I have experienced a few life-changing rebirths in my life. In fact, I dare say that the cycle of birth, life, and death, the cycle of constant renewal + transformation, is exactly what life is all about. In fact, it is this mystery and magic and simplicity of continuous cycle of life that is so evidently seen in nature.

For me, this is spirituality. This is why I am here. To constantly plant, grow, and sow. To continually learn and transform. Ultimately to discover, with each passing day, more and more of my true authentic self. And to live life from that authentic place in my soul, so as to be of benefit to this world.

Finding a life of spirit, with or without religion.

9 years ago I was studying theology and spirituality. I explored all of the ways (from a Christian perspective) that we “know” god. How god is revealed to us. I was studying to be a pastor/priest/minister (whatever word makes sense to you). But, I always knew in my soul that I would never actually do that.

My heart + soul challenged me to find my own path back then. To not simply take what I learned and use it for myself in my work, but to reach back into my education as a teacher and to use all that I was learning to teach + inspire others. But that process of finding my own path has taken a while.

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Back then I felt the call to take all of the religious bullshit that made no sense, and inspire others to see that it’s not about the religion, but about relationships. It’s about living a connected, grounded, mystical life.

It’s often assumed that to be religious or spiritual means that one also is holy, above others, closed-minded, untouchable, perfect. Like a guru or a saint. That religion + spirituality actually have nothing to do with everyday life. And so, it is a big turn-off.

And  I can absolutely understand how people feel and think that. Religion has done a fabulous job of alienating, excluding, hurting, putting up walls, creating rules, and pushing away real life. People get lost in empty rituals or old routines that mean nothing, instead of being given tools and ways of meeting the spiritual in every single little moment of life. At it’s worst, religion kills in the name of the Divine.

However, that’s fucked up religion. True spirituality seeks to connect, to unite, to include, to build bridges, to create, to love, and to make peace – within ourselves and around the world. Because, who we truly are, who we are meant to be, are beautiful, whole, divine, incredible beings full of light and love. And we are meant to live our lives authentically as ourselves. And I believe that it is possible, my friends, to live a meaningful, mindful, spiritual life.

I believe it because I seek and live it.

If you’re still unsure about the word “spirituality”, then let me reassure you. That is the word that speaks to me. Perhaps you feel better thinking about happiness or contentment. But, I challenge you to embrace the spirit of the word spirituality.

You see, spirituality is not a box. It is freedom. It is connection. And we are all created to live meaningful lives of freedom and unity. Spiritual or religious or not. This is what I have learned from all of my years as a teacher to the disabled and poor, as a minister to the young and old, as a writer and blogger, as a fellow human being simply seeking to discover her own path to inner peace and bliss.

And that, is what i intend to use this next part of my life teaching. How we can create the life that we feel called to live – and then to live it to the fullest!

In seminary, I formulated my ideas and beliefs on how we can know that life is meant to be lived more deeply, how we are here to do more than exist, and how spirituality is actually a part of everyday life. The creative energies that connect us all (whether you call them god, magic, allah, tao, spirit, or anything else or nothing at all) move in and among us at all times. Empowering + inspiring us, and teaching us to live life from our soul. And when we do that, then we are in creation with each other + the whole world, making a difference, spreading love + light.

I want to share + inspire others to find all of the ways to tap into our souls. All of the ways that energy and divine, holy, magical, sacred things show up,in the most simplest, mundane ways, helping us to align our lives with our life’s purpose. Inspiration is found + created in scriptures, traditions, experience, books, words, people, art, places, stories, music, nature, religions, science, mystery…

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Ultimately, I believe that we are all searching for a deeper way to live life.

And I have found a way of living with the mystery and magic that brings meaning to my life– by learning to be, love, and live. How to follow my bliss. Of course, my way is not the only way. In fact, my way is only my way for me.

So, I am here to help inspire you and others to discover you own way, your own path, your own soul, your own truth.

The one truth that I do know, and I know it from a deep place that I cannot explain, is that we are all connected. That we are spiritual beings, called to live life as who we are created to be. And all of life is a beautiful journey of discovering + uncovering more of what lies in the depths of our soul, and how those depths are the places where the holy, divine energies of love and peace live.

What I can offer you is a way to discover how you can create a meaningful life filled with simple moments, that allow you to be authentically you, and to follow your own bliss.

So, if you’re looking for a guide, or a blogger/writer, or even an ordained minister who can perform marriage/funeral/naming ceremonies, then please contact me. If you don’t know what you need or want, or just want someone to listen, then I am here. Even if you just want tips on blogging, photography, or any spiritual matters, I would love to chat with you.

And now, dear friends, may the spirit of love + peace fill your souls. May each day be a new experience of birth for you, as you become more + more the person that you were created to be. And may you be inspired by all that is around you, seeking the sacred + holy in the most ordinary of moments.

“The whole life of the individual is nothing but the process of giving birth to himself; indeed, we should be fully born when we die – although it is the tragic fate of most individuals to die before they are born.” ― Erich FrommThe Sane Society