What does it mean to be spiritual? Does it mean, attend church every week? Does it mean, chant to Buddha everyday? Doesn’t spirituality mean connecting to spirit to unite body and soul?
In the Christian church, saying one is “spiritual, but not religious” is frowned upon. This means, that you’re not going to follow the status quo. Growing up Christian, was a challenge for me. I’ve recently experienced the death of my younger brother. He was truly a spiritual being. He desired to be an eminent spirit being, by longing to connect to God through music. He wanted to help the downtrodden, he was dedicated to ministry, and he wanted nothing more than for people to know God the way he did. He had a strong persona, which is what it takes to be leader, yet he was graceful. Isn’t that a simple way to live? He truly is my inspiration.
As a Christian, our goal is to embody Christ’s spirit. As a yogi, the path is similiar. Its’ to enlightment by practicing yoga of the heart, mind, and body.
When you hear someone say they’re “spiritual but not religious,” don’t make assumptions about their beliefs. Bow down to the loving, beautiful, and divine person in front of you. We are not perfect. We have made mistakes and we suffer the consequences. I love one of the most basic verses in the book of John of the New Testament in the Bible, John 3:16, “For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Huh. Hard to grasp, but really simple. God gave his only son to die for the world? Its’ my belief, and if I believe in Christ, I will be love. If I love others, that means, I respect them, and I act “Christ like.” I can live with that.
