Spiritual emergence-ies, traditional religion, and more

Hi, Chuck, and welcome to the Gathering Spot!

I am what I laughingly call a recovering Catholic.  Born and raised Roman Catholic - 8 years of Catholic school - the whole nine yards so to speak.  I have always felt a natural and deep connection with the Divine that I associated with the Church - not really realizing that it was deeper than just a church connection.  There were things about the Catholic religion that I was uncomfortable with, but chose to ignore.  About 5 years ago, I became very disappointed in some of the newer developments and felt that instead of moving toward a more progressive and inclusive idealogy, the Church was actually moving backward in it's thinking.  It became too much to ignore any longer.

I went through a period of searching, and in that time read Neale Donald Walsh's book, "Conversations with God".  The book changed my whole thought process regarding religion - no exageration.  I also found the United Church of Christ, which is a progressive protestant denomination, and found a local congregation that has fed my need for community and provided an outlet for my sense of social justice.  I consider myself Christian still, but it's mostly because I think of Jesus as someone who was sent to speak in "my language".  There are other valid paths that maybe just don't connect with me as easily because the "language" is different.  I also think we are ALL sons and daughters of the Divine - Jesus was awake, but not a favorite... he just "got it" more fully than most people.  My personal heritage as a Native American has also engrained a deep sense of appreciation and love of nature and Mother Earth which I have not pursued as a religion, but only as a way of being in the world.

Since you mentioned Father Keating, I'd suggest that you look into his work with Ken Wilbur.  They did a DVD together called "The Future of Christianity"  (there was a subtitle, but I can't remember it).  It's a great DVD on where the Christian churches will need to go to create a sustainable future - particularly as people evolve from their current state of consciousness, to a new, more integrated state of consciousness.  I think you'll enjoy it!

As for spiritual emergence-ies (I like your term!) - I've had my share of "healing crises" and blissed out days that come from particularly powerful energy experiences.  Some of them have been annoying or frightening... others have been wonderful!  I've learned to try and see them all the same... sort of observe them objectively and recognize that they are just signs of a shift. 

Have fun with all the reading here!  I remember when I first got to the site I was so overwhelmed by all the past posts - and completely enthralled at the same time! 

We're happy to have you join the team, Chuck!

Much light and love to you,

Kathy

PS - please don't view my story as trying to steer you in one direction or another.  It's just to give you a sense of where my path has taken me with regard to organized religion.  It's worked for me, for the most part, but that doesn't mean that it needs to work for everyone.  :)

Hello Chuck,

First off, Welcome to the Gathering Spot!  I will try to put together some semblance of a response.  Normally I communicate best when I write – but the past few months I have been struggling to just be able to put together a coherent sentence (much less try to type it out!)    Perhaps it is the time of year – more of an internal time than an outward time – and it seems that the forum kind of slowed way down and has been in a lull also.   I look forward to seeing if your questions begin a conversation.   I’m sure it would be an interesting one!

Let me start by saying that I did not grow up with any type of religious background, so I can’t really answer your questions about fitting your spiritual experiences into a faith tradition.   In a way, I think this lack of religious training gave me greater freedom to explore different avenues, but it also left me without anything to hold onto when difficult times arose in my life.   As I tripped and stumbled through life, becoming more and more fearful and discouraged, my search for some kind of meaning - or at times even a reason to continue living – I found the path led right back in close proximity to religion.  I used to consciously move myself away from those proclaiming themselves to be Christians – quietly and gently – because they could become quite scary when riled up.   Later, I found there were some very interesting gems of truth hidden in the Christian religious teachings.   I had experiences where statements and quotes from the bible that I had heard many times kind of shifted, or morphed and the deeper meaning shone through for me.  You stated it very nicely with your words, “ ….I am slowly realizing that the Christian faith has within it the seeds of transformation, but they are hidden deeply.”    In hindsight, I would say it was ME who finally made it to another level and was able to understand the deeper knowledge.  

