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Daily Question, August 27

What are some experiences that have shaped my spiritual life?

  • Nelson
    My grandmother passed away almost 20 years ago when I was in college. My working through my emotions via therapy and self help evolved into exploring spiritually on a deeper level. Then I enrolled in some programs over the years, which all have been amazing. They gave me structure and consistency. Hardships have prompted me to really tune into spirituality for grounding. Nonetheless, programs have helped me turn spiritual habits into just things that I do everyday. My spiritual life is just my l...

    My grandmother passed away almost 20 years ago when I was in college. My working through my emotions via therapy and self help evolved into exploring spiritually on a deeper level. Then I enrolled in some programs over the years, which all have been amazing. They gave me structure and consistency. Hardships have prompted me to really tune into spirituality for grounding. Nonetheless, programs have helped me turn spiritual habits into just things that I do everyday. My spiritual life is just my life.

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  • Pilgrim
    Initially, I'd say, was my very young and immediate connection with woods and water ... the draw these had for me, a kind of belonging and "home." The music in church and the music in my family home ... many kinds of music ... and then playing music later. Giving birth to my daughters. An auto accident that I survived and kind of woke me up. Then an invitation to work with youth in church, followed by an extremely surprising invitation to go to pursue a seminary education (followed by "who, me??...

    Initially, I’d say, was my very young and immediate connection with woods and water … the draw these had for me, a kind of belonging and “home.” The music in church and the music in my family home … many kinds of music … and then playing music later. Giving birth to my daughters. An auto accident that I survived and kind of woke me up. Then an invitation to work with youth in church, followed by an extremely surprising invitation to go to pursue a seminary education (followed by “who, me??”). And in ministry, a new sense of home.

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    • Katrina

      Your journey sounds very similar to mine – especially the seminary/ministry part. I am now retired. Blessings.

  • Malag

    I’ll mention one. After a meditation on retreat I went outside and the “I” went away or maybe the “I” appeared and the me went away. I could see my hand and the shrubs beside it and they were both out there like there was no real distinction between them.

  • Kevin

    I could write all day and only touch the surface of those spiritual moments and experiences that have shaped my world. However, it’s important for me to distinguish something here. My experiences have not shaped my spiritual life, but rather, my spiritual life has shaped my every experience.

    • Patricia

      Thank you for that, Kevin. In my own situation it feels like a circle of the two. Experiences shaped the spiritual life and now the spiritual life shapes every experience.

  • Howie Geib
    I have had the good fortune of a vocation of sorts. And when that became apparent to me, very unlike me, I decided to investigate it through the acquisition of a spiritual director. All made possible through my having a hunch (since childhood) that there is a lot more going on here than meets the eye. Culminating in bringing me to a small clearing in the woods where I built a hermitage and chapel by hand and lived as a solitary for some years. A book is in there somewhere. But the point I wanted...

    I have had the good fortune of a vocation of sorts. And when that became apparent to me, very unlike me, I decided to investigate it through the acquisition of a spiritual director. All made possible through my having a hunch (since childhood) that there is a lot more going on here than meets the eye. Culminating in bringing me to a small clearing in the woods where I built a hermitage and chapel by hand and lived as a solitary for some years. A book is in there somewhere. But the point I wanted to make is that now, living in Florida, driving an Uber, I can close my eyes (or not) and go back there in an instant. I go there in my mind when I am sitting down to write (this now). So two experiences really: Building and living in the hermitage, and relinquishing it. Breathe in, breathe out.

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    • KC

      I’m in for reading your book as well Howie.

      Also would love to read any smaller piece if you start with baby steps! I am guessing that your Uber days may offer smaller moments for writing, as well as the inner stillness you so beautifully name …

    • Pilgrim

      I would like to read that book, Howie!

    • Malag

      Wonderful the way you can find that centering point again

  • Michele

    birth of my children and the ending of relationships.

  • Dusty Su

    Two days after my 16th birthday, someone challenged me with, “If you are going to throw your life away, why not give it away…” I took up the quest by shouting at God, “If you are real, show me. Use me!” Oddly, the more I tried to give it away, the more I gained in unexpected ways. From someone who may not have lived until age 17, I have had the most phenomenal life. Aged 60 and planning what is next. Open a hospice in Belize? Cambodia end-of-life care? Mexico…?

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