Spirituality has been defined as “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things”. And modern spirituality is defined as being centered on the “deepest values and meanings by which people live”. It embraces the idea of an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality. It envisions an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being. In my mind, these definitions have led me to believe that it’s about the human spirit, the human soul, and living your life with grace and love.
I grew up Catholic but left it as soon as I left my childhood home and was out in the world on my own. I found the Catholic religion to be very hypocritical. It left me feeling uneasy and there was never a connection there for me. Later in life, I was introduced to a non-denominational church and there I found my connection. It made sense to me. There are many paths that lead you to where you want to be. So in my twenties, I began my spiritual path and trying to figure out the type of person I wanted to be.
There was really no one single event where I made the conscious decision to become spiritual. Knowing it or not, I guess I was already a spiritual being. I just took it one step at a time, one life lesson at a time, and ended up where I am now. I try to live my life with kindness, being positive, forgiveness, and everything coming from love. And even though it can be hard at times, I try not to buy into thoughts of negativity. I’m grateful for so many things in my life and I make a statement of gratitude (my mantra) daily.
I think because of all this, I’m learning to also become more in tune with people and their needs. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a definite work in progress but what I have found is that my spirituality helps me to better navigate my life. There will always be ups and downs but there are fewer struggles because I rely on my own spiritual guidance.
The following is the daily mantra that I live by.
Thank you for this new day
Its beauty, its light
Thank you for my chance to begin again
Free me from the limitations of yesterday
Today, may I start again
And I’m so grateful for all the gifts in my life
Thank you