The living spirit
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The living spirit
Sheryl Iris Glick's *The Living Spirit* offers a refreshing perspective on the vital force that animates existence, moving past rote spiritual platitudes. Its strength lies in its direct, unadorned prose that avoids the typical New Age jargon, presenting complex ideas with a clear, almost scientific, yet deeply intuitive approach. The exploration of how the ego acts as a veil, obscuring our perception of this pervasive 'living spirit,' is particularly well-articulated. A potential limitation for some readers might be the lack of extensive historical or comparative references, which, while preserving the author's unique voice, occasionally leaves the reader wishing for more contextual grounding. The passage discussing the 'Observer Effect' in consciousness, as it relates to the spirit's interaction with matter, is a compelling synthesis of philosophical and subtle energetic principles. The work provides a clear, accessible path towards recognizing the animating principle in everyday life.
📝 Description
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Sheryl Iris Glick's 2014 book, The Living Spirit, questions materialist views by proposing a sentient energy in all existence.
Published in 2014, The Living Spirit by Sheryl Iris Glick offers a unique perspective on consciousness and spiritual awareness. Glick moves beyond standard philosophical or spiritual systems to propose an animating force present in all things. The book examines the connections between the material world and the non-material, suggesting a way to understand the subtle energies that influence our reality and personal lives. It is written for individuals who want a deeper spiritual understanding beyond dogma and established religions. Those already practicing contemplation, studying comparative mysticism, or questioning materialism will find material here. Readers open to unconventional thought and philosophical inquiry will find substance in Glick's work. The text does not rely on mainstream academic thought but echoes a broader interest in non-dualistic philosophies and the energetic basis of reality, a trend seen in related writings from the period.
The Living Spirit emerged during a time of increased interest in consciousness studies and esoteric philosophy, influenced by quantum physics and Eastern traditions. It aligns with a cultural move toward exploring non-dualistic ideas and the energetic foundations of reality. This reflects a curiosity about unseen organizing principles, similar to discussions around concepts like morphic resonance.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain a framework for understanding the animating force of existence, termed the 'living spirit,' which Glick presents as distinct from traditional religious doctrines. • Explore the concept of the ego as a conceptual veil, as detailed in the book's chapters on perception, offering a new lens for self-inquiry. • Discover practical approaches to perceiving the subtle energies of the 'living spirit' through altered states of awareness, as described in the text's later sections.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was *The Living Spirit* by Sheryl Iris Glick first published?
*The Living Spirit* was first published in 2014. This edition offers a contemporary exploration of esoteric concepts.
What is the central theme of *The Living Spirit*?
The central theme is the concept of an inherent, sentient energy called the 'living spirit' that pervades all existence and can be perceived through heightened awareness.
Is *The Living Spirit* suitable for beginners in esoteric studies?
Yes, the book's clear prose and direct approach make it accessible for beginners, though it also offers depth for those with prior experience in esoteric philosophy.
Does the book offer practical exercises?
While not a manual of specific rituals, the book guides readers toward cultivating a different mode of perception, encouraging direct experience of the 'living spirit'.
What distinguishes *The Living Spirit* from other books on consciousness?
It distinguishes itself by positing a specific, sentient animating principle ('living spirit') and exploring its direct implications for human perception and existence, beyond abstract theory.
What is the author's background?
Sheryl Iris Glick's background is primarily as an author and thinker in the esoteric and metaphysical fields, focusing on the nature of consciousness and spiritual reality.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Sentient 'Living Spirit'
The core of Glick's work is the postulation of a ubiquitous, conscious energy she terms the 'living spirit.' This is not merely inert energy but possesses awareness and actively shapes reality. The book explores how this spirit is the fundamental essence of all beings and phenomena, challenging a purely materialist interpretation of the universe. Glick suggests that recognizing this spirit is the key to spiritual awakening and a deeper connection with the cosmos. The text provides frameworks for perceiving this pervasive consciousness in everyday life.
Ego as a Perceptual Barrier
A significant theme is the role of the ego in obscuring our perception of the 'living spirit.' Glick describes the ego as a construct of conditioned thought and identity that creates a limited, subjective reality. This self-imposed limitation prevents direct experience of the deeper, interconnected consciousness. The work suggests that by understanding the nature of the ego and its mechanisms, individuals can begin to transcend its influence, thereby opening themselves to a more direct and authentic apprehension of reality.
Consciousness and Reality
Glick examines the intricate relationship between consciousness and the manifestation of reality. The book posits that consciousness, particularly the 'living spirit,' is not merely a byproduct of the brain but a primary factor in shaping the world we experience. It explores how focused awareness can influence the energetic patterns that coalesce into physical form. This perspective invites readers to consider their own role as co-creators of their reality through their conscious engagement with the 'living spirit'.
Direct Experiential Knowing
A recurring emphasis is placed on the importance of direct, intuitive knowing over mere intellectual understanding. Glick advocates for cultivating a state of heightened awareness where the 'living spirit' can be directly perceived and experienced. This approach moves beyond dogma and belief systems, prioritizing personal revelation and inner perception. The book encourages practices that foster this kind of experiential knowledge, leading to a more profound and integrated spiritual life.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The ego is a clever architect of separation.”
