Raymond Van Neste  

 

The Power of Spirituality

The power of spirituality is not about making things happen according to our efforts or what we want.  Nobody can change the power of the universe which is also inclusive of the power and wonder of the greatness of nature.  This greatness is already there and nothing we do can do can remove it or add to it.  We only need to tap in to this power.   This power could be described as 'light', 'healing' or anything else but as stated it's there for us should we ever want it!

 

Mindfulness

An awareness of the power is what counts and is brought to fruition by coming in to and relating to the present moment, here and now.  Being fully aware and present here, physically and mentally, is to automatically let go of the memories of the past and thoughts about the future. 

This form of meditating has a great potential for healing.   In Buddhism it's called: 'The Miracle of Mindfulness'.   With mindfulness, my mind can become free of regrets or memories of yesterday.  And n the process I find that I no longer want to be linked to the past in any way and am more able to 'let go' and do whatever this entails, which might include letting go of anger.

 

Effective use of Mind

Mindfulness in this sense is simply using my mind in an effective way.  Where once my thoughts were scattered instead they are now focussed on one activity only.  To do this it's not necessary to sit in the lotus position with my legs crossed.  Instead I'm able to simply carry out this form of meditating while I'm doing simple chores or any activity whatsoever during my normal daily activity. 

In addition and as an added bonus this trains the mind to 'remember' and to no longer be partial to forgetting which has to be a good thing!   In other words, being 'mindful' allows the mind to relax and become more powerful in whatever task it's asked to do. 

Raymond Van Neste

 

Late last night while thinking about waking-up the blog on the Painting for Charity website the thought immediately came to me about what seems to be one of the most important reasons why the website's cause is dedicated to the cause of depression and mental health.   The thought uppermost in my mind at that moment was about how there must be millions around the globe who are isolated not simply because of circumstances but because of the effects of depression and how in can affect people in so many ways. 

Raymond Van Neste

 

I guess it's natural for me to talk about the best way to help people while turning to creativity and spirituality, since this website: (Painting for Charity) is a website which promotes art and photography in its purpose of being dedicated to helping charities that support depression and mental health issues. 

 

OPENING-UP TO NEW LIFE

If the question was asked: 'How is it possible to help people in need through creativity', the answer is that creativity is connected first of all to a human desire to be well and to be whole in terms of the underlying spirit both within a human being and what is related to in our lives.  So therefore the first principle is to look at ourselves.  Wholeness and healing are a part of giving and receiving and a consequence of it.   It's possible to find wholeness through the simple process of opening-up, opening your mind to what is 'out there'.   And right now what is out there is the amazing season of spring, with new life in abundance, the sunlight is brighter, the flowers are amazing and the days are longer!   All of this is created to creativity and new life.  It's the new life around us that inspires us as human beings.  

 

HUMAN NEEDS ALL AROUND US

From here it's possible to be in a happier state and to have a glimpse of how other people are coping and if they need some kind of help.   The needs are immense and I only need to walk twenty yards from my home here in Central London UK to find and be confronted by the suffering of both men and women lying or sitting on the streets or on a bench covered with an old blancket.  Yes, it's a very common sight here.  

 

YOUR ABILITY TO ENTER IN TO A NEW WAY OF LIFE / A NEW DIMENSION AND WAY OF THINKING

Take a glimpse outside of your window to see the body language of people walking by.   Suffering is out there and it's not just about 'us'.   It's about the state of your heart and your capacity to enter what might be a new dimension in your life and not being afraid to do this, to stand up for justice and the wellbeing of others who are in geat need.  For me, it's about helping charitable causes and I'm becoming more and more of a campaigner!

  

A SPIRITUAL PROCESS FOR LIFE AND LIVING TODAY

It is possible to help people and needy causes just simply by a desire to help. It's more about what's in our hearts rather than the amounts of money raised and this is the main reason why being involved in creativity can become a spiritual process.   It's related to the principles of giving and creativity where creativity is expressed through art, craft and writing in an open and spiritual way as well as the physical aspects of creation involved.

It's in the process of helping other people that we are healed in return and this is exemplified by the belief that what we give we receive back many times over!

10th April 2009

 

The Painting for Charity Blog.  Creativity Helps People.  Raymond Van Neste. Copyright 2009 ©