Over recent decades new age philosophies have come to incorporate many distinct and different ideas. Many things which appear to have no connection are brought under this banner as increasing numbers of people become interested in the concepts. Why are they so broad?
Literally speaking new age refers to the Age of Aquarius. This came about in the sixties and seventies as the hippie movement and flower power was associated with the concept of the changing astrological ages. It was thought that as the astrological age changed a new era of love and understanding could begin. Since then the term has broadened out and is applied to many things. There are several schools of thought which are extremely popular among new age believers.
Pantheism, psychology, astrology, quantum physics, religion, parapsychology, the self-help movement, and holistic health are all a part of these philosophies. Followers may believe in Christianity and Shamanism at the same time. An emphasis is placed on the similarities and connections between seemingly incompatible things. In this way people can develop their own ideas of God.
Many spiritual practices are associated with new age philosophies such as Reiki or yoga. These are different methods of working with energies to improve personal well being. Reiki is a healing discipline which aims to balance energy flows to improve health. Yoga is practiced for personal fitness, breathing and relaxation.
New age practices emphasize the importance of evolution and personal growth. For this reason meditation is an important part of the philosophy. This does not mean that all new age followers are required to meditate but there are important aspects of meditation such as personal reflection and understanding the universe which can be used all the time. Psychology also influences the philosophies as believers Endeavour to understand the human mind and behavior to use this information for personal improvement.
Environmentalism is often associated with this movement as a respect for nature is a central part of the new age philosophy. Living in harmony with the earth and not wasting natural resources is prevalent among people who consider themselves part of the new age spirituality. Vegetarianism is therefore sometimes considered to be part of this thinking.
This willingness to accept different ideologies means that many well known religions are also a part of the group of philosophies. Ideas from shamanism, Christianity, Buddhism, Chinese folk religions, Hinduism and Kabala are all utilized.
It is difficult to define new age philosophies as they draw from so many different traditions and disciplines. There are however a few general themes which draw together this group of philosophies: a belief in a God which is defined by the individual, spiritual growth, living in harmony with the planet and other people and self improvement. There are so many types of new age philosophy that many diverse thoughts and practices can be considered under this general banner.
Literally speaking new age refers to the Age of Aquarius. This came about in the sixties and seventies as the hippie movement and flower power was associated with the concept of the changing astrological ages. It was thought that as the astrological age changed a new era of love and understanding could begin. Since then the term has broadened out and is applied to many things. There are several schools of thought which are extremely popular among new age believers.
Pantheism, psychology, astrology, quantum physics, religion, parapsychology, the self-help movement, and holistic health are all a part of these philosophies. Followers may believe in Christianity and Shamanism at the same time. An emphasis is placed on the similarities and connections between seemingly incompatible things. In this way people can develop their own ideas of God.
Many spiritual practices are associated with new age philosophies such as Reiki or yoga. These are different methods of working with energies to improve personal well being. Reiki is a healing discipline which aims to balance energy flows to improve health. Yoga is practiced for personal fitness, breathing and relaxation.
New age practices emphasize the importance of evolution and personal growth. For this reason meditation is an important part of the philosophy. This does not mean that all new age followers are required to meditate but there are important aspects of meditation such as personal reflection and understanding the universe which can be used all the time. Psychology also influences the philosophies as believers Endeavour to understand the human mind and behavior to use this information for personal improvement.
Environmentalism is often associated with this movement as a respect for nature is a central part of the new age philosophy. Living in harmony with the earth and not wasting natural resources is prevalent among people who consider themselves part of the new age spirituality. Vegetarianism is therefore sometimes considered to be part of this thinking.
This willingness to accept different ideologies means that many well known religions are also a part of the group of philosophies. Ideas from shamanism, Christianity, Buddhism, Chinese folk religions, Hinduism and Kabala are all utilized.
It is difficult to define new age philosophies as they draw from so many different traditions and disciplines. There are however a few general themes which draw together this group of philosophies: a belief in a God which is defined by the individual, spiritual growth, living in harmony with the planet and other people and self improvement. There are so many types of new age philosophy that many diverse thoughts and practices can be considered under this general banner.
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