Spirituality

While attending a workshop on spiritual development this past weekend it became clear to me that there are certain activities that people consider spiritual (meditating, journaling, contemplating, etc.) and certain things they do not (work, household chores, child-care, etc.). The fact is that all activities are spiritual if the intent is there: "A man should receive God in all things and train his mind to keep God ever present in his mind, in his aims and in his love. Note how you regard God: keep the same attitude that you have in church or in your cell, and carry it with you in the crowd and in unrest and inequality.....In your acts you should have an equal mind and equal faith and equal love for your God.....If you were equal-minded in this way, then no man could keep you from having God ever present." (Meister Eckhart). I spent a good part of today sanding a mantle I am refinishing. While sanding I felt grateful, thanked the wood, honored its beauty and imperfections. That was a spiritual approach.