I grew up attending the Catholic church with my family. When I was about eleven, I asked if I could serve as an altar boy. The priest sternly scolded me, referring to the story of Eve’s fall and informing me I was only allowed to step on the altar platform if I was there cleaning, getting married, or if he called me up for something. I went home and told my mom that I wasn’t Catholic anymore. That was a... Read more
Summer Solstice is always significant for me because it marks the longest day of the year and the peak of the sun’s power. This celestial event has been celebrated by cultures around the world for centuries. Here are a few examples of ancient summer solstice celebrations: Ancient Egypt The ancient Egyptians celebrated the summer solstice as the birthday of Ra, the sun god. They believed that Ra was at the peak of his power on this day. The festival was... Read more
I’ve been praying nearly as long as I’ve been breathing. Some of my young prayers were the “now I lay me down to sleep” kind, while others were more personal and reflected an early knowing that the Holy is not living on a cloud above me but is always close enough to hear my inner hopes and concerns. What is prayer, really? Prayer is a sacred practice found in various spiritual traditions. It’s a pathway to connect with the Divine... Read more
In a world of diverse spiritual beliefs and religious traditions, it’s not uncommon for individuals to feel drawn to various aspects of different faiths. This practice of selectively embracing values from multiple religions, often referred to as “cherry-picking,” has sparked debates among scholars, clergy, and believers. I have to admit, I’ve been a cherry-picker for more than 30 years. Curating Spiritual Values Cherry-picking allows individuals to curate their personal beliefs, choosing those values and practices that resonate deeply with them.... Read more
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