Q05

Have you had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year? How has this experience affected you? "Spiritual" can be broadly defined to include secular spiritual experiences: artistic, cultural, and so forth.

Hiking and experiencing the Vista Ridge Mt Hood trail in Oregon. I was reminded again in a most gently profound emotionally connective way how nature holds my meaning and my why. I always want grand mountains and lush green meadows and forests to be a central part if my life.

Goddamn, I wish this had been the case... No such luck on this front this year.. Maybe next year?

I had the blessing opportunuty to treat a woman with theta healing during a few sessions and obsorve the natural healing energy "dancing" with her.

Ongoing being in the spiritual Zone/Vortex and stayin there more and more.

No

Lés Machár. Camp Ramah. Second Session.

Was great to go to Shmabahala again. I feel like Its going to lead to better musical ideas and performances.

I think about the passing of time and history both general and particular everyday and with it have a deepening understanding of what it means to be a human being marching through time.

Saying our vows under the chuppah and reading our humanist ketubah was an incredibly moving experience. It was the feeling of being part of a community larger than ourselves.

Participating at my new synagogue has been a spiritual experience. The Cantor is a very spiritual person and watching the children up on the bimah leading us in Adon Olam opens my heart.

Learning to cope with stress by finding the possitive things in life made me connect with my self a lot better.

In driving one day, a car driven recklessly almodt side swiped me. it was so close that there was a scrape mark on my car. i felt God was with me and prevented a more serious incident.

Becoming aware we as humans may have a limited existence on this planet. It appears our major contributions have been to pollute and diminish resources. Realizing each day really is a gift.

Enjoying the beauty of the natural landscape I have chosen to surround myself with. The joy of simple daily pleasures, the evident love of a marrying couple declaring their commitment.

I always love reading Torah at my synagogue. Every time I got the chance to do that and was told how meaningful it was for others to listen to me read, it meant a lot to me and made me feel very at peace.

At Rosh Hashanah when my husband put his tallis over us. I always find that an incredibly powerful moment.

Not really. I guess I'm losing that side of myself. I think that right now I am focused on the physical part of life; doing schoolwork, working, hanging with friends, meeting new friends and spending time with Chris. I haven't even had time to read!

No not really. What I have experienced is more and more how the word successful is so misused. Material acquisition and making money at all costs are classified as successful. No wonder there is such easy pickings by the radicals amongst the various religions.

Simply a greater awareness of the suffering of mentally I'll patients I care for, their struggle's. Has made me more of an advocate greater felling of life purpose and self fulfillment.

yes, you do realise how minute we are in this universe. one should be more focussed on the positive energy around you and eliminate the negatives. the negative gives you a light on your reality to be honest and truthfull to oneself!

Having a child has made me feel much more spiritual and religious. It feels like a miracle to be able to grow a new person inside me, and watch her personality unfold. I have become somewhat shomer Shabbas since Rosh Hashanah. I've realized that I spend too much time on the computer and life can pass me by if I'm not careful, so this is a good start - and it felt like breaking an addiction just not being online for 24 hours! But a great relief too because I got so much done. Also, on one hand I find Gandhi has inspired me a lot this year in that his non-violence and white-dove attitude has made me feel like peace is possible if we all reach out and understand each other better... but on the other hand, finding out that he thought that if the Jews practiced active "non-violence" against the Nazis and jumped willingly into the gas chambers that the Nazis would have stopped disturbed me. He was lucky to be rebelling non-violently against the British, not who we were stuck with! Still, his way of thinking gives me hope for a better future.

I still have spiritual experiences watching my 4 year old daughter grow up. Seeing her loving, brave, smart, strong self becoming her own person.

I feel like I've become more attuned with myself, without my usual distractions. I pray more. I'm more musically inclined. I have more time to practice. I get to explore and appreciate art.

Aside from DMT inducement, no.

Working in oncology during a nursing internship was profoundly moving. It was so overwhelming and heartbreaking. And in the midst of all there was an abiding sense of G-d's presence. After, I started hearing calls to serve G-d. I'm not sure what to do with them.

I meditate daily and when your mind becomes still a door opens to a lovely place. In this place all perceptions are spiritual and affect you in miraculous and, of course, extremely positive ways. A particularly spiritual experience would be a realization or inspiration about art, culture, love, friendship, family, etc. with the added realization that it is possible to have a higher consciousness - - a way to perceive life without fear.

My daughter moving out of the house. My othet daughter taking a semester off from school snd thinking she has something wrong with her heart. VCard experiences shapedc the last year. Most important to me personally was finding love. I did not thinknit would live s gaining be loved again. It is a very awakening experience giving me many more reasons to cherish life. Very spiritual to me.

Yes. Already since my youth I often have the feeling, that God is sometimes close to me and sometimes more far away and not so easy to reach (or maybe it is the other way around and I am far away from him - have not figured that out yet). During the past year I had several moments, where I felt he is close to me (once during the preparation for the job interview I mentioned earlier). I also felt I was a better person during those phases, much patient...

I want to refer to question 4. I'm not a spiritual person. Neither am I particularly religious. However, it scares me watching television and the reading the news all day long about (muslim) terrorists and terrorist organizations. Be it IS or Bokko Haram. It seems that these groups can - with ease - gather hundreds of thousends of fellow-travellers from all over the world for their evil objectives. How do our democratic and (often) christian western societies react? We are still in a state of complacency and disinterest. What about our democratic and christian values? In the Western world we live in diverse and liberal socienties. Thats a great achievement. But we need to make sure that our basic values do not become diluted or extinct because we don't live and stand for them. We need to refocus again and succeed in creating the same spirit and enthousiasm among the people who share our values. And not act in complacency and watch terrorist groupg growing only because they are many thousand miles away.

Nope, we live in a small town and I'm a little starved for that.

I have not had as many spiritual experiences as I might have liked. I want to be more in touch with my spiritual self and the spiritual part of the world around me. Unfortunately, I do not often make choices to make that happen. I prioritize other things instead of pursuing peace and quiet and harmony and the joy of nature and God. I have seen some amazing sunsets and had some wonderful days. I see those as spiritual experiences. I need to more fully pursue that. I hope I can do better soon.

My older daughters wedding was certainly the most emotion replete and beautiful experience I had the pleasure to witness in the last year. The ceremony had touches of her jewish heritage ( a beautiful hoopa, some old testament quotes - and my gorgeous " little girl" marrying a beautiful man who looks and acts like a true jewish mensch, even if he is a goy - tee hee). The wonder excitement and very personal love and connection that my "baby" feels and extends to the world, pervaded this event. It was truly beautiful. Love is always inspiring: their wedding captured that feeling and spread it amongst all attendees in a palpable way.

I think that performing on the Globe stage and that whole experience was surprisingly spiritual to me. I normally have difficulty feeling connected, but that experience really made me feel as if I was a part of something larger, a grand and meaningful tradition of artists and educators stretching back hundreds of years.

Not yet, but I think it's time.

As a pastor, a spiritual ness has come into worship- as we tell the stories of our faith in a series entitled: "From Abraham to Advent"- connecting the arc and touch points of Jesus' lineage to the stories and people in the Hebrew text. The most spiritual part is the story - and it's simple connections to Jesus- wow moments that are clear on the faces of those listening- The spiritual energy in the story is fresh and invigorating... bringing those who journeying across these ages into a clearer understanding of their who responsibility to their faith life.

i feel madly in love. it was the most beautiful experience of my life. encompassed my heart...my body...my soul.

At times I really feel the need for religion and god. I wish I believed wholeheartedly but I can't. I am a scientist.

I feel that the whole year has been a transformation of my spirit. At the start of the year, I was feeling depressed, ugly, like a failure at work and at home. Over the course of the year, we put our family planning aside, I focused on my own health and made a personal and lifestyle transformation, and am feeling like I've really hit my stride at work. This week, at this beach resort in Florianopolis, as I was jogging on the beach, I felt like things were right with my life, finally. I know the coming year will have big change, and ups and downs, but I feel good going in.

Nothing out of the ordinary that I can think of, just God quietly and slowly but surely working in my life.

Taking photographs is a life long spiritual experience for me. Seeing the beauty in nature or creations that are man made appear in my mind as compositions and I need to capture what is see. Street art has been of particular interest. I enjoy capturing the images and then at a later time using the entire image or a small part to create a photograph.

Not really this yea.

During a shaman's workshop, we communicated with trees on my land. The one I spoke with told me his name was "Eldar", a name I'd never heard before. Last evening, while watching the second "Hobbit" movie, one of the Woodland Elves referred to their collective as the "Eldar"! The connection between the trees and these woodland creatures was palpable - as was my connection to spirit in receiving that name. A very powerful confirmation of my abilities to hear that which is not spoken aloud.

This year I feel like I have come away from my spirituality in some ways- less journaling, praying connecting in general, and I guess in some ways I really regret that. I think I still talk to God, but maybe in more subtle ways. I feel God's presence most when my anxiety dissipates and I can focus on letting go of control. I have had good and bad moments with that practice in the past year. I think recently, being pregnant has brought me closer to my spirituality. In the beginning, I had a lot of anxiety and was holding on to lots of "what ifs" and worst-case scenarios. As I have allowed myself to think and feel, to be in a place of not necessarily knowing what all the answers are, I have come to feel more at peace and ironically, more in control. The series of events and ponderings that led me closer to the decision to switch to a midwife practice and a home birth have been nothing short of spiritual intervention. There was the process of conscious decision making: reading, talking to people, setting up a meeting with Marcy, the midwife, but then there has also been some opening that seems to come from beyond. Or within. Trusting my intuition while accepting that I can't control everything (or really anything!) has been a great reminder of God's presence in my life. I feel much more at ease with the decisions I am making now for my life and for my baby and family.

I particpate in our Shabbat services by doing music and I find it to be spiritually uplifting each time.

Reading "A Brief History of Time" has been spiritual because it had helped me understand how time is a function of gravity and therefore once one leaves the realm of space and mass, one also leaves time. That to me opens the door to a lot of spiritual avenues.

What even is a spiritual experience...? (I'm sure that speaks for itself)

There have not been any major events in my life this year that have dramatically changed my faith or perspective, except perhaps the airstrikes against ISIS that I discussed in the previous question. My beliefs about God are the same they were a year ago. On the other hand, the way I treat others has slowly evolved over the past few years. In the 8th grade, I was a very untrusting person. After years of bullying, I thought that everyone who spoke to me was only doing so because they either needed something or they were planning to stab me in the back somehow. Trust me, that happened plenty of times. I left that reputation and situation behind when I came to BC High, but that experience stays with me even now. I didn’t find a group of friends that I thought I could truly trust until this year. (Except for my best friend, who was in the same situation I was) While no particular event has changed me, I believe that I am growing for the better.

Meditation with guidance elevates. Grounds me.

The whole year has been a spiritual experience. Swamiji taught me puja. I performed at the altar, just like I dreamed of so many years before. I worked so much at temple that I really became part of the place. Then * kicked me out of the job I thought defined me. Giant"Earthquakes to my "manifest universe". Then and thus came the internal changes I never thought possible. My desire for worldly "success" is slipping away, ego is beginning to subside, and I am suddenly able to assert myself in the world with less fear. (i.e. less people pleasing, more being honest and trusting * to help others with any reactions they have to me." I am a slave unshackled.

Not really. The spiritual aspects of my life are challenging for me. I am still trying to figure out the best approach for me.

I cannot recall having had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year. I do not consider myself to be a particularly spiritual man.

The beautiful sunsets and sunrises I experience everyday. And the beautiful clouds in the sky always give me a sense of wonder :).

Yes, of course my baby! Mind blowing- affirmed my belief in the magic of God

I don't feel like I had any spiritual experiences, but I'm not a traditionally spiritual person. I had moments of great joy and peace, but nothing stands out as "the moment. :

Not really. I think I realized a lot more about myself in terms of what I need--that I NEED to be creative as part of my life, that I need certain amounts of alone time and social time, etc.

My week with "Illuminating the Shadows" on Holy Island - seeing that God will use me in ways I never imagined even in my brokenness. Also communion amongst 10,000 people at Greenbelt - a special moment. And hearing James Taylor sing at the NEC - you can't beat good live music!

Writing and conducting my own ritual. Participating in rituals with others and being more open about my spiritual beliefs.

You know, I can't think of a single thing, and that's a little depressing. Goes to show the state of my mind over the last year, especially the last 6 months or so. I can say I enjoyed the occasional moment of awe when watching the kids - either just watching them sleep or being so proud when they accomplished something, or when they were experiencing pure joy on their own (Dex on the "wind swing" in Chicago comes to mind). So I am grateful for those and hope to have more of those, hopefully along with a more profound experience or two next year.

Nope. And if you define "spiritual" like that, it loses all meaning.

I'm reading a book called "Interrupted" it is stepping on my toes. I turned 55 in August and I'm wondering whether I'm making a difference in my job and life. I'm very disappointed and discouraged with my bosses and what I feel is their lack of appreciation and interest in me and my vision- even though I have worked with them for 13 years.

Nothing really in particular. I am Orthodox and am happy that I chose this lifestyle. The nature of who I am means that there has to be continuous improvement in Torah, Mitzvot and interacting with the real world. I would say my favorite part of this year is making visits to Israel and seeing my family. I look forward to many more visits and connections there.

Frequently I have a connection to nature. Most recently I connected with a swarm of dragonflies. Standing in the yard between condos, I looked up and there was a swarm of jeweled blue dragonflies. I was as if the sky was filled with a hundred Safire, spinning and dipping just above my head. I was grateful that the weather was conducive for the amount of insects to be born and their have been no fires this year in Colorado.

I sat on my deck, early in the summer, and started randomly listening to music. First pretty much anything, then songs that a friend of mine had covered, about a decade ago. Then I remembered one song, and I couldn't stop listening to it. Easier, by Glen Phillips. I found a live performance on youtube, and probably played it thirty times in a row. And I just... remembered. I remembered music and love and art. I remembered that overwhelming sense of importance that things don't often have for me anymore. I just kept listening.

I am slowly rediscovering my love of images, art, doodles, and cartooning. From creating my cathedral at the end of last summer, to putting a 6-foot cube in the Hall of Excellence, to discovering the sketches in "Be Here Now," to beginning doodle pages in a sketch book, and finally to cartooning with my new "Create Value" egg (which became a hallway sign surrounded by Isaac Taylor's colorful "Be Open" hand and Amanda Brewer's "See All" eye), I am opening my wings and drying them out in preparation for my next flight.

Yes, for the first time my daughter joined me lighting Shabbat candles, since she became Bat Mitzvah. I taught her how we use the time after the bracha when our eyes are covered to say our own personal thanks for the week that has passed, and requests for the week to come as we welcome in Shabbat. I was so moved and pleased that she sees this as a right and not a chore or a burden.

Yes, many. Most recently, I asked my God to hold my hand (for strength, comfort, and guidance) while I was meditating. Two minutes later, my cat put her paw (hand) on my neck very gently and then my hand. Wow. So maybe, just maybe, I am not doing this alone.

Watching "Life of Pi" was the most spiritual experience I recall from the past year. It inspired me to question, in the good way, whether there is any true distinction between our inner and outer lives. It was all about a terrifying, desperate journey with a God (or gods) that is is both angry and merciful, capricious and loving. That is life. ("Gravity" had a similar impact, if not quite as deep or intense.)

After surgery i was in such intense pain one night i thought i was dying. I don't believe in God, haven't for many years. I was sobbing and in so much pain i prayed for the first time in over 30 years. I parayed for my pain to be taken away because i could not live like this. I made 'deals' via prayer w God that if my pain was gone in the morning I would find a synagog and join. I woke up the next morning pain free. i have been a member of my new temple for just over a month now...

I always have spiritual experiences. It is part of my life

Interesting that this year I have felt a spiritual awakening from a geology class I have been taking at collage. Understanding how the world works has been fascinating and deeply moving. We can traces almost all Earth's living systems, atmosphere, wind, currents, temperature, rainfall, and all that these systems effect, directly back to the sun. Religion has tried to explain these phenomena for thousands of years and amazingly it is the first most basic theologies of Animism that are closest to the truth. Once we moved away from nature we began worshiping ourself and our spiritual practices became about human beings and not about the larger reality of life.

I have had a number of dreams and visions this year and have taken the guidance and loving words from my family and friends who are behind the veil that separates this life from our next life. For their loving counsel, I am grateful.

I had a moment of Zen in Hawaii watching the surf. I filmed it on my tablet to re-expereince the moment. It was a time where I felt at peace with the world. My wife shared that time with me. It's had me thinking about having places of respite where I can have repeated connection

Sometimes silence is the biggest spiritual experience. I thought I could or should be able to handle everything on my own. This affected my daily time with G-d, so like any good parent with a stubborn child he let me go for it. G-d, is silent now & which shown me how much I really just don't know. I need G-d, everyday, all day. I need prayer everyday,all day. Faith needs to be with you to receive. No matter how little or grand a persons faith, G-d, is with you. Allow him and he will guide you to where you need to go. My biggest smallest moment is riding past the Temple everyday it has the verse "Seek ye The Lord , and Live" one day it just sunk in. I'm not seeking therefore I'm not living. So I started to change many things so I could start enjoying life and G-d! Letting others encroach on your faith, beliefs and time can deter you. We need to always be available to help others but not to the point where it affects your relationship with G-d, Rebuilding takes time, relearning, and becomes annoying by knowing you have to restart again but grateful you have a G-d, willing to take you back every time :)

Honestly? I've had a few amazing prayers that felt answered. I asked to feel gods hand in my life and it the next week I felt like every moment was directed. I went to the katy perry concert and felt totally translated into a more positive person and it's changed what I expect in my relationships. Reading a few key books have also helped me feel closer to god. The 4 agreements--"the war of art--yearning for the living god.

