Bear's Blog

The latest figures have 25% of Americans identifying as “spiritual, not religious.” I believe this is a positive trend – no more religious wars, trying to convert others, or a “my way is better than your way” attitude. People are finding spiritual connections in nature, in meditation, and in other esoteric philosophy. In fact, Buddhism is an example of a religion that can also be embraced as a philosophy. And yet a belief system needs to be grounded in an actual spiritual practice; that practice is what will hold you and get you through tough times. Philosophical ideas aren’t enough.

Meditation works. Praying (and then dropping into Being and listening) works. Connection through nature works, although a practice is best when it is consistent and formalized. I have an altar (well, lots of them!) and every nite I engage in spiritual practice. Before committing to Zen, I called myself “Omni-religious.” I utilize different practices and borrow from many religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shamanism - and of course energetic practices. 

The point is, find something – some specific practice – that works for you. In my intake for an energy healing session, I always ask my client if they have a spiritual practice. One elderly client bemoaned that she had fallen away from her Jewish religion. Later on, she told me she talked with her deceased husband every day. I assured her that conversing with the other side was a form of spiritual practice!

I teach all my classes at Mercy Center near San Francisco. It is run by progressive Catholic nuns that have engaged in social justice work around the world for a century. I feel so grateful for the supportive people and environment at Mercy – it’s perfect for our work. It’s also easy for my students to fly in, take a 10-minute ride from the airport, stay and eat all their meals together on site. The stunning 40-acre campus includes the retreat center, a Catholic girls' high school (in the original mansion on the grounds) and also a home for retired Sisters. Favorite spots include the labyrinth, which has a 5-foot chunk of blue kyanite at its center, the chapel, the Rose meditation room, beautiful walks...and benches set among the statuary and ancient oaks. I joke that I have more pictures of that kyanite than I do of my second child!

Some other programs that have found a home at Mercy are Somatic Experiencing trauma work, Enneagram studies, Centering prayer, and the East-West Meditation Center. Mercy also pioneered a residency program called “Nuns and Nones.” In 2019, five young activists, educators, and organizers moved into Mercy Center to live alongside the Sisters for six months of shared learning and relationship building (we actually met them on-site during a few classes). The millennials were interested in how to practice spirituality in a way that is personally sustainable. For people involved in social justice work – and healers! – burn out is a common issue. Grounding spirituality with specific practice nurtures you personally, which enables you to continue making positive contributions to the world. 

Bear

Would you like to join us for the upcoming "Jumpstart Your Energy Healing Skills!" live class at Mercy Center? Click here for more info.