How do you practice your spirituality? An Interfaith Perspective from Nana I Ke Kumu
Introduction by Cole Goodwin
Welcome to The Spiritual Roundtable, an interfaith roundtable featuring a diverse range of spiritual belief systems in the Gorge Community.
Each week, spiritual leaders and learners will share their take on some of humanity's biggest questions, starting with: What does your spirituality mean to you? And ramping up into discussions about the nature of existence, the soul, the divine, and of course…a question as old as time itself: why are we here?
Roundtable writings will be published each Saturday and Sunday of the month. So look forward to new installments every Saturday and Sunday morning!
Take a deep breath… Meditate for a moment…And when you’re ready…keep reading to explore the diverse faiths, belief systems, and philosophies that exist in our communities.
This Month's Question:
Why this question was chosen: This question asks us to examine the basic principles and values that guide our Spirituality and expand our understanding of the many paths one can walk to live a Spiritual life.
About Imma Royal and Theo Ward
Imma Royal began her journey with 15 plus years in the mental health field. A near death experience propelled her to seek the occult, that which is hidden, with fervor. She found peace at a Buddhist meditation retreat before meeting her kindred spirit, Theo. In 2004, Imma and Theo joined to form a partnership where they studied Astrology, Tarot and Meditation. Imma continued her studies to receive a Master of Social Work and became a Registered Yoga Instructor in 2018. She brings a focus that is trauma informed with a lens of attachment theory.
Theo Ward began his journey on the largest family owned ranch in the United States, where he spent most of his life on a horse, herding sheep. He learned to walk with the Earth and understand the rhythm of the seasons as it relates to the life and birth cycles of the sheep. His gentle nature found another purpose after retirement from ranch life, when he stumbled upon an experience of continuous peace for six hours. From this point forward, he began to study the ancient wisdom to articulate that experience. His studies brought him to Hawaii for six years, where he studied Neuro Linguistic Programming, wisdom of ancient Hawaii from the lineage of Kahunas and the natural rhythm of death through hospice work. Theo holds certification in Neuro Linguistic Programming, Timeline Technique, Master Hypnosis and Huna.
An Interfaith Perspective
by Imma Royal and Theo Ward
Everything one needs to know about is in a little book called the Tao Te Ching. You are never far away but you are close. If you understand this… It is the basis of our philosophy.
The Master arrives by non-doing. By living the Tao, you are lived by it. A great leader leads by following.
Navigating the Tree of Life is a rite of passage. Starting a Kether, navigating to Malkuth and rising back up through the abyss “Da’ath”.
Our practice is quite simple. A verse of the Tao Te Ching daily before meditation. A randomly selected verse from Stephen Mitchell’s interpretation of the Tao, sets the template for the day. Noticing how things shift. A perspective that has been and will always be.
Discussion and study of the Qabalah/Tarot is the structure that guides our practice. It is about preparing the vessel as one integrates Conscious Energy navigating the 32 paths of the Tree of Life. Within these 32 paths are 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot and the 10 Sephiroth. It is represented in four planes of existence: The Archetypal World, The Creative World, The Formative World and The Material World. From these four worlds the ten Sephiroth forms the ten aspects of Universal Conscious Energy. The 22 Major Arcana represent all the archetypes of humanity. When combined form infinite possibilities. This one reality is unnamable because it is infinite.
There is much freedom to our practice beyond this foundation. Everything else is extra, icing on the cake. I like Mantra and Yoga embodying consciousness through sound, breath and movement. Theo practices dancing with the Earth through gardening and creating ecosystems. Through connection with self, we have the ability to live the joy of being human.
Our core belief, Creation exists. All we have to do is tap in. From here, one can understand the ALL.
The how to is knowledge of the Esoteric. The Ancient Wisdom. One can enter through the language of symbols. The infinite cannot be articulated. It is experienced as Conscious Energy.
Lethargy… We remember 9/11. Theo’s successful practice of Network Marketing tanked. COVID. Humanity is stuck.
We have a way. Our non-profit at Nana I Ke Kumu offers an open door. We will commit to your journey. This is an offer for you to journey with us for one year with the common purpose to know oneself as a perfect and magnificent part of creation manifest here on earth for the sole purpose of having an experience.
If this intrigues you, visit us at our space, call or email.
Nana I Ke Kumu
413 E 2nd ST
The Dalles, OR 97058
indigotravellers.net
immaroyal@gmail.com
(541) 980-7286
Want to contribute to the Spiritual Roundtable? Read this first.
The Roundtable Mission and Vision
The goal of these roundtable writings is to:
Bring the spiritual community together.
Share ideas that elevate the human spirit.
Elevate the conversation around the spirit.
Embrace what is universal to all, while honoring what is special about each spirituality.
Center inclusivity and equity.
Promote our collective enlightenment.
Nurture civility and friendship between those with diverse belief systems in the Gorge.
Engage readers and spiritual seekers.
The Spiritual Roundtable IS NOT…
This is not a place for arguing about dogma.
This is not a place for ‘hating on’ or putting other belief systems down.
This is not a place for excluding, discriminating, or promoting fear or violence towards other people based on their race, color, ethnicity, beliefs, faith, gender, sexuality, ability.
This is not a place for hatred.
This is not a place for fear.
The Spiritual Roundtable IS..
This IS a place for hope.
This IS a place for joy.
This IS a place for comfort.
This IS a place for big questions.
This IS a place for learning.
This IS a place for sharing.
This IS a place for caring.
This IS a place for sharing what is special about your beliefs.
CCC News reserves the right to not publish any content that breaks with our mission, vision and values.
If you are interested in being included in the roundtable please email cole@columbiacommunityconnection.com