I think I've become more invested in celebrating Shabbat, and a lot of that has to do with celebrating Shabbat in Israel weekly in one way or another. I've made more of an effort to find services and minyans to attend, Shabbat dinners to be a part of, and even just doing my own silent prayers whenever possible.

It wasn't the last year, it was the year before. I went to Hungary. where my ancestors are from and saw my great grandmothers name at the temple in Hungary. I wasn't really sure I was Hungarian before that. It made me feel connected to a past.

Nothing in particular, but I do aspire to practice a day-to-day yogic lifestyle. As I am still learning and failing often this is more a work in progress than a particular experience. I've not been hit by bolts of enlightenment but I do hope to be a better me because of my spiritual practice :-)

I think I fell in love. I didn't believe in love. Then my new penfriend just seemed to be the most perfect person for me, and we decided to call it a relationship... I genuinely believe that I could end up happily married to this girl.

No, I don't think so. I'm not big on spiritual experiences. This year my life has included a great deal of despair about my future, or lack thereof.

Spiritual challenges may be more appropriate. I find it has been more difficult to go to church and I am turned off by extremists. I have also become increasingly turned off by clericalism and an emphasis on ritual - form over function. It has been extremely challenging and unsettling.

mmm...

The truth is no, and that makes me very sad.

If I stop and think about them, everything I have experienced has been spiritual...what makes me most aware of the spiritual are the odd, but helpful flows of everyday synchronicities and events; things that make me feel like I am on the right track. "Things go well for those who love" as my mum used to say. I have been contemplating life changes, craving them, and recently was laid off, with a severance package--so it is time, I guess! One of the larger syncrhonicities I have experienced this year, but there have been others.

My ah ha moments occur in the pool, in silence, while writing creatively. I have little epiphanies all the time. Not sure any was more particularly spiritual than the other. Spiritual moments are part of my daily life.

Yes, I asked my Mim to help me as I struggled with where I was in my life and whether I should move back to NY. That night I had a dream that she was in the hospital, dying, and just as I walked in to her room Liam woke me up so I didn't get the answer. But I know she's still looking after me and I rely on her for help with difficult situations every day. I love you Mim!

Yes, my cousin and one of my best friends died this summer. I feel him with me all the time!! Love you and miss you Tyler

Sitting at Hanukkah, with the lights and the candles and the singing. Feeling aglow in the warmth, in the belonging. That moment in shul when the footnote said "Nothing is inherently evil" and I nearly cried. My first day there when the torah reading was about the final plague of egypt. This morning, sitting on the porch with the sun and the coffee and the cat, and the crisp fall air. Knowing this is exactly the place I want to be in the whole wide world. Last week, when I turned to the anxiety and instead of saying "I GOTTA GET AWAY." I said "Hello. Would you like to come sit with me?"

When I saw the slide show presentation of life in Israel, I felt a spark light up inside of me. It was then I wanted to pursue Judaism further. And then the trek to Louisville to meet Steve Blum. It was like meeting a higher power. Finally, to share a photo with my grandmother of Steve and I together. She was so happy.

I'd say that the closest thing I've had to a spiritual experience was a feeling of paternal pride when I heard my daughters read, do a maths problem, etc. that I didn't expect them to be able to do.

I am not a spiritual person but I do feel a similar "sensation" when I travel to new places, so I would say my trip to Switzerland was probably the most "spiritual" thing I experienced in the past year. Being in cities and buildings that are incredibly old is always a feeling of awe for me which was one half of the trip. The other half was driving around from place to place and I get a similar "awe" moment when exposed to a beautiful landscape and the stand out experience for this was driving through the Alps. Simply beautiful and such an amazing experience.

It was hard to figure out where my dad went. The running feeling is nowhere, but I got my hopes up when Rabbi Talve talked about feeling her dead moms presence. I felt not really my dad's presence but his legacy very strongly. That distinct recasting as a great man with certain clear beliefs. It's not that legacy is "true" but it's is an important part of the departing and it's very real and possibly spiritual how we then live with that legacy.

There are two things that come to mind. First, I went on about a 16 mile back pack trip to Aloha Lake and Mt. Tallac in the Desolation Wilderness. It was really really really hard but what an incredible feeling when you've reached the end and the sense of accomplishment lasts a whole day or so. The amount of punishment our body can take, even at my age, is awesome. Still got some life left in these muscles and bones! My can do spirit amazes me sometimes. The second and more profound spiritual realization is the gradual understanding of my role in the schools work in. I've been to so many masses and heard so many "sermons", but it's finally dawning one that my goal should not be for my students to learn more, but to engage more. To build relationship. It's very Catholic, but the most important those do as teachers , and yes, as human beings, is to develop and build relationship.

I have had many powerful spiritual experiences this year, each one has powerfully moved and shifted my life. I have experience the deepest most powerful awakening through these experiences. I have had my heart cracked wide open and am learning to live from my heart from a place of love and peace. I have freed my voice and am stepping into being the sacred, powerful woman that I am called to be.

Being at Rosh Hashanah service in our Temple was a spiritual experience for me this year.

Yes, I realized how fortunate I was to lose the last 2 jobs that I worked. Even though they paid well, they were horribly draining, often boring, and each had a different sort of hostile environment.

Realizing the limits of my influence regarding people's actions--or inactions--toward me freed me from obsessing about slights I've endured from others and enabled me to move forward and find new and enriching connections with others. Onward is my new motto!

I spent time at a Moishe House Repair The World Retreat a few months ago outside of Boston. I was around the most uplifting and positive Jewish young professionals from around the world. Spending an entire weekend swapping ideas and hearing their insights inspired me to start creating my own sense of community in Cleveland. After the weekend was over I felt absolutely relaxed and ready to concur the world. The people just had such beautiful souls and were all really striving for one purpose, the purpose to keep Jewish life real.

Spirituality = the feeling of being interconnected with other living beings, life. The intimacy and magic while making out with Ian, and afterwards. Cross country skiing at Spring Break at Manning with Sherron. The silence and space. No one was there but us, practically. Fabulous weather. Walks with Katherine. Always encountering somethings beautiful and unexpected. Connection to my students. Figuring out the just right thinking to be teaching , spontaneously. Biking for 9 hours and waking up feeling good. Lochside / Galloping Goose trip in late July with Sherron. Just Dance with Marilyn! Losing myself in the joy of dance. Lunch with Aleksi.

Oh, "spiritual experiences" can be broadly defined... No. I'm an atheist and there's no spirit for me. The sensation of awe, of amezement? Sure, definitely. One cannot think about the greatness of the Universe and all it contains without feeling overcome with wonder and happiness for being alive right now. Well, I'm an amateur photographer and when I focus (no pun intended) on the way the light bounces off an object, that playful inteaction between light, shadow and colour, then yes, I do feel it to be a spiritual experience of sorts. And lucky me, it happens almost every day. :)

I have made lots of new connections with people in my community. One of my many persona is struggling artist. My efforts to create a collaborative creative space in the community are connecting me to more innovative and creative people. I expect the collective positive energy of this group to allow me and many others to start realizing our untapped potential. I want to be a leader in the creative revolution that will change our community for the better.

I've started attending Full Moon Circles, but more and more I'm identifying as atheist. Still, it's nice to have a group of people to feel close to.

As an atheist this question is ALWAYS problematic. I am not interested in pie in the sky when you die. So the question becomes have I had any artistic or cultural experiences that affected me? I have season subscriptions to 3 different theaters, so you know I love theater but nothing that changed my life. Bad question for me!

I feel very spiritual when I do my pilates on Sunday. I find that it is a great experience. Feel wonderful emotionally for the day. I find that I have lots of energy.

Sitting with my sister when she was dying for several days. Breathing with her, sending her love, being peace, trusting she would be OK...bringing our mother into the room with us , knitting, listening to her favorite music, knowing that we are all greater than our bodies...

Defintly feel closer tonGod this year, and feel something big is going to happen nectar year.

I would say this year has been a more consistently and less intensely spiritual year. That is, I haven't had big moments of feeling the revelation of God, but also have felt God's more consistent presence in my life. However, two things stick out. First, my daughter, my husband (to a lesser extent) and I started reading to each other when anyone was sad or sick, or just felt like it. I love listening to my daughter read Harry Potter or Westing Game as I fall asleep. The closeness and nurturing is palpable and feels divine in nature. Second, when Nelson Mandela died I saw a video of a flash mob of the Soweto Gospel Choir singing in Woolworths. It was a song about looking for Mandela and realizing we would have to do the work without him, written when he was in jail. I can't quite describe the feeling it gave me, but it was intense and amazing. I kept thinking of the verse, "God was in this place, and I, I did not know it."

No.

Last weekend I attended a women's retreat through my church denomination. Though we are protestant, our key speaker crossed herself at the end of the benedictions, and I thought it was wonderful. For the second year, there was an interactive prayer room with activities to give physical representation to internal prayers. I find these very meaningful and made notes on what I can do at home to continue that more comprehensive participation in prayer. Because I need to be a leader in my granddaughter's spiritual development, I have begun making the sign of the cross on her forehead as a blessing when I hand her back to my daughter.

I have needed to create something this year. This has cycled through entrepreneurship, needlework, gardening. I have been almost frantic at times, working late into the night on a project, exhausted. No big breakthroughs. Mostly pleasing but unremarkable results. And a significant number of incomplete projects. I decided to give myself over to these urges. Just see where they take me. Not sure if they are spiritual, but they are intense and might turn into something given time.

It is my understanding that having a spiritual experience means feeling the presence of God. I only seem to feel that when I'm at the mercy of Mother Nature (God) - and that is usually when I go surfing or experience the force of nature in a profound way. For me, I seem to feel this connection everyday - that is when I'm aware enough to feel it. There was a lunar eclipse this year that was quite special and I was able to share my astonishment with my son who was interested enough to stay up late and look at it. It was a clear night and the moon's color became a beautiful red/orange for a while.

Felt more connected to who I truly am and have embraced me more completely. There has been a shift into becoming more of the real woman that I am.

I always struggle with this question! Perhaps I find myself too busy to notice spiritual things? I think the closest I came this year was during the marriage vows at my husband's cousin's wedding. It definitely took me back to when we said ours and I felt at peace as I held hands with Will during that moment.

I haven't, actually. I've had a wonderful array of very secular experiences this past year, but none of them have been particularly spiritual. And I've learned to be so happy with that answer. If there's something out there beyond me, it's beyond my ken as well. :)

Nthing I can recall... But I did have some really good whisky last month...

Unfortunately, I have not had any such experience this past year. Maybe I need to get out more :) Or just take time to enjoy the world more. I tend to keep my nose to the grindstone in fear that I might get bored. But, I'm sure I'm missing a lot.

Going through the exhilirating experience of the Machon Meir yeshiva was awesome. The teshuva process was strengthened there and I mingled with Jews from all over the world. A great experience I recommend to anyone. Studies, discussions, questions, the best decision of my life and at the right moment

this year has been a year of spiritual diminution. I have become significantly less spiritual due to a confluence of negative circumstances affecting my spiritual environment. Sadly, this has constituted a loss for me as nothing has replaced my previous level of spirituality and I do not know if it ever will be recovered.

I prayed at the Kotel this year. It is something that I promised my mom before she died.

Nothing I can think of.

For me, walking is a spiritual experience. I try to walk almost every day on the paths at work or at a few favorite spots around my small town - the university campus, at a recreational area built around an historic house in the norther part of the city, at a lovely secluded walking path in town. But one of my favorite places to walk is the cemetery where some of the gravestones go back to the early 1800s. One can't walk among them without wondering what life was like for those oldest residents: what challenges they faced and what dreams they dreamed. I suppose it offers a gentle reprimand to me, too, that given my limited time here I need to step it up and live a fuller life, something beyond the somewhat solitary work/home life that I've lived for so long. Safe, but not necessarily fulfilling.

C: I've been having a lot of doubt the past few years, and am feeling more of an absence of spiritual experiences. I've been questioning more than anything. Most of my "spiritual experiences" would probably be more earthly - being grateful for a beautiful day; marveling at the transition from caterpillar to butterfly; showing Ethan an interesting bug or spider and seeing his reaction; prepping the earth for planting, then harvesting the vegetables. J: Playing guitar so much that I'm starting to feel the music move. Don't know how to describe it - I feel like I'm connecting to music differently than I was by feeling the rhythm and groove. E: Going to the pool because I just love to be in the water.

Everyday in 2014 has been spiritual. Taking a leap of faith and having the fortitude to pursue a new career path, location and city.

I have been so focuses on the worldly - whether I will have a job, wht kind of future I will have at a company I have worked hard to make better - that I rarely looked to a spiritual side - a definite void that I should fill this year. The closest I can say I came to that feeling that grows out of something outside of yourself is the feeling I got playing "Whipping Post" onstage with a group of friends, and feeling that the music we were making was lifintg us to a higher plane.

I seem to have my most "spiritual" moments while out in nature. Somehow a beautiful view, a refreshing breeze, the heat of the sun, a powerful storm, make me feel not only grateful to be experiencing the wonder of life and the world around me, but also triggers thoughts of my own place in the cosmos. This includes both thoughts of how small and insignificant I am in the whole picture, and thoughts of what contribution I can offer to making the world more joyful. Some of those moments in nature this past year have included a mountain overlook after at hike on Mount Greylock, walking on the seashore in Wellfleet, Mass., seeing a butterfly grove while on a drive up the California coast, riding in a friend's motor boat on Indian Lake, and scattering my father's ashes at sea from a charter fishing boat on a cloudy windy day on Long Island Sound.

I was on vacation on Lake Michigan -- hiking in the dunes with my sister early one glorious August morning when I felt the Lake calling to me. No one was there -- I took off my clothes and entered the water naked -- it was a holy moment -- a baptism -- a reclaiming of my body with the earth's body... I felt cleansed and whole in a way I've not felt in a long, long time.

I decided to pursue what I believe is the right profession for me. It means that I have to go back to school and comes with many unknowns. I've also continued to work on my sacred calling without any sense of how it will all end.

I blew shofar for a service for the deaf on Rosh Hashanah a few days ago. My intention while blowing was to make them hear & to have them help me rise heavenwards. The whole experience—how nice, inclusive, explaining they were—made me feel so happy & ready for the year ahead.

OMG, yes - - it's been one of the most spiritual years of my life. Getting more involved at Temple Beth Am, beginning to be Sisterhood President, meant I had to do a short d'var for the meetings. That led to my offering to do a d'var about once a month at the Shabbat Minyan service. Doing the research, writing the d'var, and then presenting it to a group of 40+ people has become very meaningful and a powerful force of spirituality in my life. I am reading more and discussing more about spirituality and finding it very rewarding. I always loved teaching because it was a way to share the things I'm learning and thinking about. I think the opportunity to do a d'var each month (sometimes more!) has reallyopened some exciting doors for me, in a great way!

I really loved my Piyut yoga class as well as the yoga class at yoga people that rachel teaches - I am excited to be back connected to my body after this iui cycle and start caring for myself. I also had an amazing experience teaching USHMOR to the camp Coleman kids and talking about sending a prayer out to the Nigerian girls and doing the labyrinth walk.

Standing on the bima next to Olivia as she recited her prayers and giving the speech to the congregation really choked me up. I felt so proud to be a father, the temple President, and a Jew.

I am part of a group of wise women, an online and real life community in Canada, the US, and England. It brings me communion and joy, a place to share sacred experience, and a platform to grow and learn. We explore art and music, writing, grief, god(dess), love, less, betrayal, fear, and a thousand other life experiences. I am very grateful for the women there, and especially one, Melanie, who continues to lead and organize!

My whole existence is of a spiritual nature. Being a spiritual life coach, I'm "in deep" when I'm with my clients and every experience takes me farther into the world of the unseen and emotionally felt. The more I tune into my intuition, my emotions and my creativity, the more I get to experience of my authentic feminine nature. It's been and will continue to be a blast!

Unfortnutately, I can't say I had any particularly spiritual momenets this past year. In the past, I've had moments where I know there was a divine presense involved but not this year. I'm ok with this though because that makes those moments all the more special and meaningful.

After 15 years of disappointments -- in the staff, leadership, and decaying memberships of the two synagogues in our neighborhood, I though I was done; I knew I was sick of the sorrowful music from a bygone age being shrieked at me by a banshee and called liturgical music, I knew I was through with the frigid, unyielding, power-hungry monsters who would destroy a synagogue in order to get their way, rather than tied or forgive or change or grow. I knew I wanted a place where people sought G-d in prayer, music, laughter, and in the breaking of bread. Having lost two wonderful Rabbis to the venom of those resistant to change, I knew I wanted a community which embraced change -- which sought out change, both individual and communal -- as a tool of growth and transformation. During the past year I have found such a community -- young, vibrant, questioning, celebrating, joyous and godly. The rabbi is young, charismatic, talented, funny, smart, and makes every service a spiritual celebration. Mishkan Chicago has given me more joy in just a dozen services than my previous synagogue did in 5 years. When I slip into the first melodies of a service, it feels like coming home after a long vacation away -- instantly familiar, peaceful, and restorative.

When my boyfriend and I started dating, it brought about a lot of questions regarding faith since we belong to different religions. Being raised in the Jewosh faith, I have never considered myself very religious but always spiritually and culturally Jewish. My boyfriend is Muslim and feels the same connection to his religion. When trying to figure out a life together, being from different religions brings about a lot of questions. While we found it helpful to discuss our wants for the future, I think it also renewed each of our connections with our own religion.

Seems the more others around me are moving away from faith the more I snuggle in. It's a touch of loneliness when you lose a sharing of spiritual matters with someone else. I think we are constantly looking for a spiritual connection with our fellow mortals.

I was feeling pretty terrible and overwhelmed with life and I checked into a beach hotel. I sat there for 4 days with no phone, TV, or computer and just sat and looked and listened to the ocean. I started to heal my brain and I could actually hear my own thoughts and not my clients, my husband, friends, family and I began to quiet the mind. I asked for guidance out there in the universe and it told me that I should begin to meditate. I have been doing this and it's nice. No amazing world shifting changes in my way of being but it's just nice. I have been doing my meditation while swimming. It's a fun place to let go of thoughts.

