What The Fu*k Is Happening To Spirituality?

Now that I have your attention...that's actually the whole point of this blog. Trust me, I'm not on my high-horse preaching "my way" at all. Everyone is entitled to their way of expressing themselves. This is just something that I have been observing for awhile, and I kind of want to know how you all see it too.

Language has become so much looser on television, in the movies, business, and in just casual conversations. I don't know if such a relaxed attitude in how we speak is really benefitting us. It seems to be dumbing us down, disrespectful to each other, and not setting the best example for future generations.

I am having the hardest time watching it creep into spirituality. Swearing is now the norm in spiritual books, courses, and all over social media. You know what I'm talking about, the meme with Buddha saying "Let That Sh*t Go," is one example. I often think, would that come out of Buddha's mouth? Is that a respectful thing to attach to one of our most spiritual representatives? Maybe he wouldn't mind, perhaps he'd give it all a hearty belly laugh. But for me, I wonder if "What The F Would Jesus Do?" could be far behind?

Look at that face, I just don't think he's into it either.

It feels more like spiritual immaturity to me. We have to drop the F-bomb to get a reaction, to look cool, relevant or modern. It's not that I don't have some flowery language in my repertoire, but it's something I've been working at letting go of. And you won't see it on anything I put out there for my business or on social media. But you may overhear it in my home when I stub my toe on the couch for the 30th time, or when my internet gets stuck just when I've finished typing my blog, and I forgot to save it. But maybe that's why I'm more sensitive to it, because it's something I'm letting go of. The things that trigger you, are telling you something about yourself. So that's why I wanted to put it out there, are you ok with saucy spirituality, or do you think it has gone too far?

I don't find expletives uplifting, peaceful, loving, gentle, or kind. Those are the words I think of when I think of spirituality. But the other side of the coin with spirituality is understanding, tolerance, and oneness, so maybe this current casual approach to spirituality is alright? Perhaps I just need to start a "Spirituality for Prudes" club, and calm myself down? Actually, I'm not offended by it, I just don't find it necessary. There are just so many more beautiful words to choose from, so why pick something so small? 

So what do you think? Have I lost my bleeping mind, or do you think profanity is the new path to enlightenment?


In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Coming Out Of The Spiritual Closet

What you seek, is seeking you. -Rumi

I know in my heart that it is important to be yourself. I have often expressed that to my sons, especially when fitting in at school has been a challenge. I realized as I have continued on my spiritual path, that I was not being authentic with others. I was hiding who I was becoming, because I was afraid of what others would think. It is time to come out because I know that my children are learning from what I do, not what I say. If I'm not being myself, why should they?

I tried to be a part of a formal religion, but I always felt like an outsider looking in. I felt as I had much of my life, that I wasn't good enough. I really wanted to feel closer to God, but I wasn't sure what that meant.  I felt like a failure, I felt apart from it all. I remember going to a communion preparation class for one of my sons and was told that because I was divorced and remarried, I couldn't receive communion. I would have to have my first marriage annulled. This was a "What Would Jesus Do?" moment for me. Would that be what he would do to me? The Jesus that I resonate with is all loving and kind. And what was this teaching my children? I wanted them to have a love for God, a connection to the divine, but I didn't want them to feel that they had to be perfect. I feel that religion can be a beautiful thing if it feels right for you, I see the joy and connection that it gives to many. I love Saint Pio and Saint Francis, and so admire who they were and still are. I believe there are beautiful aspects and also similarities in many religions, and I have a respect for them all. 

I also had a misconception about spirituality. I thought it meant I would be getting to God the easy way, without all of the rules. I felt like I would be getting away with something, calling myself spiritual without the suffering for my sins and required rituals to prove my devotion. Well, it isn't like that either. I feel closer to God and to all living things since I started walking the spiritual path. I don't feel bad about myself or unworthy of God 's love as I did in the past.  For the first time, I feel like I belong. We are all connected, every single one of us. I see God inside of us, not apart from us. I value all of life, all of Earth, all of the universe, all that is seen and unseen. My mind is more open than it ever has been. I am more positive, grateful, kind and giving.  I appreciate all of the miracles that happen every day. I see the synchronicities and am more in touch with the flow of life. I am happier and I don't fear death anymore. I pray, meditate, talk to the angels and keep myself open to learning new ways of connecting with the divine.

Before I decided to let myself out of the spiritual closet, I am not really sure what I was expecting. I suppose a part of me was worried that I would be judged, and maybe it would take a piece of the joy that I was experiencing away.  I think part of me was also unsure of my new journey, not feeling completely confident in it myself. 

But I started to let the real me seep out little by little anyway.  And what I found out, was that more goodness came to me. I found people that I have known for decades that were on a similar path to mine.  I had no idea. I became more connected than ever before. Closing the door on fear, opened so many beautiful ones.

New people have and continue to come into my life. My small business is about kindness and love. Through social media, I am connecting with so many wonderful people on the same path. It has been comforting and joyful to share some of the same feelings and ideas with people who understand. And through them, I learn more and grow more.

Fear can create so many ideas that aren't the truth. They can even bring something into reality that you really don't want. I keep pushing against the fear, because my soul is insisting. I listen to my soul's voice more than my ego now, and it has much better advice for me! What I found when I decided to let go of fear and be who I am, is that I finally feel like I am home. Trust is everything. Trust in the divine and trust in yourself, because you are divine.

Tear off the mask, your face is glorious.-Rumi

Be yourself, you are even more amazing than you are letting everyone see.

In Gratitude,

Kerri
www.suitablegifts.com