Transforming Religion Into Spirituality

         I have an aversion to normal religious terminology because of the lack of support and truth I got from religion as a child and young adult.  I had to redefine many of the terms to give them meaning as I became an adult.        

         God became Great Spirit.

         Heaven became Life Between Lives or Soul Plane

         Hell became fear/loss of love and trust in anything.

         Satan became that which I can’t control that consumes me and pulls my from my true self.  (not that Jewish girls grow up with a sense of Satan.)

         Sabbath became a time to rest, to stop and examine my week and life and where I am falling off course in my work, relationships and home and where I am in balance and on track. A time to create beauty and love.

         Prayers became dreams, wishes, what I want to bring into my life.

         As I got older, I created a mental inventory system at night when I got into bed.  It changed over the years but generally consisted of asking for what I want in my life and or naming what I am working on. 

         Currently it goes something like this: 

         “Thank you Great Spirit for this day, this life, this love of my precious husband, family, and friends.”  (sometimes I name specific people and what I am grateful for or wish for them. E.g. that Nick is inspired and his book flows easily.  Margarita finds what makes her heart sing.  Kim heals.  So and so gets what will support their highest good. etc.)  “Please help me to love, honor, cherish and obey myself.  Bring into my life more acceptance and compassion.”  (or whatever else I am working on.)  “Please bring me dreams to help guide me … and help me remember them.”

         Sometimes I lay in bed and ponder for some time.

         Other times I fall asleep before my prayer is done. 

         My God is easy, not punishing, and the more clear I am, the better the results.  The more I am vague or not conscious, just running off something that has lost meaning the less connected to spirit I am and the less my life changes or results happen.