Being across the country from my grandchildren every time I hear them on the phone or see them in a video is a total awakening experience.Their young energy, creativity, & enthusiasm brings me so much pleasure wonder, and pride. It causes me to reflect on their mother's growing up years, my own parents, grandparents, and other relatives that came before us, and to wonder who will come after us. It connects all the pieces of our world & experiences, and encourages much hope for the future. It brings smiles to my face, warmth to my heart, and sometimes a few tears of joy.

Not really, but I did a lot of yoga.

Running is my spiritual experience. Certainly remembering the death of Di and now Carrie's son Zach reminds me that it is all about enjoying the moment and appreciating the here and now. Life is fleeting. My parents may not live much longer. Everyone is healthy for now and spiritually life is good!

Shabbat services and weekly 'Torah Study' have a deep spiritual aspect , especially when we see long time freinds experience life's ebbs and flows. Hope we support them as much as they've helped us. So glad we've belonged to the same temple for over 30 years. The main spiritual experience has been around our children. The true miracle of Jason's return, our deep commitment to Jared's care - every day and adventure - the love that Adam and Elyse have for each other. Living vicariously reminder of my early years of marriage. Thinking about how love changes over the years. Grateful for an amazing year.

The Coursera Beethoven Sonata class was definitely a spiritual experience. Interacting with other members of the worldwide discussion groups was a true demonstration of the fact that music is a universal language. My last essay was not only fun to write - but also got rave reviews from the 5 class members who graded it: one from Brazil, one from Denmark, and the others - don't know. One said that my writing was very funny - a huge compliment. The reason all of this was spiritual was because is gave me such a solid lift - that my whole being was charged up with the fact that this subject is one that I know intimately and can transmit to others.

My only real spiritual experience this past year happened in a secular setting. It is often when I am traveling that I am unexpectedly awestruck by something. This time I was visiting Budapest and saw the shoe memorial to the Jews who were executed during the second WW. I was moved to tears thinking about the situation.

I have started to experiment with mindfulness and meditation. In addition, I had something of a spiritual return to New England which served as a reminder for many of the childhood moments I hold dear and events that shaped my values and worldview.

As I sat in service on Rosh Hashannah this year I was moved. Speaking about making changes, and the problems of a generation, our Rabbi gave a wonderful sermon on the importance of the green movement and the need for all generations to take up this cause and make changes that will reduce our carbon foot print. May we all be moved towards change.

Yes.. Everyday I become closer with God... I have conversations with him all day long- thanking him for all of my blessings, asking him to guide and protect my family and I constantly... Giving me strength to get thru daily issues and worries.. I try to attend church once a week and my bible study 2 times a month... I feel closer to him everyday and am trying to instill this into my boys...

No. I really really wish that I could get in touch with Anything spiritual.

None whatsoever. That alone is something I'm reacting to by starting to go to temple (with my daughter). I'm struggling a bit with finding the best temple to cater to her at her level (5 years old).

I have a spiritual connection whenever I an walking in the mountains--which is every day!

Singing Hineh Ma Tov in a pitch dark cave. Hearing the sounds reverberate off of the caves walls. Feeling nothing but each others arms around us. Understanding darkness for the first time,

The whole year was one big spiritual experience with all the grow and glow and challenge. I love where I am. Love who I am.

The moment when Henry held the final harmonic at the end of beau soir for three seamless bowstrokes at the Heifetz Symposium during a masterclasss. The violin was a singer with infinite breath in Henry's hand--I will never forget it.

I've witnessed 6 puppies dying in the past few days and it has been spiritually exhausting. I've become keenly aware that the way we treat animal and the earth is the greatest reflection of our true nature. No amount of time in a pew, mosque or other religious sanctuary can change the awful nature of some towards others.

I went to the Jewish synegogue. It was the reform one in town (kolot mayim). The music was beautiful and the people were so sweet. We didn't get a chance to tell them we weren't Jewish and were just observing for school until the service was overso I was a bit nervous, but mostly it just felt peaceful.

I am a spiritual mess. But I did recently "talk" to my deceased mother in a dream, and it was significant. So now I'm torn between it being wishful thinking or a real spiritual connection.

Getting married on Mt. Hood this June filled me with a particular restful feeling. I was excited, but not nervous or frightened, and relaxed during the whole stay. I'm not a very "nature" person; I prefer outlets to outdoors. But the experience of being on the mountain was very centering.

Our studio blowing up after chanting to Lakshmi.

There was this time I pet my cat. Everyone knew he is about to die, but nobody knew when. He was very sick. I sat on my couch and he jumped, purring while i pet him with joy. I acted like it was the last time I'll see him, though I thought he has a month. After a week my mom and I ate at a nice restaurant, and suddenly my mom told me he's dead. I thought it was a sick joke at first, so I laughed a bit. My told me "no, he is really dead." I wasn't really sad because I wasn't very close to him. I was happy that I acted like that, the last time I saw him. It affected me a bit. I was a bit sad for a week, and I couldn't stop thinking why couldn't he die when I thought he would. Well, at least he has no pain now.

After I sold my restaurant and had to reinvent myself- I had to deal with a lot of depression and soul searching. My "aloneness" became overwhelming- I couldn't see the light beyond the darkness. I am in palace now where I fell level, I guess you can call that "peace"...... I wouldn't necessarily say that I am my "happiest"- but I am definitely my most "even"-most "pleasant" for sure. I do feel that the universe has taken care of me- that I have angels and that I am being watched over. I also believe that life is about lessons and I am learning what I am supposed to be learning-sometimes not to my liking but definitely a positive to my growth.

I joined a synagogue after 6 years of not belonging to one. I am singing with the choir. I haven't sung with a choir since I left my last synagogue. Singing with the choir, for the fist time this high Holy Days, really lifted me up and made me feel a connection I haven't felt in a long time.

Putting on tefillin for the first time was deeply moving and inspiring. I need to strive to find and keep spiritual experiences in my life

I finally was able to go to the synagogue Rosh HaShanah after a long journey to get there battling my social phobias. I cried during the service as I felt Gd was welcoming me home. I was sad I'd forgotten the words to many prayers and it didn't come back to me but I was happy I was there finally. I look forward to going back for Kol Nidre.

The most spiritual thing I remember is Yom Kippur last year. It's such a communal holiday with all the plural language, and I really felt like I was ok because I'm part of this larger whole in which everyone messes up and we all keep trying, and the specifics of what I do wrong aren't as important as the fact that we're all participating in that effort to keep trying.

Birth of my daughter My 3rd bike MS ride But no, not really

i have to say that i have ongoing experiences because of living in recovery, but one that i recently had i saw 12 years a slave. i realized i wasn't giving people the chance to be who they are because of my racism . i never thought that i was racist , and don't think i am but there is a lot of room for improvement. i think of all peoples as humans, its the behavior that defines us

I guess the closest thing to spiritual this year was the marking of 2 large milestones: my younger sister who died from breast cancer would have turned 50 this year: we marked it with a special day with family and friends--it made me so glad to know that she lives on in each of us in her own special way! And it was also 40 years ago that my Dad drowned; I miss him every day, but felt a bit of peace that he, also, lives on in each of us, kids. I pray that although I do not have any family of my own, that maybe I will live on in some small way.

Not really. I'm just happy that I have my wife and that my life is coming around to being what I want it to be.

I had the opportunity to pray Shacharit as the sun was rising at two beautiful national parks. The first was at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, and for all the fuss we put up in getting there, that morning made it worth it. To peer out onto the calm waters of the lake and see the sun slowly rising, I had this gut instinct that there has to be something bigger than life. I did the same thing at the Grand Canyon, and came up with a similar result. In both cases, my first time at these amazing places was while I was praying, and because of this, they will always be amazingly spiritual places for me.

Second day of Rosh HaShanah when the choir sang Debbie Friedman's Elohai I closed my eyes and could see her, was there with her singing at a CAJE session. It swept over me and connected me with a sense of holiness....

Perhaps talking to a white dove that landed on my neighbor's roof and appeared to be staring at me--this happened shortly after Janice died and I found myself connecting with her, telling her how sorry I am that her life had been cut short, promising that we would take care of Jordan, and crying for the first time.; Recovering from surgery and spending almost all my time outside in the back garden--in awe of natural beauty and design--feeling outside of myself and part of the larger whole that is the earth.

Being THE Jew on campus made me feel really lonely last year, and then going from that to Camp, where it was all Jewish all the time and nobody asked stupid questions or made assumptions about me because I was wearing a kippah, that was an incredible feeling.

on erev rosh Hashanah when most are in temple i went to a dodger game i started to reflect. there was a man who was drunk and with his son and he moved into a seat in front of me that wasnt his--instead of getting angry which was my impulse i realized my epiphany was to be more forgiving and probably more forgiving of myself too. as the game went on he looked and became more pathetic to me and i became less irritated with him. I need to dive into the gray areas of life ive lived and seen things as black and white which maybe easy but are not often reality. people events including myself arent all bad or all good.

Of course, having a baby is a spiritual experience. I would say that being pregnant for me was also a spiritual experience, in a very dark way, because during both my pregnancies I became very very ill for months on end and I had to reach very deeply inside myself in order to endure great suffering and misery. It is also a spiritual experience to face one's own mortality on the operating table, because I know as a doctor that any major surgery risks death.

Seeing Mother in Her korowai at Sacred Heart Addington Seeing the 15 year old Israeli Army Hazan at Guy's shloshim, esp when one of the eulogies mentioned barbecued pork St Joseph's, Mt Victoria

As part of my graduation exercises, my class stood together by the river near campus. We all held a lit candle Being one of the many seniors holding a candle, helping others to light theirs, was definitely one of the more spiritual experiences I had this year. There's always something been a spiritual element to the act of lighting candles, but the sheer sight of 700 or so students all with their own candle alit, it was magical to witness. Especially when considering that this was a tradition unbroken since the first graduation at the school (1875 or something)

Spiritual experiences usually happen for me when I am witnessing something and suddenly become a part of it. This can happen in worship, during a hike, in conversation with friends, or even watching a movie. I usually can tell I am engaged because I am crying. I remember a beautiful day last December when we got up in the morning, got a Christmas Tree, got coffe, had a simply beautiful and wonderful day. And I remember thinking to myself: remember this day. This is a good and perfect day. You are going to need the memory of this. The next week our friend and neighbor was suddenly and tragically killed. Through that experiece I was spiritually affected - during the memorial service, during many memorial services this past year. During an ordination service, just sitting around a campfire. Spiritual experiences can be mountain top times, but more often they are moments in time when you recognized the deep connection you have with the divine.

Nothing spiritual that I can think of other than I went to two funerals this past year. (Fleegel & Cooper) I also have a friend that has Lou ehrigs disease that also gave me pause as well as a lot of empathy for his wife.

This was not the year for spirituality. More like face in the dirt, grind here with us mortals sort of year. If there was a spiritual experience, it was at the Avett Brothers concert at Bonaroo. Not because of the space and the openness and being there with two or my best friends in the world or being so close to the stage or who that band is as an entity. But I and Love and You became such an emotionally resonant song for me while dating this girl who treated me so poorly and then the aftermath. In so many ways, Brooklyn was taking me in, and I needed it so so badly. So they began the song and I shouted as loud as my vocal chords could muster. I offered myself up to Brooklyn, and the song, and the love lost there and for me. I raised my eyes and hands to the heavens -- BROOKLYN BROOKLYN TAKE ME IN.

When I was riding home on the train in my junior year, I met a man by the name of John. A little side not before proceeding, it was winter and I had just completed an indoor track meet. Naturally I was exhausted, covered in a thin, dry layer of sweat that feels like skin crusted over and my rough, wool scarf dragged at my three-day old shave. I had missed the 8:10 train on the Franklin/Forge Park 495 Line and I had to wait an extra 40 minutes for the next train. Drained of energy, and trying my best to focus on homework that never will be completed till the next day, I trudged 300 meters down the platform in cold nighttime, biting air trying to imagine how good the warmth of a double decker car where (I hoped) a seat is still warm from a recent passenger. Even though I had been sitting in an uncomfortable metal seat for the 40 minute wait it felt nice to plunk off the legs into a cushioned, table seat (it was a cold seat, but it felt warm in comparison to the outside temperature). I took out left-overs from lunch, which were left-overs from dinner the night before and dug in. At this point, the train had left South Station and pulled into Back Bay Station. A man came on looking a little less tired and seated himself opposite of me. He set his things down before pulling out a ringed-paper book. The title was The Book of Five Rings, by Miyamoto Musashi. Some time passed before the man asked for a pen to borrow. I handed him a multied-colored pen without hesitation. The man studied me for a moment, he saw my sweat shirt that looked outdated, saw a face with three-day old shave, and dark circles under the eyes. My sweat shirt in fact was two years old, my beard barely colored, and my eyes are usually what sell what people believe my age to be. Believing that I was in college by my appearance, he struck up a conversation. As we talked, I realized that he talked to me like I was an adult. I decided to indulge more into we talked about. John, as he introduced himself to be me before my stop, began to talk about his life and how it has been going. He connected to me on the basis that his daughter is also a runner and that I looked old enough to discuss this (his daughter is actually a year older than me). John told me that he is now taking night classes to pursue his college degree. Now John looked to be in his late 30s early 40s, so I inwardly applauded him for his pursuit in academics at an older age. We began to talk about college and how planning is such a huge part of it. Then John offered some helpful advice from Musashi used for his life. He said that Musashi said that rather than planning for life, you should treat it instead as a strategy. That struck me for a moment. I myself am a very bad planner. It made sense, a sudden epiphany; plans are made to be set in stone, but strategies are made to be flexible. I felt that I was meant to meet John at that point in my life. Junior year is an unforgiving year, so is senior year. What I do in those times is what impacts the rest of my life. I believe what I learned from John is what will help me for the rest of my high school and entire college career. My stop was approaching on this 40 minute train ride conversation, so before I left I made the decision to part John with a little knowledge of my own. As I packed my bag, I told John that I was a junior in high school and no older than 16. John’s posture changed, he studied me for a moment before saying, “You seemed so much older than you let on to be.” I smiled and replied, “I get that a lot, I find that I unconsciously set my eyes to stone-cold impassiveness and attempt talk to adults on a mature level.” I wished him luck with his studies and good luck to his daughter, and then proceeded to re-embark on the journey that is my life.

In retrospect, I recognize that connecting with particular clients and a few others deeply has occurred when I have offered myself in service at their time of need and vulnerability. I've experienced their trust and gratitude for my service. I know that coming to this point required effort, exposure, education on my part. This deep connection feels sacred to me and so I include it in a question about spiritual experience.

I convert to Jewish 3 years ago

I guess watching mom die would fit in this category. The wide open eyes. The guppy breaths. "Mom, I can see your beautiful eyes" was the last thing she heard while still alive. I don't really know how it affected me. Looking into Holly's eyes is a spiritual experience for me.

Yes, I have had an amazing spiritual experience this year. After a difficult time with my back and not being able to walk or move much and after having people come over and take care of me I felt an immense amount of gratitude. At the same time I was listening to an Oprah Deepak 21 day meditation experience. At some point I clicked into an awareness of being being worthy of love and realizing that I had so much love to give. Never having pondered the question of what my purpose was it became clear that I had a purpose and it was to give love. It took me out of myself and into focusing on loving others and knowing that they would get something from that: that it would be fulfilling for them. This state of mind was profound and very grounded. There was no question that I had moved into a spiritual place. It was very real.I wish I had done a piece of art at the time or written about it at the time but it was so very much a part of me I thought it would not fade from memory. I thought perhaps it would just continue to stay with me. But alas, after several weeks it faded and I have to work to remember/capture the full essence of that moment in time.

Probably profoundly when Josie (my dog) was being put to sleep. The vet...was so sweet and gentle talking to her and crying with me. My parents were able to be there and my Dad said a really beautiful prayer. It was such a peaceful death for her. And even though I know that the vet does this all the time but Josie had touched her heart and she was able to grieve with us was particularly special. The whole experience let me know that God really is near the broken heartened and comforts the crushed in spirit.

I have spiritual experiences all the time. Just being conscious of God all around me is a spiritual experience.

I have discovered that having deep interpersonal relationships can lead to joyful spiritual discoveries. We are all connected in some way. I have discovered that when I really give of myself, I have discovered new spiritual surprises. I have discovered that the people that I have discounted can be messengers from G-D.

..... Alright let me see my spiritual experience was loosing my connection with GOD and since from that point on I'm so weak I'm lacking the relationship. But one day ill recover and be in with him again

Yes, a new approach to biking has helped me lose over 50 pounds. It's amazing what people will say to you about your weight.

Wow! So many. Feel like I am on a path to discovering more and more connections to my spirituality lately. Whether it be through exploring meditation, being present, kundalini classes, the new shamanism classes I am trying at Starseed, crystals, Ayurveda even. There are so many things I almost feel like I need to slow it down a bit because it's overwhelming my mind. I want to learn and practice all of it, but I need to find a way to take it one step at a time and not over do. My meditation practice is definitely evolving and I am finding it something I desire to do. It began w 5 min segments and is now getting longer and I am trying different types. Went to church this am with my mom and dad which was nice because I went mostly to support my mom. I know it is something that is important to her and I wnt to support her. I am even wondering about that, and it caused me to question why I am not stronger in my moms faith in Christianity. I've had connections with it before throughout growing up, but never to the point where it has felt truly right for me. Which makes me feel guilty sometimes, actually it does at any time it crosses my mind. I believe there is a reason I am learning about all of these new things, I want to be present and open to them, and continue on my journey to discover what is true in my heart.

