The quote “Thicken your religion a little. It is evaporating altogether by being subtilized.” suggests that beliefs and practices can become overly abstract or intellectualized, leading to a dilution of their original meaning and impact. In essence, when religious or spiritual practices become too focused on intellectual discussions or philosophical nuances, they risk losing their grounding in real-life experiences and practical applications.
To “thicken” religion means to bring back the tangible aspects of faith—rituals, community involvement, emotional connections—that make it vibrant and meaningful. This involves emphasizing concrete experiences over mere ideas. The danger of “subtilizing,” or making something overly subtle, is that it can lead to confusion or apathy among practitioners who may feel disconnected from the core values of their beliefs.
In today’s world, where many people seek spirituality online or engage in debates about religious principles without experiencing them firsthand, this idea becomes particularly relevant. Social media often fosters discussions that prioritize intellectual understanding over personal experience or community bonding.
Applying this concept to personal development involves recognizing the need for grounding in one’s values and beliefs. Here are a few ways to do this:
1. **Engagement**: Actively participate in communities (religious or otherwise) rather than just reading about ideas online. Building relationships fosters deeper understanding and commitment.
2. **Practice**: Incorporate rituals into daily life—these could be as simple as gratitude journaling, meditative practices, volunteering for causes you believe in—to create a sense of connection with your values.
3. **Reflection**: Spend time contemplating how your belief system integrates with day-to-day actions rather than only focusing on theoretical concepts.
4. **Balance**: Strive for balance between intellect and experience; embrace both study of teachings and participation in lived experiences tied to those teachings.
In summary, thickening one’s engagement with faith—or any core belief system—entails fostering deeper emotional connections through active practice rather than solely relying on abstract discussions. This approach not only enriches individual understanding but also strengthens communal bonds that can support personal growth much more robustly than isolated contemplation alone.