The Journey of Faith

“Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”                   (St. Paul, Hebrews 11:1)

In our modern era, terms like “Faith” and “God” are often seen as archaic and outdated. Science and a materialistic and utilitarian viewpoint have become their replacements. Is “Faith” truly dead in our lives? If so, why? If not, well, also why? 

What is this thing we call “Faith”? There are elements that are very real and tangible, as well as dimensions that are ineffable and unseen. Faith is a word and concept that means different things to different people. For some it is an allegiance or duty to a person. It can also mean fidelity to one’s promise, and a sincerity of intention. A more blanket definition is “complete” trust. Religions take a different approach- one that emphasizes belief systems, as well as trust.  

On the Journey of our lives, issues of “Faith” come up whatever one’s approach. It might be trust in “Science” and its tools and devices. While the “devices” may be tangible and material, the underlying principles are not. Our cellphones operate on scientific principles, yet has anyone ever seen an “airwave”? Or even air for that matter? Yet, when hit the “on” button, or the “send” button, we trust and have “faith” that it will work. When it does not, we probably do not really lose “faith” in either the science of telecommunication, or in the utility. If our approach includes more spiritual and emotional elements, then we need tools that are of the same kind. Neither approach needs to be antithetical to the other. The goal, after all, is integration and inclusiveness. 

Take the time, in these changing times of crumbling trust in our institutions and ideas, to reflect upon what is foundational to you in your understanding of, and the right place of, “Faith” in your life. What is the basis of your Faith? Is it something material such as success, prosperity, good health, wonderfully fulfilling relationships? Or is it something more Spiritual such as Happiness, Understanding, even the Divine? 

To what and in whom do you place your Faith? An institution, an understanding- perhaps scientific or philosophic and spiritual principles and precepts?

What happens when the foundation(s) of that Faith seem threatened, or even appear to be completely undermined? How do you react, and to what (or whom) do you turn?

All of these are important questions to help us navigate our Life’s Journey. We need, in varying degrees, “Faith”, to take that next step.  We need Trust that there is something under our feet to support us. Something, or someone, to support us as we go forth. 

When we prepare for a vacation or pilgrimage, we need to bring with us what we know is needed in order to be optimally prepared for what we know will be expected, as well as what we know will be unexpected. Faith is a belief in something, or someone, to which there is no absolute proof. It does take a “leap” to truly make it real. What would be the point of a journey for which we knew every outcome? That would be a Twilight Zone nightmare- truly a journey into Hell…from which we could never escape. 

In my Journey, I have identified four key elements in working with “Faith”:

• Focus: Create an Intention appropriate to the issue.

• Openness: Develop your inner software for accessing Higher Consciousness to assist in your Intention.

• Reflection: Write down your hopes, aspirations, and blockages, after using your own best practices of reflection, meditation, and prayer.

• Engagement: The best way to Perfect one’s Practice is to Practice one’s Perfection- i.e. test out the results of your self-reflections in the “Real” world. The goal is to know “when it is right”. (Be patient with yourself). Start with learning to make “eggs-over-easy”, before attempting a complicated souffle. DO something.

There are (spiritually) scientific methods and practices in accomplishing this self-realization. When Dorothy began her Journey on the spiral “Yellow Brick Road” in Oz she took along the 3 elements of our nature: Mind, Heart, and Courage. We need to do the same. We can combine all through utilizing tools of the HeartMind. Our society has (too long) emphasized what is called the “Head”, or Intellect. An integrated Journey requires more integrative tools.   

Come with us on this Journey of the HeartMind, as we explore, (and support each other), on our Unique Paths. There will be tools, inner refreshments, guidebooks, processes, and oases of the Spirit to help us navigate the Journey ahead. As Dorothy sang: “We’re off to see the Wizard…”