My spiritual experience this past year resulted from Steps 2 & 3 of the 12 Step program of which I'm a member - of acknowledging that, while I do not believe in a god, it is the fellowship of friends, family, and other members of my 12 step program is the source of my "higher power" - and I have "let the Force be with me" - which has helped me to be more open and intimate in my personal relationships and especially with my wife. This has also given me the courage to work the 4th Step.

This year was perhaps not quite as spirit filled as most; however, I will say that the big changes that happened in my life this year felt very "right" . All of the everyday details in my life seemed to shift so that I could make this big transition to move across the country. Even on the road trip over, I felt like I connected on a deeper level with those around me and that I had an even deeper connection and love for the land and people of the United States. Interestingly, it was in some of the most unexpected places that I felt reflective, in awe of natural beauty, and as if I was tuning into something greater. Specifically, the rolling hills of Nebraska and the plains of South Dakota, I will never forget their beauty and I hope to return there multiple times throughout my life.

This entire year has been about my husbands health and yet the process of self awareness and growth that has occurred as I have processed though the months could also say that it has been my year. All my writing and book promotions went on hold. Multi tasking skills flew out the window as I learned to be present and take one day at a time. I was impressed to make dream catchers as I sat hours in the hospital rooms. A couple were for us, the rest all became gifts for others. I just needed the quiet time and business for my hands. 'Everything works out perfectly for us' was the mantra I was impressed with. It carried us through finding affordable transport for my husband to make the 3 hour trip to the hospital, finding funds to pay the hospital cost ...part of which was the doctors donating their time and talents...and afterward the help offered to restore our maxed credit limit. Everything works out perfect for us...say it, believe it and it will happen.

I am struggling spiritually and have been for a while. Things touch me spiritually but I don't seem to be able to really let them affect me. I feel very closed off and I don't know why. I can't even bring myself to pray about it. I want to believe that it would help but I don't think it does and I don't even want to try.

Going to the Grand Canyon as an adult. I've seen pictures from when my parents took me at age 2 but walking up to that same lookout point, on the phone with my father on his birthday, I could not help but cry. It was the first time I did a road trip alone in a state I didn't know so that was a stirring experience in itself. On top of that, my relationship with my father has vastly improved this year so sharing my first look with him was overwhelmingly comforting. I stayed and drove along the lookout stretch, stopping at each one until the sunset. Then I went to bed, woke up before dawn, and walked the footpath to view the sunrise. I will never forget the awe I felt to know that I was crafted from this. That I share the genes that this beautiful scene is made of. I hope I never forget or lose that sense of deep appreciation

I attended an Aboriginal Healing/Smudge Ceremony. It made me think about my life. The people surrounding me were warm and welcoming and it made me feel settled.

I truly felt God at summer camp this past year praying in nature and really believe that I was in his presence.

my son's bar mitzvah, my stroke. The first one positive--it is always a spiritual experience to see my children being called to read from the Torah--a continuation of my Jewish heritage and part of my legacy to my children so they know the basics of the rituals and liturgy so they can be "spiritual" Jews if they so choose. My stroke made me much aware of my own mortality. Leading the Kaddish prayer for my brother-in-law when we spread his ashes in the Atlantic Ocean off Coney Island

I had an unusual friendship with a gander late last year and part of this year. His name was Boudreaux. I noticed him in a peripheral way as a single goose hanging out with an assortment of ducks near where I would walk regularly. When I started paying attention to him, calling him and walking toward him, he reacted badly, rushing at me with head low. But it was a fakeout and his head would droop at the end and he would stop his charge, standing there honking at me. I'd bring him food, which, sometimes, he would accept. Eventually we got to be friends. I would sit and talk to him and he'd stand around awkwardly, like a big kid on a playground with lots of littler ones around (ducks). Sometimes I would just sit with him and he'd eventually sit down and tuck his bill into his feathers and take a short nap. He was a soldier/ policeman in the duck community. Once two mallard drakes got into a fight and Boudreaux plunged into the water, swam to where they were a broke up the fight, hitting them with his beak and wings. Eventually he became almost pathetically friendly with me, rushing over when I'd drive up, calling after me when I'd leave. But he had dignity too. For awhile I tried to teach him to dance the cumbia, but he'd turn and walk away, having nothing to do with this. Instead he taught me a game I called Splash. I'd splash the water and he'd swim back and forth, back and forth, then upend suddenly, feeling around in the mud with his beak while his tail was in the air. I'd yank his tail feathers and his head would come up and he'd try to bite me. This game would continue until he got too excited and I got too scared and I'd stop playing. I bought an inflatable kayak. He would ride with me in the kayak, although it was hard for him to balance on the bulging rubber sides and he'd often fall off into the water. Then he'd swim frantically next to me until I found a place on the bank where he could climb up high enough to get back onto the kayak. Boudreaux was a wonderful friend. He disappeared last Easter weekend. I walked and called but he was gone. Other people were looking for him too. I was not his only friend. Finally a woman said he'd died. I miss my gander friend.

Yes, my Inca Trail trek. I understand the mysticism attached to the trek and the Andes. The beauty of it all.

Realizing all my efforts to understand the spiritual instructions are just so much ego involvement. Not even too sure about my intentions any more. Recognizing the difference between lip service to the more structured aspects of formal spirituality are not necessarily helping, just keeping me occupied. At the same time fearful of loss of involvement with my spiritual heritage- the heritage I have created. What else is there? It all seems to be beyond notions of space and time.

Before Easter, of this year, I went to a reconciliation service at our church. I met with a priest who asked me if I had truly been grateful with what I have. He asked if in my prayers I showed this gratefulness. I started praying more and started every prayer with a sincere appreciation for what I have been given. I have become truly grateful for my parents, my teachers, my friends, and my family members. I have become a much more positive person. At least I think so.......I guess I should ask those around me.

Mindfulness = well-being.

In general I am not a spiritual person. The most spiritual moments are the high holidays because I use these days to step back and think about what I can do to improve my life, my relations with others. I spend the most time during the days of awe thinking about how I can improve my relations with my wife children, sibling, mother, in-laws and those closest to me. I reflect on how I treat my co-workers and what I can do to be a better mentor and leader at work.

Until moving to D.C., I mostly just felt unconnected. It didn't bother me to feel unconnected, because I felt my life was rich with so many other things that brought out other parts of me, but since moving to D.C. and starting a Shabbat routine, and since spending Rosh Hashanah in Chicago, I realize that there is another level of being fulfilled that I can only reach through meaningful davening and surrounding myself with the Jewish community. I love ending my week with Shabbat--unplugging, joining with others for a joyous kabbalat Shabbat, lingering over dinner and a walk after, and not thinking about what time it is or if I have texts or emails or phone calls or anything other than the people I'm with, and my own check in with myself.

I'm just coming around to an idea that spiritual doesn't have to be like magic or super-transcendential. It can just be the things I get up for that aren't completely self-serving. Still exploring.

I guess if you count falling in love with someone. I've never experienced that before. It was spiritual in that sense I guess.

No, I really haven't.

The first thing that came to mind is that I rode a bobsled for the first time, this past summer on a curved shiny metal track. Nearly crashed it, too, on the 6th run, and I have the scars to show for it. But what a trip!

No, I haven't.

I am not a very prayerful person but on September 25, I was with two office colleagues and we just dared each other to walk all the way from the bus stop near the office to the MRT station after work, that's four bus stops in total. We stopped at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park. It was actually my first time to be there. Since it was my first visit to that parish I also made a wish. A wish that I would have a better job as soon as the bank closes(The day after is when the office would close) and a wish to have good health for me and my family. When we came out, it suddenly rained. At first it as just small drops then it sudden became big drops of water and I was in awe because since I was a kid I was made to believe that after we pray and it suddenly rains, blessings will come pouring in. And I would always believe that because when this happened before I also got the job at my previous company.

I have been in the dark night of my soul for almost five years now. God stripped me of almost everything. Except my cats haha. Now He is bringing me out of it. I do not like the dark night and am glad to be out of it. I m glad that those things that were painful and full of deep sorrow were brought into my life to bring me to a place of peace happiness and being closer to God. Also being who I truly am n not being dragged down into a hellacious pit of suffering as a life style. I m a child of the light and will live this way. No more darkness. No more morose no more dispair pain suffering Jesus paid the price so I don't have to. I can and will live with joy peace and light no matter what life brings the glass is always completely full of love and gratitude.

I feel as though I have spiritual experiences all the time. I feel the "divine " in my encounters with animals and random strangers. My career affords me the opportunity to participate in the birth process; the creation of new human families.This is an inherently spiritual encounter, and I am blessed to be a witness to it. I see the day to day flow of my life as somehow being spiritual, and I am grateful.

I have been under a lot of stress since I started dental school and I have started praying again. I realized that part of the reason I have hard feelings towards Christianity is because I don't respect my parents. Their lifestyle, life choices, and parenting approach. It is not the tenants of Christianity themselves that I dislike, it's the association with my childhood that I can't dissociate from Christianity.

This year has been filled with spiritual experiences. I am feeling particularly spiritual. I feel I have a perspective that includes spirituality. I read a book given to me by Sarah (my sister) called I hold the lion's paw and this book answers the essential private questions in a readable way; in a dwell-able way. I keep coming in contact with the big questions about living and fidelity and fulfillment and I keep bringing myself to continuing to live and be true and feel fulfilled are my choices. Having pains of the physical or emotional sort are impossible to avoid but choosing to continue will help re-find fulfillment. Sticking with it will eventually bring me back to feeling fulfilled.

Only you are your destiny's master

Incident with Sam at church. New member...was thinking she'd be good at youth work. Trying to hurry out of church--she stopped me to ask if I could direct her to the youth group office. I did, and left her and the new youth director in an animated conversation. I have noticed her with the youth group at 5:00 mass. I really felt God's presence that day throughout mass--and then this encounter especially affected me.

Not sure if it you be considered religious but in the last year I have really been stuck by how tied to each other we are like a hive animal, or sell of the same organism. That can be really inspiring at time but man there are some many shitty people just out for themselves convinced it a dog eat dog world... and the conspiracy theorist in me thinks that the wealthy and powerful classes encourage this thinking so that they can keep syphoning the wealth of the people into their own pockets and keep the lower classes well... low

I am really not sure, I wish I were a more spiritual person. I am actually jealous of people who are able to connect with that part of themselves. I have actually never been able to define spirituality within me. I know that I have sat in service and prayed to god and i also know I have been moved to tears in services. I think a joyous moment that i do remember is in the spring there was what they call a Rockin Shabbat, and Jacob went with me. It had a rock band and Jacob knew the words to some of the songs. I looked over and saw him clearly enjoying himself and I remember feeling very calm, happy and hopeful that maybe he will have a connection with Judiasm and grow up knowing that the temple is a safe and peaceful place

Nothing stands out this year as a particularly spiritual experience, sad to say.

Before my surgery I did a lot of talking to G-D I knew all would be taken care of. I felt at peace because it was in G-Ds hands.

I think maybe a session with Hanan Harchol at Limmud Southeast was kind of spiritual to me, but I haven't acted on it yet.

no.

Becoming aware of popular misconceptions and teachings within Scripture concerning Moshiach and Israel's role in God's plan!

Yes. After a life of dismissing Florida as place I'd live, I discovered Miami. It's a little bit of NYC, Havana and rio de janero all mixed up and plopped down in southern Florida. It's got the arts, ocean and a vibrant cultural scene. I hope to be there permanently long before this time next year. I look forward to get back to my urban roots and take advantage of what is available to me.

I am an academic and actually study religious behavior and have a scholarly interest in this question. I wrote an article in this last year that defined spirituality in this same broad way the question attempts here. For me, and perhaps this is true for many scholars, finding an insight one has search for is a kind of spiritual experience. Writing that article, finding that idea at the core that moves the field forward (even if the field doesn't notice right away) is exciting and special. ------------ Spirituality is the practice of or the experience of reconnecting with something outside of and larger than the self; something that is social, natural and/ or supernatural. ------------ I am very proud of that definition. I think it really does fit and so makes progress in understanding people and religion. For me then it is connecting to my field, in some abstract sense, that is this spiritual moment. I feel connected by virtue of this cultivated insight -- this bursting in of an insight is a spiritual connection to my species as well, understanding what we do and why. It is glorious at that level! And I truly hope will be helpful to anyone who wants to understand human spirituality.

My most spiritual experiences this year have happened in beautiful Shabbat services, or at concerts or at moments where I felt my heart would fall out of my chest for connection and love to the people around me, or for connection to G!d.

I am an atheist, so not really into spiritual experiences, probably the closest I've got is watching my son sleep. It makes me feel a deep sense of peace and contentment, and a feeling that I'm part of something bigger than myself.

Being up at Mohonk by myself, sitting on a rocking chair on my room's balcony. It was perfect weather, quiet but you could hear the life of the forest, journal in my lap -- I felt serene and at one with the moment. I lost myself a little, which is actually a way of gaining yourself back.

I started clearly envisioning myself and my beautiful partner living well past 100 years old. I also recently realized how I am finally experiencing being in love with the one I also consider to be my best friend and our love continues to grow at a level I have never experienced before.

I have been increasingly aware of just how deeply I love my husband. It amazes me. And, with my toxic mother out of my life, I am aware of how loved I am, and how much I love my family.

I feel a re-kindled interest in poetry. I have been reading more poetry lately and have supported a couple of spoken-word efforts on Kickstarter. I used to write poetry in my later teens and early twenties and have been thinking that I should get back to writing, even if it is just for my own enjoyment.

I have felt very close to my guru this year and felt his blessings and grace in so many ways. Ram Ram

Helping to design new curriculum for our Religious School program - has been spiritual in the following way...I am, for the first time in 15 years (!), teaching a 'seamless' curriculum. I get to teach Hebrew, Judaics and T'fillah to 3 - 6th graders - the spirituality comes in being able to model an entire program so that each component is a part of another. They work together - this is giving me a sense of 'wholeness' which is unlike anything I have ever felt before as a teacher. Each class is part of the other, each grade is part of the one that preceded it.

No specific spiritual experience occurred for me this year. This is not unusual. I do continue to "ground" myself in nature and am certainly finding peace in doing artwork. This year I have spent a lot of time practicing art. Most significantly, I'm not afraid to try, and I find that nearly every piece I do is perfect in its own way.

I am often moved by prayer in the synagog. There isn't one experience that particularly stands out.

There was a particular place on our travel to Scotland that will forever last in my memory as a "power place." I have only felt that before at the Wailing Wall, the Great Pyramid, Stonehenge, and um...the monument at Woodstock. It was an array of ancient formation of stones, called cairns dating back a thousand years or more. They've been recently made more famous by the time portal Claire uses in the Outlander series. Though they are simple in structure and size, their age and history make you feel at once peaceful, but at the same time insignificant in the sense that you are but an small piece of the amazing continuum of time and history.

Right before last year the visit to Niagara Falls was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. Going on the Maid of the Mist which takes you to the base of the falls is something everyone should do at least once in their lives. All the stories I heard growing up about G-d holding the mountain over us, the thunder the lightning, all the miracles - when you are there you think "it all could have happened." I was crying from the awe inspiring moment and it has stayed with me since.

None this year, and that's unusual.

I have started to write in a journal again. It isn't praying but it is probably as close as I get. It helps me to more aware of how I am feeling and reflect on what I have been doing and why. It provides the insight I need to try to be a better person.

The biggest issue of this past year has been its lack of spirituality - I have felt spiritually dead. In large measure, this is chemical, but there is also a significant situational aspect as well. I have definitely lost my sense that god exists at all, and I used to believe that there was some guiding force in the universe. Perhaps a goal for the coming year would be to open a place in my life for spirituality that feels genuine and organic to who I am and what I'm like.

This is a really hard questions, as I do not really see myself as spiritual. After some reflection I think that the calmest moments in the past year have been those spent with my family in the woods hiking and camping. We are quiet, free from connections and distraction, and most connected to the earth and it feels so centering. For me this has some kind of spirituality.

I moved to Boulder, Colorado and am growing fond of hippies.

I've been struggling with the concept of service to the poor, sick, imprisoned and homeless versus service to myself and family. My work has been challenging and rewarding, but not so good financially. I have felt taken advantage of by employer and State. I found that my altruism was not as valued or appreciated - rather seen rather cynically and exploitatively. An opportunity for change came with the death of a mentor last winter, but I continued to struggle with it. I met with my pastor, and she reminded me that charity does begin at home. In 3 short weeks, I will see how this goes. I can witness for my ill inmate patients, but it is time for others to minister to them.

Spiritual experiences are daily occurrences. I look for daily moments of awe, moments which surprise and delight me by their unexpectedness and their positive energy. When I look, I see. Yesterday, after many weeks of not seeing any in my garden, I saw not one, not two, but three praying mantises. I had seen them last year, and the year before, as an indicator, a validation, of how right it is for me to take organic and natural responsibility of the land I manage. Half and acre, but still my responsibility. I have been diligent in the face of family and neighbors scoffing or their efforts to thwart my need to keep pesticide and fertilizer free. And, here they are, first as babies in the spring, and now as adults. The first nest, two years ago, was foreign to me, and I destroyed it as alien. Last year, after guilty research, I knew the pod to be a mantis nest and left it to nature. I was rewarded by 4-5 babies in the spring. But then, I weeded and I deadheaded, and I didn't see them again...until yesterday. What a miracle! What a delight! What a spiritual experience!

Sadly I have not-I definitely need more moments like that in my life. I plan on making more time to commune with nature, to be present in the moment, to listen and be open to the spiritual world around me.

The birth of my grandson. If ever there is evidence of a force greater than ourselves it is when a new life begins. Watching Nate lean to Remy and whisper, "You're going to be my best friend" was definitely the spiritual high point of my year.

