The SPICE(S) of Life

I think I do my best not to advocate for or push any particular spiritual/religious tradition. We are all on our own unique spiritual journeys. I do, however, find insight and inspiration from multiple different places, including a variety of different spiritual ideologies and philosophies. Why this belabored intro? Because I’m about to share one (spiritual idea) with you. 😁 

Many of the members of the Religious Society of Friends (also known as the Quakers) in the United States embrace a set of guiding principles known as SPICES as a general way to live a spiritually grounded life. Sounds… like cinnamon spice oatmeal (Quaker Oats?). Ok, sorry. That was funnier in my head.

Anyway…here’s what it means to live a life full of spice. In order, SPICES stands for: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Stewardship. These are incredibly simple words in a neatly packaged acronym that have very outsized, deep, and complex meanings. Collectively, this is a very powerful mantra with which to engage the world.

Digging a little deeper, here’s what they mean (I’ve collected the definitions from a variety of sources and cobbled them together):

• Simplicity: Minimizing distractions and material possessions to foster spiritual growth and community engagement.

• Peace: The initiative and drive to settle disputes without resorting to violence (both at the personal level and the global level), believing that peace begins with each person.

• Integrity: Being truthful and authentic in everything we do. Aligning our actions and our beliefs so our lived lives reflect our values.

• Community: Working together to accomplish goals enhances individual worth and fosters a sense of belonging.

• Equality: ALL individuals possess an inherent worth and should be treated with respect and fairness, and the need to recognize the divine light in everyone.

• Stewardship: This is about the responsible management of resources, including the environment. It’s important to care for the Earth to leave the world a better place for future generations.

Here’s hoping we all add some more SPICES to our own lives as full participants in the world around us.

Until next week.

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)