SPIRITUALITY-MEANING TO YOU?

SPIRITUALITY-MEANING TO YOU?
Spirituality
So what does the word “spirituality” mean to you?
There are so many that I interface with that immediately put the concepts of spirituality and religion together, almost as if they are the same thing. For many, words like spirituality and God cause recoil and set up major road blocks to life improvement and gaining new freedoms. As my friend Dennis would say “’Tis a shame”.
I must admit, when I was first made aware of the 12 steps and saw the word God and was told it was a spiritual program, I moved away like the hand from a hot burner.
There is so much wisdom contained in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, good for alcoholics, but also good for most human beings. We have all faced struggles. I often use quotes from the BB and think this one is very good.
“The idea that religion and spirituality were not one and the same was a new notion . . .Reluctantly, I opened my mind to the fact that maybe, just maybe, there was something to this spiritual lifestyle.
Slowly, but surely, I realized there was indeed a Power greater than myself, and I soon found myself with a full-time God in my life. . . “
- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 287
Thought to Ponder . . .A spiritual awakening is our greatest gift.
I am glad that there came a time when my mind opened and I became teachable. I began to appreciate that I could live a spiritual life without becoming part of a religion. For many, the spiritual way does involve a strong religious component, and that is OK for those who find strength there; to date I have not had the need to join a religion but continue on a path of spiritual growth and discovery.
The BB, in the 12th step, refers to a spiritual awakening that will occur as a result of work done in completing the 12 steps. It wasn’t what I initially thought it would be.
I have experienced a spiritual awakening in my life and it manifests itself in a major change in attitude. I do know there is a power greater than me at work and that power gives me life a new Good Orderly Direction. I guess I’m safe in calling it a full-time God.
Many proclaim to be spiritual, many still deny a need. What does “spirituality” mean to you? Share, if you will, here or at www.hope-serenity.com.