Sunday, September 25, 2011

Spirituality and Religion

This reminder is in response to your implicit questions. 
Someone asked me explicity, “Do I only work with those who have a religious belief?” 

Am I spiritual?
I am spiritually inspired.  My life is filled with Joy and gratitude.  I create always and only with the intention of filling my life and our world with more love, hope, faith and contribution to the Good of All. I intend daily to give my very best, to pray (send only the most affirming thoughts I know) unceasingly, to forgive and undo whatever is not the truth I want to be, to give myself to Love and allow the Good that comes from Love to be my guide.
This is what I call “spiritual living”.  This is the reality I choose for myself. For me it is life-giving, healing, growthful, truly helpful and healthy and offers hope and positive regard to everyone I encounter.

What guides your life?
Are you inspired or depressed?
Do you follow any guidelines, path or principles?
Are you committed to serve only yourself or create a better world for others?

Am I religious?  
Yes, I minister, teach, facilitate, counsel and coach many directly and indirectly.
While my primary training Protestant Christian tradition, I have explored most of the major religions and philosophies of the world. When I listen within to translate their meaning for me, there is a unity and consistent principles which reveal themselves.  I am guided to respect all religions and honor all peoples with or without a faith. I trust that the inner guidance in each individual presents experiences in which each can best explore their own learning in this life.  Therefore I do not preach, coerce or teach a certain way.
I encourage people to find their own path to a “fun, safe and easy “ life of effective living.  When we are on purpose in our lives, I have found people to be happy, healthy, helpful, effective and fulfilled.  Their life has meaning and purpose for which they are grateful.  Therefore I support people in finding their own highest and best place to be, work to do and people with whom to associate.

Are you happy and healthy and at peace?
Is your life filled with meaning and purpose?
Do you do what you love and love what you do, being true to You?
Do you associate with people who support you in being and doing your best?
Are you living and working in a positive encouraging environment where you are inspired?

My definitions of Spirituality or Religion:
Spirituality is living by what inspires you as you grow in your Self and creative understanding.
Religion is living according to certain religious or philosophical principles, in which you believe.
Everyone defines these two words very differently, often comparing and judging one or the other.
I see that they both have value, since the real question is “Does love or fear direct your Life?”

Some other questions might be:
Do you believe in Higher Power rather than the worldly power of need and greed, envy and jealousy, lust and gluttony, pain and punishment?
Do you protect yourself from scarcity and pain or project your love with generosity and joy?
Do you give wholeheartedly the best you have with gratitude or do you withhold your gifts until you get your financial and emotional needs met?
Do you believe in a bountiful and beneficial Source or in a punitive and fear-filled Universe?
What is Reunion Ministries?
This non-profit founded in 1977 came from a group of 40-50 people, mostly parents who were taking a DVC Family Life Education class on Positive Parenting. It was a spontaneous gathering, learning about ourselves and loving one another well.  As the group developed, they saw the need for inspiration and renewal on a weekly basis.  Thus the programs through Reunion Ministries, Reunion Center and the many other holistic community centers were born in Michigan, North Carolina, Indiana, Montana and California. I have been the founder and director of now over 16 centers in five states, always non profit and serving everyone by contribution. All centers were funded through our own professional income and supported by the donations of those receiving the holistic services.
Reunion is about people remembering to and connect with Self, Source and others.
It has no formal program, and helps people find themselves and their own right path and purpose.   
Reunion inspires people to believe in themselves and their own unique life purpose. 
It is in being true to our own unique beliefs that we grow in confidence, in faith and in service.
Here to be truly helpful,
Betty Lue