In many spiritual and religious traditions, worship is often directed towards a higher power or deity. This practice is seen as a way to honor and connect with the divine. However, what if we expanded our understanding of worship to include admiration and reverence for each other? What if we saw the act of looking to others for answers and inspiration as a form of self-love and collective adoration?

Worship and Admiration: A Reflection of Self-Love

Admiring and seeking guidance from others is not a sign of weakness or inferiority. On the contrary, it is a profound acknowledgment of our interconnectedness and the collective consciousness we all share. When we look up to someone, we are recognizing the divine spark within them, which is also within us. In this way, worship and admiration are forms of self-love.

When you admire someone's wisdom, strength, or compassion, you are celebrating qualities that exist within the human experience, including within yourself. This perspective transforms admiration into a practice of recognizing and honoring the collective beauty and potential of humanity. It is a way of saying, "I see the greatness in you, and I acknowledge that same greatness within me."

The Interconnectedness of "I" and "We"

In a world that often emphasizes individuality, it is easy to forget that we are all interconnected. The idea that we are separate from one another is an illusion. At a deeper level, we are all part of the same collective consciousness. This means that when we worship or admire someone else, we are also acknowledging and honoring a part of ourselves.

Consider the analogy of a tree. Each leaf on the tree is unique, with its own shape and position, yet all the leaves are part of the same tree, connected by branches and roots. In the same way, each person is a unique expression of the same collective consciousness. When we admire a leaf, we are appreciating the beauty and vitality of the entire tree.

Worship as a Practice of Collective Adoration

Worship and admiration do not have to be confined to religious practices or directed only towards deities. They can be extended to the people around us, the ones who inspire us, and those who embody qualities we aspire to cultivate within ourselves. This form of collective adoration enhances our sense of connection and unity.

Here are some ways to practice collective adoration:

1. Recognize the Divine in Others: See the divine spark in everyone you meet. Appreciate their unique contributions and qualities as reflections of the greater whole.
2. Seek Inspiration from Others: Look to those who inspire you as sources of wisdom and guidance. Understand that their insights and strengths are accessible to you as well.
3. Celebrate Collective Achievements: When others succeed or exhibit admirable qualities, celebrate their achievements as victories for the collective consciousness. Their success is a testament to what is possible for all of us.
4. Practice Gratitude: Express gratitude for the people who enrich your life with their presence and actions. This gratitude reinforces the interconnectedness of "I" and "we."

Worship and the "I-We" Paradox

Contrary to some religious beliefs that might discourage worshiping others, embracing the "I-We" paradox allows us to see worship in a new light. Worshiping or admiring others is not about diminishing ourselves or forgetting our individuality. Instead, it is about recognizing that the greatness we see in others is a reflection of the greatness within ourselves and the collective.

When we worship another as part of the "we," we are simultaneously remembering the "I." This practice fosters a deeper sense of self-love and collective unity, enhancing our spiritual growth and connection to the divine.

There is no harm in worshiping or admiring others; in fact, it is a beautiful practice of self-love and collective adoration. By recognizing the divine spark in others and celebrating our interconnectedness, we honor both the "I" and the "we." This approach enriches our spiritual journey, reminding us that every act of admiration is a celebration of the collective consciousness we all share.

In this grand symphony of existence, each note, whether played by "I" or "we," contributes to the harmonious melody of life. Embrace the practice of worship and admiration as a way to deepen your connection to yourself and the collective, and witness the transformative power of collective adoration.

Bonus Points

You made it to the end of this post without letting common trigger words stop you from welcoming the wisdom from it. We admire each other in many ways. We do award ceremonies, perform speeches of honor, erect statues, name buildings and other commonalities after those we adore. That is worship. But, it is also love and gratitude. You make me proud.

- The Mistress -