How I’ve Adopted a Transcendent Life Lens

Craving something deeper but feeling caught up with the daily grind? Have daily routines made you lose sight of deeper pursuits? But what if I told you that living a transcendent life isn’t as elusive as it seems? 

In this post, I’ll share some practical tips that have helped me adopt a transcendent lens without becoming a mystic or a monk. Keep reading to discover how these tips can help you live a more transcendent life with greater peace and joy.

Understanding Transcendence

Throughout history, across cultures, innumerable religious figures and lay people have written accounts of transcendent experiences that are life-changing, water dividers, and represent a before and after in their lives.

These transcendent experiences or encounters with the manifest presence of the Divine led them to “rise above” worldly concerns, without the need to become monks to live a mystical experience or to see the world differently.

As their new spiritual connection was cultivated, they continued to discover the mysticism and grandiosity of the ordinary.

Since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to a quest for the immaterial and the divine. There was something magical about discovering what lay behind all that is visible that captivated me initially; that’s where my interest in the “transcendent” started.

Transcendence: “Rising above” “going beyond”

The word “ Transcendence” conveys the message of “rising above,” in simple terms, it entails Rising above false limitations, Rising above the obsession with materialism, and Rising above daily concerns. 

So that attention and the best of our energy and focus are given to transcendent things, spiritual practice, and service and time with the self — shifting the focus to  immaterial  elements and values that drive the human heart:   love, purpose, connection, wisdom, growth

Experiencing transcendence means delving into spirituality, uncovering the deeper truths about existence, and exploring experiences and reference points beyond everyday life.

 It’s about seeking a deeper understanding beyond surface-level everyday life and tapping into the spiritual realm for a greater understanding of life on earth and beyond.

A focus on what is eternal and transcendent (goes beyond) rather than transient. 

Materialism and Spirituality

Materialism

 Materialism sees matter as the only reality in the universe and tends to be the prevalent interpretation of reality in our culture.

Even if we don’t adhere to a solely materialistic interpretation of reality, a materialistic outlook can easily influence or override us.

|Materialism, as an interpretation of reality, sees matters (atoms, quarks, etc) as the only thing that exists.

Our society is very good at permeating us and reinforcing a materialistic outlook on life.

Materialism draws us to what is visible, tangible, or measurable.

Nowadays, the word materialism is synonymous with the pursuit and accumulation of possessions or personal goals that lead to them. ( I would add that this can also include the accumulation of accolades or approval.)

Materialism: a tendency to consider material possessions and physical aspects of life as more important than spiritual values.

 Though we can associate materialism with physical objects, being overly concerned with daily life and the physical human experience can also be a subtle form of being too controlled by a materialistic outlook. 

But as many spiritual traditions point out (and for many of us, our life experiences), relying only on a materialistic outlook often fails us. 

Studies have shown that a less materialistic outlook leads to more contentment in life.

 A materialistic outlook fails to fill what some call a void or a sense for more in our hearts, a sense that craves something profound.

So, how to be less materialistic?

That is where a transcendent spark starts a journey beyond the visible, a spiritual journey.

Spirituality

A transcendence focus calls for diving deep into the spiritual realm. 

It’s about nurturing a personal connection with God, transforming our lives from the inside out, and making our spiritual connection an active and integral part of our daily lives.

Unlike a solely materialistic lens, Spirituality, on the other hand, enlightened us that life is more than what can be physically perceived or measured, even beyond atoms and quarks.

With every prayer or contemplation, we are not merely sitting in silence—but establishing a link with something beyond ourselves.

It also gives reality a fresh look, as ordinary experiences are seen with new eyes as part of a deeper web of meaning.

So, how do we shift our perspective to a transcendent one? Here are some tried-and-true tips to that have helped me.

Tips to shift the lens to a transcendent lens 

I always try to remind myself of these tips/principles because I admit that, more often than not, I can easily fall for an overly materialistic view of life.

Shaking off the overly-focused materialistic lens:

Transitioning from materialistic pursuits to spiritual ones

In my experience, no matter what age you are, the more you connect with your inner self, you will notice this important realization.

There is something within you that does not like boundaries.

The soul yearns for connection to that which is spirit and is boundless (God). The more you connect, the more you seek — you can be 4 or 34—you just can’t ignore the urge.

It’s an internal nudge encouraging you to delve more deeply beyond your immediate sensory experiences.

This sensation represents an urge for transcendence—surpassing physical constructs and societal tags that box us in. Imagine stepping into an expansive field after being confined in a tiny room all your life.

Suddenly, there’s ample room… so much room! And with this room comes authentic experience and space  — the liberty to love and aspire profoundly, and to experience the presence of God more freely.

