Reino Gevers's Blog, page 5

Sages, Saints, and Sinners: When things fall apart

History is often said to follow a cyclical pattern, where humanity repeatedly faces cathartic trials to achieve breakthroughs in collective consciousness.

Over the past four years, I have delved deeply into comparing the COVID-19 crisis with another pivotal catastrophe in human history—the Black Death of the 14th century.

Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, it feels almost surreal how profoundly it has reshaped our lives. The lingering effects of collective fear, anxiety, and uncertainty continue to ripple through societies, fueling political extremism and even the collapse of governments in several countries. And this, it seems, is only the beginning.

This journey of reflection and exploration has culminated in an exciting milestone: my upcoming book, Sages, Saints, and Sinners is set to release on April 8th. The novel delves into the historical echoes, human resilience, and moral questions that crises like these bring to the forefront. It will be available on all major platforms where great books are sold.

This project has been a labor of love, spanning four years of research and writing. During the lockdown, I felt compelled to explore irrational and sometimes inexplicable human behavior.

Scapegoating during times of crisis

In the 14th-century, those deemed responsible for the Black Death were quickly identified. The clergy framed the pandemic as divine punishment for “sinful living,” while a pernicious rumor accused Jewish communities of poisoning water wells. This led to horrific acts of violence, with thousands of Jews killed in baseless retribution. So-called witches, often midwives and healers, were burned at the stake.

When it became clear that even devout clergy were not spared by the plague, the church lost much of its credibility. In the same way the often haphazard way governments implemented the lockdowns during Covid has led to extreme distrust in all institutions.

If this seems primitive, consider how misinformation flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, spreading even faster than reliable facts. One widely circulated claim was that the virus had been engineered in a lab as a bioweapon. Another conspiracy theory blamed 5G mobile networks for the pandemic. Despite overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness, some argued masks were either useless or harmful. Others falsely believed that exposure to sunlight or high temperatures could prevent infection.

Misinformation and rumor hampering efforts to address a crisis

Similarly, medieval misconceptions about disease transmission fueled dangerous behaviors. Many believed the plague spread through foul air, leading to bizarre practices such as drinking urine or wallowing in filth to ward off illness. The correct assumption that the pandemic was spread by rodents was widely ignored. Observant authorities were finding that in clean areas infections were relatively low while they were highest in suburbs with a high rat population.

Across both eras, misinformation magnified fear and hampered efforts to address the crisis effectively.

Spiritual conflict and the weight of fate

In the novel, I have weaved the story around the two main characters Geronimo and Isabel whose bond is tested by spiritual conflict, the weight of fate, and the unforgiving realities of a world in turmoil.

When Geronimo is enslaved and Isabel, heartbroken, seeks refuge in a convent, their tragic journey unfolds, echoing the timeless struggles of myth and history.

I dare to say that the next few years are likely to be marked by an external world marked by geopolitical shifts, fake realities, and disruptive chaos.

It need however, not fill you with fear or anxiety. One principle of creation that we learn from Daoist philosophy is that a state of equilibrium and new beginnings is often preceded by a whirlwind of destruction and chaos.

With the universe forming the ultimate equilibrium, surface events often appear chaotic, but are inherently connected to a universal order. In Daoism, nature is often used as an analogy. A fire might raze a landscape, or a storm uproot trees. An entire landscape can be reshaped but space is also cleared for new growth and fresh beginnings.

In times of profound change, the wisest approach is not to resist but to adapt. The key lies in releasing rigid expectations and surrendering to the process of transformation with resilience and grace. By embracing simplicity and practicing non-attachment to specific outcomes, we can navigate transitions with greater ease and clarity.

While external forces such as geopolitical upheavals, natural disasters, and pandemics are beyond your control, the response to them is entirely within your power.

By focusing on what you can influence in your mindset and actions, you can empower yourself by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and discovering strength in the midst of uncertainty.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

Emotions and Health: The Hidden Connection

As you embrace the New Year with fresh intentions and resolutions, it’s crucial to recognize the emotional stressors that deeply impact your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

The medieval Sephardic Jewish philosopher Maimonides emphasized a holistic approach to health, integrating the physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions of well-being. He notably highlighted chronic anger as one of the most harmful emotions.

