Antidepressants as Spiritual Practice

Last updated on: March 29, 2021 at 4:08 pm By Spiritual Naturalist Society

by Eric Steinhart Disclaimer: In this article, SNS writer Eric Steinhart shares his perspectives on antidepressants and his personal practice. SNS is a diverse community under the large umbrella of naturalistic spiritual ideas and practices, and members or writers may have different ideas and approaches on these matters. Therefore, articles like this can be helpful starting points for dialogue. Please note that the views expressed here are those of the author’s and do not necessarily imply any official position of SNS. This... Read more

Mediterranean Magic

Last updated on: March 18, 2021 at 11:12 am By Spiritual Naturalist Society

by Jeff Worthy Vernazza at Twilight Have you ever been in the presence of magic? I am not talking about mere sleight of hand trickery or illusions crafted to deceive the eye. I am talking about genuine magic; a power capable of “casting a spell” over those fortunate enough to bear witness to it. There isn’t anything supernatural being implied here. This power exists. I have witnessed this magic and experienced firsthand the effect of its presence. It is out there,... Read more

Basic Goodness

Last updated on: March 18, 2021 at 11:11 am By Spiritual Naturalist Society

by Daniel Scharpenburg I like the Buddhist idea of Basic Goodness. It’s a term that was coined by Chogyam Trungpa, who was trying to present Buddhist teachings in a way that would resonate with westerners. It represents the same thing, essentially, as the Buddha Nature concept. It’s about our true nature, who we really are. The teaching is quite simply that you are good enough. This contrasts with other belief systems that describe humanity as somehow broken or flawed, that teach... Read more

Do the Next Human Thing

Last updated on: March 16, 2021 at 2:36 pm By Spiritual Naturalist Society

(Today’s article is by guest writer, James Jarrett. See brief bio below.) I am writing this article in an attempt to get at a phenomenon I encountered over and over again in my nearly thirteen years as a Lutheran parish pastor. Retrospectively, I realize I have encountered this phenomenon throughout both my upbringing and adult life as a Christian, finding myself on different sides of it at different times and in various situations. The gradual solidifying of my own human... Read more

Reclaiming The Edge

Last updated on: March 16, 2021 at 2:34 pm By Spiritual Naturalist Society

(cc) Jeremy Segrott Article by Jeff Worthy I was exhausted. The school year had ended at last, and the final day had been a particularly hot and busy one. After submitting grades, rearranging classroom furniture, and taking care of the myriad details that the end of year procedure required of all teachers, I was spent and ready for the summer to begin (well, in some ways; I have never been a fan of the summer, but that is another story). Our... Read more

Spiritual Hedonism and Beyond

Last updated on: August 20, 2017 at 11:18 am By Spiritual Naturalist Society

(cc) Jeff Power Today’s article written by Thomas Schenk … A while back, I was discussing Spiritual Naturalism with an acquaintance who is Christian. It was his opinion that without belief in a personal god and an afterlife, what we call spirituality is just a refined form of hedonism. I can understand his thinking this. Spirituality in any of its deeper forms requires discipline and sacrifice. For a person who seeks a god’s blessing or hopes for better things in an afterlife, sacrificing... Read more

Not Thinking is Not the Goal

Last updated on: August 20, 2017 at 11:17 am By Spiritual Naturalist Society

Today’s article written by Jay N. Forrest … Buddhist meditation is about being mindful, about being fully aware in the present moment. But there are a number of misconceptions about meditation. I want to address the misconception that not thinking is the goal of Buddhist meditation. Zoning Out Zoning out is not the goal of meditation. More than one person has expressed to me that sometimes in meditation they get to the point of zoning out, a point where they are almost semi-conscious.... Read more

Burning the Man

Last updated on: August 20, 2017 at 11:13 am By Spiritual Naturalist Society

Burning Man is not a religion. You are free to interpret it however you like. Read more

A River, a Volleyball, and Secular Spirituality

Last updated on: August 20, 2017 at 11:10 am By Spiritual Naturalist Society

Paul Robeson singing “Ol Man River” in the 1936 film of Show Boat (youtube) Today’s article written by Brock Haussamen … Dere’s an ol’ man called de Mississippi Dat’s de ol’ man dat I’d like to be What does he care if de world’s got troubles? What does he care if de land ain’t free? Ol’ man river, Dat ol’ man river He mus’ know sumpin’ But don’t say nuthin’ He jus’ keeps rollin’ He keeps on rollin’ along…. You an’ me, we sweat... Read more

SNS Seeking Writers

Last updated on: July 15, 2017 at 3:56 am By Spiritual Naturalist Society

Do you have a passion for naturalistic spirituality and a talent for writing? If so, the Society is looking for additional members on its volunteer writing team! Here are some things you’ll want to consider… (Not a writer but know a good one? Recommend one!) Are We On The Same Page? First, you’ll want to be sure we both are thinking the same thing when we say ‘naturalist’. Your personal beliefs are your business, but here at the Society, we promote... Read more