To start off, I was born with my beliefs that we are all connected to Nature and with the Universe. As a little girl, I've always felt that we've originated from the Universe...that our souls are made up of the very same energy source that makes up said Universe. I've always felt that, rather than there being a God ::or Goddess::, there is only the Universe, and we are each a part of that brilliant Light (probably the same idea that many New Agers carry, about every person having God Light within them =) I tend to say "God/dess" as a way to simplify this view, as I feel that the Universe (as are we) is made up of a balance of male & female energy.
I believe that, when we die, we return to that very same Source (which I, for some reason, see as a spiral of brilliant and shimmering energy, more magnificent then we can imagine). I believe (or "know", to be more truthful with myself) that we are reincarnated to learn. Some of us are reincarnated to help others learn as well, sort of a "Been there, done that, now I'm back to help you out" deal, while on their own quest for personal growth and understanding.
I remember an exact moment in my life, when I learned that there was at least one other person out there who's personal take on spirituality was quite similar to my own. When I read this particular work, I have to admit that I nearly cried (the only thing stopping me was the fact that I was in computer class in High School =). This was so beautiful to me, and truly touched my heart. Here is said work, written by SoulofaJedi (Jess =)
In the beginning, there was energy. All energy, of course, has potential. The energy began to reach out, to see what more it could become. The energy began to rotate, a sparkling, swirling spiral of dancing energy. One half pursued the other, trying to touch what it did not have. One half is known as the Lord, the other is the Lady.
One was strong in body, the other strong in mind. One was beautiful in body, the other beautiful in soul. Of course, this was the other's view. They both are both. They became each other's compliment, each other's soulmate, becoming whole in their love.
And when they fell in love with each other, they consumated it by making love. This made swirls in the spiral dance of energy like ripples in a pond. These became the suns, the stars, the moons, the planets. The Goddess grew pregnant with love, with energy, energy created by the force of their love. She gave birth, raining bright spirits down upon the worlds.
Some took the form of the Lord, some took the form of the Lady. When they came of age, they began to search for their counterpart, their soulmate, regardless of the sex they'd been born in. Then more life was created.
So came the universe and so came forth life, out of love.
During times where some spiritual comfort was needed, this was a major help =) Since I was 16, I'd read this nearly daily. Here I am, nearly 10 years later, and this piece still touches me deeply! =)
Something else that I'd read just recently deserves a spot here as well, this passage being actual scientific fact =) This was taught by a professor in a college Astronomy class:
We breathe oxygen.
Countless ages ago, inside of a star hundreds of times larger than our sun, atoms fused together to create massive amounts of oxygen. Eventually, this star died. When it exploded, the cloud of oxygen combined with the force of the explosion (more powerful than anything our minds can conceive) created not only our planet, but our entire solar system. The oxygen remained and became the basis for life on Earth.
Thus, with every breath we take, we are breathing in the essence of the stars, still unchanging and untainted. Even when we miss it...it runs through our very veins.
Theoretically then, everyone is literally a 'child of the stars' - however few realize or remember this, and few are spiritually starchildren. The pure light that created us is too often forgotten, admittedly by myself, too. But...just remember...we are never fully separated from Home. Breathe. Be.
And find some comfort when you feel again the longing that brings you to tears.
Very simplified, this is my everyday spirituality. My quest for spreading light, for bringing a smile to someone's face, for learning, and for finding that connection to the Universe within daily living...to feel and remember that I am a part of that beauty, as are we all.
This is what spirituality means to me =)
