Hello Tish, how ye be gal?
Well, I've been out now for nigh coming on 7.5 years. At first, I was still greatly questioning my spirituality path and although initially exploring many other paths, still came to the conclusion that Jesus out of all the guy's seemed like the person to have his head most switched on in these matters. I like the simplicity of his message.
As for church, I did try, but inate fears held me back from committing myself. I too tried out partially the alpha course here in the UK. But boxed in thinking is something naturally I seem to shy away from these days. I do not think you can fit God within a box. I mean, church was ok, but still something about the whole experience niggled me often, perhaps an aversion to placing my trust in another man made organisation, who know's?
My church these days is in my own head. At least this reality causes me no fears, maybe I just like to keep things uncluttered and simple these days in a format I understand. Maybe I still have issues with putting trust in others, i just do not know and to be ruddy honest, who the hec cares less anyway?
If I want to speak with Jesus, which ain't that often, I feel he is to be found more out in nature among the trees and the rivers, across the sweeping windswept moorlands and upon the high plain, not in some absurd building.
What the hec is spirituality anyway? Can spirituality be defined, confined? Is it more affiliated with a deep sense of knowing, of understanding one's relationship to the world around them and other people in general whoever they are?
Talking of spiritual people, I work with the homeless and those with either mental or physical impairments within the charity I work for. Of the homeless individuals, often there is a deep sense of 'spirituality' surrounding them. In all honesty I find their company much more reassuring than any 'suits' anyday of the week, they're all so down to earth, raw in their emotions, dealing with life as best they can, they're real and not fake. If there is a God, truth has to be much more simple than the suits could possibly imagine it to be.
Give me a good friend who likewise knows what its like to be down and out, a few cigarettes and a beautiful view, questioning minds, conversation and perhaps the warmth and comfort of a blanket with the stars above our heads, this 'spirituality' I do understand.
Hmmmmm good question Tish, cheers!! Keep your head up lass and kindest regards.
Celtic Mark - Cornwall UK http://www.selfdirection.org http://www.can-online.org.uk
