2. When do we feel a connection with the Divine?

There are times, when we are content, and at peace, that our minds are free enough to feel Nature's immensity and mysterious order. I find certain environments and inputs more conducive than others to feeling this:

Being out in nature
I find that being out in nature, quietly, is most conducive to feeling a connection with the Divine. It is hard to ignore the beauty and quietness around. And, hard not to feel nature's vastness.

Incredible symmetry
Nature has incredible symmetry. Observing this symmetry, whether it is directly or even through pictures brings about a connection with the Divine. Symmetry and order in flowers, or in the way plants grow or beautiful minerals and crystals built up an atom at a time come to mind. I recall the feeling when seeing a thin onion slice under a microscope as a child. I will never forget the neat arrangement of cells.

Seeing beauty in others
Because we know our loved ones so well, we can see them without inhibition. And, when we allow their inner beauty to become apparent, we see the Divine in them.

Acts of bravery and selflessness
When we see a human being rise above selfishness and self protection in service of others, the Divine seems apparent. When we ourselves commit giving acts, again, the Divine is apparent.

In suffering
In my most difficult experience - dealing with prolonged sickness, I felt a connection with the Divine. I felt that what was happening to me was also a part of Nature's order. This brought me peace and strength to handle my illness.

There are said to be ways of cultivating our propensity for connecting with the Divine - different forms of meditation, right acts, maybe even blind faith. This will be the subject of later posts.

When have you felt a connection with the Divine? I am eager to hear about other experiences.

Love and well wishes,
- Jyotishmatee