Modern science echoes these teachings, revealing a growing body of evidence that underscores the importance of managing emotions and fostering mental health for overall physical well-being.

The Harmful Effects of Emotional Stress

Emotional stress profoundly affects physical health, serving as a root cause of numerous conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Chronic stress also lowers your energetic vibration, pulling your mindset toward negativity, where you’re more likely to perceive—and attract—negative outcomes.

The brain stem, often referred to as the reptilian brain, is programmed for survival. When focused on perceived threats, this “survival brain” activates the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. In moments of intense anger, pain, or fear, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for creative thinking and problem-solving—essentially shuts down, leaving you reactive and unfocused.

Short-term stress can be beneficial, such as helping you react quickly to avoid a car accident. However, chronic stress floods the body with hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which overburden vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. Prolonged stress also disrupts digestion and contributes to inflammatory diseases.

The Impact of Social Media and Negative Narratives

Modern stressors include the pervasive influence of social media. A poll of 14-to-24-year-olds revealed that platforms like Instagram and Snapchat amplify feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, often fueled by negative comments on appearance and self-image. Research from the University of Pennsylvania even found a strong correlation between negative language on Twitter and heart disease mortality.

Harnessing the Power of Choice

The encouraging news is that you have the power to choose your emotional and mental state. Positive emotions such as gratitude and happiness enhance immune function and promote longevity. Practices like laughter and optimism stimulate the production of natural killer cells that fight infection, while a positive outlook fosters healthier lifestyle habits.

Practical Steps Toward Resilience

To build resilience and effectively handle life’s challenges, consider these practices:

Nutrition and Exercise: Adopt a diet rich in high-nutritional-value foods and maintain regular physical activity.Nature and Surroundings: Spend time in attractive, natural environments to rejuvenate your spirit.Spiritual Practice: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine.Emotional Shifting: Begin by accepting your current emotional state—be it anger, sadness, or fear. Fighting these emotions only reinforces them. Instead, focus on your breath: inhale and exhale deeply through your nose while counting to ten. This mindfulness can help you emotionally shift, replacing fear with trust, sadness with a joyful memory, or anger with calmness.Guarding the Doorway of Your Mind

In today’s world, where grievance culture and negativity often dominate the narrative, it’s more important than ever to protect your mental state. Surround yourself with positive-minded people, and cultivate gratitude through daily rituals. For example, reflect on the best moment of the past 24 hours—it’s there, waiting to be appreciated.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

Walking the Camino: Lessons in Life and Faith

Walking the Camino is a spiritual journey that mirrors the journey of life, unfolding in three profound stages: a beginning, a middle, and an end. Kierkegaard describes these three stages of life as the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious.

The first stage—the crucifixion—represents the struggle and hardship of making mistakes, forcing the boat upstream, and losing your way on the wrong path. During the first stage in life we face trial and error, effort often feels futile. You sometimes engage in aimless wandering and deviations. You may easily lose your way with countless distractions in the monkey mind.

The middle stage, symbolized by the Valley of Death or the Meseta, is a surrender of the ego to a higher purpose and deeper meaning. Here, the ego must die for the soul to awaken to its inner truth, allowing for transformation and clarity.

According to Kierkegaard the appeal during this “ethical stage” lies in walking the path with confidence, even though it may be monotonous and exhausting at times.

The final stage—the resurrection—is a state of flow, where you align with the current of life and begin to see that every experience, even the challenges, has been an expression of divine grace, sculpting you into the BEING you were always meant to become.

You feel the ecstasy in the dance of life. Your walk is a gentle surfing of the path without a sense of gravity. There is an unspoken faith in the journey that drives you forward, and quickens your pace.

Reaching the Cathedral of Santiago is a celebration of joy and homecoming, marking the soul’s return to its true essence. Ultimately, the Camino is a journey of the soul, finding its way back home.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

Minds captured by Fanaticism

A right-wing media ecosystem fueled by resentment and anger is capturing millions of minds with a steady stream of alternate realities, stoking division, and delivering a daily narrative designed to reinforce grievance and distrust.

