I confess, I am a proponent of spirituality. I believe it helps us in invaluable ways: believing in something bigger than yourself helps you feel grounded. It gives you direction in life. And it helps you find meaning in a world where there is plenty of confusion and pain.
Yet, over and over again, I meet with individuals whose spirituality is more of a roadblock than a guide. And I confess, I have used it that way myself.
Here's what I've learned from my own experience. I had safety in religion and the guidelines it offers. It told me what I should believe, and how I should conduct myself. I liked that, because it offered security and stability.
But then came a point where it failed to be true in all circumstances of my life, leaving me with unanswered questions.
I had to be disillusioned before I would risk stepping further. I had to stop using my beliefs as a shield, and begin questioning, seeking answers not given to me by religion or past beliefs.
As I reflect on this journey, I realize that spirituality should be something that grows beyond the groundedness we feel in a certain belief or religion. If I do not grow, then I have let religion and spirituality be a shield instead of a journey.
Just something to think about.
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