Many individuals discover solace in various religions, which can be quite beneficial. If a faith brings joy, compassion, tranquility, and optimism to its followers, and motivates acts of kindness, then I wholeheartedly support it. The structured nature of religion appeals to many, which is perfectly acceptable. Everyone has their own preferences. Most religious traditions have guidelines and expectations that followers are encouraged to adhere to, defining their specific denominations.

When visiting a church's online platform, you'll often find a clear outline of their beliefs and practices, including their worship methods. This information is valuable for newcomers, allowing them to quickly assess if a particular community aligns with their comfort and sense of belonging, ultimately saving time and uncertainty.

Conversely, spirituality resists neat categorization, despite many attempts to do so. It is not easily confined or structured, which is part of its allure—it empowers individuals to define their own beliefs without the constraints of institutional oversight.

Spirituality should be rooted in the personal journey of each seeker, free from rigid rules and regulations. It respects individual preferences and experiences, which can sometimes attract criticism from those who prefer the order that religion provides. I recall a remark I encountered: “So, you just do whatever you want? Whatever feels right to you?” To that, I affirm, “Yes, indeed.”

After my departure from Christianity, I faced accusations of pursuing a different spiritual path simply because I sought freedom from accountability and desired to explore without scrutiny. Some expressed their frustrations in harsh terms. Atheists often encounter similar critiques, which I find rather amusing.

Whether one believes in accountability to a higher power, a system of rewards and punishments, or personal standards of conduct, the primary responsibility for accountability lies within oneself. Most individuals refrain from committing acts like murder not due to societal laws or fear of divine retribution, but because their conscience informs them it is wrong. Many people establish their ethical framework independent of religious or legal constraints, which can lead to questioning established beliefs when they conflict with personal morals.

The beauty of spirituality lies in its lack of absolute right or wrong approaches, as it is uniquely defined by each individual. I would venture to say that the multitude of Christian denominations we see today arose from individuals who embarked on their own spiritual explorations, deciding that existing practices needed reevaluation or transformation. I envision those individuals or groups forming new branches after carefully considering previous doctrines, retaining what resonated, discarding what didn’t, and adding new insights.

This encapsulates the essence of a spiritual journey. Recognizing that beliefs can evolve with personal growth makes it easier to adjust along the way—much simpler than creating an entirely new denomination! As we change and grow, it follows that our spiritual beliefs will also adapt. We learn more, grow more, and our beliefs shift accordingly.

If I were to pinpoint the reasons for my departure from Christianity, I would highlight the exclusivity inherent in the belief that only Christians attain salvation. While many Christians reject such core tenets and find ways to reconcile their faith with inclusivity, I prefer not to associate with a community that discriminates against others based on differing beliefs. Again, everyone has their own path.

I find it problematic when individuals try to impose a structured framework on spirituality akin to religious rules. Spiritual seekers should be on a quest for discovery. General suggestions, like setting aside time for introspection, identifying questions to explore, and seeking connections with higher powers, are valuable, but creating a rigid step-by-step guide for discovering life’s purpose or defining meditation practices is counterproductive.

What works for one person may not be effective for another. I can share my experiences and offer suggestions, but there is no guarantee they will resonate with someone else, just as others' methods may not suit me.

This is the nature of spiritual exploration—the focus is on discovery. Not just of life’s purpose or the workings of the universe, but also of oneself. How do you engage with life? How do you relate to the universe and a higher power? What matters most to you?

A friend of mine, deeply involved in yoga, once mentioned that meditation didn’t resonate with him despite his interest in it. When I inquired about his motivation, he expressed curiosity sparked by its positive reputation. However, he struggled with quieting his mind. When I asked about the types of meditation he had explored, he admitted he was unaware of the variety available. I shared that traditional methods didn’t work for me; instead, I found joy in listening to music and setting intentions.

He revealed that his manual presented strict guidelines, without suggesting alternative approaches. I encouraged him to experiment until he found what felt right. I also emphasized that if he didn’t find a suitable method, he could pursue other avenues for spiritual growth, noting that while yoga appealed to many, it simply wasn’t for me. Different paths suit different individuals.

During spiritual guidance sessions, I often encounter individuals who feel they can’t properly engage in a particular practice. This raises a red flag. Spiritual practices should not be judged as right or wrong but rather evaluated based on their effectiveness for each person. Many arrive feeling inadequate because they perceive a lack of progress. They often express frustration over their inability to find practices that resonate with them. I reassure them that a plethora of options exists; they just need to find what resonates.

I frequently explain that what works for one person may not work for another, emphasizing that it’s unlikely they are doing something incorrectly; rather, they might be trying to force a practice that isn’t suitable for them. I offer suggestions to explore and stress the importance of seeking alternatives if one method doesn’t yield desired results. Most importantly, I remind them that there is absolutely nothing wrong with them; they are just as deserving and valuable as anyone else, including those who profess to have all the answers.

Another common misconception is that an increase in spirituality will eliminate life’s challenges. While that would be wonderful, life will invariably present difficulties. Spirituality doesn’t erase these trials; it simply helps individuals navigate them more effectively. Life can be tough, and no amount of spirituality will change that.

My best advice is to create your own spiritual journey rather than following someone else’s blueprint. Determine what matters to you, the changes you wish to pursue, and the questions you seek answers to. Explore, study, and try various approaches, but if something doesn’t resonate, move on. Don’t fault yourself if an experience doesn’t unfold as expected.

Avoid wasting time on practices that don’t resonate with you. Instead, keep exploring until you find a path that brings meaning to your life. Focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself to others. Regardless of the techniques you choose, personal effort is essential. No one can do the work for you.

Don’t assume that any single practice or program will work universally—it won’t. We are all unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Discover who you are and who you aspire to be. Know that you are unconditionally loved, valuable, powerful, and worthy of all good things. You are a divine being of light. Seek out your own light and let it shine brightly.