Spirituality is often misunderstood as a concept It can be easily defined as  a verb- the work of seeing spirit in your daily life.  Spirituality  is related to science of recognizing our innermost being – the core within us “made in the image of God.”  Anytime we think, write or read of God we are being spiritual. Icon Painting is Spiritual along with being fascinating,  meditative and a beautiful  discipline.

True God related spirituality is achieved by means of scientifically applying spiritual teachings and spiritual techniques so the ego might vanish in the fire of divine love.

It is like waking up in a forest of ideas and realizing your there is little division between forest, you and spirit. Your spirit “IS” the  Holy. Since all humankind is made of the same substance; spiritual development is the most direct way to connecting to the love and peace in all creation.

Simplicity of breath, lifestyle and knowledge.

How can we make sense of being in human form and in spiritual form? The ego is what gets us into trouble. We think we are separate and can control our being. Such nonsense, just try to stop breathing or ignore a forest, or control your children. These are all examples of the myth thinking we control and are separate. We are intimately linked and effected by everyone and to everything. By refusing to take enough time to contemplate the we become prisoners of the superficial.

Icon Painting is Spiritual as the process demands seeing that all living things have energy. The images themselves have a vibration because of their ancient meaning.  Perhaps it is because I think about the molecules in their orbit, the grains of color, the magic of water and egg yolk drying, it all serves only one purpose. It reminds me we are conscious.

True spirituality always leads to freedom and inclusiveness.

Worshiping idols for example, it happens when we depict ‘God’ as a punishing God. In a few minds, he is the one standing with a check sheet watching our every transgression and sending us to hell.  If the list is too long or egregious is an abomination of what it means to be spiritual.  The God that condemns and  makes lists about our behavior is a childish definition of spirit.

The intent for religion or churches is to support, promote or teach true spirituality. History has kept the practice of Icon Painting as Spiritual along with other rituals and sacraments.

The church has sometimes failed to teach unity and inclusion. Church doctrines and ancient text have the pearls of wisdom. Spiritual people in power (oxymoron), have abused the teachings with simplistic answers to mystical questions. Their simplistic teachings have focused on controlling the spirit rather than learning from it.  Our church communities are not full of  flexible and resilient members who flourish in the mystery of sacrament. Congregations who can live with doubt and celebrate they have no answers are the beginning of outrageous illogical joy that can live in mystery.

God has no religion – God is Being!

True spirituality has its objective set on oneness with God. This level of spiritual connection with God is generally attributed to Gurus or an Avatar. However, I believe that one can achieve this level of oneness with God even though one does not achieve the distinction of either Guru or Avatar. One achieves the distinction of Guru or Avatar because one chooses to be a teacher of spirituality…but if one does not chose to be a teacher of spirituality it does not preclude there is not deep insight and wholeness of those who practice and make no noise.