Explain Your Spirituality -- CHALLENGE

[SFishy]

Hey All,

A lot of times we are all interested in hearing about what others believe -- this is a chance to share what YOU believe :winky

Here is the challenge:

:drawblue Explain your spirituality and your beliefs.

:drawpink Explain how you have personally identified with your own religion/spiritual practices

IMPORTANT:

:bluefishy Completely refrain from using phrases like: the right one -- the truth -- the only one -- the only -- going to hell -- the real God -- etc.

:pinkfishy This is to share your personal thoughts on your spirituality -- not trying to convince anyone you're right, not trying to prove a point, and not trying to bash others for their beliefs. I'll close this post before you can say "funny fiesty fishy" if it heads in that direction! :sarcasm

Looking forward to hearing you all share...

Take care of YOU

[Little Fishy]

I'm a Roman Catholic. I've always gone to church every Sunday, but not until this past year did I really became closer to God. I would try to be a good Christian, but I was just going thru the motions and it really didn't mean anything to me.

I remember skipping mass one Sunday and feeling bad about it. I realized that I really enjoyed going to church. I don't know how it happened, but one day I started reading the bible and I became hooked! I couldn't wait to read the bible everyday. Once I had opened my heart, God spoke to me. It's a wonderful feeling.

I'm really starting to understand my religion's history and beliefs. I didn't realize how much I didn't know. I do my best to follow the ten commandments, but like everyone else, I'm a sinner. I admit that. But I'm consciously trying to become a better person.

Love is God's greatest commandment. Once you love your neighbors as yourself, the rest falls into place.

Anyone else? Great topic, :sfishy

Little Fishy
:notes :singing

[Joi]

Ok I thought I would try responding to this post. I am a Christian. I have been for almost nine years now. I grew up attending a Methodist church but later decided it wasn't for me and now I'm at a foursquare church. My church has been my biggest support so I 'm grateful for that. Having faith in God has pretty much been the one thing that kept me alive. It's something I can always return to even when I started losing faith.
~Christy

[PoetBallerina]

I am actually not going to say what religious sterotype I fall into or go into depth about the exact details of my faith.

Im a nut shell, my spirituality is centered around my higher power: what my higher power thinks of me, what I think of my higher power, my relationship with my higher power, what my higher power expects of me, what I expect of me, and how I will live my life so that I feel like I have not wronged my higher power or myself. Accountability and love are the key corner stones of my faith and spirituality.

My faith and spirituality have grown as I have grown as a person. I truly believe that life situations have helped me to grow and have helped make me who I am. I have been down many paths and feel like I am finally getting on track with my spirituality and faith.

[Vanna]

:love I believe in Jesus Christ.
:love I believe that without Jesus Christ, I would be lost.
:love I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to forgive my sins.
:love I believe in the Holy Bible.

I never felt whole until I found Christ. It was like I had found my way home. I know that I can live, laugh, love and even error and Jesus will forgive me and keep me close to Him. I enjoy the community within my church. I love seeing people praising Him, reading the Bible, and praying. It is an amazing feeling and I wouldn't be complete without it.

:love,
Grace

[Sylphlover]

:challenge ONE Explain your spirituality and your beliefs.
:challenge TWO Explain how you have personally identified with your own religion/spiritual practices

:muhaha Amy "funny fiesty fishy" I :love that...sense of humor is great!! :winky



My spirituality really started growing when I went to a Unity Church. Then continue when I started taking the steps in the twelve step program. I believe that my higher power, whom I choose to call G-d, is

:wand here for me Twenty Four/Seven
:wand :love me unconditionally
:wand Has patience with me
:wand Doesn't Judge me
:wand Wants happiness and health for the whole world
:wand wants me to do service for him..such as helping others out
:wand Has an openmind
:wand Wants me to take care of myself physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually..However when I don't he is there waiting to take me back in his gentle arms/spirit
:wand Has a great sense of Humor
:wand listens to my prayers
:wand Wants me to do His Will
:wand Is my friend at all times
:wand If I keep my :love and :ears open I will continue to see his miracles in mine and everyone's life
:wand Has blessed me so much in life already

I believe in my spirituality because I have seen miracles happen in mine and others lives. I connect with G-d every AM with Prayer and Meditation.. All throughout the day I pray and listen to G-d...this gives me hope, strength, and ability to remain humble!! It doesn't matter where I am...in church, nature, driving, using the bathroom...I feel a connection in my soul and heart with G-d.. This makes me glow inside and able to keep on a path of recovery. Without my spiritual connection I am unable to stay in recovery..I love hearing about miracles in everyone spiritual/religious stories. Thanks for this topic Amy.

[melg]

Hi :fishy
I've grown up in the Christian church and am a non-denominational Christian today, but only in the last few years have I began to really grasp hold of the wonderful love and beauty of God...

