What’s in a label?
I have taken to referring to myself and others like me as spiritual metaphysicians. I feel this term describes who I am and what I believe better than anything else. Here is the meaning of metaphysics according to Chat GPT: The literal meaning of "metaphysics" comes from the Greek words "meta," meaning "beyond" or "after," and "physika," which refers to "physical" or "natural" things. So, "metaphysics" literally means "beyond the physical" or "after the physical." Over time, metaphysics became associated with the study of what lies beyond or underneath the physical world, focusing on the fundamental nature of reality, existence, and the essence of things that cannot be observed directly.
When I refer to being a spiritual metaphysician that refers to feeling connected to all of life – directly connected, meaning not needing an intermediary of any kind while seeing through the unconscious influences of form.
Let’s look at another label: Humanist. Again according to ChatGPT: A humanist is someone who embraces a philosophical stance that emphasizes the value, dignity, and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. Humanism typically advocates for the use of reason, ethics, and justice, and it often rejects supernatural and religious beliefs as the primary basis for morality and decision-making.
Well, this describes me perfectly also. I like this term, and I believe that most of my social circle would also fit into this description quite nicely. I still call myself a Religious Scientist at times because it tells you the lineage from which I come, but this name can definitely be a distraction from my essence and my practice because the word religious in the name seems to imply an authority other than that which dwells within.
Another distinction that I feel compelled to make on a regular basis is the distinction between New Age and New Thought. New Thought is definitely more mental and intellectually driven that most practices while supporting a direct relationship with (and this is where it gets tricky) God/Spirit/Energy/Love etc. The problem here is the word relationship because that implies two but in reality, we believe in Unity – just one. In New Age there is an apparent power given to crystals, tinctures, rituals, and many other intermediary elements. New Age people are very expressive and have a great sense of celebration.
Labels matter because they help you to identify your tribe. But a label should not be a wall or cause a rigid way of thinking because that is where division and separation come from. What I love most about being a Spiritual Metaphysician is that it affords me the luxury of believing in pure potentiality and the law of possibility, never feeling at the mercy of conditions. From this point of view, I sense hope around every corner and in every seeming challenge that comes my way.
What label do you identify with? And does it empower you or have you feel trapped? Can we not all dance to the same music and raise our hands in a collection liberation? I say yes we can.
Photo Credit: RDNE Stock project
