The Pragmatic Spiritualist.

The Pragmatic Spiritualist

When I think of the word "pragmatic" it conjures up the image of practical actions based on obvious outcomes that consistently produce desirable consequences. The emphasis is on tried and true evidence that can be replicated with consistency and a certain amount of predictability.   

On the flip side when I consider the word spirituality it would appear to be the opposite characteristic - formless, immaterial, unbodied, unsubstantial, and indescribable. 

We as humans seem to have a need for both, predictability and physical security as well as the spiritual food that sustains a hungry and aspiring soul. So how does one become a pragmatic spiritualist, the synthesis of both worlds?  How does one join a  concrete, defined and predictable, earthly persona with the spiritual, ethereal and nonmaterial aspect of a being of soul and not feel spiritually and emotionally schizophrenic? 

As long as I consider them to be opposite and disconnected from each other it could create a lifelong conflict, a veritable tug of war between the seen and unseen; the intellect and the intuition UNLESS I choose to join them In a harmonious balance of the Yin and Yang of Spirit, the paradox of the divinity living inside each limited form and each individual a part of the broad and calculated scope of the Source, the most Pragmatic of all Spiritualists. Just because I don't understand how to bridge these two worlds does not mean it isn't possible.  If I only base my literal understanding of life on the obvious physical world, spirituality adds only confusion, like looking at modern art you can't connect to. If the puzzle that is life is allowed to expand beyond the borders of my need for linear and plausible visual aids, the impossible can become possible, the implausible plausible. 

For me it has to be both. As borderless as my spiritual thoughts are, believing  and knowing of the existence of Source and divinity in me and around me and postulating means nothing for me if there is no way to connect and feel its existence right here and now. All the spirituality I have must be revealed and manifested in my daily life through action, thought, word and feelings.  I choose to live as though it already exists and that it is perfectly plausible and obvious, limited only by my narrow understanding.   With that connection established I recognize that I have been given an intuitive road map for the spiritual part of the journey as well as evidence from those before me and with me who provided examples of our human responsibilities, challenges and rewards. I have the choice of applying these experiences and tools, and I do. So far, the outcomes of this way of being, human and practical, soulful and spiritual, has reinforced for me that it produces good outcomes, is measurable by my amount of serenity and joy, replicable by inspired behavior that can be used over and over to generate well being in me and in others, and spiritual as it connects me to the Source and The Oneness that makes me whole.  As usual though, it's a work in progress.