By Cristen Rodgers
Introduction by Pierre
Close to forty years ago, Byron Katie, for me one of the leading figures of the personal development movement during the past generation, made the comment that the greatest challenge to the world was … confusion. Not poverty, famine, war …and so many other challenges. This confusion is mainly due to two reasons: the incredible dissemination of information via internet, and the loss of authority in almost all areas. The positive aspect of this situation is that it forces any thinking person to live by their own definitions. Not the definitions of their pastor, priest, family physician, boss or any other authority figure which have dominated our societies for so many generations. Many will find this definition of spirituality by Cristen Rodgers very challenging. “But that’s not spirituality,” they will say. It’s not your understanding of spirituality, or that of the local priest, or this or that best-seller on religion. But it is hers. And one feels that it is a LIVING spirituality, not a dusty little box to take out on Sundays or the editorial of the local parish newsletter or a well-known Harvard holder of a Divinity degree.
“ But if everyone has a different definition of spirituality, how on earth will we get on together, or even understand each other, “ some will say.
Have you heard of the word tolerance?
My kind of spirituality
My kind of spirituality is the kind that needs no name. It respects no rules and fits no form. It’s as unique as an evening star, and fluid as the morning mists.
My kind of spirituality doesn’t come from the pages of a book, but rises up from the depths of my soul. My sacred scriptures are written on the river currents and my favorite hymns are whispered on the wind. The forest is my church and my body is my holy temple. My favorite teachers are the birds and the trees; and among my guides are the sun, moon, and stars.
My kind of spirituality honors all prophets and respects all saints; and it recognizes truth no matter its guise. I hang out with Buddha and talk with Christ. I serve love and obey my heart. I bow before the mother earth, beauty, light, and father sky; and I think of worship as writing poetry, planting flowers, and making love.
My kind of spirituality is the kind that respects all life and knows the consciousness in all things. It’s about honoring people, beasts, the skies, and the seas at once and equally. I speak to the animals and sometimes hug the trees. I humble myself before mountains and streams, flow with the breeze, and speak directly to the sun.
My kind of spirituality is the kind that dives down deep. I see peoples’ colors and hear their vibes. I feel what others feel. I know what you’re trying to tell me even when you have no words. I believe in the healing touch and the power of unconditional love; and I see divinity in everything.
My kind of spirituality is about being as free as the birds, grounded as the trees, and honest as the clear blue sea. My heaven is here on earth, and my hell is too. The whispers of my spirit are my pastor, priest, and cleric, and my savior is in the mirror looking back at me. In divine synchronicity I trust, in love I am purified, and in my own tears I have been baptized.
My kind of spirituality isn’t at odds with yours, whatever it may be. I love your spirit. I respect your truth. I see the light that shines from behind your eyes and I’m in awe of the beauty that you hold inside. I’ll be your teacher if you will be mine.
My kind of spirituality is the kind that others may not always understand, but it leads me to truth as surely as the rivers run into the sea. All that really matters is that my kind of spirituality is exactly what I need it to be. My kind of spirituality is the kind that’s right for me.
©2017 Cristen Rodgers
Cristen Rodgers is a spiritual author, blogger, and essayist.
