I am a spiritual person. I love metaphysics, the use of
runes and cards, and the mystical interpretation of nature, psychic and medium
energies, the quest for the divine, the search for truth in all things. I love
liturgical Christianity from my Catholic and Episcopalian roots. I love the
mysticism of Celtic paganism and in the green magick of Wicca. I love the
essence and wonder of spiritual flow in Native American forms of spirituality.
I love the study and meditative response to the Kabbalah. I delight in the
human energy and connectedness that Humanism teaches.
As one who truly identifies as ‘universal,’ I look for
new opportunities in shaping my path. I love the term seeker. I think most of us who try to be chimed in to our spiritual
selves are truly seekers. We may each have different definitions for this term
based on our uniqueness and personal experiences. We each may be seeking
totally different things – God, a sense of belonging, truth, the meaning of
life, to be in total harmony above all things. But we are seekers nonetheless.
I think that is what draws me to Unitarian Universalism.
UUism provides me with so many tools and resources to help me shape my path.
And just as paths have forks in the roads along with twists and turns, I know that my
spiritual path is no different. This is apparent as I was once an ordained
Catholic priest (which lasted for four years when I resigned at the age of 32…10
years ago). While I do not regret my becoming a priest – because that was part
of my journey then – I also do not regret expressing my underdeveloped path at
that time.
Now in my forties, I would like to think that I am more
developed spiritually than I was at 28 when I was ordained to the priesthood. Something that I am very interested in as a certified spiritual
counselor is helping individuals develop his/her unique spiritual path. Maybe that is what I
was shooting for by becoming a priest 14 years ago. I have always cared about
people – where they are spiritually, what their rationalization is, and helping
them find the tools and resources to strengthen this aspect of their lives.
A very dear friend of mine grew up in the Episcopal Church.
We sang together in the choir for a short time. As we were growing older, I
found myself in the Orthodox Catholic faith (and sneaking over to a Unitarian
Universalist fellowship while in seminary) and she found herself embracing paganism.
When our paths crossed again (at a Native American drumming of all places) she
asked me if it was possible for her to be both pagan and Episcopalian. “Absolutely!”
I exclaimed.
Too often, I feel, we become too exact with what and how one
must be regarding religion, spirituality, and the like. I don’t care about
rules and qualifying identifiers when it comes to this aspect of my life. I am
Earth-Centered, enjoy certain elements from my Christian roots, respect my
Hebrew ancestry, and yet hold certain Humanist ideas in the midst of all of
this. It works for me. I make no excuse. I know that 20 years from now when I
am in my sixties there may be more layers to my spirituality. But that is
exactly what it is – mine. I can customize it how I see fit.
Despite my serving as a minister years ago, I truly love
being part of a lay-led Unitarian Universalist congregation. I love the organic
nature of the parish. I love how we work as a group to decide what types of
programs we would like to take shape in the life of the congregation. I love
how we embrace all forms of spirituality – whether it be a derivative of religious-based
spirituality or that of the human spirit. We truly do covenant together to
support one another in our individual journeys – no matter where that may
lead.
One of my favorite mystics of our time, the late ThomasMerton (who was a professed Trappist Monk as well as a teacher in Zen Buddhism)
said, “We have what we seek, it is there all the time, and if we give it time,
it will make itself known to us.”
I believe Merton’s words to be true. I believe that each of
us – whether we be Catholic, or Pagan, or Atheist, or Agnostic, or Muslim – are
all on a journey to either perfecting what we know or on a journey to figuring
it out. The beauty is that we are in the process and we recognize the process.
We allow the process to develop over time. It is not something that takes shape
immediately – despite epiphanies or specific moments we may encounter along the
way that may bring us immediate inspiration. That is what being a seeker is about,
in my opinion.
It is this journey where we create sacred spaces for
ourselves. It is this process that we see the temples within each of us being
built. Joseph Campbell once wrote “Your sacred space is where you can find
yourself again and again.” The beauty of this statement brings an awareness
that many of us have felt lost or unsure of particular religious systems or
beliefs we once belonged to as a child or young adult or even most of our
lives. Your journey, your space, your truth – these are the safe places where
you can go to and where you can be free.
As you continue on your journey, despite what may be thrown your
way, I invite you to stand in your truth, allow yourself to flow with the
current – or even swim against it, and allow your spiritual self to develop
according to your understanding. I invite you to study, research, listen to
your mind and heart, to not be solely persuaded by others, and pay attention to
the beauty in nature and in the human connection. As you continue to grow, as
you continue to seek, I invite you to give yourself the permissions that you
need to be on this journey – knowing that your journey is unique, personally
customizable, and deserves your full attention. There is no specific way to
develop your path other than how you plan it out or how you allow it to take
shape organically. Let us remember that all that we seek is already planted deep
within us. Let us welcome the growth within.
