Spiritual Lifestyle

You may find that you enjoy the more traditional side of spiritual practice (i.e., the ritual, mediation, magic) or you may find that spiritual practice for you is a morning jog or walk in the park.  It sounds obvious to say, "You need to create the routine or practice that suits you" -- but how often do we wonder "Am I doing this right?."  My experience is that the feeling of "rightness" comes with practice.

Also, keep in mind that as you and your environment change over the years your spiritual likes, dislikes, and needs may change too.  I would encourage you to try something new every now and again -- you might stumble upon something that resonates with you in a way you never imagined. 

Approaches to Spiritual Practice

Ann Moura describes three ways one can approach her spiritual path, which is Green Witchcraft.  These principles can easily extend to blending Paganism with your current spiritual needs.  In her book Green Witchcraft II, Moura describes these three approaches as folk art, personal magics, and religion.  

• 1) One who practices Paganism as a folk art generally remains in a mainstream religion while continually blending the two spiritualities.  

• 2) One who practices Paganism as "personal magics" is focused on learning to work with natural energy while ignoring those elements that are often associated with a religious system.  

• 3) The third approach, Paganism as a religion, is for those who dedicate themselves to this spiritual path, learn to work with the Divine, celebrate the holidays, and claim Paganism as their only, or primary, spiritual path. (See pages 3-9)

Where do you see yourself among these descriptions?

Ellen Cannon Reed is typical of many Wiccan authors who advocate Paganism as a religion.  In her book The Heart of Wicca, she writes, "It requires more than just doing a ritual now and then.  Yes, it requires more than just calling on the Goddess from time to time.  It's not politics, not just reading books, not just pronouncing yourself Wiccan.  It is a lifestyle, a worldview, a mind-set.  It's something you are every day, not something you are only during ritual" (page 117).

Make it a Priority -- It Takes Time

In The Circle Within, Dianne Sylvan talks about the ancient practice of sacrificing animals, which was to sacrifice something very necessary and precious.  She makes the case that what we must sacrifice in our post-modern era is time.  It takes time to develop a spiritual practice that is comfortable.  It takes even more time to become so adept that we are able to teach others.  

Divinity in the Ordinary

Another point Dianne Sylvan makes is the need to find spirituality in the everyday, work-a-day world.  She writes, "I have known a handful of Wiccans who managed to develop an integrated magical/mundane existence, and the effect is amazing.  These are truly powerful Wiccans, the ones whose every word resonates with Divinity" (page 11).  I fully agree with her observation.  I know how hard it is to dedicate time to spiritual development when there are so many things it seems we must do in a day, but her advice is worth considering.  I take her reminder of this truth to heart -- spiritual growth shouldn't have to wait for grand rituals.

Consistency is Critical

A dear friend of mine who often serves as my spiritual director once gave me a guided mediation to try each day.  It didn't do much for me although I did, quite faithfully, go through the motions.  After trying this method for a week or so I announced to him that it just didn't work.  In his wise way he smiled and said, "You can't control the Great Spirit.  All you can do is make yourself available."  Those words have stayed with me for a long time.  

I have learned that I can't schedule a spiritual experience and make it happen. On the other hand, as I have made myself more and more available two things have happened.  First, I have had the privilege of experiencing powerful spiritual experiences.  Second, I have learned to 'tune in' or to be more perceptive in my spiritual life.

Enhancing Everyday Spirituality

Recently I came across words by Arin Murphy-Hiscock in her book Solitary Wicca for Life, which read (page 23):
     Remember that nonritual does not mean nonspiritual. As a Wiccan, your daily life is a spiritual experience.
What a great reminder to us all.  We can find divinity in the ordinary and spiritual growth in the mundane.  In his book Living Wicca, Scott Cunningham gives these suggestions of ways we can all enhance our spiritual practice.  (taken from pages 48-49)

• Morning and evening meditation

• Working arts or crafts with a Wiccan theme

• Listening to classical or contemporary Pagan music

• Tending or planting plants

• Volunteering

• Recycling

• Journaling about your Wiccan involvement

• Corresponding with other Wiccans

• Meditating with stones

• Writing new rituals

• Experimenting with new methods of divination

• Collecting magical herbs

• Visiting gardens or parks

• Listening and communicating with animals

• Reading Pagan fairy tales to your children

I'm sure you can think of some items to add to that list.  I think it is a great reminder for those of us like to do things as well as study.

As the Pagan community grows and becomes more visible I am finding more and more resources for ways to transform "mundane" activities.  For example, although I've never met Jamie Wood & Tara Seefeldt or Cait Johnson, they have transformed my cooking chores into a spiritual practice through their books The Wicca Cookbook and Witch in the Kitchen.

Other suggestions come from Patricia Telesco, author of many books on Pagan and Wiccan themes.  In her book Advanced Wicca:  Exploring Deeper Levels of Spritual Skills and Masterful Magick she discusses the following areas of exploration for those ready to move on to an advanced level:  traditional magic, magic artistry, dreamwork, trancework and pathworking, working with natural and elemental spirits, and serving the community.