— This concise statement captures the essence of the ego's function as described by Glick: it actively constructs a sense of individuality and distinctness that isolates us from the interconnected 'living spirit' and from others.
“Awareness is not a passive observer but an active participant in creation.”
— This highlights Glick's view of consciousness as a dynamic force. It challenges the notion of passive observation and suggests that our very act of perceiving and being aware actively contributes to the unfolding of reality.
“The world reflects the state of the inner spirit.”
— This interpretation conveys the idea that our external reality is a projection or manifestation of our internal state. It underscores the interconnectedness between the individual consciousness and the perceived world.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Within the silence, the spirit speaks not in words, but in being.
This paraphrase points to Glick's emphasis on intuitive, non-verbal understanding. It suggests that the 'living spirit' communicates through direct presence and essence, rather than through discursive thought or language.
To know the spirit is to know oneself at the deepest level.
This paraphrased concept illustrates the Glick's belief in the fundamental unity of the individual soul and the universal 'living spirit.' Self-knowledge, in this context, is synonymous with recognizing one's true nature as part of this greater consciousness.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
The work aligns with a broad Neo-Platonic and Hermetic current that posits a fundamental spiritual essence underlying all material existence. It departs from more structured Kabbalistic or Gnostic traditions by focusing on a singular, undifferentiated 'living spirit' rather than a complex hierarchy of divine emanations or specific mythic narratives. Glick's emphasis on direct, non-conceptual apprehension of this spirit speaks to mystical traditions across various cultures but is presented through a modern, accessible lens, eschewing archaic language or ritualistic frameworks.
Symbolism
While *The Living Spirit* is less reliant on traditional occult symbolism, the concept of 'light' is implicitly present as a metaphor for consciousness and the animating spirit. The 'veil' of the ego functions symbolically as an obstruction to this light. The book might also implicitly use the symbol of a 'seed' or 'spark' to represent the latent potential of the living spirit within each individual, waiting to be recognized and nurtured into full expression.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary thinkers and practitioners exploring consciousness, mindfulness, and energetic healing find resonance in Glick's work. Its direct approach to identifying the ego as a primary obstacle aligns with modern therapeutic modalities that focus on self-awareness and de-identification from thought patterns. Schools of thought emphasizing the power of intention and the observer effect in shaping reality also draw parallels, making *The Living Spirit* relevant to discussions in both spiritual and fringe scientific communities today.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking to understand consciousness beyond a purely materialist framework, offering a unique perspective on the 'living spirit'. • Contemplative practitioners and students of comparative mysticism interested in non-dogmatic approaches to spirituality. • Those questioning conventional reality and searching for philosophical underpinnings that support the existence of a sentient universe.
📜 Historical Context
Sheryl Iris Glick's *The Living Spirit*, published in 2014, emerged in an era where consciousness studies were gaining traction, often intersecting with quantum physics and Eastern philosophical traditions. While not directly part of the established New Age movement, its exploration of an animating, sentient universal force can be seen as a continuation of themes explored by thinkers like Helena Blavatsky in the late 19th century, though Glick's approach is more direct and less encumbered by specific occult systems. In the early 2010s, discussions around non-dualism and the nature of consciousness were also prominent, with authors like Rupert Sheldrake publishing on concepts like morphic resonance, indicating a broader intellectual curiosity about unseen organizing principles. This work offered a distinct voice, emphasizing direct perception and the ego's role as a barrier, differentiating it from more academic or strictly comparative religious studies of the time.
📔 Journal Prompts
Reflect on instances where the 'ego' acted as a barrier to your perception of deeper truth.
Consider how the concept of the 'living spirit' might alter your daily interactions.
Document moments of quietude where you felt a connection to something beyond ordinary awareness.
Analyze a personal challenge through the lens of the ego's role in creating perceived limitations.
Explore the idea of 'being' as a form of communication from the 'living spirit'.
🗂️ Glossary
Living Spirit
The central concept in Glick's work, referring to an inherent, sentient, and animating energy or consciousness that pervades all existence, forming the fundamental essence of reality.
Ego
In this context, the ego is understood as the construct of personal identity, conditioned thought patterns, and self-perception that creates a sense of separation and limits direct experience of the 'living spirit'.
Perception
The process by which we interpret sensory information and internal states. Glick suggests that perception is heavily influenced by the ego and can be refined to apprehend the 'living spirit'.
Awareness
The state or ability to perceive, feel, or be conscious of events, objects, or sensory patterns. Glick emphasizes awareness as an active, creative force rather than a passive reception.
Materialism
The philosophical belief that matter is the fundamental substance in nature, and that all phenomena, including mental states and consciousness, can be explained by material interactions.
Direct Knowing
Knowledge gained through immediate experience and intuition, as opposed to reasoning or inference. This is presented as the primary means to apprehend the 'living spirit'.
Consciousness
The state of being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings. Glick posits consciousness as a fundamental aspect of the 'living spirit' that underlies all existence.
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