Spirituality & Religion ~

What is spirituality? This is a great question that has been discussed over the ages. When doing an internet search for definitions this is what I discovered:

“Religion: By definition, religion is a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; the service and worship of God or the supernatural. Religions are most often based upon the lives, teachings, and beliefs of a historical or archetypal figure (e.g., Christ, Buddha, Moses, Krishna, Muhammad). The details of their lives as holy or highly evolved beings have been carried to us across the mists of time through oral tradition and written scriptures. These figures are the subject of worship and devotion and form the foundation of religious practices and rituals in a community.

Spirituality: Spirituality, on the other hand, connotes an experience of connection to something larger than you; living everyday life in a reverent and sacred manner. Spiritual aspirants heed the advice of Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.”

Although I am not a historian, I do realize that over many centuries individuals have been interrogated, incarcerated, tortured, and murdered (some by legal means during that particular time), due to religious or spiritual beliefs and practices. Even today, many people do not understand the differences or more importantly - the similarities. Frequently, I have people ask me about my religion and when I explain that I am spiritual they then ask if I believe in God. At times I feel as though my connection with God, Source, or the Divine might be more direct and deeper than some people who go to church or services for “special” holidays and occasions or who do not practice daily what they have either been taught or believe. Please understand that my intention is not to offend any one’s beliefs or practices – just to point out that my spirituality is not only observed occasionally – it is daily. My connection with Source is daily and the messages I receive are daily.

Just recently I had someone come to my husband and me concerning a group that offered to “activate his life”. I tuned into my Divine team and didn’t quite understand the information I received which was “Be cautious – their spirituality is not like yours”. Since this was not clear to me, I did an internet search and then made inquiries among some fellow physic mediums and individuals who work with Spirits professionally. This revealed that the information received from my Divine team was accurate in that the organization was a bit questionable. Once again, tuning into “Samuel” the collective that provides me with information and insight – I was told:

“We will not disparage or discount any spiritual/religious practice as each individual has the free will to choose their own path and each belief has benefits. Depending upon the frequency of those beings determines the level of religious or spiritual guidance they seek and find.”

With that understanding, I believe there is value in every religion and each aspect of spirituality. Basically, it is finding your own level of water. In other words, if you are learning to swim – you enter the water at a lower level and become accustomed to it. Once you feel comfortable and have the confidence to go into deeper water – you do and begin to learn to dog paddle or tread water. Each time you get into deeper water – you learn a new swimming technique. Eventually, you are a swimmer. After that, perhaps you want to learn to body surf in the ocean and begin that training. This eventually leads to wanting to dive. It keeps going. In other words, you start where you need to, and it is your choice (your free will) to continue learning and growing – regardless of your spiritual level. In most cases – those beliefs will grow and change with you for your benefit. Is it coincidence that the common denominator in most religions is God, a Divine or Supreme being? To me - God is love and love can work miracles. So if God is love - is that religion or spirituality - or neither - it's just being?