The internal nudge that push us to go deeper reveals that….

Our deepest desire is not power, pleasure, approval, or Applause.

The more you spend time on your heart and yourself… The more you attest that what we truly yearn for is something larger and deeper – a connection with God, which leads to adopting a Transcendent lens and experiencing God.

What ultimately we yearn is rising above the striving and materialistic attachments so we can live the fullness of life (John 10:10)

Adopting and reminding myself of this perspective has aided me in dissolving unnecessary daily worries and forging a deeper connection with myself and others—akin to engaging with an unseen network where every strand (person) is bound by a divine presence (their soul).

By shaking off the prevalence of materialism in our minds and hearts, the immanent takes precedence.

inmanent : (of God) permanently pervading the universe.

The inner thirst for transcendence, is the thirst for God himself

Connecting to God

Connecting to God is the building block of a transcendent lens in life, and it helps us see things in a clearer way .

Plus, the first-hand experience of God and collecting transcendence experiences can reaffirm this life outlook.

READ MORE >>>  ➜➤ → 7 Ways to Spend Time with God with Little Time.

Seeing things for what they are 

Remembering the transient nature of the material experience and the fruitfulness of selflessness over self-centeredness 

Recalling the importance of placing the eternal first  and the illusory nature of the narratives that hint to the transient as permanent.

Understanding Who We Are

You are not the nouns you’ve collected —you are the essence

There are many levels to who we are, but beyond our name or nationality or all the memories we’ve collected, our Essence is made up of our soul, the thing that Remains, and it’s not bound by time and space.

Essentially, through our soul— through our spirit component, we have spiritual contact with God.

GOD created man and his image and likeliness (his semblance)- Genesis 1:27

Remembering to place the eternal first, the transient and fleeting second

Placing the eternal first means prioritizing what is truly meaningful to you and lasting.

It’s about recognizing the value of things that go beyond material possessions or temporary pleasures.

It’s essential to constantly remind ourselves that our true fulfillment does not lie in the fleeting, transient aspects of life. 

When we prioritize spiritual well-being over superficial desires and fleeting distractions, we cultivate a sense of contentment that surpasses the limitations of earthly pursuits.

This shift in perspective empowers us to live authentically and make a positive impact on those around us.

Signs of a strong transcendent urge: 

If you ask me, we all have a transcendent desire inside, but here are some signs yours may be resurfacing a bit more:

• You crave, above else, connection and closeness to God

•It seems harder for you to fit in or getting a sense of belonging in this world

•You feel dissatisfied with the promises of worldly culture

•You feel your success path needs something deeper

•You enjoy introspection

• From a young age, you’ve been contemplative 

•You long to embrace a path of love, selflessness, and service.

So, how do you go deeper in your transcendent pursuit….

Practical Steps to Live a Transcendent Life

Embracing a transcendent lens without becoming a monk

Adopting a transcendent lens does not equate to living in isolation, praying for hours or abandoning social life but small habits that keep this eternal perspective at the forefront of your mind.

Simple activities can be weaved into our daily lives, like prayer, meditation, and brief moments of reflection that will reinforce a transcendent perspective.

Some practical steps that have helped me through the years are:

Starting my day with prayer and meditation

Starting the day with prayer and meditation can open up a beautiful connection with God and your soul.

 These moments of quiet reflection provide space to center yourself

It not only cultivates inner peace but also enhances gratitude and an expansive outlook on life.

Embracing this sacred time each morning creates a foundation that infuses every aspect of your day with mindfulness amid bustling routines.

 In my experience, It’s remarkable how these simple practices can make a difference. As I’ve discovered, prayer clarifies my thoughts and emotions, while meditation allows me to tap into my deeper spiritual self.

 This is more than a fleeting superficial flood of feel-good hormones;  regular practice leads to improved overall emotional and mental health.

Embracing reflection

Embracing reflection is an essential step in the journey to transcendence. 

Through reflection, we look inward, taking time to ponder and learn from our experiences, values, and actions.

Through reflection, we can connect with our inner self and explore what genuinely brings us happiness, tranquility, and satisfaction.

 It propels us to higher levels of awareness by encouraging us to face our fears, scrutinize our convictions, and rethink our objectives.

I like reinforcing my short reflective practices through journaling or meditative activities that stimulate introspection. 

Going to God first and Not clinging to the good or bad

Remember when Jesus was being persecuted or when he was praised and asked to be king? In both cases, he went and connected with God and did not get distracted or clung to the praises or pain.