My beliefs have helped me so much in my ed recovery, because I know that God made me for a reason and I need to take care of my body and keep it healthy to be able and fulfill my purpose.

I think it is an amazing thing that Jesus could die for my sins. Something that boggled me for a long time was the trinity...father, son, and holy ghost. But I guess it's kind of like how we're human, but there are three parts to us...mind, body, and soul. They are all one; yet all seperate; but you can't have one without the other! ;)

Which makes me think about my body and how it is important to take care of it and nourish it b/c whatever damage I do to my body also affects my mind and soul. They are all one, though seperate.

So that is one revelation that I got from my faith, that has really helped me!

I work in a ministry w/teenagers and college-aged youth, and many times I've been able to share my testimony and share about how God has been able to help me in recovery from my bulimia. Sharing the love of God with others using the talents/gifts he's given me has been another big help in my recovery...just knowing that I can help someone else steer clear of the path I've wandered down makes all of the bad times worth it :touched if ya know what I mean!
I :love all the :fishy in the :bowl and
I wish all of you :fishy lotsa :love, :clover, :peace, and hope you are all :singing happy songs! and :bounce :bounce :bounce :bounce :bounce
have a happy day!

w/luv,
melg

[Anonymous_Member002]

I was born into an interfaith family. My mother is Church of England, and my father Catholic. Neither practising. My Grandmother (mothers mother) is an atheist... with VERY strong opinions, and my Nana (fathers mother) is a devout Catholic.

I went from Christian based schooling (ages three to nine) to Catholic schooling(ten to sixteen). I was told all sorts of different things in this time, from my whole family and school system. After I left the Catholic school, I rejoined the Church of England, and became a choir girl and attended three times a week.

I saw a lot of things whilst growing up that disturbed me, and I sought to find my own beliefs. I had heard enough about what other people believed ... but what did I believe?

I started asking questions, and although I have been told by many people that this will "count against" me, I visited many churches, faiths, groups... and asked them. Experienced for myself.

Today, I would say that I am... hmmm... Pagan, I suppose. My practices take in Wiccan, shamanic, buddhist and Gaia beliefs. That is, I believe in "harm ye none" and also that the Earth is our mother and a sentient life force. I believe that there are many wise people on Earth who have much to share with us. I believe that no one religion is any more wrong or right than the other. I believe there are no differences between anyone who exists here. I also believe that there is more to this world than we know.

I believe that there is much to be learned, and that we are all here for a reason. I believe that we can influence our own lives, and those of others in both a positive and a negative way. I have firm faith in the power of the Higher Self, and the need for meditation. I also firmly believe in the Goddess... and her divine manifestation. I also believe in the power and divinity of all life here on Earth. Each can be messenger if we listen. From tiny creeping spider, to soaring majestic Eagle.

But then... in my house, I have an alter, solely devoted to Buddha. I have a three legged toad for prosperity, and each morning I am watched by Shiva and Quan Yin.

Perhaps some will say this is a conflict... a ... betting on more than one horse. But it isn't. If you know me, you know that I am a sound person, that my belief system is fully integrated and functional, and that there are no conflicts. I am not hedging my bets. I am merely a curious person. I wish to know all that I can about the mysteries of the world. I don't see any difference between any of the religions. We are all looking for and bending to the same thing (in my humble opinion).

As I said, I feel there is much we can learn from everyone here on Earth, no matter who they are or what they believe. The greatest power we have is the power to listen and respect one another.

(I have a sinking feeling that this did not make sense, and as such has the potential to offend. If this is so, I am sorry... I am simply trying to answer the questions - These are only my beliefs... my way of looking at the spiritual side of life. I sincerely hope this did not offend, as I know my beliefs are a little different from many here.)

[ParadoxalPixie]

My spirituality is based on my belief in a universal consciousness, or oneness. I believe that all things, not just of this world, or planet, or galaxy, are connected. That we all are essentially different pieces of the same jigsaw puzzle. This has lead me to believe that this makes me beautiful, and also everything else that exists. I also believe that since we are all part of a whole, that we ought be able to expand our human consciousness past ourselves, and this world, to a universal level. This is what I believe death or "liberation" is.

I guess to put some labels to myself, I feel that my philosophies are mostly buddhist in nature. But I am also a practicing wiccan, and I do not think these things conflict. My wiccan beliefs go hand in hand with my buddhist philosophy, and they both help me tremendously. I believe that all religions are wonderful things, that there is no right or wrong one, and that religion is sort of a tool for developing one's spirituality.

Thank you for giving me the oppertunity for explaining my beliefs :hugon :sfishy :hugoff.

