Without intentionally setting out to do so, I have found myself on a spiritual quest that began several years ago. At least that's how I've come to think of it. Except that I don't even really know what a spiritual quest is.
So how do I know I'm on one?
At first I just guessed. Thinking back, I think it started during a period of my life that I felt really isolated and alone, so I sought out community, a sense of fellowship, and authentic connections with others. A little later I made a conscious decision to make lifestyle changes that would support a longer, healthier life. As I lost weight and placed a never-before-sought focus on developing my athletic ability, I realized mental and emotional strength were required to stay committed to achieving my goals. Soon after that I began to see running as my opportunity to practice bettering myself, in all ways. I wrote about it here. This opportunity to practice being my best self and to connect with others who are doing the same has now become the reason I run.
So, what exactly does this have to do with spirituality? What is spirituality anyway?
I asked Google for definitions of "spirituality" and found these (plus many others):
“the search for meaning in life events and a yearning for connectedness to the universe” (Coles 1990)
. …refers to a broad set of principles that transcend all religions. Spirituality is about the relationship between ourselves and something larger. That something can be the good of the community or the people who are served by your agency or school or with energies greater than ourselves. Spirituality means being in the right relationship with all that is. It is a stance of harmlessness toward all living beings and an understanding of their mutual interdependence.” (Kaiser 2000)
Source: http://nccc.georgetown.edu/body_mind_spirit/definitions_spirituality_religion.html
And this:
"spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred."
Source: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/purpose/spirituality/what-spirituality
YES!
My spiritual quest is about fulfilling the yearning, the search for meaning and connection to all that is. The recognition that all living beings are interdependent and that I want to live my life in such a way that honors and respects our connectedness, and contribute to the greater good.
But this is a big idea, and I don't really know how to actually go about it. So, I seek out people with whom I can have conversations that help me broaden my perspective and who inspire me to be my best. Because when I am my best, I am most capable of having something positive to contribute to others.
But on my quest, sometimes funny things happen and other times I make wrong turns. The other day I caught myself feeling frustrated about a hip injury that has kept me from running as much as I would like, and in my frustration I thought "When will I finally heal so I can get on with the business of being my best self??!!"
Huh.
HUH!
Duh.
Maybe, Christy, this is the perfect opportunity to practice. Being your best isn't about how well you perform, its about all of the things you do every day to be better than the day before. It's about showing up every day and putting in the effort, both physical and emotional, to address weaknesses and overcome obstacles. You KNOW this....and its OK to remind yourself whenever you need it.
I've been trying to write this post for months and it still doesn't adequately reflect the depth of thought I've put into it....but it's something, so I'm publishing it.
Ciao!
