On Sunday mornings I feel a strange yearning. I find myself seeking to be in a different state of mind—disconnected from everyday chores and life admin and connected instead to something outside myself. An encounter with an eternal truth or a brush with something wondrous and inspiring.
I think Sunday mornings are pregnant with possibility. Saturdays are filled with chores, shopping, r&r and, possibly, socializing. Sunday evenings are for winding down the weekend looseness and getting ready for the upcoming week.
I have tried for several years to find an established spiritual / religious community that fits my eclectic “spiritual but not religious” mindset. Since this search has not been fruitful, I have decided to plant my own “church.”
Through “Spiritually Speaking,” my goal is to bring Spirit into my life. If what I create resonates with others, so much the better because then I will have fellow seekers to learn from and grow with. Plus, I will have formed what I think is the hardest thing to do: create Community.
My elevator speech for Spiritually Speaking is this: To publish a piece each Sunday morning that connects with one’s core aspirations while also providing a glimpse of a transcending reality.
A few words about me. I am a 60-something retired software engineer. A passionate writer. A mother and grandmother.
I grew up in Mumbai, India. I have lived in the US for four decades.
My family of origin is Hindu and not particularly observant. My parents were quiet atheists. They followed none of the tenets of the religion. They also did not judge others’ religiosity.
I attended an all-girls' Christian school that was founded by missionaries from Scotland. As a result, I have a child’s familiarity with Christian ideals and beliefs as conveyed through parables.
I was a member of Unitarian Universalist congregations for over twenty years.
My daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren are Jewish.
My husband is an atheist.
I am interested in 19th century faith traditions such as Spiritualism, Theosophy, and Transcendentalism.
What does that make me? Open to all of the above.
When I was in ninth grade, one of my Christian teachers said something during the once-a-week Scripture class.
All religions are different paths to reach God.
Growing up among followers of almost every religion practiced in the world, this probably seemed to the young me as an axiomatic statement. But its simplicity and profundity make sense to me even now over five decades later.
I believe that the name of the religion (or no religion) that we profess is only the garb or outermost layer of our beliefs about a higher power, values to live by, and obligations to honor— in short, “how to be a person.” So, the name of the religion matters much less than what a person’s religion inspires him or her to do.
So, welcome all. If you are a follower of any religion, or if you are spiritual but not religious, or if you are an atheist, agnostic, or some other label, come join me on this quest.
Let us make our Sunday mornings meaningful.
Spirituality and Community are the antidotes to many of today's challenges. With these within reach, we can overcome despair and loneliness and instead find connection, purpose, and meaning.
Join me next Sunday for a reflection on introducing spiritually to toddlers.
I look forward to your Sunday reflections. I know your Sunday community will grow. All my best with your project and quest.
Thank you for this introduction and invitation! I feel exactly the same way about Sundays. I listen to choral hymns and have a more spiritual mindset that during the busy week. I also relate to your eclectic religious background as the child of atheist parents and a former Unitarian with friends of many faiths. I now consider myself a follower of Christ but haven't found the right spiritual community either. Looking forward to more of your Sunday thoughts!