Social media is becoming an even more integral part of daily life, particularly for younger generations, as highlighted by Pew Research. While extremist platforms like Rumble remain smaller than giants like YouTube, they still attract millions of followers, spreading a wide array of conspiracy theories and disinformation.

Driven by a core message of fear and anxiety, these “hate entrepreneurs” pin blame for personal and collective challenges on a shifting cast of internal and external enemies, further exacerbating divisions.

Doom prophecies have long been a typical playbook of cults and populist political leaders.

It appears that once a person has invested huge time and energy resources in a particular belief, it becomes part of their identity. Even the best argument or scientific study will not dissuade the person from adopting a different perspective. They become locked in a particular mindset. Different perspectives or beliefs are radically rejected and some even turn to violent behavior to defend their mindset.

During medieval times when the black plague decimated much of the European population, rumor and superstition spread just as fast. A rumor that the Jews were responsible for the plague by poisoning water wells led to a mass pogrom in the French city of Strasbourg. About 2,000 Jews were burned alive on a platform constructed in a Jewish cemetery on Valentine’s Day in 1349.

Leon Festinger, a social psychologist, made groundbreaking contributions in the 1950s to understanding belief systems. He based much of his findings on studying a cult led by Dorothy Martin (alias Marian Keech), who claimed to receive messages from extraterrestrial beings about a catastrophic flood that would destroy the Earth on a specific date.

In some of his key findings he found that members of the cult were so committed to their belief that they abandoned jobs, loved ones and possessions in preparation for the flood. When the prophecy failed, instead of abandoning their belief, the cult members rationalized the failure by claiming that their prayers had “saved the world.”

Festinger found that cognitive dissonance was highest among those who had made the most significant personal sacrifices for the cult, doubling down on their belief and reinforcing their fanaticism.

In a digital world it becomes far easier for cults and extremist groups to maintain cohesion by withdrawing into information silos that cement beliefs such as:

Climate change denialVaccines are a conspiracy by the pharmaceutical industryThe “chemtrails” conspiracy theory posits that the condensation trails left by aircraft—are chemicals intentionally sprayed into the atmosphere for nefarious purposes. The rumor has persisted since the early 1990s despite the lack of clear scientific evidence.

Fixed belief and fanaticism ultimately creates a toxic emotional state, blending fear, anxiety, and anger. It fosters dehumanization, deepens political polarization, and fractures social cohesion.

On a personal level, it becomes a significant barrier to self-growth and spiritual evolution. In a rapidly changing world, adapting is essential for survival. Clinging to rigid beliefs not only limits personal transformation but also blinds you to the new opportunities and possibilities the universe continually offers.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

When Faith Turns Toxic: The Spiritual Journey

The rebirth of Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, five years after a devastating fire, serves as a striking beacon of hope during a time marked by division, uncertainty, and fear. It is a powerful testament to what humanity can achieve when united in a shared purpose.

Europe’s great cathedrals, such as Chartres and Notre-Dame, were more than architectural marvels. They were profound expressions of faith, creativity, and communal spirit. These towering structures, built to reflect heavenly glory, continue to inspire awe and remind us of the enduring power of collective endeavor.

What unites people around a common purpose fosters trust and transcends individual interests. For millennia, religious rituals and practices have served this unifying function, binding communities to shared values, goals, and principles. Religion has also provided a framework for understanding suffering and adversity, offering solace and resilience in times of need.

Religion and the sense of belonging

As inherently social beings, humans find strength in connection. Participating in religious ceremonies has historically reinforced a sense of belonging and strengthened the social fabric of communities. Modern studies affirm this, linking faith and religious involvement to lower levels of depression and anxiety, underscoring the vital role of shared spirituality in nurturing mental and emotional well-being.

Hill and Pargament (2003) concluded that spirituality fosters resilience by enhancing hope and optimism, even in highly stressful situations.

But paradoxically the affiliation to a specific religion, community or faith often strengthens the divide between “them and us”. Religion can bring out the best and the worst in humanity. Friendships, humanity and service may be restricted to the “in group” while those outside the group were often villified and dehumanized.

In my recent podcast on LivingtoBE, I discussed with psychologist Katie Turner, on when spirituality or religion becomes toxic and in some cases cause long-lasting trauma.

