This Newsletter and You (Reader Comments)
In the last issue, I invited all subscribers to share the insights they had gained from reading this newsletter. I am grateful for the many comments that were submitted, and I have included some of them in this issue.
I was very touched by the enthusiastic support you expressed for me and my articles. That was not my intent in asking for your insights, yet I want you to know that I deeply appreciate your kindness.
I learn from all of you, respect all of you and thank you for being part of this diverse community. I really don’t know how long I will continue to publish this newsletter, but it has been a joy and a blessing to me every step of the way.
With much love,
Jeff Keller
* * * *
Reader Comments;
“I am a very recent subscriber, and have replied to your mailings on two or three occasions. I thank God that the person who introduced me to you did just that.
It gives me time to reflect on my spirituality, and question my views of others, both with and without Faith.”
* * * *
“Personally, this news letter has been an enriching experience. Agreeing and also disagreeing to your views sometimes. Being a Hindu, marrying a Christian - have got exposure to wide variety of religious beliefs.
While I retained my religious identity as Hindu, have always been open to any religious thought or practices. I find the true meaning of being ” Spiritual” reading the newsletter. The conflict of religious beliefs and practices has always left me questioning the true connection with God
You have thrown some light on how this connection with god is beyond boundaries, religion and human mind.”
* * * *
“Your newsletter has helped me think about and solidify what I do believe. For so many years of my life I was wandering aimlessly buying into the lies of the physical world and ignoring the spiritual world. And I was miserable.
I believe this is exactly where the deceiver, the father of all lies, the prince of this world, Satan wants us to be. There is truth in the saying, “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
You’ve also helped me be more understanding in accepting others who don’t believe as I do. As I look back at how I’ve changed, I know a person’s view of spirituality evolves. Furthermore, spirituality is a very personal relationship with God. Not everyone receives the same information from God at the same time and not everyone responds to information in the same way.
God is using you and your newsletter in a powerful way.”
* * * *
“Jeff, I have learned and appreciated the difference in views, concepts and perspective about religion and spirituality that you and others have brought to the table through your Newsletter. It not only verifies my own convictions, but it opens a door for understanding and communication on all levels. We all have second guessed our beliefs at one time or another and this dialogue offers an opportunity to explore others’ views on topics of concern. I’m all for learning and striving to be a better Christian. This avenue helps me to be objective and to dig deeper in my soul for wisdom and understanding of God’s word. Thank you for opening that door for me.”
* * * *
“Jeff, I have subscribed for a long time and I share your articles in my monthly staff meetings. I work in a faith based hospital in a treatment center for chemical dependency. Your articles have been invaluable to me and my staff. You write about so many things that as clinicians we need to be aware of. I also use them to help with counselor burn out.”
* * * *
“I have really enjoyed reading all your newsletters. Many of them make me really stop and think about the things you write about. Indeed things that I tend to push back in my mind. You help bring them back to the present.”
* * * *
“I know that the answers to all of my questions are only on the other side of heaven. But the true value of the newsletter comes in realizing first, that we are not alone in asking questions or in not understanding His (God, the Ultimate Power, Allah, whatever you want to call Him) ways and secondly the value comes from challenging ourselves and others to be the best that we can be and to grow.”
* * * *
“What I have taken away is not so much more knowledge about my own faith, but a better understanding of how to talk about it with others without faith, or of different beliefs. I have learned that via the questions you have received from others, as well as commentary.”
* * * *
“It’s always refreshing and uplifting to read your articles and comments from others. It makes me think and go deep into the recesses of my mind. I began to see some of the old events in my life in a new perspective. I have learned to become non-judgmental. I have more peace of mind now.”
* * * *
“You have had been an influence on my personal and spiritual development for a number of years.
The transition from your prior newsletter “Attitude Is Everything” to this newsletter has greatly leveraged the influence you have had on my development as a whole person, and of my consciousness of how we all are linked to a universe exponentially greater than our individual selves.
You have helped me be more aware of the thoughts within my own self, my spiritual connections to others and the universe I am a part of.
My appreciation of the thoughts you share in your newsletter has been impacted by your eclecticism, your guidance, and your mentoring. It has helped me in gradually becoming a more thoughtful, empathetic, connected and open-minded person.”
