spiritual but not Religious

“Spirituality is itself a pilgrimage, a quest, to explore the mysteries of life. Who am I? What is reality? What is happiness? What is consciousness?”

― Catherine A. Stafford, 

For much of my life, I held tightly to certain beliefs. I mocked ideas that didn’t align with my worldview—vegetarianism, meditation, even the notion of spirituality itself. I thought I had it all figured out. But the truth is, life has a way of challenging even the most steadfast convictions. And it’s in those challenges that growth happens.

About 12 years ago, I became a vegetarian. After years of eating meat and dismissing the entire concept in a rather derogatory fashion, I found myself questioning my choices, my morals, and ultimately, my beliefs. Around the same time, I stumbled into meditation for the umpteenth time. I found a practice that "clicked." Something that I once dismissed as "woo-woo rubbish" suddenly became incredibly important to me. In fact, it changed everything. It gave me a freedom I never realized was possible: freedom from mental pain, from anxiety, and from the constant noise of my own mind.

These changes taught me something profound: spirituality isn’t about dogma or being told what to think. It’s about questioning everything, even long-held beliefs, and being open to new ideas. It’s about exploring concepts that challenge what most people consider “common sense,” I don't want to annoy you too early, but concepts like free will, the self, and consciousness. Spirituality, for me, is the openness to see beyond the boundaries of our own understanding without needing to label it or claim to know its moral values.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how framing our thoughts and understanding can shape our experiences. At times, I may use language that seems religious, but that’s simply a matter of framing. The methods and practices often associated with religion have been refined over millennia. They’re powerful tools for self-exploration and growth, regardless of whether you believe in a deity or not.

Meditation, for example, has been a cornerstone of my spiritual journey. It’s not about becoming emotionless or escaping reality—it’s about finding the space between thought and action. That space is where freedom lives. It’s where we learn to respond rather than react, to let go of mental pain, and to embrace the present moment. Through mindfulness, I’ve discovered a sense of calm and resilience I never thought possible.

This is why I offer meditation classes and one-to-one coaching. These sessions are designed to help others explore their own minds and find their own paths. And yes, in these sessions, there may be times when I say things that sound borderline religious. But that’s not because I’m preaching dogma—it’s because these methods work. They’ve been tested and refined by countless individuals over centuries, people far better than I, and they can help us frame our thoughts in ways that lead to deeper understanding and greater peace.

Being spiritual doesn’t mean accepting nonsense or blindly following anyone else’s path. It’s about being willing to challenge everything, even yourself. It’s about recognizing that if you continue to think and act in the same way, you’ll keep getting the same outcomes. Change begins with openness—with the willingness to question, to explore, and to grow.

For me, spirituality is about finding freedom—not just freedom from anxiety or pain, but freedom to live authentically, to connect deeply with myself and others, and to embrace the ever-changing nature of life. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about being open to the questions.

If you’re curious about exploring your own path to mindfulness and spirituality, I invite you to join me. Whether it’s through a group meditation session or a one-to-one coaching session, my goal is to create a space where you can question, reflect, and grow. Together, we can explore what it means to live with intention, to find balance, and to embrace the freedom that comes with being truly present.

Because at the end of the day, spirituality isn’t about being told what to believe—it’s about discovering what resonates with you.