When clergy, therapists or spiritual teachers have not done the the self-work by transmuting their own shadows they will project these on their followers.Some religious beliefs discourage seeking professional help, claiming that prayer or faith alone should suffice.Religion is then abused as a tool of manipulation, coercion, control and exclusion. Overemphasis on sin, punishment, or unachievable standards of moral purity can lead to chronic guilt and shame.Toxic religion often revolves around charismatic leaders who demand absolute loyalty and discourage critical thinking or questioning.

When members of a religious community feel compelled to suppress their individuality, religion can even alienate them from their authentic spiritual path and soul purpose.

Religious platitudes may hinder personal growth and self-discovery, with fixed beliefs locking individuals into a singular worldview obstructing the evolution of spiritual awareness and consciousness.

What Can Help?Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits on how much influence religion exerts over your life and well-being.Seek Broader Perspectives: Explore spiritual practices and belief systems that prioritize love, tolerance, acceptance, and personal growth.Consider Professional Support: Therapy or counseling can provide a safe space for healing from spiritual abuse or the effects of toxic religious experiences.

At its best, religion offers sanctuary, love, and compassion during times of need. At its worst, it can inflict profound physical and emotional harm. Cultivating a grounded connection to your own intuitive senses and spiritual needs will help you discern and navigate the difference, empowering you to recognize and avoid toxic expressions of faith.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

Home: Reflections on Place and Belonging

The landscape that you inhabit shapes you in profound ways, prompting the question: Where is home, and what environment truly nurtures your joy, energy, and zest for life?

Recently, I returned to South Africa, revisiting the places that defined my childhood. The journey was deeply reflective, stirring memories and a realization: home is no longer where it once was.

While timeless landmarks like the mountains and rivers of the Drakensberg endure, everything shaped by human hands changes—and often, tragically, deteriorates.

In rural South Africa, essential infrastructure like roads, sanitation, water, and electricity has largely collapsed or is on the brink of failure. Political corruption has turned state institutions into feeding troughs for party loyalists, leaving what was once the pride of Africa’s railways and roads in disrepair.

The place of home can shift

Circumstances led me to leave my birthplace at a young age. For years, I lived and worked in Germany—a land tied to my ancestral roots but one I could never truly call home. The long, cold, and wet winters left me battling colds and flu for weeks, an unmistakable signal that my well-being needed a different environment.

At times I was terribly homesick, longing for the blue skies, expansive landscapes, sounds and smells of my African homeland. It is easy to fall into the trap of melancholy sadness of what once was and is no more, the past becoming an idealized and distorted image.

Finding the place in the sun

Seven years ago, I found my place under the sun in Mallorca, Spain. It wasn’t until then that I fully understood how deeply geography, culture, and community impacts not just physical health but mental vibrancy and energy.

Sometimes, choosing to live someplace else does change everything for the better, notwithstanding that you always take yourself with you. Home is ultimately within. Home is what creates a sense of belonging and purpose.

Feeling at home sometimes shifts as you grow, adapt, and explore the world. At times, it’s where you were born or raised, rooted in childhood memories and traditions. At other times, it’s where you feel most alive, inspired, and at peace—a place or state of mind that aligns with your values, dreams, and well-being.

Recently the most renowned South African writer and poet Breyten Breytenbach passed away in his home in Paris. In his prose, Breytenbach frequently explored how the home one remembers rarely aligns with the home one finds upon return. The landscapes may remain familiar, but the social, political, and personal contexts often shift dramatically.

Returning home can evoke a profound sense of loss—of the self that once belonged fully to that place and the home that no longer exists as it was. Returning to childhood landscapes can be a complex, bittersweet experience, marked by both longing and alienation.

In a poignant in his book “Return to Paradise”, Breytenbach reflects:

We carry our homes within us,
shaped by the stories of our scars.
The land may hold its silence,
but the roads remember our footsteps.

Where is the place where you can truly breathe and thrive?

What does home mean to you?

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

Understanding Loneliness vs. Solitude

Loneliness and solitude are often confused, but they are fundamentally different. Loneliness is not merely the absence of human relationships. It reflects a deeper sense of inner emptiness, signifying a lack of meaning and a disconnect from purpose.

