by Daniel G. O'Leary

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: April 26, 2010

Mention "Spirituality" in a crowded room and see how fast the crowd thins. Why is it that when people hear the term they just assume they are about to be bombarded by someone's religious beliefs? What's ironic is that many of those same people are very spiritual on a daily basis and like being that way, yet when the subject is mentioned or they are asked for their opinion, they have have nothing to say.

I think age, life experiences, perspective, all greatly influence how people react , acknowledge or fail to acknowledge spirituality (or the importance of spirituality) in themselves or those around them.

It doesn't matter what your religion, spirituality is universal, it encompasses all that is. From the time we are little, we are influenced to a greater or lesser degree by those around us, but even while we are being influenced, within us there still is a guiding light, a burning desire, a restlessness to find our way to do or to be that which we were meant to do or be. As our time advances, our experiences more numerous, that which we have learned or been taught, influences our perspective of that which we feel within ourselves.

That influence can be positive or negative. If it 's positive, it strengthens our desire to fulfill that which is within us. We are stimulated and energized to pursue that which we feel within us, a calling, a meaning, a purpose for being that makes each of us unique, but yet connected to all that is around us. Once focused and free to be that which we can be, it's unbelievable how our life advances and how we seem to influence all that is around us more profoundly (and it feels right, natural, meant to be). Before our eyes, we see a grander picture. Within our hearts a warmth, a strength, a connection to all that is around us. Within our minds we've made a difference.

If that influence is negative, the desire to fulfill that which is within us, can be lost, postponed, misinterpreted, or unfulfilled. What a tragedy! Suffice it to say, we all feel the loss.

What can we do, what must we do? To embrace our spirituality, be true to that which is within each and every one of us. Look within your heart and find your passion; be it words, be it music, be it math or science, be it people or animals, land, sea or space, be it service to others or to God, be true to that which calls you, embrace it wholeheartedly, and pursue relentlessly.

Reap the rewards of that which you were meant to do, to be, feel the strength of your purpose and how it connects with all that is around you. See how your presence positively influences all that is around you. Feel the strength, feel the power, feel your purpose; there lies your spirit, the essence of spirituality!

Each and every one of us is significant, makes a difference, has a purpose. May we all be true to that which is within us, feel that which is around us. Now is our time. Let us begin!

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