I have noticed a lot recently that many people I know are “Spiritual but not religious”.  I probably fall into this category as well.  The problem with this badge or distinction is that too often it means that we believe in a greater power but it is left largely unexplored.  It also means that we have found the organization of religion or the execution of religion unfulfilling.  The good thing about religion however, which doesn’t seem to make the jump to being “spiritual” is the practice and community aspects of religion.  The practice part is what I want to spend some time with today.

Regular prayer, meditation, chanting are all a good start.  But what about some of the more challenges like fasting, taking certain vows, undertaking a pilgrimage or spending time alone in the desert?  These seem to me like the aspects of spirituality within religions that are satisfying and allow us to feel closer to our creator.  It is the politics, righteousness, and dogma that keep most of us away from being religious.

I am coming around to the idea that I might undertake one of the following:

1) follow a religious practice, but be flexible with my beliefs and avoiding the dogma

or

2) Create my own daily practice (prayer, inner reflection) that also includes deeper practices like fasting, and pilgrimages.

It is not enough to say I am spiritual but not religious.  Without a practice, without a means of connecting to the almighty, I would say I am neither spiritual nor religious.  I am just bumping along.