Loneliness is a place of pain where the void often manifests in addictions, especially to external distractions that ultimately create more suffering.

Solitude is an intentional choice

Solitude, on the other hand, is the intentional choice to spend time alone. It is a self-created space for recalibration and mental detox.

In solitude, the mind is given the opportunity to quiet itself, creating a fertile ground for personal growth, self-discovery, and creativity.

While loneliness drains, solitude replenishes.

Meditation, yoga, tai chi, and deep walking in nature are only some of the useful tools in training the monkey mind to be really present and appreciative of the magic of the moment.

But what if the pain is so deep that every moment alone is a place of torture?

Anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one, the trauma of a break-up or divorce, financial disaster, the loss of a job or a life-threatening diagnosis will know that during such moments you need more than ever stable relationships and community to help navigate the crisis. Sometimes it is just important for another being to be present, holding a hand in silent compassion.

Human connection is fundamental

Human connection is fundamental to your well-being. It’s easier to transform pain when you feel seen, heard, and acknowledged by others. Yet, modern society’s focus on individualism—liberty, personal expression, and the pursuit of a singular life purpose—has often come at the expense of community.

 A study on “Social Relationships and Health” by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Timothy B. Smith, and J. Bradley Layton (published in PLoS Medicine, 2010) revealed that that loneliness and social isolation significantly increase the risk of poor mental health and mortality. On the other hand the effects of social connections on health were found to be comparable to or greater than well-known risk factors such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and obesity management.

As social beings, we thrive in connection and falter in isolation, both mentally and physically. Yet, we find ourselves increasingly divided into opposing camps of “us” versus “them.” Strong religious and political ideologies—sometimes addictive in their nature—further deepen these divides, often fueled by external influences with hidden agendas. The rise of religious orthodoxy and political extremism underscores this growing fragmentation, creating artificial “tribal” communities that exclude rather than include.

The innate universal human quality for compassion, is frequently sacrificed on the altar of rigid beliefs and superficial differences. They are amplified by external forces, clouding the ability to see a shared humanity.

Yet there is a path back to serving both the true self and community – solitude. Taking even a few minutes each day to disconnect from the noise can ground you, fostering self-compassion, and reignite your capacity for love.

When you cultivate self-love, you naturally extend that same compassion and energy outward, treating others with greater understanding and kindness.

True connection begins within. By rediscovering our compassionate nature, we can bridge the divides and reclaim the value of community.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

You are the master of your destiny

“The great cease to rule when the small cease to grovel.” (Friedrich Schiller 1759-1805)

Dictators, demagogues, and cult leaders excel at convincing decent, ordinary people that blind obedience and unwavering loyalty will miraculously transform their lives. The rude awakening inevitably comes.

Once in power autocrats and dictators inevitably exploit the weak and vulnerable for their own selfish needs. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is a typical example. He is purported to be one of the wealthiest people on earth. Meanwhile, his country’s infra-structure, health, and education system are collapsing while state resources are spent on imperialist wars.

In the recent U.S. Elections the power grab by wealthy oligarchs has been more subtle. Elon Musk, probably the world’s second wealthiest man, together with other billionaires (Peter Thiel, David Sachs, Rupert Murdoch etc.) control a large part of the nation’s tech and media industry (Twitter/X, Fox News). They injected more than two billion dollars into the Trump election campaign and now have a major influence on the country’s political agenda.

We are seeing an unprecedented symbiosis of politics, power and capital in the United States, German Professor Bernhard Pörksen, a media analyst, said in an interview with ZDF television. These libertarian ideologues “who despise the weak” are “pursuing their agenda on their own media platforms with extreme aggression, despising classic journalism and clearly threatening their enemies.”

Historian Timothy Snyder in his book On Tyranny, describes how democracies often erode not through sudden collapse but through gradual undermining of norms, laws, and institutions.

“The mistake is to assume that rulers who came to power through institutions cannot change or destroy those very institutions—leaving democracy in ruins.”

Spreading disinformation on their media platforms is part of the agenda. When the truth is turned into a lie and the lie into the truth the ordinary citizen, confused by conflicting information overload, switches off from politics, ultimately surrendering his basic freedoms and liberty.

