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Hippies recognized there is more to life than what appears in the physical world. We embarked on a spiritual quest to connect with the positive energy of the universe. We were interested in learning and following various eastern religious practices and beliefs. Like many other groups throughout history, hippies appreciated the value of exploring alternative forms of consciousness (including those from psychedelic drugs). Hippies took a Zen approach to life. We wanted to enjoy the moment, and relished spontaneity. Most hippies did not worry about the past, nor did they fret about the future. Hippies derived pleasure from a range of nonphysical pursuits. Music and other forms of creativity allowed us to tap into our higher selves. We wanted to pick up good vibes from the universe. We rejected society’s advice to postpone fun in order to work hard and save for the future. Hippies rejected the concept of delayed gratification. There were many other elements of Hippy spirituality. We believed in Karma. If you were righteous and treated others fairly, that would come back to you. Bad people would get what was coming to them. This is the chief principle of Christianity, Buddhism and most other religions: “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you.” Hippies also believe in trusting our intuition. We can tell a friend by their “good vibrations.” On the other hand, negative people and situations give off “bad vibes.” We also wanted to avoid people or situations that would bring us down. This all represents part of the sense of which hippies trusted their own instincts and intuition. How To Pick-Up Good Vibrations: - Learn to be mindfully in the moment. Focus on the one thing you are doing at a time. Quit trying to multi-task because nothing gets your full attention. Forget the past and focus on the now. If you live right today, tomorrow will take care of itself.
- Take time out to relax and meditate. This should include formal practice, as well as stopping during the day to just relax and breath. Focus on your breath and quiet the thoughts that seem to never stop.
- Recognize that your mental attitudes determine your emotions and energy levels. By controlling your thoughts you control your life. If others control your thoughts, they also control your life. Too many people spend way too much time worrying about what other people think of them. This wastes time but creates anxiety.
- Find a career that promotes the good of society and taps your creative potential. This will ensure that you have good karma. Seek to promote harmony and understanding among diverse groups in your community. Show genuine concern and compassion for others.
- Enjoy the spiritual side of the arts. Organize local music festivals. Listen to and play free-form music. Dance in an improvised and ecstatic fashion. Learn to let go and reach higher levels of consciousness.
Study and practice some of the key principles and practices from the new thought religions (such as the Unity Church). These tend to promote an attitude of love, prosperity, and unlimited human potential. Avoid those fundamentalist religions that foster guilt and try to control you. No one religion can claim to be “God’s chosen people.”
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