Living here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where I have inwardly yearned to be for years and not understood the yearning until we moved here -- I now have frequent small spiritual moments. The weather, the presence of the constantly changing ocean, the never-ending alteration of tidewaters are ongoing reminders of the Creator who makes all changes happen. I am learning to appreciate my new simple credo of "It's the journey." For years, my focus was on the next goal, the next promotion, the next bigger house etc. and I did not spend time just appreciating the small victories and the steps taken to get there. Now, even on a cloudy day, I notice the magnificent marsh and sweet-grass landscape on the drive to Trident Tech. I note to myself that the power of the next spectacular Carolina day will draw its strength from this overcast one. And daily, the Creator is sending visual messages saying "Lo, I am here."

Clarity, vivid dreams, concerning family and my walk with the Lord. Confirmation with the Lord's blessing to facilitate a new Bible study. Consistent affirmation of His will: people, places, things, provision, through prayer. For such a time as THIS.

This year has arguably presented itself with more hurdles than I ever imagined. I have had to keep my chin up and stay positive. The extra stress has made me so grateful for what I have.

Synagogue about two days ago. My little brother in the choir, singing beautifully. Felt uplifted and amazing. Similar to the RSY buzz.

Somewhat vaguely and in the background of my daily life, I have felt closer to God. I believe this is related to my meditation practice, healing from stressful thoughts, and becoming more active with church activities.

I have continued on my spiritual course...not sure any great revelations, but it seems to work by just doing the next 'suggested' thing. Becoming sober was a huge next thing, one that I had been trying to ignore for a while...does not work out too well to meditate while drunk-ish. I think several weeks ago, in the planning of my sister's wake, I was given a message by an angel. He looked like my late husband and did several very obvious things that made me feel it WAS him...I think this was to get my attention, and the message was that it will all be okay. And that we never really lose people to death. A concept it is hard to embrace when in this realm. It was very moving.

Every morning is a spiritual experience when you're an animist living in a place this beautiful.

Going to the fallen statue of Lenin in Dnepropetrovsk as the country was in the midst of revolution and turmoil was incredible. I was so moved by the dialogue there, by the people's reactions to one another, to a group of American Jews, that I was flummoxed when I had to leave. What an incredible time to be alive, and in Ukraine.

My daily life I perceive as a spiritual experience, and this year in particular I have joined a Bible Study through AA friends which has been really amazing, have started attending Old Methodist, and am getting baptized 10/12. I attend kirtans regularly, pray daily, and try and be of service when can.

This is the year that I first began considering Judaism. I have not made a final decision on the matter yet, but this past year will always go down in my memory as the time that I was inspired to consider this major life change.

Maybe not profound BUT I have had a bit of a "nudge" that my computer time is frittering away my creative time. I am making a concerted effort to practice "Facebook Free Fridays" and will probably extend it to a 2nd day a week once I am completely weaned off of it on Fridays. I also would like to limit my email checking to twice a day (as opposed to sitting down at the computer every time I feel a bit bored.) To push my creativity a bit, I have bought a bit of sheet music to lure me back to the piano, sought (& received) permission to practice playing the organ (I have had about 3 lessons, but always wanted to play). I've gotten more cross-stitch items completely and started. I've also found a few sewing projects to tackle. I think my abilities to express myself creatively is akin to my spirituality, in that it gives me time alone, time to pray meditate as I work, time to listen for God's voice.

Absolutely. Oh, I've been learning so many things!! I've been realizing how we are all spiritual beings, living in a physical world, coping with what life brings us. I've been learning about faith. I read a great book called "Proof Of Heaven" about a neurosurgeon who had a near-death experience which really got me to not only believe more, but to really begin to grow in my own faith and feel His Presence all around me all the time. I've always been a believer- now even more so! My relationships are growing as a result. My work, too. I'm seeing the world through different eyes now, and it all seems so much clearer. I believe that we are all here on Earth (by choice) to grow and learn and experience things that each of us share with everyone in Heaven, so that we all grow and learn too. I believe that everything and everyone is truly connected. I've also learned that we need to begin by loving God, and then truly learn to love ourselves. Real true love for our own well-being. Then, we can go out and help others and love them too. We need to take care of ourselves, nourish, nurture our bodies, hearts and minds. And then "love our neighbor as ourselves". Another thing I've learned: when times get difficult and you're going through something really hard- just keep moving toward what makes you feel better. Sometimes you just have to work harder to get things done, which doesn't always feel great at the time but when it's over you feel better. Just keep looking toward the goal that you want to achieve and you'll eventually get there. Hardships are meant for us to learn from, and grow and build character from.

No. Well...maybe a few. But all so fleeting. And it's something I miss. I need a sense of soul, of spirit, and this past year, I've felt oddly alone in my struggles, which makes them worse.

Little reminders that for the most part I have the important things in my life.

Our German foreign exchange student, Christoph, was very religious (Evangelical) and I found myself exploring churches with him during his stay with us. There were some thought-provoking, introspective and tearful moments. I actually enjoyed some of his Christian rock music!

Yes...I almost lost my life while coming home from Israel. I had a medical emergency while on a plane for 6 hrs and ended up in emergency surgery. I have realized that I was given a chance to live and get it right in life. However, I still have not realized what this purpose was. Today I continue to struggle with medical issues that require maintenance. I make sure I do not pitty myself and continue to move along with as much strength and courage. I have also realized my faith is important and there is a Hashem that helps us through when we need it.

No

Every year, when I miss classes and take off a day for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services and prayer, I feel very spiritual. By setting aside the holidays as special days, I remember the value of my religion, beliefs, religious community, and relationship with God.

Actually our family discussions during Rosh hashsnah took me to a new level of joyous spiritually

At services, our cantor, cantor/rabbi, rabbi and rabbinical student have started singing together, and there have been holy moments.

Absolutely. By doing centering prayer at least once a day, and sometimes twice a day, I feel I have grown closer to the Divine Presence. Walking labyrinths, going to parish and women's day retreats, and Oasis Days at Mercy Retreat Center have all helped. They keep my grounded and hopeful.

I went through a past-life healing session in which I saw myself as a Jewish healer in Medieval Europe accused of practicing witchcraft. I wrote a whole story about it which I plan to put in the book I've been writing. It was a very powerful experience for me, and helped me realize I have more powers than I was aware of. That process enabled me to go through all the transformation I've been through this year.

It's not that one event in particular has been very spiritual this year, but I do think I had a particularly spiritual year. I thought a lot about the idea of everything happening for a reason this year. So in that sense, it was a very reflective year. I don't believe everything happens for a reason. I believe that God exists, and there is a greater purpose, but I believe god also created us as individuals with self will and the ability to make decisions for ourselves. For that reason, no, I dont think everything happens for a reason. I'm trying to wrap my head around believing you learn something or change with everything that happens. I'm not sure. I'm reflecting

These moments are sometimes so subtle that it is hard to explain. I feel like I have special moments often but nothing this last year that was breath taking.... In the past I have had very special revelations but once you try to explain them it can sound so trivial... when in fact at the time of that revelation it was extremely moving and life changing! Sometimes the whisper is so simple that you can ignore it. I try to listen to all the assistance that is offered!

There is nothing like searching, hunting, walking, hiking and climbing for five days and finally finding the elusive Montezuma Quail. It let us look at it for 15 to 20 minutes before disappearing into the hills once more. My husband was able to get wonderful pictures of the bird and I was able to enjoy the memories of the event again and again.

Over the last year I have found myself experiencing the world I live in. I realize it had been happening as far back as May of 2013 but I was not consciously aware of the change until last fall. although I had always had a garden, and walked the dog on a trail that took me into the woods, I had somehow come to block out all that was happening around me and not "stopped to smell the flowers". What an amazing change to my life. I found that I stop and see colors, birds, flowers. My mind settles, and I am much hap pie in my body, my mind and in my life.

In memory of our deceased daughter we sponsored a singing event for our NORC retirement group. My wife and I sing in the choir that performed. It went real well and realized are completely through the grieving process.

Being a youth advisor has been a special time to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ. I did feel most connected with God at the Rend Collective concert I went to last week. God seems to speak to me through worship more than anything else.

When I went to the kotel this year. It was as if i had a religious and spiritual awakening. A feeling that is incomparabke to anything else. It gave me a deeper faith in my religion

No

My atheist tendencies have only been strengthened by my continued exposure to the world. As I get older I learn more about politics and economics, the fact is there is absolutely nobody looking out for the little guy except the little guy.

Any time I am out and enjoy the natural beauty that just appears and watching the stars.

No

One day I was driving to a business meeting, not thinking of business or God but probably making a list in my head. The highway drops off downhill and curves onto a 4 lane road. I was looking at the cars ahead when suddenly I felt that each car and driver was a bead on a chain that was connected to all the cars in front and to me and the cars behind. I felt that we were all moving as one unit rather than a bunch of separate cars with their unique driver. The oneness opened my heart and I felt a deep love for all these "strangers" who are also expressions of the divine. The glow and love lasted several hours. I have had this experience once more driving and once at a ballroom dance where everyone seemed to move in one connected circle rather than the actual 30 or so couples.

Yesterday I was up early to run and I saw the sun rising and turning the mountains where I live all rose and gold. The air was chilly and fresh, and I felt very alive, as if God were palpable all around me.

My connection with nature and the time I have spent in various places has been very meaningful. I feel blessed to get to spend so much time outside, in nature, and in wild places.

Hmm. Yeah. From the outset, I made sure my research trip to Mexico would be a spiritual as well as professional quest. Alone in my rented apartment, I practiced self-love and self-acceptance. I sought out a Buddhist friend for his perspective on anger. And I attended a rabbi's lecture that hit on just the right themes for me. I had some real insights about the source of my anxiety and my need for healing. I have to work hard to put what I learned into practice in the real world, and I'm not quite there yet, but I'm making progress.

I have had many spiritual experiences this past year. I heard the shofar for the first time and it made me more conscious of my ancestors and the power of tradition in my life and my hopes for my daughter's life. I realized that I am bisexual. I have always been attracted to both men and women, but it never occurred to me that these attractions were both of a sexual and romantic nature as well. The day I finally understood this is one of the best days of my life! I am finally comfortable in my own skin and so thrilled to be me!

Starting yoga for me has really tapped into a spiritual element I wasn't that familiar with. It has shown me how to suppress the ego; to focus on the yoga in getting to yoga to do the yoga; the sheer joy that comes through the sweat and the grit; the peace that comes through increasingly well known ritual. Stewart and Aram, two of my yoga teachers, encourage you to dedicate your practice to someone you love, someone you hate, someone that needs it. That allows me to focus away from the self for one hour and fifteen minutes. It is a safe environment, where you are not marked or judged, not even by yourself. Through effort and vinyasas, I found an inner peace that I only capture in glimpses in my daily life, and in abundance on my travels.

I began attending services at LabShul, an experimental "pop-up" synagogue community lead by Amichai Lau-Lavie. This participation has offered me the ability to share tefilot with a diverse group of people, which filled me with awe and gave me hope for the sustainability of Jewish culture freed from the structure (keva) of the past, and filled with spirit (kavanah).

Yes. Visiting conservation land/green burial place outside of Goldendale Washington. Made me feel very connected to ycles of life. Confirmed my desire to be simply buried in such a place. Paradoxes to think about: I want a "good view" from my grave even tho I don't believe I'll be looking around; I want a simple, natural marker of some sort although I don't think anyone will be visiting my grave. It is important to me to have my animals' ashes buried with me.

My life is lived out in intentional connection to God, his Son, and Holy Spirit. Any moment may be "spiritual," therefore the highs and lows have largely leveled off. I recently have experienced several "ah-ha" moments in which the Lord allowed me to see how far I had come. Teachings about fear and anger, purpose and balance that would have cut to the core a few years ago are now opportunities to look back in awe of the grace and provision of God in my life. I believe that is the Spirit at work so that I can be challenged to share my testimony of hope with those around me.

Not really!!! I just started taking French class and have met this amazing girl there who I totally adore!!! And being with her brings so much happiness to my life!! C'est parfait

By spiritual, I an interpreting this to be mind blowing. My experience was valentines day, sunset, beach, pacific ocean, me and jb. Right then the world seemed so vast, so beautiful, so simple. Fisherman. Kids flirting. Crabs scuttling everywhere. Sunset over the horizon. And the love of my life. Bloody awesome xxxxx

I have had some great spiritual experiences in yoga - that yoga moment when I am immersed in flow or have that all over jolt in shavasana. I had some good spiritual time in front of the ocean in Florida, just sitting. That is the most time I have spent in front of the ocean.

Seminar as a whole was a really spiritual experience. But the thing that stood out was when we went to the Kotel right after we got off the plane from Poland. I don't know what was happening to me, but I was crying and I couldn't touch the wall. I don't really have a reason for why that happened. The spiritual experience that wasn't on Seminar was when we went to Camp Ramah on the Kol Echad retreat. I took my best friend Sara up to the observatory at night and we just lay there talking and looking at the stars. I don't think I've ever felt more happy before in my whole entire life. I was in my favorite place on the planet with my best friend in the whole world. What more could I ask for? Honestly, if I had died that moment, it would have been okay because I was happy.

I had a bnai mitzvah with 9 other ladies, ages 25 - 70.

Kept saying , in France in March, "It will al be ok in the end, and if it is not ok, it's not the end" and lived thru it! /also, "Please help me. I want your love. I accept your blessings", from St. Francis, thru Anina Davenport. Short version: " I accept your blessings, I accept your blessings."

Every time I see someone smile out of pure joy.

Being with our grandchildren and being loved and accepted by them has been spiritual to me. When Ivy asks for "special kisses," or when Bryce comes to me for a hug, when Ethan yells, "Gui and Pops are here" and when Ainsley jumps into my arms, it makes me profoundly grateful for having so much love in my life.

I visited the Grand Canyon and that was pretty remarkable. It was just the natural beauty, but it was being there surrounded by people who were also in awe. I didn't get to see much of a sunrise, but at sunset, it started to rain and rainbows arced across the sky while the light went down. And everyone I was with -- strangers, all of them -- was so enraptured. I was so happy to be traveling alone in the US at that moment.

Our 19 year old cat, Cia, went into gradual kidney failure and one afternoon, it became clear that she needed to be euthanized. She had been at the vet for two days. Rather than just go to the vet to do this, I instead brought her home for the afternoon, and spent the afternoon outside in the sun in our beautiful yard in the midst of flowers and with our dog and two other cats. My wife could not be with us, and was heartbroken, but I took pictures of this peaceful warm afternoon, and as I spent those last few hours with Cia, the other animals also gathered around to say goodbye. They knew what was happening and I marveled at their understanding and uncustomary gentleness. I felt that we were all communing souls in the same universe, and despite the sadness, was grateful for a suspended moment of such peace and beauty. After taking her back to the vet, I brought her back home to be buried. as we waited for my wife to get home. all the animals gathered around her little bed. and waited. We all said our very final goodbye as a family, but something about that afternoon was a private moment in which I think I saw something bigger than all of us and took it into my heart.

Going to museums always inspires me but starting my new job as a pastor certainly has been a spiritual experience every sunday.

Generally being outside is always spiritual. The beauty of nature is overpowering and is a reminder of God's care and interest in each of us.

Ever since I was a child, I did not have a good experience with math. I remember my dad helping me, trying different ways to explain a problem, I had a tutor with bad breath and a stinky house full of cats, and public school teachers who were pressured to pass kids. It was clear to me that I could not think in the abstract and presented myself with this self-made label. By the time I graduated, I manage to pass the required courses and got along fine in life with that label. Fast forward to today. At 52, I'm in college changing careers into something that is arithmetic intensive and had to take the required mathematics course to attain my degree. I struggled and have spent many hours trying to understand functions and word problems. At times when I could not solve the problem, I would want take nap and later go back at it--my brain just needing a rest. Once I understood how to calculate a problem, I mastered it! The breakthrough of being able to do something with ease felt so rewarding releasing some of the labels I gave myself years ago. I now know how to solve a problem which applies to everything I do in my life; be present in mind, laser focused on what is important and no to be afraid to whiteboard the problem, talk out loud and if I don't succeed on the first or second try, it's okay to get help and it's okay to say I don't understand. With persistence eventually I will master it and have another breakthrough.

I have felt the presence of my mother on numerous occasions when I have been stressed. I can't really explain it but I know somehow she is near me. I ask for help and something shows up. She used to give me a dime from time to time as a child and now, I suddenly find dimes in unusual places. On top of the car - on the sidewalk - even when I bought coffee recently, the barista picked up a dime he found laying on the counter and handed it to me saying "someone must have left this for you!"

I got to preach at church for the first time, when my dad was visiting for the first time.

I feel as though I have been reborn, and am rediscovering life since my heart attack. I know I am making some of the same mistakes as before, but I am definitely enjoying life more and taking the big gulps!

I have a hard time identifying particular experiences. But this is the first year I truly learned about G-d's love for me. Oh, and I visited the sea which is ALWAYS a spiritual experience :)

This is something that gets me every year! I feel like it's been a very long time since I've had a particularly spiritual experience. I guess the closest I've been is the opportunities I've had to drive out to the coast and sit at the tide pools. I did have the opportunity to go to camp and sit for an hour and it was great to be able to sit peacefully and reflect with Jason on what my camp life was like.

My friendship with Nancy S. over the past year has broadened my concept of God. I feel growing confidence that I have left behind a human image of God and see the whole of the universe and perhaps more as God's creation. Nancy often writes or speaks of nature. In so doing she has made me more aware of birds, breezes, bugs and celestial bodies. I cannot picture God anymore. God is now, a feeling, a reassurance. The earth is God's creation and we humans make it a chaotic place. God is not somewhere. God is everywhere.

I suppose the closest I have had to a spiritual experience is reading Alex woods vs the universe by Gavin Extence- this is a beautiful book, it's simplicity and the beautiful directness of prose conveys the underlying complexity of the emotions in a beautifully accessible way, for me the line: "I'll miss you, I'll miss you and I love you" is the most heartbreakingly perfect goodbye I have ever read- perfect.