In the short-term autocracies create the impression of stability through strong control of dissent and internal conflict. The reality is that without the checks and balances of a democracy power is inevitably abused, leading to inefficiency, corruption, and exploitation. Suppression of dissent and free thought stifles creativity, critical feedback, and innovation.

When the powerful become too powerful and economic promises don’t materialize, frustration can reach a tipping point. A single, galvanizing event can ignite existing frustrations and unify disparate groups against the regime, such as blatant corruption or fraudulent elections. Rebellion becomes possible when the population collectively believes change is achievable such as in the peaceful revolutions in communist East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland.

Nothing is more powerful than when individuals arise collectively in the realization that they can be masters of their own destiny. The pain becomes so powerful that people overcome their apathy, fear, and disempowerment, embracing a collective cause.

Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful struggle of collective civil disobedience against imperialist British rule remains a shining example of collective power that built momentum through incremental successes with strikes, protests, and legal rulings.

You as an individual collectively will hold enormous power in shaping your destiny when overcoming fear, and believe in the possibility of change.

The poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley, remains a powerful declaration of resilience and self-mastery, speaking of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity and the ability to control one’s fate:

“Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.”

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

Bridging Religion and Spirituality

“God is at home. It is we who have gone out for a walk.” – Meister Eckart

I have always struggled with taking the teachings of the Bible literally. Once, when I voiced my doubts to a pastor, he replied, “You just have to believe.” This answer left me unsatisfied, deepening my questions and nudging me further from conventional faith. Today, I see myself more as a spiritual seeker than a believer.

After much soul-searching, including walking many pilgrimage paths in northwestern Spain, I’ve come to feel and experience something profoundly vast and mysterious, far beyond the simplified image or concept of a personal “God.”

I find it hard to reconcile the notion of an all-powerful, loving God with the existence of suffering and a deity who punishes or abandons those who disobey or fail to believe. The God of the Old Testament is often portrayed as a father figure, demanding absolute obedience to doctrines meant to provide stability, certainty, and structure. Within this framework, dissenting interpretations and questioning of these truths were rarely tolerated and brutally suppressed.

Diversity as a core principle of creation

In my time spent contemplating nature, I have come to see diversity as a core principle of creation itself. In nature, every being continuously changes, adapts, and evolves. Those that resist adaptation ultimately fade, making space for species better suited to survive. To me, this endless process of growth and refinement mirrors experiential spiritual growth, which, unlike fixed belief, is fluid. Here, understanding is shaped by direct experience, reflection, and openness to change.

Different religions, like different races, and cultures are like a garden meant to complement and enrich each other. South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu pointedly once described it as:

“God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion. God’s garden is diverse, with many colors and cultures, and all are precious in His sight.”

Creating peace through mutual respect and compassion

Embracing and accepting the diversity of cultures, faiths, and perspectives as a divine gift is the essential foundation for lasting peace in our world. When we see this diversity not as a source of division but as a beautiful, intentional expression of creation, we open ourselves to mutual respect, compassion, and understanding.

Each unique tradition, belief, and background can contribute its own wisdom, enriching the broader human experience. True peace arises from recognizing that our differences are not obstacles but opportunities to grow, connect, and celebrate a shared humanity within the wholeness of creation. .

Bridging science and religion

Albert Einstein, in his efforts to bridge science and spirituality, described a “cosmic religious feeling”—a deep awe at the order, beauty, and mystery of the universe. For him, this feeling didn’t arise from belief in a personal God but from reverence for something grand and beyond human comprehension. He didn’t see God as a being who intervenes, rewards, or punishes but as a metaphor for the universe’s profound mysteries. While he respected religion’s role in human ethics, he believed morality is a human endeavor rather than a divine dictate.

Spiritual understanding, I feel, is something that grows and adapts with experience, often diverging from the intended path to reveal unexpected landscapes. Such growth may not even be a choice. Sometimes we are forced onto the path of spiritual awakening by profound loss, pain or hardship.

