The Changing Nature of Spiritual Expression

The living spirit grows and even outgrows its earlier forms of expression; it freely chooses the men and women in whom it lives and who proclaim it.

This living spirit is eternally renewed and pursues its goal in manifold and inconceivable ways throughout the history of mankind.

Measured against it, the names and forms which men have given it mean little enough; they are only the changing leaves and blossoms on the stem of the eternal tree.     – C. J. Jung

How does the “Living Spirit” express itself through you? I know for me, this changes every day, even every hour!

We live in a world where we are supposed to categorize everything and define who we are and what we do or believe (which then makes us separate and distinct from others). This quote speaks to the changing nature of the “Living Spirit” (in other words, the life force) and how it expands, flows, and expresses itself through each one of us. The way I interpret this quote, I think Jung is speaking about how the “Living Spirit” has been given form through our religious institutions as well – some of which I see being more inclusive, adjusting to our modern times.

The “Living Spirit” expresses through me in song, artwork, the way I choose to look or speak to someone, or even what I share in these blogs (and that will always change, I bet).

Perhaps the “Living Spirit” also expresses through us in what attracts our attention. You should see my living room! It’s filled with statues from churches, headdresses from Indonesian and Indian dances, my own Hebrew Letter Mandalas, and furniture from several cultures that I enjoy looking at daily.

What if we could all see ourselves and what we have been conditioned to believe about “The Living Spirit” as changing leaves and blossoms on the stem of the eternal tree? Isn’t it possible we would all have a little more room in our hearts for other people? Might we be more open to trusting ourselves, learning from others, and celebrating the joys of life without feeling as separate and alone?

I think the world could use a little more of that today. What do you think?