“There will always be a
frontier where there is an open mind and a willing hand.”
-Charles Kettering-
Fear
is a concept that many of us are all too familiar with, especially as it
relates to spirituality. We’ve met many people who’ve come to us and have been
open to trying more society acceptable, holistic practices, but shy away from
trying something they may be interested in because of religious or personal
judgments. The word “Un-Godly” has been used a time or two in reference to a
particular class, service or product.
Let’s
look at the word, God. Isn’t God in everything and everyone? Doesn’t God
surround us all? Didn’t he create everything? Just because someone else’s God
may not be who you pray to at night or what you grew up learning doesn’t mean
their deity has any less value or spiritual substance. If we would really take
a look at various religions we would notice that there are similarities in each
of them. Let’s look at angels for example. Angels, or winged beings who act as
messengers, are depicted in various religions. They may have different names,
but their purpose is all the same.
Isn’t it time that we let
go of man-made judgments and stereotypes that have no validity, and adopt a
more loving and open minded approach to religion and spirituality? There are
many different ways to do something, many different paths to spiritual
evolution or religious bliss. All of our journeys may be different, but the
hope for our final destination is the same. The energy of God is loving,
understanding, patient and kind. No matter what your neighbor may call their
God, it’s important that the God-like energy in you recognizes the God-like
energy in them.
So how do you healthily
and consciously begin to retrain yourself to see the connection between “their”
God and yours? First, let go of control. You cannot make anyone believe
that your way is the best way. Next, try something new. Let your hair
down and try something you may have held back from because of fear. You may just
find that this can add to your spiritual or religious practice in a healthy and
positive way. Last, don’t judge. Refrain from immediately judging other
people’s beliefs and practices before you know the facts. Maybe by researching
their beliefs you may find that it is very similar to your own.
