What Is Spirituality?
by Vikki AndersonWhat is Spirituality? This is a word that is thrown around as often as many other New Age expressions these days and the meaning has become obscure in modern language. I believe Spirituality is when you realize that Spirit has come into your life; it is as simple as that. You all of a sudden see things from many new perspectives. You may also have had a near death experience in which case it seems that a new sense of enlightenment or universal wisdom pervades your life. You may have had a psychic or unusual experience which involved your furthering developing your spirit, soul or consciousness. This pushed you along on the road of joining a new select group of individuals whose life involves esoteric teachings, universal knowledge and energies, God, Jesus, and ancient wisdom.
Astrology, tarot, reincarnation, Reiki, Massage Therapy, Aromatherpy, Past Life Regression, hypnosis, crystals, Feng Shui, Yoga, art, writing, meditation or contemplation (and so many other modalities I have not mentioned) all relate to Spirituality in one form or another. They are very much like Zen, once you get into them, your focus is on the moment and whatever you are doing in that moment. Nothing else concerns you because nothing else exists for that time. These are just some of the many wonderful tools you have to choose from for your moment of Zen.
Most legitimate readers or metaphysical teachers are connected to Spirit. This is primarily where all the words of wisdom usually begin. This information can be used to guide or advise a friend, family member or client or to prepare yourself for the future. Our higher selves tap into another dimension where Spirit divulges information that has been collected in the Akashic Records or the Astral Plane and is given with unconditional love and care to the one who is ready to receive and use the knowledge for the good of all involved. Remember, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. This is also true with Spirituality.
Does spirituality include reincarnation, tarot or psychics? Spirituality comes from within and no one can tell you what is right or wrong for you. You have to resonate with the given information or modality. It comes from a place where most people share their hopes, dreams and goals with the universe for security and well being. It is a connection with soul or spirit and the One All Powerful Being, (God/Goddess, The One, The Source, The All, Guardian Angels, Spirit Guides, etc., or whomever you believe in); it is communing with Nature and seeing all of God's marvelous creations around us such as the vast beautiful sky with its fluffy clouds that give us enough rain to sustain us. It is in the varied and picturesque landscapes that take our breath away and make us realize how small we are in the universe. It is in the flora and fauna around us. Seeing the beautiful flowers, trees and plants, especially the perennials which delight us with their beauty each year, not only enhances the Earth, but also makes it a more invigorating place to live and enjoy our existence. While the animals on this planet seem to be in danger of extinction or harm, they give us a feeling of compassion and love. Perhaps the renewal of interest in saving our planet and wildlife is a part of spirituality on a group conscious-mind level. This may be a refreshing part of spirituality which will not only help our wildlife and planet, but also ourselves.
I think Spirituality is knowing that there is a God/Goddess, even in theory or abstract idea, and that we are all connected in some way. We all descended from Heaven or Spirit to take on a mortal shape and learn the lessons we were supposed to before moving on to another life time with new experiences and growth development. The next incarnation may even be on another planet or another dimension. It is a belief that when our lessons are completed and we are a full soul/spirit, (full of experiences and lessons learned), we will be reunited with the Source and together, we will be a stronger force filled with many types of experiences and knowledge for the good of all involved.
Spirituality is believing that we have traveled through countless lifetimes, lived on many worlds and are now here in one of the most difficult incarnations to deal with on the third dimensional plane. It is knowing that even though your soul, "wants to go home," you are prepared to stay and deal with the responsibilities that you must face. It is staying connected with God/Goddess, family and friends and being there for others. Living in Spirituality is where people are loving, helpful, giving and caring without regard for "oneself". They are self less. It is where we know we are all one - connected to the source and want to help, not hinder, our neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, town, state, country and eventually, the planet we co-exist on. It is where jealousy steps aside to make room for compassion and envy moves over for the joy in another's achievements and accomplishments. Spirituality is doing your craft (psychic readings, healings, prayers) for free if someone cannot afford a reading but desperately needs guidance. It is letting others have their opinion of your work, even if they call it (or you) a fraud as you know everyone is entitled to their opinion. You never have to defend yourself because you know what you are doing is right for you and your connection with the universe.
You learn that all experiences are for your own good and that each is a learning experience. You do not cry, whine or complain because there seems to be a black cloud over your head. Get out the umbrella and get on with your life. Your choices create your future and your negative or positive attitude is the impetus that pushes you in one of those directions. Will you overcome adversity or be swallowed by it? It is all up to you and your level of spiritual development.
Spirituality is finding that place of peace within you, even though you may be living through a personal storm. Even though the bills are piling up and you don't have the money to pay them or you feel your life is out of control. Being upset, anxious, annoyed and depressed are enemies to spirituality. You need to reconnect to your God/Goddess or spirit. Have you been neglecting prayer or meditation? Have you made a conscious effort to be in a positive mindset to conquer your problems. Have you thanked God/Goddess for all your blessings even though you may be going through a horrific time in your life at this present moment? A kind word to God/Goddess for all that he/she has already given you in this lifetime seems appropriate. Have you forgotten you actually woke up this morning? Isn't that a good sign from above that you are supposed to face another day and deal with life's little bumps in the road?
Perhaps you should get stronger and be more decisive about the way you would like your life to unfold. Do you know what you want to be doing next year at this time? Two years from now? Ten? If you make goals and objectives, God/Goddess can formulate some wonderful opportunities in your future. It may not be in your timing, but the opportunities will come when it is appropriate for you to receive them. Believing in yourself and all you can accomplish is part of spirituality as well. You have the Divine Spark of Spirit inside of you and you can manifest anything that you need to survive in this world. Believing or trusting that God/Goddess will take care of you and give you those needs will be your salvation.
So what is spirituality? I think it is different for every one of us and we know it, feel it, accept it or reject it in different ways. Of course, this feeling will change with each additional experience throughout your life. If you feel you are a spiritual being, you are! If you feel this is not what you need to be doing at this point in your life, honor where you are and what you feel you must be doing. We can only concentrate on what we feel we are supposed to be doing at the moment.
Are you a spiritual being? Most definitely. Do you know the potential that you have inside of you for being a Divine Spark of Spirit perhaps. It is up to you, so only you would know the answer to this question.
As Reprinted From Inner Realm Magazine, where the Adventure Begins!
Cheryl Arcodia, Publisher
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