Spiritual Litmus Test
Spirituality means something different to everyone. For some, it’s about being part of an organized religion: going to church, synagogue, mosque and so on. How can one tell when they are spiritually engaged? How do we measure spirituality?
First I believe it is important to distinguish the difference between religion and spirituality as the two are often confused or used interchangeably. Religion is about practicing a certain point of view, whereas spirituality is more about the Divine and feeling the divine presence. This makes it possible to be very religious but completely disconnected from your spiritual being. A situation I believe is very prevalent in today’s churches. My mother used to say, “ living in a barn doesn’t make you horse anymore than going to church makes you a Christian.” True Christianity has nothing to do with religion. It is about having your own personal spiritual experience that is completely independent of others teachings and thoughts.
For me, it is more personal. I get in touch with my spirituality a number of ways that include private prayer, meditation, quiet reflection or just a long walk in the park. For the first time in my life, I feel a deep connection to my spiritual being that is in no way connected to religion. The challenge I face is staying in a spiritual place. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Too often, I have lived from my human experience as opposed to staying aware and connected to spirit. I have also often allowed others to judge whether or not I am spiritual based on their belief system or their religion. In other words, many religious groups have judged me over time based on what they believe. Based on their religion. Now that I am connected to spirit, I understand exactly who I am.
The spiritual litmus test for me is inner peace and fulfillment. It is the ability to step outside the 5 senses of the human experience and connect to my inner guidance. Am I always successful? Of course not. But it is my full intention to live in the place of spirit. To live in a state of conscious awareness. Deepok Chopra said, “Religion is belief in someone else’s experience and spirituality is having your own experience. Wow. This really resonated with me. Growing up in church, I remember religion being more about fear. I remember it being more about believing in someone else’s point of view and making sure I adhere to that point of view. Not adhering to that point of view or belief system meant I was a wrong. Or as the church called it, I was a sinner.
What is your spiritual litmus test? Are you living from a place of spirit? What are some of the ways you connect to your spiritual being on a deep level? Is your experience about believing in someone else’s point of view or is it about having your own personal experience? I look forward to your feedback and as always, thanks so much for your time.
Peace and blessings
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