In these chaotic, volatile and unpredictable times, with the devastating sequele of the wars, the structures which we as humanity would rely on crumbling, closer to “home” family structures breaking down, and the very personal level the internal conflict of the existential question of what is real, who we are and why we are here has brought many of us to our knees. The only option available is surrendering to something bigger than us and handing our hurdles to “IT”.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Have you ever contemplated how intelligent and magnificent nature is? How the distance from the sun is so exact that it allows us not to burn. Have you ever noticed the synchronicity of events that were out of your control? I lost my father many years ago, and often when I think of him, his name is Harry, I then switch on the radio and someone with the name of Harry is on air.
The dictionary definition of faith is ‘complete trust or confidence in someone or something’.
Faith encompasses spiritual, cultural, as well as philosophical aspects that science cannot adequately account for. This first 2024 letter is not about punting any religion, it is about being completely present in the moment and radically accepting what is, with the trust that in the chaos of what we are experiencing internally and externally, there is this order that is mirrored in the lessons of nature.
In every wound – wisdom is created. In every suffering – strength is created. In every debt, financial management is created. Deeply recognising the hidden order and balance of these truths allows us to have faith in the process of life and trust that it is unfolding just as it is meant to in order to evolve.
“Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness” Eckhart Tolle
Steve Jobs said that we cannot see how things are going to turn out in the future but, looking back on our lives, we can reflect and connect the dots. This in turn gives us faith that the dots will also connect in the future.
I believe that the concept of Faith is essential and already inherent in being alive and existing. Mostly, we send our children off to school trusting that they will be ok. We drive on highways trusting that we will get to our destination.
“None of us knows what might happen even in the next minute. Yet still we go forward. Because, we trust. Because, we have faith.” Paulo Coelho
On Faith and Freud
Freud applied his theories about the underlying motivations that influence human behaviour and mental states to his investigation of faith. The most well-known theories of Freud concerning faith focus on the need for a person to be able to identify with a protective father figure.
On Faith and Coping
We all need a strong coping mechanism to draw on that gives us a sense of safety and comfort to face all of life’s uncertainties. Faith promotes a sense of hope and optimism in that there is a higher power they can count on and surrender to.
On Faith and Purpose
In a chaotic often unpredictable world, faith provides a comforting and structured framework for making sense of our experiences, connecting them with a higher power’s intention or purpose, and calming of fears due to the unknown.
On Faith and Motivation
People who are inspired by faith are more likely to act more pro-socially, and morally, and have perseverance during tough times.
On Faith and Emotions
Faith and strong feelings like hope, love, amazement, and thankfulness are frequently entwined. Prayer, meditation, and religious services are a few examples of religious practices that cause the release of neuro-chemicals that promote calmness, well-being, and a sense of being a part of something bigger than oneself. These fulfilling emotional encounters have the strong power to strengthen a person’s faith and increase their dedication to their beliefs.
On Faith and connection
We are social creatures with an innate need to be a part of a group. Religious groups provide a shared identity and purpose. Rituals, values, and common ideas let people feel that they are part of a collective bigger than themselves.
When we can deeply recognize and appreciate that we are part of the jigsaw pieces of the puzzle of life, we access faith and trust in the process of life. All is.
If you are struggling to trust your process of life contact PsychMatters at +27629758442 / info@psychmatters.co.za
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