Spiritual Archives

How Extreme Control of Breathing Affects the Body

What role does breathing play in the regulation of bodily functions? How can the control of breathing be used to tap into the body’s latent capabilities? As scientists work to better understand the ways that breath regulates our body’s functions, practitioners of ancient traditions have used breath to control the body for thousands of years. In many cultures, breath is believed to be the energy of life, an energy that can be manipulated to spectacular effect. In this article, we’ll explore the nature of these beliefs using the example of Swami Rama, whose amazing, breath-induced control of his body was

What Matters to God? A Response From C. S. Lewis

What matters to God? What is God chiefly concerned with? In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis asserts that we should cultivate Christian virtue. He argues that virtue is essential to human thriving. Most importantly, though, God cares about the kind of people we are. Here’s C. S. Lewis’s take on what matters to God and why that should matter to us.

What Is the Secret to Happiness? 3 Points of View

We take it as a given that we want to be happy, but what does attaining happiness entail in practice? Is there a universal secret to happiness? Is happiness a realistic goal to even reach for? Or is it like perfection—an unattainable ideal that you can strive toward but never achieve? Happiness is an elusive concept that is assigned many different meanings. But there is one thing that is certain: Happiness is a highly desired state that everyone is striving for in one way or another. Perspectives on what the pursuit of happiness entails in practice, however, vary widely, depending

Submit Yourself to God to Pursue His Standard (C. S. Lewis)

What does God require of people? How can God’s high standard be reached? C. S. Lewis argues that God calls you to be virtuous, and he explains how you can answer this call. He describes his conception of God’s high moral standard and how you must submit yourself to God to pursue it. He also explains how this decision will change you and why your intentions matter. Read more to understand the importance of submitting yourself to God and what difference it makes.

Daily Mantras and Affirmations to Reprogram Your Mind

What’s the purpose of a mantra? What are the psychological benefits of reciting daily mantras? A mantra is a word or phrase used to help train the mind to be in the present and instill a certain state of mind. Reciting or meditating on mantras can help you reprogram your mind from life’s conditioning and limiting beliefs. Here’s how reciting mantras can help you reprogram your mind along with some examples of daily mantras you can use for your practice.

Why Is Virtue Important? 3 Reasons Why It Matters (C. S. Lewis)

Why is virtue important? What difference does it make if you practice Christian virtues? What purposes do they fulfill in your life? Often, people view virtue as a killjoy, holding us back from fun and enjoyment. C. S. Lewis sees it differently. He asserts that, if we truly want to get the most out of life, we’ll practice Christian virtue. Continue reading to understand Lewis’s argument on the importance of virtue.

C. S. Lewis: Humility Is the Most Important Virtue

What’s the best virtue? What’s the worst sin? Why? According to C. S. Lewis, humility is the most important Christian virtue. Its opposite—pride—is the greatest sin. In his classic book, Mere Christianity, Lewis explains why pride is so dangerous. Keep reading for a brief discussion of humility and pride from Lewis’s perspective, along with an explanation of the difference between pride and self-esteem, as understood by psychologists.

The Virtue of Moderation: C. S. Lewis on Sex & Other Appetites

What exactly is moderation? When should we practice moderation, and when should we practice abstinence instead? God calls on everyone to choose good over evil, but how do we know what is “good”? In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis argues that Christianity instructs us to be good by following Christian virtues, or moral principles that can be applied to a wide range of situations. One of these is moderation. Continue reading to understand Lewis’s take on the virtue of moderation, including his perspective on sexuality.

How to Practice Self-Love and Why It’s Important

What exactly is self-love, and why is it important? How do you show yourself love? Self-love is a state of appreciation for yourself that results in physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. When you love yourself, you feel worthy the way you are and put your happiness and well-being first. With this in mind, here’s how to practice self-love and be good to yourself.

Love and Forgiveness: C. S. Lewis on How People Treat Others

Do you treat people the way you want them to treat you? Do you forgive those who hurt you? The Bible calls people to love both their neighbors and their enemies. This love includes God’s spirit of forgiveness. In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis discusses these Christian virtues that inform how we regard and treat people. Read more to understand Lewis’s view on Christian love and forgiveness.