Spirituality vs. Religion

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What is spirituality?  I’ve read countless definitions of this word.  The best definition I’ve been able to come-up with, is that, spirituality is one’s own deeply personal and meaningful relationship with the higher power of their own choosing.  So what’s a higher power?  It is whatever power the individual designates as being more powerful than he, or she, is.  (For some individuals it is the Christian God, for others it is astrology, Buddah, etc.)

This part is critical in the lives of alcoholics and addicts who are working on establishing a stable recovery from their addiction.  In this context, it is crucial that the addict/alcoholic, remove themselves from the proverbial “driver’s seat,” so that their lives can begin on a new and improved course.

Oftentimes, however, the addict/alcoholic, will have grown bitter toward anything that even slightly resembles religion.  Thus, it becomes essential to make the distinction between spirituality and religion.

Religion is man made.  This is where so many people encounter problems accepting religion.  Spirituality on the other hand, is not about religion.  It’s not even remotely related to it.  Once this difference has been determined, the process of developing spirituality becomes easier.

For the indivdual who has never known either one, the dilemma is faced of how to begin this process.  I’ve assisted many individuals by sharing the following, simple steps:

• Begin by choosing some power that you recognize as more powerful than you are;
• Select a quiet, peaceful place where you can be alone;
• Pretend that you are sitting next to your very best friend in the whole world;
• Begin talking to this best friend (who, of course, isn’t really there);
• Openly share your deepest problems with this (invisible best friend);
• Pour your heart out.

Like anything new that we haven’t attempted before, this is going to feel awkward and uncomfortable, at first.  But, if you’re willing to repeat this exercise a number of times, before you know it, it will become second nature to you.  In essence, what you’re doing, is practicing faith!  Unlike religion, though, it is your own personal faith in your own personal higher power.

This exercise does not have to be practiced aloud.  Most of the communicating I do with my own higher power, I do in a quiet place, and I speak to my higher power in my heart and in my mind (i.e. silently.)  The important thing, is that I’m placing my trust in a power greater than myself, to take care of the countless people and the countless situations that I do not have the power to change.  It’s called, “turning it over,” and, without fail, it results in a deep sense of inner peace and quiet each time I give myself to this simple process.

~JC Eberhart