Traveling to Thailand was the holy ones' way of giving me a much need spiritual stop. It was a special time when peace can into my mind and the voices of stress, decent and anger were silenced. During my 29 days so many peace full people graced my presents with their kindness and because of them my spirit was uplifted. I let go of fear and for what may be only a brief time I lived in the moment of each day that God sent, grateful for the sound of rain on a tin roof and simple food made my kind hands, I may not be able to stay in that peace full place but because of this trip I now know it exist and I am sure that if I look with a pure heart I will find it again.

I took a yoga challenge in the Spring, going to 4 classes and a workshop each week for 6 weeks. Instead of making me more stressed (sometimes I was stressed to fit it into my schedule) it showed me ways to focus my mind and let go of stress and external noise, 75 minutes at a time.

Yes. Daily. Because I seek (and nurture) spiritual experience. I have an active practice of prayer and meditation. There has been an interesting shift in my spiritual awareness in the past year in that I am learning to "listen" more and more, to the inner voice. And I have noticed another shift - an inward turning...more reflective and more sensitive, less anxious to seek answers from external sources...I continue to research and educate myself, but after a point I get still and find that an answer will surface. And sometimes it's not the answer I had expected.

Wish I could say so, but can't think of anything.

This has probably been my least spiritual year in terms of involving myself myself in a deep spiritual program. Acupuncture, meditating, mushrooms have been there for me to re-send me in my body, to get clearer on where i am and what I want. if i were to summarize my spiritual goals this past year it would be to accept being searching, being lost and that's needed.

At my most despairing, one night i cried myself to sleep, and dreamt of a cool hand against my cheek and a soft kiss on my forehead. I woke gently and at peace for the first time in months.

two experiences: resuming a close relationship with my daughter & receiving such loving support from my family & friends while recuperating from my hip fracture.

My Shabbat at NewCAJE was a wonderful experience. At home my Shabbat is usually dinner and Friday night services. To spend a full Shabbat in worship, study, eating, chatting with other Jews, was a very spiritual experience for me.

Our trip to the Grand Canyon was a spiritual experience for me. Being in the presence of vast time and space, feeling myself as both intact and insignificant, touching beauty, walking into the folds of the earth and seeing life close in on the details and walking back out and experiencing my perspective widen and widen to take in the glory of light and shadow in the Canyon.

Actually, no, and it hurts. Meditation group folks are transforming and feeling the divine mother all the time. Me, not so much. But I have to say, that first al anon meeting gave me glimmers of that God-feeling. Which is really an "I matter to the universe, I'm worth taking care of " feeling. It's almost as though I've been blocking and avoiding any spiritual experience. Not sure how I'll feel rewind this next year, but I hooe things have changed. I have been doing Shabbat, holidays, family rituals, trying to get my groove back. Pretty much to no avail...

When we were India we had an evening where people were drinking. We were sat on the roof, sharing our high points and low points of the trip so far, we all got emotional and personal, sharing things we hadn't shared before. At midnight we went to Nala Temple down the road and sat around the water, appreciating the quiet and the simplicity of what we were experiencing.

The most spiritual awareness that I had this year was two-fold. One is to watch out for my own need for dogma and the second, which I have been able to embrace since understanding the first part, is to allow mysrlf to integrate the religious and spiritual paths that have informed my journey (Buddhism, Judaism and 12 step literature.)

I don't believe I have had any spiritual experiences this past year.

No spiritual experience, just life moments since I hit a milestone birthday, thinking how things in my life have gone and the small regrets, why some things were done and the results to myself and others and how life is short and what I still want to experience.

Getting married was definitely a spiritual experience. We did a completely unconventional ceremony, without an officiant. We had people sit in a circle and give their reflections on love and marriage. We called in the six directions, and invoked the land, God, and the spirits of love and compassion.

My worst nightmares coming true.

At the risk of trivializing "spiritual," I must say I've been deeply (and surprisingly) moved watching Derek Jeter's final season as a Yankee. I don't believe sports stars are or should be role models or heros. But this young man has demonstrated a remarkable work ethic, focus, and sense of himself as a team member despite all the incredible hoopla. Throughout his career there's been no hint of scandal, no bad behavior. He continually credits his success to his parents and the lessons they taught him. Perhaps most of all, as a player he has always seemed very aware that he's playing a game -- he obviously has tremendous fun doing what he does. And his thanks to the fans throughout this final season has seemed entirely genuine and very touching.

I attended a James Turrell exhibit at the Guggenheim in NY and it was amazing. I laid on my back for more than an hour staring up at the subtly changing light cues while listening to music and being surrounded by an ever-changing cast of international characters: families, young hipsters and everyone in between.

My mother's death was not surprising - she was 97. Our relationship was cordial (mostly!), but never close. I didn't undertand her and she didn't "get" me at allSo what was there to grieve? The loss of the "mother" I never had. The end of trying? Or was it a blessed relief? My husband's illness, on the heels of her death, has made our relationship even more difficult. He never was an emotionally available guy, and now, he's going, going, gone? I feel cracked open - searching desperately for the light inside. Wishing this "cross" would pass! What's inside the "cracked openness" of me? There's a voice calling (faintly - but more insistently now) for me to come follow. . . But what? I know the call is of the spirit. But where to? Hmmm! Oh, well, off I go - if only into the next patch of light in front of my feet. . .

I loved being back in town to attend the Kuumba Christmas concert this past December. For some reason, I've always found that to be a powerful experience, even though my personal spiritual worldview doesn't necessarily align with the lyrics of the songs they are singing. Something about the music, the setting, and the season just always fills me with hope. I'm really looking forward to going again this year.

Yeah. I don't quite know how to define spirituality either. I do know that when I'm doing things that I love (and that I'm good at) like painting or acting, and I feel like I'm in the zone, I feel good and I feel whole.

This past summer I taught a "Theater in London" study abroad course and saw 12 plays in 4 weeks. My head was bursting from all the productions! But it was wonderful to be immersed in live theater -- so much talent, so much imagination, so much emotion and thought and power! Can't wait to do it again next summer!

spiritual experiences.... yes i have had moments when all has felt right and balanced. I have regained a sence of spiritual strenghth thanks to the Map book I have been reading to refocus on my true purpose true way of being... all is good , whole and strong and true in the times when i can rid myself of worldly troubles, problems, erands and can regain my rest and then peace or the spiritual nature begins to surface. I can not recall a true ahah moment . I have been reminising over the closeness I felt to the other side when I lived in morrisville and the girls where newborns. I guess that was a long time ago...but knowing that I am loved and that love is all there is in the end has carried me through all those years and still does.

The Lord had been drawing me closer to Him through the post-abortion Bible study that I've been going through. He is making me to see, to know, that I can pray and He does listen, to and for me.

I haven't had too many spiritual experiences in this last year. I should probably think and consider more, in this upcoming year, about what that word means to me and how certain events and moments in my life may have a spiritual notion/feeling/presence to them.

None yet

Many times I have noticed that one part of my life (work, personal, volunteer) repeats a message that God is conveying to me at that time. For instance, I read an article in the local newspaper that discussed a father of a 2 year old being shot at point blank rang in a road rage confrontation. I wrote an email to some important senators and the governor. During a sermon at Rosh Hashanah services, our local rabbi spoke on this same event and how we must recognize other's desire for life as our own. That we need to help them ensure their a life of safety and fulfillment; recognizing their losses of life (friends and family). And an intern who I am working with at work, knows this family personally who lost their husband and father. I felt that God was speaking to me to move forward and find a way to change public policy regarding road rage and its growth in our culture.

Oh, yes I sure did. At the Burial Mounds city park in Whitewater Wisconsin, which was totally unmarked and only vaguely explained, I felt I was in a sacred place. The mounds were 100 feet long and overgrown and the huge trees were unpruned and some struck by lightning. No lie, I got a message from a badger about badger balance. It has been a native american year. Thomas Berger died and we did Little Big Man as the fitness camp book, so I tried to figure out who the real old Lodgeskins was, and more and more thought that genetically I must share a lot with the Northern Cheyenne and Arapahoe. We all have (had) ADHD and can't digest white man's food. I also went to North Dakota and tried to find out more about Little Big Horn.

No.

silly as it sounds, the trip to wisconsin was spiritual in a way: the gifts of the fish, the fishing, and the friendship seemed to come from some place in the universe, addressed to me and with an almost rhetorical question:: how much do you need to feel satisfied, blessed, graced? how much more could i possibly want? gratitude, gratitude for simple gifts

Just seeing my daughter grow, adapt, love, learn, and live. All I see is "God" in her, science can not explain my love and her self.. Albeit God still could be a large child playing with his toys, but either way he is one up on me.

You know I hate the word "spiritual", which is completely meaningless, but I know what you are getting at. Yes, I have had some meaningful experiences, usually in nature, that pull me into the present to experience the intense mystery of the world. Seeing a real glacier for the first time, and the glacial flour in the river, was unexpectedly exciting and mesmerizing. Should I have been a geologist? Helping launch baby tortoises into the wild in Mexico, seeing whale spouts, looking up at the stars in that deep black abyss. And the snow! Walking alone on a completely deserted path in 2 feet of snow, is a great joy in life that I was lucky enough to experience again this year.

I guess the most spiritual experience I have had this year is being and growing with my puppies especially the older one whom I have had for over a year now. She really is special. She knows when I need her. She keeps me laughing. She gets me up in the mornings. She's always happy to see me. My new puppy, I have had for 2 months now and we are learning about each other. Seems sad that there isn't some other earth-shattering soul-searing experience.

I have opened a business that centers around my spiritual practice, never been happier.

spiritual experiences...I never think of experiences as spiritual. I share many wonderful experiences taking drives with my husband. The other day I was particularly exhausted and had no energy left but so much work left to do. He called and asked if I wanted to go on a sunset drive. This is something we like to do when we can fit it in. It was short and sweet, i was refreshed. Spending time with my daughter when she was in crisis was special for me, our relationship has strengthened since then and I am so glad I was able to be with her

I have spiritual experiences at raves all the time. I meditated consistently for 18 months or 2 years and then stopped. I wish I hadn't. However I have taken many meditation aspects into my life.

More and more (and maybe this is age) I'm finding small moments of everyday awe - the way the light comes through a window, a squirrel running on the lawn, trees moving in the wind - these moments keep striking me was wonderous. I teach yoga full time now, and I have moments during teaching where I see such incredible beauty in a students practice, not with the advanced students (who are beautiful to watch), but the new ones, the ones who struggle and sweat and preserve and come back and do it again. Those students I want to hug and cry and encourage.

While on an Alaskan cruise, I had the chance to see large, unspoiled landscape. I felt similarly the first time we visited Alaska. The scenery is so amazing. It's not possible to see it and doubt there is a higher power.

I don't feel that I've had any spiritual experiences within the last year. That makes me feel like I'm living my life wrong. :(

I haven't been aware of any knock your socks off spiritual experience this past year, but definitely feel attuned to those more mellow exuberant in the moment filled with love filled with gratitude spiritual experiences. Summer felt like a continuous spiritual experience. Having a work day that went from 10-2:00pm, time at home, in the garden, reading on the back porch, Saturdays at the community garden, Sunday, water the garden go to church, it really was an opportunity to feel in the moment to feel love to feel spiritual. I felt good about the world and myself many times during the summer. When the school year opened, I had to get used to "stress." It wasn't stress due to an overwhelming amount of work, it was stress due to all the human energies that now surrounded me, I decided to try to take the word stress away from my experience and instead label it "exuberance." I love the spiritual rhythm of summer, I'm hoping to wrap my heart around the spiritual exuberance of fall.

[Sigh]...no? Maybe? I must have had something that moved me. Perhaps I was nursing Willa and felt deeply calm, or was driving to work and spied a beautiful sky. Those both seem plausible. But I also feel pretty dang calm and serene sitting here, thinking about what meals to prepare this next week, what should go on the grocery list, etc. 'Spiritual moments' seem defined by their contrast, and I feel pretty content and peaceful most of the time, small-child-exasperation-excepted. It's the same phenomenon as my suspicion that yoga practictioners are the most stressed out people among us. What an insufferable twat I am: Me, spiritual? Why, from my tantric pedestal it's ever so hard to discern what you may mean! Short answers: I don't know, but when I'm well-rested I'm pretty deeply content.

My "spiritual" experiences this year have been moments of heightened appreciation and great thankfulness for my life. I felt it today when my husband and I swam in the Med and looked back at the Antibes, France skyline. The gorgeous water, beautiful scenery, and my loving husband all in one moment! But I also feel it on a regular day at home, being able to take a walk, look at the sky and feel my body moving me along easily and without pain. I'm just thankful for my great life.

no.

The most spiritual experiences for me occur at church events that make me feel an emotional connection to our church community. This year's 20th Anniversary Gala really made me love and appreciate our church community and truly value the people in it.

The closest I've come to any kind of a spiritual experience is when I visited Santa Fe, NM over the summer. I felt like I had finally come home. We were only there for about 12 hours...but in those 12 hours I felt more whole and complete than I have in years. It has spurned my decision to move after my daughter graduates high school. I haven't told anyone here at home about it yet though....and I know when I do there will be all kinds of hell. Hurt feelings and this whole landslide of things that I'm not prepared to deal with. So...I'm going to save money without people knowing and get my education degree. My mom is going to help me find a job there in Santa Fe as a teacher and I've started looking at real estate. I need to work on getting my credit better so that I'm able to do that....buy a house. well...a condo. I'm hoping to find one near the art center where we spent the majority of our time while there. It's the first thing I'm excited about since the birth of my daughter.....and that's too long to go without being really happy.

I was compelled to visit my mom after telling myself I was never going to see her again because we don't get along. A situation arose in which we chose to talk honestly rather than our usual running away. There were tears but I was able to be honest about past resentments. I believe this was a spiritual experience because I didn't choose it. I did stay present and that was part to allow healing.

Pretty much every day - my goal is from that Rumi quote - to seek those blocks that keep me from Love, AND to remove them

God has clearly shown me that he holds my Mom's life and death in His hands, and I can trust Him for whatever lies ahead for her - for a long time I have prayed that He would take her in her sleep, so that she not suffer; but He has shown me that I can leave that decision in His hands, and I can be at peace, knowing His love for her -

I've adopted kinda a mantra. "Be free". I say it all the time with out realizing how important its been to me. Realizing that we need to embrace the freedoms we are so privilaged to have. Realizing that denying others this freedom is the most evil thing that another can do. I say it noncelantly, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Be free my friends.

One of the greatest experiences of my past year was our trip into the desert this year. After a long drive through the mountains, we came to rocky foothills that gave way to rolling dunes. We rode camels into the sandy expanse until we came upon a circle of tents. We watched the sunset surrounded by nothing except sand. Far away, we could see the Atlas Mountains. At night, with no light but the fire burning at the center of the campsite, I saw more stars than I'd ever seen in my life. There were stars behind the stars - stars haloing the stars that I knew, constellations filled out. After days in Marrakech, surrounded by what I perceived as grasping humanity, I felt calmed and soothed by the desert. I go back there in my mind when I feel overwhelmed by New York. I don't know if that counts as a spiritual experience, but I felt like I was small, but not diminished. I was given perspective. I realized I was terribly unimportant, and that made me feel free.

Going to Israel changed me forever. The fact that I was able to return to a place that I never thought I would be able to get back to and release some of the pain that I had harbored for so long gave me a reconnection to everything that I am as a Jew. In Tsfat, where my vision where I was told to turn away from faith and find my way to my life's calling, I was amazed at the power of G-d and being in his kingdom. I understood so much and felt everything all at once, and saw how even little things were the will of the almighty. And that is comforting to me.

Reawakened my passion for writing .... Memos short stories essays... Straight from the soul ... Feels likea deep much that is being scratched!

being in israel moves me deeply beyond words. this year i felt it more than ever before. it seems as if i wept my way through our entire trip, from the moment we landed at ben gurion on june 6th until we left 11 days later on the 17th. did anything in particular set me off? no, not particularly. the wall never really moves me per se. everything evoked tears, from the olfactory to the visual, from being with people whom i have loved from the instant i met them {ala, of course, but also my friends in ashkelon—all of whom are the living promise of redemption in the land, the state of israel today}. everywhere we went were reminders of this: my umbilical cord to who i am, where i come from, and who we are as a people, our promise fulfilled. such a powerful experience—from jerusalem north to the golan, then south through tel aviv to mitzpe and up to ashkelon and then back to tel aviv. its seems as if every rock, every tree whispered stories ancient and new, every person winked shalom achot. this was my 8th trip to israel and yet in some ways it felt as if i had lived many lifetimes there.

On a recent trip to Israel I went to a very old mikveh (ritual bath) in Tzfat in the north. Despite being sped up by a co-staffer it was an intriguing experience to dip myself into waters in a cave that dates back hundreds of years. I felt connected to a series of men dating back to the 1500s and that I could get more used to myself in that sense. It was enlightening.

I do feel very comforted by the church I have been attending. The music often moves me to tears, and the people have welcomed me into their community. I needed that comfort after Annie died, and despite my agnosticism, I don't feel like I'm out of place.

Ya know....when I think of truly spiritual experiences, they relate to music (not Jewish), and when I teach and I feel that I am truly in dialogue with my students. For me "spiritual" is something that transforms me. It is something that pulls me out of my self. It allows me to perform the action of Tzimtzum atzmi - self contraction...removing me from the center of the universe. Unfortunately, because I work in the Jewish world, that doesn't happen to me often within a Jewish context. And that is sad.

It seems to me that there have been quite a number of spiritual experiences at Shabbat services, during intimate times with my husband, and in certain conversations with my son.

At some point this past year, I don't remember when, I was driving from Northern Virginia to Richmond. It was late at night, I had my car windows down, and I was playing my music very loudly. Matisyahu's "King Without A Crown" came on, and for some reason, that struck me. In the few minutes it took for that song to play, I felt incredibly close to God. I don't know why. It was an amazing feeling.

