Many spiritual and philosophical traditions teach us that the body is not the same as the self, but rather a tool or a vehicle for the self to experience, act, and interact with the world. The self, or the “I”, is often seen as an eternal, unchanging entity that belongs to a higher realm of reality, while the body is seen as a temporary, physical vessel that belongs to a lower realm of imperfection and change. The body is viewed as an instrument of the self, serving a specific purpose in the individual’s journey of self-realization and enlightenment.
But how can we live as an instrument of the divine, and what does it mean for our well-being and happiness? In this blog post, I will explore some of the benefits and challenges of living as an instrument of the divine, and offer some practical tips on how to achieve this state of harmony and fulfillment.
Benefits of Living as an Instrument of the Divine
Living as an instrument of the divine can have many positive effects on our lives, such as
- Enhancing our sense of purpose and meaning. When we see ourselves as instruments of the divine, we can align our actions and goals with a higher purpose and vision. We can see ourselves as part of a bigger plan and a greater good, and feel more motivated and inspired to fulfill our potential and contribute to the world.
- Increasing our self-esteem and confidence. When we see ourselves as instruments of the divine, we can recognize our inherent worth and value as unique and precious beings. We can appreciate our talents and abilities, and use them to express ourselves and serve others. We can also overcome our fears and doubts, and trust in our inner guidance and intuition.
- Improving our relationships and compassion. When we see ourselves as instruments of the divine, we can also see others as instruments of the divine, and respect and honor their dignity and diversity. We can cultivate empathy and compassion, and seek to understand and support others. We can also avoid judging and criticizing others, and instead focus on their strengths and virtues.
- Enhancing our joy and gratitude. When we see ourselves as instruments of the divine, we can also see the world as a manifestation of the divine, and appreciate its beauty and wonder. We can experience joy and satisfaction in life, and be grateful for all the opportunities and blessings that we receive. We can also avoid attachment and greed, and instead practice generosity and detachment.
Challenges of Living as an Instrument of the Divine
Living as an instrument of the divine can also have some challenges and difficulties, such as:
- Dealing with the imperfections and limitations of the body. When we see ourselves as instruments of the divine, we can also see the body as an imperfect and limited vessel that can hinder our spiritual growth and expression. The body can be subject to illness, pain, aging, and death, and can also tempt us with sensual pleasures and desires that can distract us from our higher goals. We may need to find a balance between caring for and disciplining the body, and not identifying with it too much or too little.
- Facing the challenges and conflicts of the world. When we see ourselves as instruments of the divine, we can also see the world as a challenging and conflicting place that can test our faith and resilience. The world can be full of injustice, violence, suffering, and evil, and can also present us with moral dilemmas and ethical choices that can challenge our values and principles. We may need to find a balance between engaging with and withdrawing from the world, and not being too attached or too detached from it.
- Coping with the doubts and uncertainties of the self. When we see ourselves as instruments of the divine, we can also see the self as a mysterious and uncertain entity that can elude our understanding and control. The self can be influenced by our thoughts, emotions, memories, and beliefs, and can also change and evolve over time. We may need to find a balance between knowing and exploring the self, and not being too rigid or too flexible with it.
Living as an instrument of the divine can be a rewarding and fulfilling way of life, but it can also require some practice and discipline. Here are some tips that can help us live as an instrument of the divine:
- Practice meditation and mindfulness. Meditation and mindfulness can help us quiet our minds and connect with our inner selves and the divine. They can also help us become more aware of our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and impulses, and choose how to respond to them. Meditation and mindfulness can also help us cultivate a sense of peace, calm, and clarity, and enhance our focus and concentration.
- Practice yoga and other physical activities. Yoga and other physical activities can help us care for and discipline our bodies, and use them as instruments of the divine. They can also help us balance our energy and emotions, and improve our health and well-being. Yoga and other physical activities can also help us develop strength, flexibility, and coordination, and enhance our confidence and self-esteem.
- Practice gratitude and generosity. Gratitude and generosity can help us appreciate and share the gifts and blessings that we receive from the divine. They can also help us cultivate a sense of joy and abundance, and avoid attachment and greed. Gratitude and generosity can also help us improve our relationships and compassion, and enhance our happiness and satisfaction.
- Seek guidance and inspiration. Seeking guidance and inspiration can help us align our actions and goals with the divine will and plan. They can also help us overcome our doubts and uncertainties, and trust in our inner guidance and intuition. Seeking guidance and inspiration can also help us learn and grow from our experiences and challenges, and enhance our wisdom and understanding.
I hope this blog post was helpful and interesting. Please let me know what you think, and if you have any questions or feedback. Thank you for reading! 😊
