spirituality

For most of my life I have identified as an atheist. Atheism is defined as the "disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings." For me that has meant that I do not subscribe to the notion that there is some higher authority, deity, or god, particularly one who is anthropomorphized. The concept has never felt right for me; it just hasn't fit into my worldview. At the same time, I absolutely identify as a spiritual person.

To a large extent, I still consider myself an atheist. However, in the past 4 or 5 years I have come to embrace a very strong spirituality, which I do not see as being at odds with my core beliefs. On the contrary, I have developed a deep sense of the divine that encompasses and resides within myself, others, and nature, but which does not necessitate the existence of an omnipotent or omniscient entity outside of me/us.

This new found spirituality has been shaped greatly by my practice and study of Siddha Yoga Meditation (and to a lesser extent, by my participation in 12 Step programs.) Siddha Yoga Meditation has offered me the means to approach my own divinity in a way that has proven to be supremely satisfying and spiritually nourishing. The profound belief in our own divinity is described beautifully on the Siddha Yoga website:

Imagine looking at the world you live in, and recognizing divinity in everything you see and everyone you meet. Imagine facing every situation in your life with the unwavering strength and delight that come from the certainty of the divine presence within you. The Siddha Yoga teachings assert that this attainment is not only possible, it is our birthright. The goal of the Siddha Yoga path is Self-realization -- the unceasing experience of yoga, or unity with God. Within each of us, behind the mind, the body, the ego, is a divine power. We practice yoga to recognize this divine power, the Self, and harmonize all our actions, thoughts, and words with it.

But the philosophy of Siddha Yoga is probably put most succinctly by one of our Gurus, Swami Muktananda:

Honor your Self
Worship your Self
Meditate on your Self
God dwells in you as you.