Each of us has a different interpretation of Spirituality stemming from our own unique viewpoints. It is the same with life. We may experience the same adventure but what we each get from that adventure can vary greatly. We are as unique as the stars in the sky and as individual as snowflakes. Our experiences, our thoughts, and our dreams are what shape or mold us. I can only say what Spirituality means to me and hope that it will strike a cord within you as well.

Spirituality, to me, means recognizing and respecting your connection with all of life. Everything has an energy or vibration whether it is animal, plant or mineral. This energy affects everything around itself. Think of waves bouncing off each other, changing directions, intermingling or growing together for a different outcome. Our lives are about interconnecting, growing, experiencing, and learning. All we need is patience, tolerance, understanding, and respect for everyone and everything. This is where Spirituality comes in. It is also a belief in a world/life/continuation of our life force beyond this physical existence.

Spirituality, unlike religion, is free of restrictions and allows each individual to experience a higher sense of self, a connection with all of life as well as a force or energy that is more powerful than our physical being. Many people call this energy by different names but it is the belief in something higher than ourselves that is our common ground and what we must come to understand is within us all.

Is it not sad how those who are intolerant of each other and wish to force another into submission usually claim that their religion, government or viewpoint is THE ONLY WAY. If there truly is only one way of doing things, experiencing things or thinking, then what is the point of life? How can one person know what is best for another when they are not aware of what is best for themselves? Why are there hundreds of species of animals or plants when just one would work? Imagine only one species of flower in the world perhaps just daisies. How drab would our gardens be!

Spirituality is living a life filled with love, understanding, patience, tolerance, respect, wonder and peace. I am not talking about standing by and allowing people to break the law or doing mean or horrible things. To avoid chaos and for safety reasons, society needs to have rules, laws, and policies. We do not have to associate with others of a lower energy, vibration or viewpoint but it does mean respecting or tolerating their right to their beliefs and to just BE without forcing them to change.

Often we are taught to just accept things and not question them, but life is all about questioning and discovering the answers for ourselves. Spirituality is finding our own belief system based on faith, love and experience. It is getting in touch with and lovingly accepting your deepest self, feelings and thoughts. Once you fully accept all parts of yourself, light and dark, you begin to accept others and love them just as they are. You can appreciate the differences as well as the similarities and you find that we all contain the same spark/energy/life-force within. We can love everyone and everything unconditionally. We find an inner peace and appreciation in just being alive.

Something to ponder – if we are truly so diverse in our religions, cultures and beliefs, then why do most believe in One God or Higher Power? Why do we have similar greetings or prayers? The following phrases may not be verbatim but it is to show we are not that different!

NAMASTE (Hindu) = The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you.

BLESSED BE (Pagan/Wiccan) = Blessings to you and it is a blessing to be alive.

GOD BLESS YOU = May you find love, light, peace, healing, strength and a higher power in your lives.

SHALOM ALEICHEM (Hebrew) = Peace unto you.

ASSALAMU ALAIKUM (Islam) = Peace be upon you.

TASHI DELAY (Tibetan) = Congratulations! You Are Alive!

 MERRY MEET (Pagan/Wiccan) = Happy to meet you or see you again.

 AMEN (English) = So be it, truly, let it be

HALLELUJAH, HALLELUYAH, ALLELUIA (Hebrew/Judaism/Christian) = Praise to God or Praise the Lord