Spirituality

There is a need to understand a part of ourselves that is often denied or often seen as immaterial in our Physical Life. We need to come to the understanding that our Spiritual aspect is just as relevant to our Physical Life as our Physical Body is (some may say that our Spirituality is more significant).

Often 'Spirituality' is seen as 'Religious' and it is unfortunate as the two are not necessarily the same. Religion maybe a spiritual path that one has chosen to follow, however, Religion is only one of the many different Spiritual Paths one may choose. I myself do not classify myself as a Religious person, however, I am a Spiritual person and there is a difference. What is the difference?

Spirituality;

Spirituality is the awareness that we are more than just this Physical Body and our Physical Life. That we are truly IMMORTAL BEINGS and we are having a MORTAL EXPERIENCE. As immortal beings we each have our personal and direct connection with the Creator, Great Spirit, God, Goddess or however we see the creative force. One's connection with the Creator is a very personal and often a private connection and finding this connection is one's spiritual path. It is the intimacy of our spiritual path that often makes talking about Spirituality difficult for some.

Body, Soul & Spirit;

These are the components of our WHOLE-BEING (the mortal Body and the immortal Soul & Spirit). A Spiritual Path is how we unit these three components of our WHOLENESS. In the process of uniting these parts of our BEING, we start to have a deeper understanding of how we are all connected to each other and to our environment.

Religion;

In a very general view Religion is an attempt at controlling the individual's Spiritual Growth. This is especially true with organized Religion that is often ruled by DOGMA and sees itself as the only TRUE PATH. Some go as far as to see other PATHS as being offensive to their own Religion and need to be forcibly opposed. It is this type of Religion that leads to Religious Wars, and is anything but SPIRITUAL.

Religion can be a legitimate Spiritual Path when the individual follows their own interpretation of the Religious teachings, that the DOGMA is for their own support and guidance and not necessarily followed in a dictatorial manner. The individual understands that the Religion is their personal path, and may not be the only path.

This is the difference that I see with SPIRITUALITY and RELIGION and I define myself as a SPIRITUAL PERSON and not necessarily a RELIGIOUS PERSON.