Worshipping through gratitude and embodiment
Even though i’m aware that we are open about the fact that there are different ways to practice and perceive the Gods, and I lean more towards eclectic practices, I do wonder sometimes about how often I see others asking things from the Gods. As in, “give offering -> ask for favour ->transaction completed”
I’m not here to tell anyone their spirituality is wrong, as I do agree it’s something that can feel quite personal to each individual. But how many of you practice through gratitude and embodying the things you want in life?
What I mean is, I also sometimes ask for blessings, guidance, and protection. But personally, a big part of my religious practice involves acknowledging the blessings I already have and being thankful for them. Like thanking Aphrodite for my beauty and the love I have in my life, Apollo for my health and inspiration, Hestia for my home, Zeus for protection and order, Demeter for food, etc.
As well as embodiment, if you want to pray to Aphrodite for beauty and love then make sure you take care of your body and appearance, make sure you keep your heart open. Trying to live in the example of the gods.
I wonder if the lack of these types of religious practices comes from the esoteric side of Hellenism that has grown quite popular lately, which is very human centric. But let’s not forget that the gods are forces of nature themselves, they’re not a fairy godmother, they’re part of life, nature, the world. Let’s be grateful for the roles they’ve already played in our lives, and let’s make sure that we try to become the things we ask from them.
I don’t know exactly why I wanted to write this post, I guess it’s because sometimes I see people getting a lot of anxiety in their beliefs, expecting immediate results which only leads to frustration. Even beyond the spiritual/religious aspect, I believe practicing gratitude is only healthy even on a psychological aspect.