As a teenager, I felt like I had tried religion and found it wanting. I couldn’t square what I saw as hypocrisy with a message of unconditional love. I didn’t have the finesse to separate the humans practicing religion from the spiritual messaging that was at its core. As soon as my parents no longer […]
A God of My Own Understanding Read More »
“When did God become such a judgmental prick?” Pam Grout asks in her book Thank and Grow Rich. “When humans took over,” is the grim reply in my head. I believe we are all on a spiritual journey, whether we realize it or not. The quest to find answers to questions like, “Why am I here?
Spirituality: The Accidental Tourist Read More »
Spiritual development as “journey” is such a common metaphor that we take it for granted. But in the last chapter of my own spiritual story, I realized its limitations. Trying to find a new Source, a more palatable or perhaps relatable conception of God, I spent time in the woods. Recently relocated to Portland, I
Spirituality is an Amusement Park Read More »
Have you heard of the “Nones?” A None is a clever homynym for the religion-free American. In a country where most previously felt compelled to identify with a religion, even if not actively participating, it’s now acceptable in most circles to declare “none of the above.” Still, the desire for spiritual actualization remains. We’re just
November 2019: Spiritual Journeys Read More »
“Religion is for people who fear hell; Spirituality is for people who have been there.” This morning was the first time I’d heard this quote, attributed to David Bowie or Vine Deloria Jr., depending on which corner of the Internet you hang out on most. It’s an interesting take on the difference between religion and
December 2017: Spiritual Journey Read More »
Brittanie Richardson is an artist and activist working to abolish sex slavery. Her latest project is the Art and Abolition Movement. My ability to believe pretty much anything is probably biggest asset as well as my greatest flaw. It’s great because I am the best at “Your dreams are valid. You can be anything you want
As a multiracial woman, I often get the benefit of the doubt for being inclusive. I’m a one-person diversity solution and occasionally, spokesperson. I’m not sure it’s deserved. I have blind spots. I sometimes make incorrect assumptions based on the way someone looks or where they are from or their level of education, and get
February 2017: Exploring Diversity Read More »