I don't usually talk about spirituality with others. It's always felt like such a personal experience and trying to explain it to others seems to just marginalize my spirituality. All my life I felt there was a difference between practicing a doctrine and experiencing my spiritual side, sometimes these two would coincide and other times they would not. Of course at a young age I couldn't explain this, but now I understand what that feeling is for me.
Spirituality for me comes with the experience of being one and whole with everything. Situations where I feel separate, individualized and more special than others seem to diminish my spiritual experience. I think this is why being in the wilderness and outdoors brings such peace and happiness inside myself. This is where I feel most connected to everyone and everything. Also this would explain my career choice since it is all about relationship with others.
Anyway, what triggered this thought was as I was driving to work today Neil Young's song "When God Made Me" came on. I think the lyrics to his song really sums up how I feel about religion versus spirituality (except for the "he" part, ha!).
When God Made Me lyrics:
Was he thinkin' about my country
Or the color of my skin?
Was he thinkin' 'bout my religion
And the way I worshipped him?
Did he create just me in his image
Or every living thing?
When God made me
Was he planning only for believers
Or for those who just have faith?
Did he envision all the wars
That were fought in his name?
Did he say there was only one way
To be close to him?
When God made me
Did he give me the gift of love
To say who I could choose?
When God made me
Did he give me the gift of voice
So some could silence me?
Did he give me the gift of vision
Not knowing what I might see?
Did he give me the gift of compassion
To help my fellow man?
When God made me
Taylor Made me dirt cake....mmmmmm
Here is some advice, don't rip a mustache off your babies lip!
Justin as an urban hunter
Amanda, The Lost polar bear and Ethan
Two good looking women
