Writing About Spirituality: The What’s and Who’s

Written on April 16, 2008 by Tom Stine

credit: Montrasio International

In my last video post, I answered the question Why I Write About Spirituality. I really enjoyed answering that question, and it got me thinking about the subject more and more. Spirituality is a big topic, so I started asking myself a bunch of what questions, such as “What subjects in spirituality do I enjoy most?” and others. The more I played around with these questions, the more my thinking started shifting and jumping around, doing a little dance about the writing I do and what I am writing about.

For a while, I’ve had a strong notion of what it is that I am writing about, but for some reason I’ve had a hard time putting it into words. I think I can now. I hope from this post you will get a clearer sense of what this site is all about in the same way that I did.

What subjects in spirituality do you enjoy most?

Two subjects really work for me: (1) awakening and (2) practical spirituality. Awakening seems to me the ultimate aim of all spirituality. It is the end, in a sense, of the spiritual journey, even though in another sense it is just a beginning. But completely opening to what we are is the only true goal.

That said, I love what I call practical spirituality because spirituality has proven to be the most reliable and successful means for me to create lasting and positive change in my worldly life. We are, after all, human beings as well as spiritual beings, and the human must be reckoned with. Awakening, to be sure, is the best resolution to all life’s problems. But there is a lot of great stuff in the world of spirituality to help us along. That’s why I love the Sedona Method so much.

And most importantly, for me all of spirituality should be practical. It is so easy to talk, talk, talk about things of the spirit. But what do we do with it all? Just sit in a cafe and chatter with our spiritual friends about all the cool ideas that Eckhart Tolle and Oprah are talking about? I think not. Far better to listen to Eckhart or whomever and then do what they suggest. By being practical about our spirituality, we actually move closer to the ultimate goal: awakening to the truth.

What is your primary purpose for writing and for this website?

Sharing my experiences and teaching others. That’s it in a nutshell. I want this website to become a source of spiritual growth for others. I want my experiences to help you to go where I’ve gone and where I’m going. Because, in the end, we go together, you and I. Yes, again, very practical.

credit: icanteachyouhowtodoit

Who is your audience?

I’ve had visitors that are from every “level” of spiritual experience. I guess in one sense I’m writing for truth seekers. And I’m writing for people that want a little inspiration about and insight into the spiritual journey and who are looking for a little help and support along the way. But mainly, I’m writing for that large mass of spiritual folks who desire to get moving, who want to learn and grow and experience all that spirituality has to offer. That’s my audience.

What are your primary spiritual influences? Which teachers have you followed?

Here is a list of who and what has influenced me on the spiritual path, in no particular order:

• Adyashanti Yes, I really like Adya and his teachings. Very helpful.
• The Sedona Method.
• Joel Goldsmith. I loved reading his book The Infinite Way years ago. Good stuff.
• A Course in Miracles. I was a serious Course student for 10 years.
• Nisargadatta Maharaj. His book, I Am That, is one of the best books I have ever read.
• Ramana Maharshi. The book Talks With Ramana Maharshi is a continuing source of enlightenment.
• Sri Sadhu Om. He was a disciple of Ramana Maharshi, and his books are a great explanation of Ramana’s teachings.
• Jesus of Nazarath. I have been strongly influenced by his teachings, especially as found in the Gospel of Thomas. I have benefited, too, from the Jesus scholarship I have read.
• Buddhism. I have been a closet Buddhist of sorts over the years. Someday, I’m going to “study” Buddhism, mainly to gain a greater familiarity with the Buddha’s teachings.

What’s next?

In the coming weeks and months, I plan to spend a lot of time writing for you. I’m going to start writing more articles on different aspects of practical spirituality, such as the recent post I did on Spirituality and Money. I want to write more on other areas such as relationships, offer suggestions for meditation, and give tips on how to move down the spiritual path.

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