Spirituality was forced upon me as a child. I've since made a conscious choice to be responsible for my own fate rather than rely or blame a mystical/mythical figure for it.

No. I can't say I've had any profoundly spiritual experiences this year. Getting diagnosed with hypothyroidism has helped me understand some low spiritual times in the past, but the answer is- no.

No, and in fact I miss the spiritual connection that has happened in the past. Feel as thought the events of the last few months snapped a slender thread of connection to the divine and I search for ways to rebuild. Events of the past weeks make me hopeful and lead me to believe that in this season of return , I too, may be able to return.

Hiking at camp with Mom and Sarah amf Fiona. A gift.

I just read Wikipedia on Pulmonary Embolism which is what I had when I went into the hospital on Sunday night the 21st of September, 2014. That follows by a month my hip surgery to replace my right hip. The think that jumped out at me was that according to a 1960 study, perhaps an untreated PE has a death outcome 26% of the time. Perhaps I was closer to the end than I thought? I didn't know the cause so I waited for the weekend to pass and get treatment on Monday...but, the pain made it impossible. I was clearly aware of the pain and the lack of ease of breathing that I wasn't in a good place. I still wonder why I waited so long to go. I didn't want to be a bother? I felt certain I didn't have a heart attack. But, why?

My youngest daughter's Bat Mitzvah moved me in a big way. I felt pride at all three of my children's B'nai Mitzvot. My youngest daughter is the kind of kid that is so poised and classy and so easy to be with. I feel that her Bat Mitzvah meant a lot to her besides just the celebration. She enjoyed every moment of it-preparing her Torah and Haftarah readings, writing her speech, learning the service and planning the celebration. She was such a joy to work with in getting ready for her special day. I felt like she really understood the meaning of becoming a "Jewish adult" and the responsibility that comes with it and it made me very proud. The Sunday night at the end of her big weekend, she said, "I don't want to go to sleep because that will mean that the weekend is over and I don't want it to be." I loved that and will always remember the special time for her.

No, "spiritual" cannot be broadly defined as "secular." Spiritual means of the spirit, and our spirits are created by a divine God. This past year, after beginning to meditate on the word of God, I began to have vivid images and Christ guiding me through this world. It has been impactful and thus my mornings now start out with either just reading of the scripture and prayer, or both of those and a time of meditation on the Lord when time permits. I've grown greatly in faith this year, and look forward to more of this type of growth in the future.

This year I accomplished a 9 day hike in Peru , destination , Macchu Pichu I did not get a spiritual experience or anything of the sort. On my journey I got an appreciation for the people. They work the land by hand, sides of mountains without machinery. No running water flushing toilets , not much toilet paper paper towels, multiple cars, televisions , what we consider necessities in the USA . The children seemed happy. Families seemed content, I'm sure they have their problems but not as much homelessness as in the USA. You could talk and share with the children, they made me feel good inside, truly love that you feel in your heart is universal. I got home to my middle class community and felt we were all rich in material wants and desires. But we don't seem to connect as much with each other . It is more competitive and show off and Bragg about your own or your kids accomplishments or you have the best whatever, doctor, hairstylist or go to the best places or have the best clothes. We must not really be happy or content or enjoy the here and now because we are searching for that one up on someone else or we have to make each other feel as though they don't measure up, too bad it won't change. It is our culture or environment to want more or want what someone else has. Then we find out it is not the holy grail.

Good morning, by Mandisa... The song speaks to me and I have discovered that so many of her songs do just that. She sings such real lyrics. It truly is a brand new day!!!

I went to Israel for my ninth visit and took several friends along who had never been. Seeing such a special place through the eyes of those who were new to the country revealed things I had never seen. Watching them experience the holiest city on earth was truly mind-blowing.

I enjoyed a night dive on The Great Barrier Reef with my wife. The mix of fear and relaxed admiration of hanging off the descent line before surfacing, watching the sharks patrol the pool of light at the back of the board was pretty awe inspiring and fulfilled a childhood dream of seeing sharks in the wild, in person.

While in Israel this past summer, i went on a 4 day repairing the world side trip. My group and i went to various places in the area where we were staying. We did some work in the place that we were staying, but most of the work happened outside it. We helped put smiles on people's and children's faces.

Went to Rosh Hashonah services and listened to Sim Shalom. Felt the presence of God and some hope in my life.

I gave a sermon at GRJ on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. It was my first time speaking on a religious topic in a space of worship. I loved it. I was overawed by the response. I also gave the sermon to my family over lunch and my Aunty cried- she was really moved by it. I felt that me and my audiences shared something bigger than we were. After Rosh Hash I felt reconnected to Judaism again. I miss Friday nights and going to shul.

Yes - absolutely Several regarding my mother - she appeared to me twice - once while I was on a Reiki table getting a treatment and once in the middle of the night. Also, have had transformational healing sessions that were powerful

This year has been the year of my learning to "walk in faith." I'm trying to absorb the idea of a loving God that has a loving plan _already in place_ for me. This is TOUGH. It is not that I can't reconcile this possibility/truth with my work ethic and my belief in self-determination. It's that the way things have gone year after year, now month after month (this is the first year of my entire life where I've marked and watched each day of each month, and noted each new month coming and going), and increasingly -- day after day, it's beyond difficult to believe that something will come of all this. That is, believing--truly BELIEVING--that something will come of all this that nothing has come out of yet. Not nothing. Lots has "come out of it." But, now, I need those things I need--a job, primarily--to "come out of it." And, I'm running out of time. I turn between a beautiful walk of growing faith and a complete devil's-got-me-by-the-tail-in-the-fetal-position panic, almost day by day. Sunday's are the worst. Too much time to think.

This past year, I really havent had a brrakthrough kind of spiritual experience. I prayed much nore than I used to. However, I guess I was so frustrated and angry at God that I didnt really feel deeply all that prayers. This year I actually lost hope in God. I just didnt and still really dont believe God is going to give me the things I want. As if he sees me suffer, does nothing. But deep inside, I know that I am mistaken, he really does care, the tine will come. I feel its soon, I hope I am not mistaken. Anyway, another sort of spiritual ecperience was that I discovered why I feel so alone and disconnected sonetimes. It is because I am what they call a TCK, I prefer the name global nomad. Sense if lonliness, restlessness, not being able to stay at a stable job, desire to move abroad, it had a name now. Now I feel more connected and I know nothing is actually wrong with me.

no- or yes, rather the lack of feeling spiritual and just doing things.

Explored the tarot

I am grounded in logic and tend to deal with these experiences by thinking them through. The one thing that always stumps me is the cosmic origins. The thought of no time, no matter suddenly ending raises questions about the laws of nature and this leaves me confused and groping for a solution.

I sat next to my closet girl friend while she explained a deeply disturbing family issue. I felt the weight of the issue through every pore. I felt the suffocating sadness of the situation. And the love and cradle of everyone in the room. It was tragically sad and all felt it.

The spirit moves me in all ways. I am fortunate to get to enjoy the company of my grown son who lives and works nearby. We play golf some weekends, and being in the quiet of nature with him is good for my soul. I recently spent a weekend with my daughter in Chicago and it was soul-lifting to see her thriving and to have her to myself for a couple of days. Daily, I walk a few miles in a national forest on trails far from the drone of city life, even though they are in the midst of a city of 5 million. The walks make me feel closer to my now-dead dogs, for we walked together in peace in the forest everyday for many years. I find a spiritual connection there that I never found in temple.

I failed at PCCC to develop a Spiritual Life Center as well as a Legacy Fund. Instead of blaming others I looked inward and realized that those were my issues and I thought the church needed them. My failure led me to seek a spiritual director and as a result I found the eneagram which told me I am an enthusiatic achiever and failure really gets my attention. It hurt but I realize my limitations and learned from the experience. So my spiritual experience was failure and what I learned from it.

I wish I could say I did, but I didn't.

I understood my father's spirituality. I've always had a notion of what my father believes - and this is hard to put into words - but I've finally registered what that means to him, and how it affects how he lives his life. It was profound for me. I went from brash atheist to a spiritual-leaning agnostic. I look at the world skeptically, but also through his lens now.

for me time in the garden, even weeding, even mowing with a push mower is a reliably spiritual experience. When I was fourteen, I first felt spiritually uplifted in the midst of a meadow. Since then, I was in dormitories and urban apartments until my mid-twenties. I am now seventy and thus, I have fifty years of spiritual grounding in gardens, woodlands and meadows. The uplift, awe and joy of being in natural settings are among the things I value most, though I tend to experience something similar on those occasions when I am moved by a work of art or a superbly presented piece of music or a wonderful dance piece.

Seeing as how I didn't say this last year, I had a jewish experience made for grant writing. After connecting with Judaism at Mishkan (aka jews who were coming together for their own mental health, connection and to earn the values that judaism can provide) I realized what beautiful potential opportunity existed. I learned that I didn't need to settle for what the persian community was limited to. It's when you focus on yourself and you value something, and everyone there also does, you connect through that. I've begun getting connected to IKAR and having my AJWS community to connect through I think is huge. I"m excited to continue that. I'm special and that means I SHOULD NOT resort or settle to any boundaries that don't work for me, that's the easy way out. the hard part for me now is creating something new for myself. creating a plan, seeing what i want. in case #4 The war in Gaza. It made clear to me that I love Israel and that I also cannot tolerate the current conversation about the region and what the defendants of the state are saying.

Attending a weekly meditation service at Temple Beth Israel has been a very centering experience for me and has helped me to grow as a person.

Opening my heart to a bit of forgiveness has made me lighter and softer. My mantra for now is 'Be kind, be kind, be kind.'

No, but I have had strong help from a long time friend of mine in the closing up and sale of my house during this most heartbreaking time. My wish for others is that they are able to choose the time when they sell their house as opposed to having the time made for them by circumstance.

Over the last few days, I have come to realize how much I love my partner. I was married to a very unbalanced and mean man for 30 years. I finally found the man of my dreams. And I believe that G-d has blessed me with this man. We have some issues in our relationship that we are both aware of, and we are both working on these. I feel that G-d is making me aware of how much I love him - it is almost painful. I don't know why this is happening.

Firefly was an experience to me. I did drugs, wandered alone and enjoyed the flow. For a high strung person, that was like a religious experience.

Since the death of my husband in February I have been seeking answers to what I want my future to look like. Ever since the first time I visited Mendocino, Ca I have had a strong desire to live there for awhile. I had been meditating and asking the question "what do I want"? I had a vision of Mendocino and the surrounding country side and at the same time felt an overwhelming sense both physically and mentally that I need to move there. I hope to do so within the next 12 months but must wait to find the right rental situation. I called the experience a spiritual orgasm.

The death of my uncle sam and feeling the depth of family

I get twitchy when people ask me about spiritual experiences. But no, nothing comes immediately to mind. I have started working with magick again, and that has been...soothing, but nothing overtly "spiritual." I have gotten to spend time on my deck with my plants, which is also soothing, as well as working in my parents yard. I hope to go up to the north Georgia mountains this Halloween and run around in the woods. I think that might count, but that is yet to come. I'm looking forward to this year, sometimes its feels like i'm getting better at managing my life, so that it doesn't just run by me, but i actually make time do things that I want to do.

My children and in-law children are an inspiration to me. They are all working hard and committed to making this world a better place. They are working for Jewish and non-Jewish organizations and it is interesting to talk to them and to read their articles. I also had a few wonderful hikes and being out in nature is always meaningful for me.

Auschwitz/Birkenau was on our agenda in Poland. Almost all of my mother's and half of my father's family died there or in a field somewhere in Poland. Some of my wife's family probably died there. These camps were an obligatory destination since they are the iconic symbols of barbarism and genocide. It was as moving and emotional an experience as I anticipated. The fact that my wife and I were at this skeletal remnant of a concentration camp meant that my family survived and that we are symbolic of the defeat of these monsters. Am Yisrael chai!

My 91 year old mother called me a stupid, unsuccessful, nobody after caring for her my entire life and it was like a gift from God because it gave me FREEDOM!

My year has been filled with mixed signals, the spiritual part of that is keeping hope through all of the trials.

Probably is not spiritual, neither artistic or cultural, but professional, I decided to be less demanding and anxious about my growth, to embrace my team and help them to keep a balanced work-life relationship by setting the example and teaming up with them so they don't suffer as much when facing new challenges. For me that's the most I can give back to my team who has supported me so much and I hope they keep on being as great as they are now. :)

My partner and I had a wedding in June and it was a deeply spiritual experience. Having almost 200 people show up, from all corners of the U.S. (even Alaska!) at a date and time that we predetermined and focus their love and energy at us was one of the most beautiful spiritual experiences of our lives. Plus, we had fun and the food was good.

I had a spiritual experience on a 9 - day retreat where each day I dove deeper into Oneness experiencing multi - dimensions and multi - beings including different animals. There was no sense of separation, only connection. When I think I'm alone and separate from the world, I remember this experience and know that I'm not alone. However, in order for me to truly know this I would need to continue to practice "diving" more regularly so that my body integrates it. What would it take for me to dive more often and give myself the gift of Oneness, expansion and no judgment?

I almost said no, but answering the 4th question reminded me. After much deliberation, I decided to go to Tish Ba'Av services. I had been fighting with my religious and spiritual side over the war in Gaza and my stubborn nature was winning. A friendly finally pushed me to go and stop fighting myself. The gabbai ended kinot with im eshachech yerushalim and introduced it with words that struck a chord -- for some of us it's remembering Jerusalem as a the glorious city, or hoping that the next year she will return to the glory we hope has. I burst into tears. Everything my soul had been unable to vocalize, unable to really understand, was spoken at a service I almost didn't go to. That was my moment of beginning the high holiday practice of introspection and returning.

No idea what a secular spiritual experience would be. Nothing spiritual whatsoever in the past year. Not ever really.

1. I've continued meditating virtually daily. It's definitely made me calmer, and feel more connected. 2. I've been doing my OA work, and learned about step 3, which is a spiritual step. It involves realizing that I cannot be in charge of my life, that I need to give up control to my Higher Power. Big spiritual leap for me. 3. I am starting to be moved by spiritual people and concepts: the Buddhist monks who do contemplative care, Dr. Low Dog, who I realize is incredibly spiritual with her patients, the speaker at TexMed who stated that "social change requires a social movement", etc. I hear the wisdom, authenticity, presence, and power in their simple words, and it moves me.

Certain spiritual "helpers" we're placed in my path to assist me with a critical health issue and to reach certain goals. I did not recognize this at first. They've made such a difference in my life, that I'm determined to pay it forward.

It has not been a very spiritual year. I have not really been very into religion and while I have been very interested in religion in my job, i have to say the main thing has been to understand how it helps others cope.

Yes, I had contact with others religions and I was also left by the members of my church.

I realized that I was still carrying resentment for the first 15-20 yrs of my marriage and a challenging relationship with my husband. Then I realized that we had to go through that dark period; not understanding that our our conditioning was causing lack of vulnerability and trust, no truth telling and feeling sorry for myself and not knowing what to do about my situation. Without all these challenges that we eventually worked though, I now have a meaningful, supported, joyful relationship that I am very grateful for.

Went from being frum to mostly non-observant. Starting to rethink my decision...

I live in a spiritual place much of the time. i am a devoutly spiritual person, in the secular sense. when i look into light, I get a feeling of quiet and awe and beauty. What is so important is that the experience is not ethical or moral or right or wrong. it simply is...natural, free, inviting. I am present in those moments. I am alive.

Late last year into early this year my "creatiity meter" has been on high something that happens from time-to-time and I'm never sure how or why? I've applied for a patent for one of the ideas. For me this kind of energy is as beautiful as any "religious" experience I can imagine.

Yes in a way. Through AA meetings. Listening at one, someone said something about God not giving one more than can be handled in a day, and trusting God. Realized I don't believe that. When Peter died that was more than I could deal with and I lost my faith. Have changed concept of a higher power now. Know I don't control everything - only me - no outcomes.... but don't believe all will work out. Believe I can deal with anything as ultimately no choice but to. Didn't know that - anxiety for so long. Get connection get spirituality in sense of all but don't get sense watched over, cared for or positive, good will come. I choose how I feel, what I believe in and positive vs negative perspective.

Standing in the dark looking at the stars at Sea Ranch before going to bed.

A particular spiritual experience I've had this year with Mehran consists a moment when we both were under my intimacy project. I had a eye to eye connection that allowed me to feel so much depth. It was wonderful but realized how I felt uncomfortable about being in the moment. Now I realize that is a form of connection that exists and would like to experience "segido" often. La emocion que senti fue profundo. Since I was not ready to complete the other questions the past few days I will right now. Because its my 5th chakra that wants to find its truth and voice. 1.Describe a signifcant experience that has happened in th past year. How did if affect you Are you grateful? Relieved? Resentful? Inspired? A significant experience that has happened this year was my experience with new men in my life. Jon or joe joe joe hahah really showed how different energies could bring out parts of me. I have allowed myself to enjoy but also stay connected with myself of what I want. Being able to diffriente between by past boyfriends and current men really helped me gain a sense of power. I am aware of the shifts that happen and how everyone is going through something. 2. Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you're espectailly proud of from this past year? Yes, many things but the one thing that sticks out the most was my faith this past august when I decided not to take any job because I know something was coming. What came was the opportunity to do a 20x55 ft wall outdoor mural. And work withsomeone I like. It was amazing a dream come true. So many meaning from the design and the manner it all came about. I am proud of listening to my voice no matter what other would think of me. DAy 3 THink about a major milestone that happened with your family this past year. How has this affected you? Well the milestone that has happened is that I moved back in with my parents, though I have it has been a blessing to enjoy them and be myself around them. Feeling a lot of acceptance. Day 4 Describe an event in the world that has impacted you this year. HOw? Why? I would say astrology. I have felt intuned with certain shifts and its felt empowering and accepting of what is. Letting go of control and being grateful for the sense of peace and allowing everyone their own views and standing back and watching the lack of awarness and taken it as a detached sense. Allowing me to control what I can within myself.

