VIDEO LINK: The Quality of Connectedness (Excerpt)
In a recent video on the YouTube channel “Adyashanti,” the renowned spiritual teacher explores the spiritual significance of feminine qualities, particularly focusing on the quality of inclusion. This thought-provoking discussion delves into how inclusive tendencies shape human experiences, both individually and collectively.
Table of Contents
The Nature of Inclusion
Adyashanti emphasizes that inclusion is one of the most profoundly spiritual qualities associated with the feminine. Inclusion, defined as the ability to connect deeply with others and one’s surroundings, often manifests through a network of social and emotional connectivity.
According to Adyashanti, “It doesn’t take much awareness to realize that even in our modern society, the feminine quality is characterized by connectedness.” This connectedness forms a stark contrast with traditionally masculine qualities, which tend to focus on narrowly defined objectives, often requiring exclusion to maintain that focus.
In tribal cultures, these differences are exaggerated; the men typically engage in activities such as hunting, requiring intense concentration and focus. Meanwhile, the women handle a broad array of tasks that demand a constant, inclusive awareness of their environment and community needs.
Tribal Insights
Drawing from historical and contemporary examples of tribal societies, Adyashanti illustrates how these gender roles manifest. In many tribal cultures, men are involved in singular tasks like hunting, which demand an acute, narrow focus essential for survival.
On the other hand, women are attuned to maintaining the nest; they engage in a multitude of activities, from gathering food to caring for children and managing the homestead. This requires a pervasive type of awareness—an inclusive radar capable of maintaining the very fabric of the community.
Adyashanti recalls a personal anecdote about his mother, highlighting this intuitive ability. “I remember, as a kid, my mother could walk in the door and immediately know everything you did, even though she wasn’t in the house for hours. She had a nose like a hound dog.” This example underscores the almost instinctual inclusivity and awareness typically associated with the feminine.
Spiritual Connectivity
The role of feminine inclusivity extends beyond societal roles into spirituality. Adyashanti contends that spiritual growth involves a similar kind of inclusive awareness. “A very important part of spirituality is to open within yourself enough to start connecting with the world around you,” Adyashanti advises.
This requires letting go of exclusive focus patterns and embracing a more relaxed, natural form of connectivity. Inclusive awareness in spirituality is not achieved through intense focus or effort but rather through relaxation and openness.
When individuals relax, they can connect with both the external environment and their inner selves, fostering a holistic sense of awareness. “This kind of connectivity is extraordinarily important,” asserts Adyashanti, “not just with the world around you but within your own being.”
Unlike the exclusive, focused way often adopted for specific tasks, inclusive awareness involves feeling and understanding the totality of one’s surroundings. It is not an act of trying hard but an effortless attunement with reality—a profound sense of intimacy with all aspects of life.
A New Way of Being
Embracing the feminine quality of inclusiveness can lead to a transformative way of moving through the world. This form of connectivity is more about being than doing, more about relaxing than striving.
Spiritual practices that cultivate this inclusive awareness can help individuals break free from the confines of narrowly focused consciousness, offering a fuller, more interconnected experience of life.
Adyashanti’s teachings invite individuals of all genders to integrate this inclusive, feminine quality into their spiritual practices. This inclusive approach fosters a deeper intimacy with oneself and the world, unlocking pathways to spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment
Embrace the journey of connecting more deeply with the world and oneself, for this inclusive awareness holds the key to profound spiritual growth and enriched human experience. Watch the embedded video above for a deeper dive into the qualities that can transform both individual lives and society at large.
Recommended Reading
“The Way of Liberation: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Adyashanti is a concise and powerful manual that distills the essence of spiritual awakening into clear, actionable steps. The author cuts through the complexities often associated with spiritual teachings, offering straightforward guidance on how to free oneself from the confines of the mind and ego.
This book is ideal for those seeking a direct and unembellished approach to self-realization, providing practical tools to cultivate awareness, presence, and inner freedom. Whether you’re new to spiritual exploration or well-versed in the journey, this guide serves as a valuable companion in the pursuit of true liberation.
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