituality is not about religion, superiority, living alone in a cave, or doing nothing.”

There are many more benefits of bringing Spirituality into work, to name just a few:

Build a strong culture and team spirit by focussing on connection and communicating openly and vulnerably, so people can feel truly heard, seen and understood (=higher retention rates)

Feel more fulfilled by helping people become better versions of themselves by providing them with the tools and necessary freedom to create and shape their unique journeys (=happier people create better results)

Increase job involvement and reduce frustration as people start to work towards a greater purpose and want to be part of the movement you are pioneering (= higher retention rates)

Increase commitment through the effects of meaningfulness and positive feedback loops — people will stay where they feel they can have the most impact in their personal and professional lives (=joy of seeing others grow, creating impact beyond profits, higher retention rates)

Achieve higher organisational performance through the use of spiritual practices and techniques, such as using intuition and accessing alternate states of consciousness for complex business decisions and projects (=unlocking growth and higher performance)

Studies have already shown that incorporating spirituality in business enhances productivity remarkably, it reduces absenteeism and turnover of employees, and transforms the workplace into a more joyous, peaceful and serene space. It can help to improve communication, which consequently leads to higher levels of integrity, honesty, and a sense of belonging. All these factors combined lead to sustainable growth for the company and more stable, happier teams.

In times where rates of social insecurities and anxiety are high, helping people to become aware of their higher selves and making meaningful contributions is essential for the evolution of humanity —

The good news is that we have a historic opportunity to do things differently and create work environments where we recognise the importance of creating alignment between our inner and outer worlds to grow beyond what we thought was possible.

I truly hope that by reading this article, you start to recognise the power and potential Spirituality holds for the business world and I look forward to diving deeper into how we can use it and make it actionable and applicable in our work.



About the Author
Katharina works at humanplus where they blend data-informed business strategy with spirituality to create profitable, heart-lead and purposeful ventures that outperform the market without the usual grind and hustle, check out the links below.

Web: www.humanplus.me
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/humanpluscollective

The business of Consciousness and Spirituality

The business of Consciousness and Spirituality



The business of Consciousness and Spirituality

Loic Le Meur

Loic Le Meur
Read my substack loic.substack.com
Published Aug 13, 2022
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Consciousness and spirituality are different concepts

Consciousness - state of being aware of and responding to ones’ surroundings. A person aware of something and especially of oneself. It’s the quality of being aware. A conscious business is a business that is aware of its impact.

Spiritual - the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. An example of a spiritual business - are you making money by helping people be more concerned by their spirit than their own body?

Most spiritual businesses are concerned with consciousness. The purpose of a spiritual business is generally not to make money but to help others. When the focus is on helping others and it is successful, it attracts abundance and can become a big business, see what Sadhguru does. His team buys ads, records any of his talks, sells the courses and the retreats…



If it helps people or the planet, there is nothing wrong in making money. Money is just energy.

Some people think “spiritual” should never be a business. Yet, people need to have a roof, food, clothes and generally have to generate some revenues unless they live in a monastery or alone in the forest.

I think it’s okay to make money as long as the business creates jobs, treats its team well and does good for people or nature.
The limits of the integrity of conscious or spiritual businesses

There are a few people though who are starting a spiritual business only to make money and are successful at it. It is one of the dangers of our times because it does not feel like the right intention and it can damage people such as the story of John of God.

There are many businesses that will add “organic” to anything just to ride the wave and are destroying the planet in other ways. Amazon.com launched a “conscious” category but contributes in moving daily container ships from China. They are one of the top sources of pollution. Can we trust the integrity of those businesses and human nature to not be greedy?
For profit versus non-profit

I think there is nothing wrong in “doing business” while “doing good” and making a living out of it. I was living for years with my ex-partner Leila Janah and witnessed her hard work for years with her non-profit Samasource.

She finally turned it into a 100% for profit business -sama.com- before sadly leaving us in physical form but Sama, LXMI and her foundation continue. She taught me why making a business was better in her opinion than a non-profit for growth and hiring more people who needed work (in her case in Africa). The main reason was the energy she and her organization were spending fund raising constantly, which slowed down potential growth.
We need to change our habits now

For our own survival and for the planet we cannot live the way we live anymore, we need to change our habits with our own mind, our body and respect the Earth.

I feel a tremendous change going on in the need for conscious businesses. Last time I felt a huge change like this was when I discovered the Internet in 1993. Today we cannot imagine how to live without it.