Morgan

[amysanangel]

My official "religion" is Southern Baptist--I, however, tend to be slightly skeptical of organized religion (odd for a S. Baptist, I know). My FAITH is the most important thing in my life--my realtionship with God is my entire life. I've been through a ton of crap in my life--things that I wa sinnocent in, and things that I was not so :angel ic in. Through it all, God has been with me. He has provided me with the miracles I needed to heal. He has given me support when my family was not there. To try and tell you how much God has done for me--that would be impossible. The peace and joy that fill my steps are indescribable--but entirely wonderful... I believe in the power of prayer. I believe that God has wiped away all of the things that I have done in my life. He doesn't even remember that it happened-a wonderful thing. I believe that no matter what happens, I will be alright. "the joy of hte Lord is my strength"
:bluefishy amy K

[Anonymous_Member004]

i believe in reincarnation. i believe that when we leave this life we return to the high level. i believe we choose to return to live again and plan the goals to be obtained. i believe i have had previous lives. i am a follower of Sylvia Browne. i find much comfort in my beliefs.

[daffodilduck]

This is really interesting :happy I used to be a Christian, but that part of me has diminished. I'm not sure how, I think I just decided that for the moment, I believe in my friends power to heal instead :happy If that part of me comes back, I'd be open to it, but I'm not alone here either. :wand

If I don't make much sense, it's because I'm still working out what I think :happy

[Stevie]

:hugon :bluefishy :hugoff


:stars I do believe in God...i don't belong to a certain "religion" or following. I have also thought about being a soul in a constant quest for knowledge. Reincarnation i guess. More like going through each life differently learning new things....its really hard form e to explain.

:butterfly I don't "practice or have rituals". I do however find comfort that God is there....that i do have a purpose here....that i can continue and grow.

:stars stevie :stars

[vision]

Ok, so this is going to be a struggle for me (because I'm struggling with this very issue).

I was born and raised Catholic, attending Catholic school starting kindergarten and ending at high school graduation. We went to church on Sundays when we could get everyone dressed and ready in time, and I have gone through all the sacraments up to comunion.

In fourth grade, I was already asking "why do I have to learn this?" in religion class. I don't remember ever fully believing what I was taught. I went through the motions, but never going deeper.

Then, when I was twelve, my dad died.

And I started exploring other belief systems, and have continued to explore what spirituality means to me.

Every few months, my mom asks me if I am still Catholic, and I give her the same answer: No, I'm trying to find out what religion and spirituality means to me.

Now, I'm considering a belief system that I've never considered: none at all. I cannot ignore atheism, and will begin asking questions.

What I do know is though, that spirituality is not always definitive, and that's ok too :grin

Be healthy, be loving :love
Zorahgail.

[JolieAnn]

:love Speaking of acceptance, I just accidentally erased my entire reply)...Okay,(as I was saying :happy) so I was born jewish, however, we never practiced any type of religion at all. So, I spent most of my life, not believing in anything or anyone. As I got older, I began sort of "searching" for Something. I looked through books, and went to various services of both unified and non-unified religions. Nothing seemed to really be working for me. Eventually, actually when I made a choice toward recovery, I began to feel a strong need for a belief in a Higher Power. I came to realize that for me, it wasn't something I could go and search for. It had to come to me from within and with my willingness. I began to realize, through small miracles in my life, that I did have a Higher Power.
Each morning, I read my meditation/thought/prayer for the day for my addictions. I have a couple of books from which I read from. It helps me to know that I do have Someone to guide me in my life. Whether I make the right or wrong decisions, I learn. For me, I never want to stop learning. It can be hard to have a BELIEF when one is suffering. I have come to understand, that although I have suffered, all my experiences have tought me. I am here today, and that alone is a Miracle. I have comfort in the fact that a Higher Power, who I choose to call God, is always with me. I have a friend in God who will neve leave. He will always walk with me. My life is less lonely.
I also learned about praying. I never prayed in my entire life until I entered into my journey of RECOVERY. I am aware that many religions and spiritualities have different ways of praying. I also have a certain way in which I pray. I realize too, that praying can help me hold on to what I do have rather than always searching for what I don't have.
I learned that some people pray for people even if they don't necessarily "like" them. That has been really difficult for me. One of my BIGGEST character defects has always been Judgement. Judgement is something that I pray to my Higher Power to one day be lifted. I do see that as I learn and grow, I am able to find myself and catch myself in a moment of judgement. That, for me, is such a gift. I do not pray for perfection. I pray for progress and the ability to hold on to my new-found spirituality and faith.
I have a deep respect for people who can believe in a Power Greater than themselves. I always wanted that. I realized over time, that I always had an H.P., I just never searched within myself to find that. I could not be more grateful to the gift of having spiritulity in my life. I love to Believe. I am now able to understand the obstacles and struggles in which I have faced and will continue to face in the future. But, i also realize that all I have is Today. I do not regret the past, and I am working very much to not fear the future. It is God's Will for whatever is in store for me. I thank him for this journey. It was wonderful to share this, Thank you.