Fixed beliefs can offer a foundation, while experiential spirituality allows expansion, reinterpretation, and deepening of understanding. The former might be expressed in ritual, prayer, and sacrament, while the latter can be found in meditation, contemplation, deep communion with nature, or service to others. Yet, the two need not be in opposition; instead, they can enrich each other.

As the 13-century Mystic Meister Eckart once reflected: “The most powerful prayer, one well-nigh omnipotent and the worthiest of all, is the outcome of a quiet mind. The quieter it is, the more powerful, the worthier, the deeper, the more telling, and more perfect the prayer is.”

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube

What makes you happy?

“Gratitude is the antidote to the weight of regret”

In an uncertain and sometimes chaotic world, the constant stream of negative news can feel overwhelming, often overshadowing the positive moments. Unfortunately, the mind tends to focus more on negativity, making it essential to intentionally cultivate a mindset that embraces joy and positivity.

Throughout each day, we all face both positive and negative experiences. But have you ever wondered why the negative ones linger in your mind longer and why the negative message is more powerful than the positive?

Conditioning the mind to joy involves rewiring the brain to focus more on positive experiences, feelings, and thoughts while managing stress and challenges more effectively. Here are several practices that can help with this:

Gratitude Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on things you’re grateful for, even small things. Writing them down can amplify the effect, as it reinforces positive neural pathways.Reframe Challenges: When facing difficulties, try to focus on any lessons or positives that can come from them. What do I need to learn from this experience? I there a positive side to this?Meditation and Deep Walking Stay Present: Mindfulness teaches you to focus on the present, reducing tendencies to dwell on the past or worry about the future, both of which can detract from joy.Deep Walking in nature is a great way of reconnecting and alignment. Spending time in the green and blue spaces of nature and opening the senses to sound, smell and feeling will noticeable reduce your stress levels. If you want to find out more, check out my book: Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul. Positive VisualizationImagine Joyful Outcomes: Regularly visualizing positive experiences can help the brain become more attuned to them. Picture moments that bring you happiness and success, even small ones, and try to evoke the emotions you’d feel in those scenarios.Future Gratitude: Think about things you’re looking forward to or would like to happen, and imagine how grateful you’ll feel when they do.Self-LoveSpeak Kindly to Yourself: The way you talk to yourself affects how you feel about yourself. Practicing self-compassion means addressing your thoughts with kindness and patience, which fosters a more joyful and supportive inner world.Forgive Yourself: Mistakes happen, and letting go of self-criticism can bring immediate relief and joy.Acts of KindnessGive to Others: Helping others releases oxytocin and other “feel-good” hormones, creating a sense of connection and joy.Practice Appreciation: Show gratitude to those around you, which can increase your own sense of happiness and fulfillment.Flow ActivitiesFind a Passion or Hobby: Activities that fully absorb your attention—like art, sports, or music—can create “flow” states, which are deeply satisfying and joyful.Focus on Progress: Rather than aiming for perfection, celebrate small wins and improvements, which can help you appreciate your journey.Cultivate OptimismChallenge Negative Thoughts: When you notice negative thoughts, ask yourself if they’re realistic or if there’s a more positive perspective you could consider.Practice Positive Affirmations: Regularly affirming positive beliefs about yourself and your future can build a mindset that gravitates toward joy.Physical ExerciseExercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, boosts mood, and reduces stress, all of which contribute to a happier space. Smile Often: Even forcing a smile can trigger a small release of dopamine, making the brain associate smiling with joy.

Building positive habits and cultivating a resilient mindset takes time, especially if you’ve spent years dwelling in negativity. It’s a gradual process, but starting small can make a big impact. Begin with simple actions, like writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. Or take a few minutes each day to walk in nature or meditate. Over time, these small steps add up, creating a powerful, lasting effect.

In my village, there’s a Moroccan fruit and vegetable vendor who greets each customer with a big smile and a warm, friendly remark. Recently, I told him how his kindness radiates positivity to everyone he meets. Just think of the hundreds of people he uplifts, day after day, week after week, year after year. For me he is a reminder of how just one person can have a profoundly positive effect.

Reino Gevers – Author – Mentor – Speaker

P.S. If you enjoyed this article you will be interested in my books available where all good books are sold.

WordPressFacebookTwitterInstagramFacebookAmazonYouTube