searching

I have many friends at different points of a spiritual spectrum. Some say "no thanks- not for me" and they've really thought that through, and continue to think about spirituality while saying that God, or a God-like figure doesn't fit in to their view of the world. And that's okay, because that's where their journey has led them. Others are searching, searching, searching, and feel very unsettled and like they will never find a place in any kind of spiritual practice or religion. I think this is actually a great place to be, because, while it's a struggle, it means a person is really thinking, really assessing their own convictions, and really wondering about an aspect of life that is often ignored. This leads to growth and a more understanding world view. Many are very content with where they are spiritually, with the knowing and the not-knowing, and just sitting with whatever comes.

What I respect the most about people is when they are fluid. When they say "never say never" and have solid ideas about what they believe, but are completely open to learning new things. I think that's beautiful, because there is just no way we can live in a box of "this is right and this is wrong" (I say this in terms of spirituality, not in terms of philosophy where rights and wrongs can be clearly debated and defined, as in "it is right to feed a hungry child" or "it is wrong to murder another person") It's healthiest to stay in a place of openness to what life will teach you, I think. I can have solid convictions of what I believe, and also be excited to learn from others' experiences and paths. I may not change what I believe, but I can certainly be blessed and my views enhanced by what others believe.

One thing that I NEED spiritually is nature. I feel the most content, the most joyful, the most settled, when I'm outside. Hiking a mountain or walking on a beach or running through a park brings me closest to Peace. I do believe in God, and I believe I'm closest to God when I'm outside. I can't remember a time when I haven't felt this way.

This is a no-point post, spurred on by a friend. Here's what she posted. It so perfectly speaks to my heart: 

I don't know who God is exactly.
But I'll tell you this.
I was sitting in the river named Clarion, on a
water splashed stone
and all afternoon I listened to the voices
of the river talking....

And slowly, very slowly, it became clear to me
what they were saying.
Said the river I am part of holiness.
And I too, said the stone. And I too, whispered
the moss beneath the water.

{Mary Oliver}