I think the consciousness revolution is acceleration dramatically changing the way we live. Like the Internet everyone is be impacted. Unlike for the Internet, we must change now to avoid the growth of the “silent killer” -depression and mind sicknesses- and the obvious ecological disaster we are inflicting to the planet and ourselves.
You’re invited to a zoom call next Tuesday aug 16 18h CEST

As I mentioned yesterday on my daily newsletter yawa.news (I write here no more than once a week) many friends in my online community want to work or start a business in the consciousness space so we decided to do a zoom call next Tuesday Aug 16 18h-19h30 CEST. You are all welcome to join here is the google calendar invite and the zoom invite details.

In preparation for the call, here are:
A few notes with some ideas for work or business

I have included examples of both for profit and non profits, since they are all providing work and need resources to run.

Single person “business”teacher
coach
public speaker (ex. Joe Dispenza who has turned it into a big business)
spiritual leader (ex. Sadhguru who has a whole organization around him)
body practices teacher (ie yoga teacher or Kundalini ex. Yogi Amandeep Singh)
author (books, newsletters, podcasts, ex. Daniel Pinchbeck or Michael Pollan)
musician (ex. Delfina Mun)
ceremony facilitator or “shaman” (ex. Kuauhtli)
film maker or producer
tarot or astrology “readers” (the best of all also movie maker Alejandro Jodorowsky followed by 5M people on Facebook!)
healings and healers

Businesses or non-profit organizationsonline teachings classes (ex. - Soundstrue, Gaia or Mindvalley)
retreat centers (example - Pachamama, Spirit Rock, dhamma.org which is free, Uni Retreats)
conferences (ex. - Wisdom 2.0)
festivals (ex. the upcoming “Colibri” that I will join in Corfu, Greece Sept 10)
media, content, newsletters
spiritual or consciousness tours/trips organizer or tour operator (trips to the Amazon Forest, Buddhist monasteries, etc)
conscious products (example: the Ocean Cleanup Project)
conscious shops or stores (Thrive Market or even Amazon launched a “conscious” space)
ecommerce shops selling spiritual objects or indigenous medicine (ex. Katukina)
not for profit organizations helping the planet (ex. Amazon Watch)

We could add of course any company products that includes doing good for the environment or the planet but that would be a broad mission… If you watched Cowspiracy and Seaspiracy you know the labels are often misleading…

I am leaving out of this on purpose the different churches and religions… for obvious reasons.

Some of the topicsTherapy
Navigating life / motivational Work / transformation
Meditation
Dreams work and recall, lucid dreaming
Hypnosis (including self-hypnosis)
Spiritual paths
Food and nutrition
Sustainability
Art and spirituality
Medicines and substances
The end of the world (all the bad news like global warming, human or natural disasters such as Covid or Pollution)
Ancient wisdom
Indigenous wisdom and practices
”Shamanism” and holding ceremonies or rituals
Applying ancient wisdom to modern life or business
Healings
Tarot, Astrology
Resources
Books
Movies
Music
Art
Online talks
Podcasts
Online videos
Retreats or trips

The prices can range from free (10 day meditation at dhamma.org) to the most luxurious retreats in five star hotels or private tours of the Amazon jungle that can be thousands of dollars or even tens of thousands.
Some people are shocked that it “becomes a business” and shocked by the high prices of certain retreats.

There are risks for sure - for example some indigenous villages become amusement parks as it already happened in some places in Africa. I personally think that if they only way for someone wealthy to discover spirituality or a ceremony is to do it in a high-end setting, there is nothing wrong with this.

I am obviously concerned that those who hold ancestral knowledge and are the guardian of spiritual and natural places are not respected enough. They could also completely change the way they live by adopting our bad business manners. This will be the topic of another newsletter.

Business is already happening anyway, better feature the businesses that are respectful of the people and the environment than trying to stop it, it would not work.

These are just a few notes.

What am I missing? Please leave ideas or examples of conscious or spiritual businesses in comments thanks!

I also write a daily newsletter yawa.news here are the posts I wrote there since my last email if you did not see them:

Recording of the zoom call inviting you to a Vision Quest and stories of participants

Be “impeccably positive” with Kuauhtli a medicine man

How to get started in meditation

Mastering your thoughts and near-death experiences

A “medicine” of the Amazon forest, the “hapé”

You are not who you think you are

Finally, I also publish this as a daily podcast you can subscribe to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify


Yawa.news
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