Spirituality, Spiritual Practice, and Belief

Spirituality is the way that sees/finds/knows the Universe/God/Goddess (and any other term that denotes Higher Power). Spiritual Practice would then be the method or mode that we use to experience spirituality. Faith is the knowledge that the Higher Powers are not only there, but guiding us and caring for us. Belief is the idea that what one does in their spiritual practice is the best, most valid practice for oneself to experience spirituality.

Now, let's talk religion. Religion is when one person's belief worked out so well that they believe that this must be the right path for everyone else to follow as well. Through organizing, rule setting, contemplation and excitement, belief is introduced to Politics. The person who originated (or organized) the belief structure interprets their practice and then mandates rules to follow according to that practice. This makes them the automatic authority figure, and thus politics and hierarchy is born.

What drives us to seek these confinements? Why do we want someone else to tell us about Higher Power? Yes, it is arrogant to think that you can't benefit from learning about beliefs and traditions, and please understand that I am in no way anti-religious. However, unless you founded your religion, then said religion is based on the beliefs, spirituality and spiritual practices that worked for someone else. These should NEVER invalidate your practice or supersede the way that you experience the Universe.

Let me spell it out.

You already know the Light, Higher Power, Goddess, and/or God. You already have a name or a concept for this Higher Intelligence. Somewhere, deep inside, you remember what it was like to be at one, in union, with the Universal Plan.

Now, here are the hard questions. Do your practices make you feel empowered in understanding this state of being? Do you place the responsibility of this awesome experience on someone else's shoulders? Are you a religious person? If so, are you a spiritual person? Do you seek, or are you still waiting for your answers to be delivered to you?

What are your beliefs? Mine include the mind/body/spirit connection, and that vegetarianism is a way for ME to feel more centered in spirit. I believe that exercise, such as yoga or jogging, fine tunes our body to more fully experience our spirituality. I also believe that we all have great ideas, but none of us have it quite right yet.

That's the thing about beliefs: When a belief no longer fits, it can change. When the dogma of a religion no longer fits, people experience spiritual crisis.

Have you given your spiritual practices serious thought? Do you know what your spiritual practices are? I practice vegetarianism (as my health permits). I meditate. Performing readings and healings to help others is a massive part of my spiritual practice, so much so that I've decided to make a living of it. Writing and teaching are part of my practice. Loving is part of my practice. Enjoyment (especially of coffee) is part of my practice. (I'm still working on the yoga -- laziness is a part of my practice that I'm reconsidering at the moment.) Laughing is also part of my practice.

As you see, soon your practice is simply living your life to be the best person you can be, which is what I believe that the Higher Powers intended for us. You don't have to devote your life to spirituality. Instead, try devoting your beliefs and spirituality to your life.