Friday, December 6, 2013

Landscapes of the Sacred Introduction- Catherine Buttner


Landscapes of the Sacred Introduction


One point that resonated with me in the introduction of the Landscapes of the Sacred book was when the author talks about how the effects of modernity have severely limited our concept of spirituality.  Technology has strongly contributed to this as well.  Because everyone is so preoccupied with checking Facebook, answering emails, and using their smartphones all the time, a lot of people forget to take time to express their spirituality.  Belden Lane refers to this as “separating us from the three-dimensional realities of our world”.   Life is not meant to be experienced on a screen- we have to put down our electronics to get the most out of our experiences.  The Psychologist Paul Tournier said that “a recurring theme in the dreams of contemporary men and women is that of the seat that cannot be found- the anxiety that one feels in seeking his or her appropriate place at a meeting, on a plane, [or] at a formal banquet” (Lane 7).   I definitely know what Tournier means by this.  I think everyone has felt out-of-place from time to time, and I know that I certainly feel that way a lot.  This is why spirituality is so important- your mind is truly the only place where you completely “belong”.   It is important to take time to meditate or pray to achieve centeredness, so that you won’t feel as out-of-place during your daily life. 

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