* * * *
“Your Spiritual Journey has helped me open my mind and become less judgmental. One particular newsletter that was and is extremely beneficial is the one titled “Wanting Others to be Spiritual.” And within that, the statement that “Spirituality is a one-person sport” opened much dialogue with friends that would not have opened up to me before for fear of me judging them. It also was freeing for them as well as me.
Thanks for your heart, wisdom, and Your Spiritual Journey newsletter.”
* * * *
“Where do I start? First, your newsletter has increased my capacity to work with and tolerate others. I enjoy reading the different perspectives and views and discussing the publications with others in my circle who receive them as well. It has assisted my spiritual growth and each week it offers me inspiration and food for thought.”
* * * *
“I wish I could give you more specific feedback, but I have to say that all of your newsletters have given me SOMETHING. You have either asked questions that I doubt I would have gotten anywhere else or you gave interesting perspectives that made me think… which is always a good thing… it makes us grow to think about things in a new or different way. Some of the comments from your readers have been surprising at times, but I appreciate the way you allow people to have their own opinion without being judgmental. There seems to be way too much criticism and judging in this world and your newsletter has been an inspiration.”
* * * *
“I have enjoyed both the “Attitude is Everything” series as well as “Your Spiritual Journey”.
As for the latter, it has really allowed me the opportunity to stop, think and reflect in many diverse areas that I would not have ever even thought of. I have shared your newsletter with many and we now have discussion groups from time to time over your articles. I love your non- bias attitude and delivery of the topics. I look forward to the newsletter with anticipation wondering what you will discuss and where it will lead me.”
* * * *
“I have been reading “Your Spiritual Journey” ever since you started publishing .While I have been pursuing the spiritual path for the past few years reading the Vedantha philosophy in Hinduism in addition to the teachings of great masters and gurus in other religions, your writings have enriched my knowledge and understanding of many aspects. Like many seekers of the ultimate truth, I was also trying to gather knowledge from as many sources as possible and your Newsletter has helped me in understanding some of the finer aspects in spirituality.
As Telihard de Chardin said ” We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience”, we are all interconnected since the source of spirit is the same. We can call it soul, spirit, god, consciousness or chaitanya or Brahmn in Sanskrit.
You have very clearly analysed many complex things in simpler ways which make the reading more easy and interesting. It is said that thoughts make our destiny and spirituality helps us to think in the right direction. After all spirituality is a way of life.
I eagerly look forward to your writings which I am sure will help many to broaden their understanding of spirituality.”
* * * *
“This newsletter has given me an insight into other thoughts on religion and beliefs. None of them have changed my Christian stance or complete belief in my Savior’s relationship with me, but it has broadened my view. As I have mentioned before, I’m a new Christian and learning everyday about God & Jesus is very important to me. This newsletter provides some of that insight and a different take on my views. My church family and the bible is where most of my growth comes from, but I appreciate this source as well.”
* * * *
“I have been a fan, even before November of 2007. My life began changing with your book Attitude is Everything and I enjoyed If you Could Ask God. I subscribed to your attitude newsletter and was excited when your focused changed to a more spiritual journey.
Each week I find myself digging deeper in my relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and your newsletter is one of the many tools I utilize to keep my appointment with my maker. The feedback you receive and share with your readers is just another way for me to learn and grow.
Thank you for continuing to provide each of us the opportunity to know more about God and others.”
* * * *
“It’s good to see that, as usual, you are prepared to experience other’s views. Whilst I don’t subscribe to any particular dogma I can say it’s heartening the number of individuals who have strong beliefs in the spirituality of man.
I guess the main lesson I have taken from your writings is that being willing to allow others to think differently, without being judgmental or defensive has allowed me to more fully experience life and others. In other words, being willing to experience diversity can only enhance our life’s richness. In a single word - Tolerance.”
* * * *
“what have I learnt -
that there is more than one way of looking at things,
that I know very little, all this is such a big subject
no matter how much you think you know there is always more to it
Judge not - my biggest lesson
thank you I love your take on things and the way you make me step back and think again.”
* * * *
© 2009