Setting the Spiritual Space

Written by: Annie Hutton
October 1, 2007

I am delighted to share in the wonderful experience of The Calm Space created by my dear friend Karen. Let me set the scene for this column by clarifying what I mean by ‘Spiritual’ as distinct from ‘Religious’. The following distinctions are based on those collected by Robert E Coté.

Religions are based on other people’s ideas and conform to the letter of established law
Spirituality is guided from our internal ‘knowings’ – mind, heart and intuition

Religions teach their followers that they can connect to God only by joining the church and by following the church’s rules
Spirituality acknowledges that every human being has his or her own direct connection to God

Religion is afraid of challenges — challenges threaten its existence
Spirituality welcomes challenges — challenges are food for growth and tools with which to become stronger

Religion follows the beliefs of long-dead ancestors
Spirituality is reborn moment-by-moment right-here right-now. It is born out of knowing that every person is a soul having a human experience, not the other way around

Religion teaches that the path to God is arduous and painful and that only the chosen ones will ever get to heaven
Spirituality teaches that there is no one path to God. We are already aspects of God. We simply have to remember who and what we are

Religion is a group experience
Spirituality is a personal experience

While both focus on God, I see Religion as a sub-set of Spirituality. My monthly offering will therefore focus on Spirituality, perhaps drawing on examples from theology and other sources, but having no religious flavour. I will also use God, Higher Power, Source and The Universe interchangeably. To understand the word ‘bliss’, imagine feeling love, peace and wisdom all at the same time!

You may believe that you are far too busy to fit Spiritual pursuits into your day. It is however, a magical gift for you and no-one else, so no matter how many ‘hats’ you wear or who shares your home and work environment, this is a little piece of bliss just for you. By making time for it (like daily exercise!), you will not only feel happier and healthier, but exercising it will also become easier. Best of all, it will steal unexpectedly into more and more of your day!

Perhaps you would like to think about your beliefs around Spirituality until next time. As always I reckon, take what works for you and enjoy the journey.

Love, Peace and Wisdom. 

Annie Hutton shares ways to find your bliss in the every day | http://www.thecalmspace.com/about#annie

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