When I first joined the Gathering Spot I wondered if there were others having the same experiences, or looking for the same things.   What I have found is that my spiritual experiences seem to have been uniquely tailored for me, and don’t quite match others experiences.   Nor are others necessarily looking for the same things as I am.   Yet there are common threads that run through our conversations.   I really enjoy hearing others tell of their journeys – what it feels like, and what it looks like from their eyes.   Some are ahead of me on the path and I have to struggle to understand what they are saying – and sometimes I just don’t.  Others are at places that I remember traveling through, yet they are experiencing things in their unique way. This sometimes provides a refresher course with a new perspective.   Then there are others who seem to be in very close proximity on my path.    I learn from them all – sometimes in joyous leaps and bounds, other times with tears and pain.   I have mostly studied spirituality in seclusion due to a built up distrust of others, but found that I had gone as far as I could on my own and needed to join in community with others.    The Gathering spot has provided the perfect place for me to join in….. it is a kind, loving environment, filled with vast levels of intelligence, spirituality and awakening.   

Thank you for sharing the links of those you found helped you.   I look forward to exploring them when I have more time.

Welcome, once again, and I look forward to more of your contributions Chuck.       

With Love,

 Mary

Welcome to the Gathering Spot, Chuck! And thanks so much for your very thoughtful post. It sounds like you've been in a period of intense spiritual growth the past six months. From what you describe, you may be going through what is called a "kundalini rising" experience. You might want to do a search on this term.

I've been through two of these myself and found them to be incredibly profound and powerful. I've also counseled a number of people who had difficulties going through kundalini rising experiences. They can be extremely challenging and disorienting, at the same time as they are filled with bliss, ecstasy, and deeper connection.

The most important thing I've found is to keep grounded. I advise people to spend lots of time in nature. Hug trees, lie in the grass, and feel your connection with the Earth. From that grounded place, you can welcome the amazing gift of spiritual opening that kundalini rising brings.

Regarding your religious faith, I love Ghandi's quote that said something like the heart of all religions leads to the same place. I consider myself a member of all faiths and welcome people from any religious background. Thanks for being who you are, Chuck, and for joining us here. You take care and have a most rich and wondrous passage into the new year.

With abundant love, joy, and gratitude,
Fred

Dear Chuck:

You are a welcome addition to this group.

The entire planet is experiencing monumental changes - physical, emotional, and spiritual.  People who are sensitive can feel this.  Likewise, animals are demonstrating love to other animals in remarkable ways.  I just saw photos of a polar bear frolicking with a dog sled team!

Here is a short inspirational film series that particularly speaks to my heart and soul:  http://awakeningasone.com/

Love and light,

Noa

Hi Chuck-

I read your post several days ago & have been waiting to see if I would be inspired to write something meaningful. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself here, I greatly appreciate your post.  I can only hope to get to the place where you are someday, I have not made it a spiritual practice to meditate alone but do it occasionally when I feel the need for relaxation.

As far as christianity goes, I think I've always been a christian, but I fear that many christians would say I am not one as I do not believe in the virgin birth, or atleast think it's important that I do. My ideas about christianity are definitely at odds with traditional churches but not the ones I have belonged to. I just love so many of the messages, mainly the idea that the ego needs to die in order for a new person, at one with and obedient to God can be reborn. (I think it's great that you chose the words seeds of transformation - that reminds me of the parable of the mustard seed) I love the sermon on the mount and try my best to live by it's principles. I was raised by an atheist and agnostic so I had to find religion on my own. I became a Quaker, and then studied "A Course in Miracles". I left the Quakers, not because of a change in belief, just a move where I could not easily find a nearby Quaker meeting. I belonged to the Unity church for a while and was glad to learn many of the principles that they teach, the most important to me is that we are all children of God and all capable of fully performing the same miracles Jesus did if/when we are ready to fully be completely at one with God and fully embrace the power of God within. Now I'm a Unitarian Universalist because there is a church of friendly souls very close to home, even though in my heart I'm still a Quaker.

I think if more people thought about it deeply like yourself, they would find that in some way or another their church did not support their beliefs or experiences. My UU church is too silent about speaking out against war and the services speed by with little time for contemplation. But if I went back to being a Quaker, I would surely miss the singing - my UU church is always filled with beautiful music.

Thanks so much for your information filled post, I see that I still have a lot of exploring to do and welcome to the gathering spot.

Wendy