ABSTRACT

Our discussions on the tasks of being and belonging are incomplete unless we look at the spiritual context of which we experience the deeper problems and resolutions of the individual and the society. This chapter addresses the existential task of being in harmony with the universe, or the spiritual task. In Individual Psychology it is proposed that there are five subtasks we fulfill to meet the demands of the spiritual task. These tasks about our relationship to the universe are (1) our individual decision to believe in God or not, (2) our attitude toward religion, (3) our conception of the place of man in the universe and the psychological movement to which this conception leads, (4) the way we address ourselves regarding the issue of immortality, and (5) our answer to the meaning of life. 1

The most obvious aspect of my life would be my disability known as cerebral palsy. Because I’ve been assigned this body, my perspective could easily have been “who should I blame for my circumstances?” But, on the contrary, I have acquired an appreciation for how my life story is unfolding. This is because I realize that having a mind, spirit, and soul that is housed in a body that is uniquely woven together, has taught me and is still teaching that my presence on Earth has to go beyond what most people consider to be the American dream. I have to accept that my creator has plans for my life, which only I can fulfill. Because I have come to understand and accept this honor I have made a conscious effort to appreciate everyday for the gift it brings.

—Tonya