Awakening to the Spirit Within: Eight Paths
by
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This book is about coming to know ourselves from the
inside out rather than the outside in.
In other words, it is about discovering the Spirit which exists deep
within the core of all human beings, regardless of gender, age, culture, race,
religion, or any other identity with which they might be identified. This Spirit Within is constantly present in
our lives, though most people are not aware of its existence except under
extraordinary circumstances.
The eight paths described in this book offer
possible avenues to the spiritual voyager by which the Spirit Within may be
discovered. The destination is not so important as the journey itself, for, at
any time along the way, one may awaken to that which has always been present
deep within. The Spirit Within may also be referred to as the True Self, for it
represents that which is natural and authentic to one’s soul.
Each of the
eight paths introduced in this book embraces the notion that there is no one
right way to approach spirituality. Different
approaches work best with different people.
This is a view shared by many spiritual teachers and authors in the
world today.
As the spokes of a wheel are essential for its
turning, each living creature on our planet has a role to play in the sacred
circle of life. Increasing
technological advances in our world have brought people from different
countries and cultures closer together than ever before. To use computer language, we are all part of
a “world-wide web.” What affects one
part of the web also affects the rest.
If we are to survive as a human race, we must learn to respect and
appreciate one another’s views about who we are and why we are here on this
planet. This is essential if we are to evolve spiritually to a degree that
peace on earth is truly possible.
In my own spiritual journey, I have been drawn to
those sacred pathways which tend to be mystical in nature. Unlike some of the more traditional
religions, mystical pathways emphasize communion with that which is Divine
within oneself. Mystics tend to use a
direct approach by going within themselves and asking the important questions
of life. In addition, they trust that
they will receive answers to their questions.
This may come through the receiving of visual images, dreams, the words
of a song, or through a chance meeting with just the right person at just the
right time.
In today’s world, I have met many people who are
searching for a meaningful framework in which to explore themselves as human
beings. Hoping to navigate more effectively
through this stressful and chaotic world, they seek ways to feel connected with
something greater than themselves which will offer a strong sense of inner
peace. Much healing is needed in the
world today. This healing is needed in
individual lives, in communities, and among the nations of our world.
Since the mystical approach is inner directed, it allows for individual differences in how the
Divine is approached and acknowledged.
Teachers from mystical pathways are not there to tell anyone what is
right and what is wrong, but, rather, to help individuals to discover these
truths within themselves.
It is possible that the more traditional forms of
religion have failed to meet your spiritual longings and you are searching for
a pathway which will have greater meaning and relevance for you. On the other hand, you may be content with
your present spiritual pathway, while also wanting to increase your knowledge
of other traditions. You may be feeling
a need to understand someone in your life who adheres to one of the paths
discussed in this book or you may be seeking ways to enhance your present
practice with some of the techniques available from other spiritual
traditions.
In my own quest for inner peace, I have traveled
down a number of different pathways. As
a psychologist, I have been exposed to many therapeutic interventions which
have been very helpful but which are limited when it comes to addressing the
deeper needs of the soul. The eight
pathways included in this book, however, do address these deeper spiritual
needs. It has been my purpose to
provide you with a short introduction to these paths and to share with you some
of my own personal experiences with them.
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About the Book
The premise of Awakening
to the Spirit Within is that all beings are connected by a spiritual energy
which forms the essence of who they truly are.
Eight paths, which facilitate an awakening to this essence, are
explored: Native American Spirituality, Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Kabbalah,
Jesus and the Christ Within, Sufism, and The New Thought Movement. Practice exercises and references are also
included.
This book highlights some of the unique gifts which
various spiritual traditions have to offer our world. In addition, it explores the mystical threads of connection which
underlie them. Like the title suggests,
it also gives ways of listening to guidance from within. The author includes messages from her own
“inner guidance” in an effort to illustrate how this may occur. Her openness provides more warmth and
intimacy than is usually found in such a book.
In these uncertain times, there has been an upsurge
of interest in books related to spirituality, religion, and mysticism. People are looking for ways to heal, rather
than destroy, our planet. That is why
this book, and others like it, are so timely and important in moving us closer
to our shared goal of creating a more peaceful and harmonious world.
About the Author
Dr. Pamela Allen has worked for many years to
address educational and psychological needs of children and adults. Realizing that education and psychology are
limited in their ability to address the deeper needs of the soul, she decided
to write Awakening to the Spirit Within. It introduces eight sacred paths, all of
which are part of Dr. Allen’s own spiritual journey. She now uses it as a text for teaching spiritual principles.
Dr. Allen earned her master’s degree in special education
from the University of Florida and her doctorate in psychology from the United
States International University. She
lives in Southern California, where she enjoys traveling and spending time with
her family and friends.