My favorite prayer ( i am sure many have heard this): "God, Grant me the Serenity, to Accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to Change the things I Can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.
When I pray, I always recite this prayer. I think each word has so much power.
:love Holly

[TayTay]

:hugon :sfishy :hugoff

Thank you for this topic! I have been somewhat avoidant of this area of the :bowl until recently because I kind of lacked hope and faith for a long while, and now I'm beginning to think...hmmm...maybe if I have hope and faith that I'm gonna make it through this shit, I'll at least have something to hold on to! So here it goes, about my spirituality:

I would consider myself to be an extremely tolerant person(but I didn't always feel this way, even though I was probably always a tolerant person :winky). I have a very open mind to everyone, but myself (what a surpise :winky). My friends always come to me when they know they have done something that could be easily judged as horrible by anyone else, and tell me that I am the only one they can tell who they know will not even begin to think any less of them. After hearing this from my friends, I've finally convinced myself that I am a tolerant person (that was quite a step for me :yay).
So anyways....my spirituality is one of exploration and personal growth. I have had significant meaningful experiences many religions, including Catholicism, Anglican, Christian, Baptist, Judaism, Wiccan, Pagan, Atheism, etc. ANd what I have found for me persoally is that I can take a little of every religion and compile it to fit me. I am personally not a fan of being a part of organized religion, but I can definitely see the benefits of it for many people, and I wholeheartedly respect that. From the time I was a little girl I never felt settled in any specific religion and I always saw myself as an "experience/knowledge junky" i guess. I love learning new things, I love exploraing new beliefs, i love experiencing new experiences! I see myself as a perpetual student, but I do not believe in a label for myself. Because I am unique, I am me....I don't feel the need to label myself with any specifc belief system, because I can identify with almost anyone and their belief system. I can see the beauty in all religions/faiths.
To me personally, the emphasis I place on spirituality is the actual journey and action of being spiritual, not the specific religion/faith you are being spiritual in. Some may see this as being wishywashy, not wanting to commit to any specific belief system, but I see it as a way of letting the light of all different belief systems shine on me adn inside of me. There are way too many amazing, positive wonderful belief systems/faiths/religions in the world for me to only travel down the path of one fo those.
I see God/Goddess/Mother Nature/my higher power as a sparkling jewel with many facets....millions of different shiny faces...and each one of those is a religion/faith/belief system...not one is wrong, not one is right, to me they all lead to the same place, they are all part of the same system...they are all as unique as the people of the world. I also see "heaven" or the afterlife, or whatever anyone can call it, as one beautiful paradise where everyone lives peacefully, and those who wish to be reincarnated can do so, and those who wish to stay in "heaven" can do so. Neither way is right or wrong. I also do not believe in a Hell...I personally believe that none of my higher powers would ever condemn a person to an afterlife of torture and pain...because i believe that people can ACT badly, but they are not innately bad themselves. WOW! That is probably long and very confsing, but nonetheless it makes perfect sense to me and it allows all my beliefs to coexist in my mind. And it also gives me room to grow and change without being tied to a specific set of beliefs.

[Rayneonthemoon]

I am a Unitarian Universalist. I didn't become a UU until about a year ago. I found UU'ism through searching for a higher power while in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was born into a family where my mother was lutheran and my father was agnostic. Growing up as a child my father was the dominent force, so to speak, so I was pretty much allowed to do whatever I wanted spiritual wise. I took in my fathers footsteps and became agnostic, and that got worse when I was sick... I was a miserable, totally disconnected person spiritually.

After coming home from inpatient treatment, I wanted to searh for something more. At first, I used my AA group itself as that "something more" because the idea of more then that was just too much to handle. Within six months to a year, I know I needed to find something that I felt a part of spiritually. I knew that I was against organized religion personally, and there were many many aspects of organized religion that just made my skin crawl. Again, this is personally and is by no means for everyone. I started researching all different faiths - pantheism, paganism, and I knew I was getting more on MY wavelength. I really identified with alot of parts of paganism. Then I stumbled into Unitarian Universalism, and I knew I was home. It's a faith that is very eclectic in it's members. There is so much to say about UU I can't even begin to go into all of it. If you are interested in learning more you can go to http://www.uunashua.org/************quest.shtml

Anyways, thanks for this post. I think it was a really good one and am glad that I am able to share my own beliefs and faith with others.

Love,

[Rayneonthemoon]

http://www.uunashua.org/************quest.shtml

That should say www.uunashua.org/onehundred(thenumber)quest.shtml