Even when his Human Nature Made him hesitate about his purpose, and he wanted to know what was in store for him, he once again went directly to the source—he went to God and rose above the twists and turns of his own mind and his dire circumstances.

Jesus’ examples confront us to Go to God first in good and bad times (easier in theory than practice, I know)

Solitude with God

 The previous examples also highlight the importance of time of Solitude with God to recenter us.

—one thing to note is that, “this Solitude” refers to being with YOU, you can have people in other rooms around you and be completely connected to yourself or…

You can be alone in the woods with no human in a Mile radar and still be running away from yourself – not connected to yourself —not in full solitude.

Gratitude

Sooo clicheeee …But

Practicing gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the beauty and blessings in our life, regardless of how small they may seem, can make us appreciate daily miracles more.

This can look like mentioning 5 things you are grateful for right when yu wake up.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Spending time in nature

Spending time in nature can be a great way to reconnect with an expansive outlook and transcendent lens that helps us feel connected to God and to ourselves.It helps us stay present and appreciate life in a whole new way.

 Being in nature or taking a brief walk helps us calm our minds and gives us a break from any mental noise. Nature’s beauty and simplicity can also spark deep thoughts and reflections that ground us in the now. 

Breaking free from societal narratives

Breaking free from social narratives is an invitation to independent thinking.

It’s also an exercise of reasserting our values and refusing to conform to Narrartives that fuel materialistic thinking, selfishness, and other ideas that drive us away from a transcendent path of valuing our own principles.

Independence from personal limitations

Breaking free from societal narratives can lead us to great joy and focus… But what about the narratives of our past experiences?

  A transcendent lens reminds us of the principle of letting go.

Our life experiences may leave us symbolically scared and impact the way we SEE life. 𓁹

 An overlapping transcendent lens can put false beliefs and maladaptive behaviors stemming from past experiences into perspective, making it easier to identify and overcome limitations.

Building a life around spiritual values 

Balancing the invisible and the visible

Building our life on transcendental values that prioritize the spiritual over the visible.

Aligning our life with spiritual values helps us build a transcendent life.

This practical step is a bit broader, its building blocks are practices like prayer, meditation, journaling, and adopting values such as love, mercy, compassion, and dignity.

Though it may seem counterintuitive (as one may think, placing the spiritual first may make us live in a fantasy and neglect practical aspects of material life)

The funny thing is that the more I’ve focused on cultivating spiritual practices the more I treasure and care for the physical practical and tangible aspects of my own life.

Want more tips on building a life around your values?

Check out this post >>>  ➜➤ → Creating an Intentional Life: 5 Key Steps to Get You Started on Purposeful Living

Serving others

When we focus on serving and prioritizing the needs of others, even if in small ways, we not only help them but also bring deep fulfillment and meaning to our own lives.

Serving others also helps us develop empathy and compassion while breaking down barriers that divide us in a diverse world. 

It fosters a transcendent life lens by revealing the unity among people from different walks of life and unveiling our intrinsic connection.

A Christian transcendent lens

New creation, new identity,  New lens

So from now on, we regard no one from a human point of view [according to worldly standards and values]. 2 Corinthians 5:16

Being a Christian—reminds us to always keep a transcendent lens on, centering our lives on principles of love, compassion, and empathy toward ourselves and others. 

This leads to a deepened sense of fulfillment and to practical nurturing a transcendent lifestyle.

A life built on the pillars of Christian values: simplicity, compassion, service, generosity, forgiveness, gratitude, and love can keep our transcendent lens strong.

READ MORE >>>  ➜➤ →How to Master Christian Intentionality: Essential Tips You Need to Know

Building small habits to exercise our spiritual dimension

Just like those training to go to the Olympics, we have to train too. The more we train, the more the training, the more it becomes second nature—when you fall off track, which, if you’re like me, you will, you retrain yourself to go back to it with love.

As I remind myself —I’m calling myself out here too!

Remember: spiritual practices and cultivating a transcendent lens are ongoing journeys that require patience, dedication, and an open heart.

Choosing the less traveled path

Seeking the spiritual first

We can yield to the illusory entices of material Pursuits, approval, fame, material success, relationships, and pleasure (which are not bad in and of themselves, but are they fully satiating ?)

or we can shut down the external noise and listen to the loud Whispers of our soul calling us in, magnetizing us to Transcendence.

Lastly,

To  all who are nonconforming to the restricted path they are offered, there is an invitation to come in a new life — to forget all they have heard, to even disregard this post, and go to the source (God) 

to SEEK — to adopt a transcendent lens by firsthand transcendent experience — to ask: Lord, “connect me to you and reveal me your truths.”