I had a spiritual awareness come to me yesterday that I am pretty excited about. When I was reading through the Rosh Hashana Machzor it occurred to me that God wants us to be compassionate to ourselves because he is compassionate towards himself. When he corrects things in his world ( making or destroying) its because he is refining his creation. Any wrong that happens doesn't really have anything to do with punishment or me or humanity its justGod reflecting and fixing up his art work.. God is so humble. We are just spirts having a physical experience. Every time I choose God over stuff, I am doing my job on this earth.. I feel that I am spiritually connected to Leah. We live 75m up the road from one another and we share the same house number. When I was walking, wanting to go shopping I thought I should go visit her, I pulled out my phone and it was 6:13 - Mitzvah time. When I was there she told me about a shiur. We agreed I would drive her there... When I got there I was able to go through the garage of the woman who owned the house.. shopping for free!!

In the past year, I've learned to let go of some of my prior goals and objectives and to move forward with an intention to take it easier and to enjoy life. I've learned the hard way what can happen when putting health on the back burner, and I've chosen to listen more to my body and to take care of my physical form so that I can have more "spiritual" experiences.

Reading a book Monster's Ball by Patrick Ness just before my mother passed away. The book allowed me to let her go. Profound expirience.

Only in bed with my wife, she is amazing! It affects me 2 times a week, 3 if I am lucky.

My best "spiritual" practices these days are being present with my child, my partner, my parents, my colleagues and friends. When I feel connected, my spirit feels whole and nourished. It looks like another year of this up-close-hands-on-spirit work in 5775.

Yes

A couple of great experiences this past year. ..after I finished the CFP exam I decided I wanted to paint something. I was blessed to be asked to paint a picture for my uncle's 80th birthday! It turned out great. Also before I turned 40 I wanted to run a marathon. It was one of the hardest most rewarding things I've ever done. I gave up on myself several times during the run but I had so many people waiting for me and cheering for me I couldn't give up. Wendy joined me at 22 miles and finished the run with me. When I crossed the finish line with Jenna running across the bridge yelling mommy you're running so fast, I felt so great. When she said,mommy you won when she saw my medal I felt even better. I told her God gave me angels. Just like God sends angels to hold up our arms when we can't. .. God had my whole family there to cheer me on and push me when I couldn't push myself. It was an amazing experience.

I don't think I have! Isn't that a shame!

I read the book "Zealot" by Reza Aslan and very much changed my outlook on Christianity and Judaism. It is the followers of an individual that establish the belief system surrounding that individual, not the individuals themselves. "Cleansing" an area for God, or as the Twenty First.century calls it "genocide" is a time honored practice in the Middle East.

I visited a beautiful rain forest in Alaska.

To be honest, I don't think I've had any experiences this year that I would describe as spiritual. This probably means that I haven't been doing the things that keep me centered. The value of this question is, therefore, as a wake up call. I need to seek the experiences that make me feel spiritual.

I went to tassajara zen center and it was wonderful to disconnect. I also spent the first 4 days of the calendar year alone in my parents house in santa barbara. These 2 experiences have made me love my alone time - thus, love myself more and more. It has been a huge awakening for me in terms of what I need in relationships - not just how to make other people happy - making me more confidant and fulfilled with my life. I'm better at setting boundaries for myself and staying focused on what I want to accomplish in my life...well, getting there...it's a work in progress.

Well, as have many of my other answers, this one is based on the death of my mother and father this past year. I had an epiphany of sorts after my mother's death, and that was to embrace my family as much as possible, and I don't mean my immediate family (husband and daughters), but my siblings, my husband's sister, their spouses, and all of our nieces and nephews. I feel as if I haven't been as good an aunt as I could be to them, so I want to reach out more. Today we took a nephew out to lunch; he goes to school an hour away from us, and I hadn't seen him at all during the past school year. It was so enjoyable today that I am determined to make it happen again, more than just once. So I don't know if this qualifies as a "spiritual" experience, but it's the closest I've come to it.

I have experienced a "oneness" with the band of brothers at CityGate Ministries. We seem to be getting beyond social barriers. I believe this is a positive spiritual experience that will help me to feel more integrated with my fellow man. I believe I have developed some ability to express myself in writing, which has helped me to look into myself with more clarity and depth. I believe my true calling may be in writing. I have also redeveloped a deep curiosity, and I find myself in a persistent quest for knowledge. Gaining greater understanding gives me the greatest pleasure

I've felt really broken after so much of my life fell apart. Turning inward and seeking out ritual and even self-help books gave me some comfort. I think I've sought out some kind of immediate spiritual healing or fix. The problem is I don't think it is out there. Just like an explanation for why and how things fell apart. Time and distance seem to be helping, though I still cry most days. Perhaps the opening of my emotions is my spiritual experience.

Last year was a hard year but on each step of the journey I had all I needed: a positive attitude when I should have been miserable, visits from friends during my darkest miserable moments, small parties when I was at the end of my boredom.... Not profound spiritual awakenings but enough to remind me I want alone.

I began meditating this year. An amaring resource of peace and resource.

When I was in Hawaii in February I was near a spot considered sacred to native Hawaiians when the anger and frustration I had felt toward my partner seemed to fade, I saw him clearly and felt great compassion toward him. I later learned that the spot had been a place of healing and forgiveness. A few weeks later I watched my mother die. All the energy just left the room. She was gone. I had hoped to feel her presence in the days since but I am left with the feeling that this brief time we have on earth is a time meant for us to find our way as compassionately towards ourselves and others as is possible. There is no afterlife.

I've been blessed to have quite a few spiritual experiences this past year. One that sticks out is standing on the rooftop of the Austrian hospice in the old city, breathing in deeply as the sun set and listening to the call of prayer ruminate all around me, 360 degrees. Walking alone in the streets of Venice, after I worked up the courage to go at it alone. Leaving notes for my grandma in mystery novels around the world- those were perhaps my most spiritual moments. In those times I could simply breathe deeply and know that I would be alright after all.

I teach a course called The Twelve Conditions Of A Miracle .. I taught at least 5 sessions of it this past year, including some pretty advanced work. I believe this has connected me spiritually in leaps and bounds. Of course, hand in hand with enlightenment practices comes the darkness and pain that gets dredged up as a result. Going through my broken arm as my daughter individuated .. allowing that deep, emotional, spiritual pain and moving through it .. was where the real experience was. Deeply profound. It prepared me for the passing of my mother and the phase I am in right now of claiming my very own sovereignty .. and succeeding : )

I had texted while driving over the summer, looked up just in time to avoid the car in front of me on the highway. It is hard to see that as anything other than a sign that it was not my time, but could be next time. I almost felt myself in the next world, since I came so close. What would such a stupid decision have done to my family? Well, never again.

When my boyfriend of 5 years dumped me, which I'm afraid to say is a big event that seems to have taken over my answers to these questions, I felt awful. The weekend afterwards, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went to a church i didn't know, although I had attended it as a child, one Saturday night by myself. I sat at the back, and cried through the entire thing. I'm not quite sure if I was crying because I was desperate for guidance and help, or if I was crying because I just knew that help was there if I needed it. Either way, sitting in that church affected me more than I expected it to, and I have only been once since, which is bad. I'm going to rome this week so hope to go to mass there. That was definitely my biggest spiritual experience this year, as basic as it sounds.

I realize that my relationship with my parents is not as close as I wasn't my relationship with my kids to be when they grow up. I hear people talk about how they speak on the phone to their parents daily, I speak with mine less than once a month. I rarely ever call them just to check in on them. I am starting to realize that if I wasn't us to be closer I need to be the one that initiate that relationship. I don't want someone to pass away and then I wish that I was closer to them when they were alive.

Ayahusaca ceremony in Peru was pretty surreal. Going to the jungle to meet the shaman Jose and his mother. Spending a sleepless night in their home, experiencing visions of deceased loved ones, my family. Beautiful singing all through the night. The words "just let yourself go" repeated over and over. I felt close to the shaman and the Australian man who accompanied me on this journey. It made me feel connected to my roots and to my loved ones. It gave me a "mantra" to let myself go with the flow - something I do need to work on. Grateful that I had the opportunity and that I actively sought it out and made it happen.

I have had such a tumultuous year. I have often felt like nothing is under my control. This has definitely been a year that has underscored the fact that as much as we plan, as much as we envision the way that our lives will work out, it only takes one trip to the doctor, one conversation in the kitchen, one meeting at work to change the path that we previously had been traveling. It's not like I have lived this long without facing disappointment or disruption to my life plan before. I have definitely faced many, many upheavals in my life. Deaths, breakups, major depressions, work failures.... But I have never had so many happen together in such a short period of time. My spiritual experience out of all of this is the deepening belief that when I feel like I have no control (which I in fact, I don't), I have to rely on God. And so far, He hasn't let me down. I have survived every twist that has come my way, despite any doubts that I might have had about my own strength. And God has brought people into my life that have been critical to my healing and my ability to make it through difficult times, offering love and support. I am no one special, but I have special people for friends. They have special talents and gifts and they have shared them with me. I believe that is God's work in action.

I've come to terms with my own spirituality, how I feel about religion, and how I talk about it. As long as I'm comfortable with it, that's all that matters.

Coming out as genderqueer to one of my close friends at a gaming convention where we volunteered for a growing, inclusive independent RPG organization was maybe as close to spiritual as I get. It felt like a huge release and a great big step forward.

The naming ceremony for my daughter was pretty spiritual. We named her for my grandmother who passed away a year and a half ago. I was really close to her and so it was so important to me that her legacy be carried on in my daughter. My grandmother was far from perfect, I'm sure she would be the first to tell you that, but her love was stronger than most people's and she cared for me as unconditionally as could be imagined. Hearing her name given to my daughter was the only way I knew how to honor her.

Yes. I have a spiritual experience every time I'm outdoors, alone. I remember the first time I saw the dust cloud of the Milky Way. It was....amazing. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. I decided to lay back and just stare. Just me, the stars, mountain and trees. I felt so connected. I still do. I get that feeling when I'm out alone in the desert during a full moon. I feel beautiful and connected to everything.

Ha - probably the most spiritual experience I've had is this past Friday night, when I was at Kabbalat Shabbat to read the announcements, and I got so into the service that I forgot what I was there for & had to be reminded. I'm simultaneously sad that I've gone a whole year without being involved in - without allowing myself to be pulled into - a worship experience and warm/smily/in a comforted place when I think about that service. Oh - I did also light the candles & say the Almighty G-d prayer, despite Rabbi F. (a different service - a couple of months ago). It was so nice to share part of our lives with the congregation. Especially a prayer that means so much to me. And no - I haven't looked around enough even to feel in touch with G-d when I'm hiking. It's not been a spiritual year for me. May 5775 be a good year for my soul.

I have had negative spiritual experiences. After my father passed away two more meaningful men in my life also passed away. I tried to find the spiritual in life, as my dad would have wanted, but it was difficult after these two additional deaths.

This year we have continued our spiritual growth by deepening our involvement with St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. We attend services weekly and volunteer our time to many of the church's misteries. We participated in a 5 month catechumenent process and we read the Bible and devotionals daily. Most important we try to envision what it would be to live a life so that others can see Christmas through our lives. While we often fall short in this last item there is value in trying.

Nothing in particular. Kinda numbed by some of the heavy stuff...

No, I don't think so. I don't quantify experiences in this way. Good things happen sometimes, but I don't feel as though any one thing stands out (either this year, or in my life overall) that I'd think was profoundly influential except for a couple times with LSD when I was younger, but I don't really think that counts.

In July I spent a week at an artist's retreat center. I was so touched to spend "studio time"... eight afternoon hours with two other women. We created sacred space for each other. We didn't talk much, an occasional comment here and there. But we held space and did a lot of grief work. And we loved each other! I also had the joy of stating with confidence before week's end that "I am an artist!" Ah!

I've talked about spirituality more than ever, and in that it seems to have become a more elusive experience. That's weird.

I am not a religious person. I don't often think of spiritual experiences but I had a number of epiphanies this past year. The strongest in my memories is the recent one to move my family to DC. I realized that my unhappiness at my job and my desire to find a new job should take place in an area I want to stay, like DC, instead of continue to stay in RI where I am not happy and the job market is so poor. Since this happened I have been driven to get a job in DC and have decided to move my family to DC by the years end. I have only been so focused on a goal a few times in my life and I love this feeling. I hope I can maintain it. I hope can achieve my goal. I can't wait to see where our family is in a year. I am confident we will be in DC. I hope all is going well.

This is a big question. It's been a bit of an anti-spiritual year for me. I have been in very "spiritual" environments (charismatic Christian events like JesusCulture, GodChicks, Vintage Church) and felt extremely uncomfortable. That whatever I was witnessing was nothing more than old tricks with good marketing. As silly as it may sound, adopting a kitten has been spiritual for me. Having another soul in my home, something that I love unconditionally, has affirmed that I'm capable of pouring my heart into anyone who is willing to stick around in my life. Having her and caring for her has been one of the most "adult" things I've experienced in a long time.

It's very difficult to think of any. The closest may just be reading a book by Richard Dawkins proving that god does not exist. What was most revealing about the book was the claim that religion may not be the most peaceable and only way humans can get spiritual. He notes that religion has been at the root of much strife and suffering through out the ages. He also builds a case that humans can be moral and spiritual without religion. All seem quite palatable to me.

there's nothing I can really point to. I'm certainly not a religious person but I do like to think i'm somewhat introspective and spiritual. This year feels very transitional to me. I feel like I;m waiting for something to happen. I don't know what that something will be or whether that something is going to be good or bad but I'm waiting.

I often question, if I understand the word 'spiritual'.

I'm not a spiritual person

Not as much as last time - but I am so in tune with things outside of this world now. I keep it hidden cause I don't want to be labelled a freak...but it's so obvious of the beings/spirits that are around people and how people allow them to influence their lives.

Going camping and looking up at the stars, so many, sky so big, I felt so small, and wanted to remember the awe and the insignificance. Spending time with Megs as she worked on her dissertation - conversation was not necessary just being present required

I'm continuing with yoga, enjoying its long history of meditative health and body wellness. Feeling good these days. Haven't adopted the celestial language like other attendees; I'll always maintain a scientific filter that requires verifiable results for anything resembling magic. Show me concrete proof and I'm sold. But sometimes it's okay to suspend my disbelief for a little while, and just have fun. This is what I'm doing.

I think lying in the hot tub and then on mattresses out on the deck in the Berkshires with all three girls watching shooting stars was pretty magical. I don't know if magical is the same as spiritual but it filled me with an intense happiness, a moment I was able to stop and note and feel so grateful for. Is intense happiness spiritual? I think the ability to pause and note that it is a special moment may be what feels the most spiritual.

Walking Kevin through the portal of death. I am struggling to believe in an afterlife at the same time that my belief in god has been sorelyb tested. I am very angry at the universe for allowing him to get cancer and die. Yet at the same time I now have a deep need to believe in an afterlife. I am less sure of everything.

Watching the the snow/ice falling on day 2 of a 3 day storm. The beauty and the danger of it was very moving.

My initial response was no -- but then I realized that I experienced how precious life is. Each day gives me so many opportunities to let people know how much they mean to me -- I have grabbed onto that and see myself more open with others and more honest with myself. I suppose these are spiritual experiences - the understanding of the fragility of life and how each day is precious. This is even more during this week between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, as intense caregiving is now happening for my mother in law.

Over the course of the past thirteen months, I have achieved a state of calm at my core. Much of my previously "normal" anxiety left me and, of what remained, I'm letting go of more all the time. What this is due to -- age? meds? -- I don't know. But I've achieved a state like I can't remember having before -- certainly not for decades.

I experienced a multitude of miracles while being homeless in 5774. It was a year of survival. My circumstances seemed to be divinely orchestrated and as I enter into a new life in 5775, I feel as if I have landed in a place that is greater than I could have even imagined.

I decided to be more of a "yes" person. Because of that, I went to a friends wedding in Thailand. By myself. For over a month. I met some of the most incredible people over there and had the most amazing time/experience.

Certainly. Just an overall spiritual awakening. I will always remember when Ron mentioned to me "If mater can not be created of destroyed, energy cannot be created or destroyed, then why does that not apply to the spiritual world?" And it really made me question the existence of a spiritual world. I'm still insure what exactly it means, but I do know that I'm much more open to it than previously. And I'm much more self aware in what I do. I listen to my heart now. And that's really powerful.

Yes - I've started to think of life in a far deeper way than I ever have prior to this year. Living in Africa last year was the catalyst, and coming home to a world of often superficial people. I've been thinking about the connectedness with us all, and my place in the world. Do we all have a place? Will we all find it? How do we deal with people who don't fit in to our ideologies? I've become very attune to my own self, after a lot of self reflection. Therefore, I've found that I am much better at creating relationships with people I wouldn't normally get along with. I know now how my words and actions impact me, and others - and can feel others reacting to my actions. Trying to understand everyone and embrace our differences, has become quite important to me. We're all just trying to find our place in the world, we don't need haters.

I don't think of myself as a very spiritual person, even though I am quite religious in my own quirky way. But I do have moments of transcendence when I am either listening to or performing music. Singing certain songs gets me choked up every single time.

I guess if there's something that I've found spiritual, it was traveling up and down the Pacific Ocean, experiencing Oregon and Washington in my most recent driving trip. This year's severe drought has effected so many things. It's impossible not to be out in nature and not see its ravaging effects out there. Trail running through lake beds previously un-fordable. Dried up creeks merely a trickle of what they used to be. Deer, animals, mountain lions, this year they've been spotted closer and closer to civilization and trailheads, as lack of water and the plants that live off of it, makes the animals travel farther outland and more desperate to find what they need. In its absence, the lack of water has been showing how painfully much ALL life depends on its supply for survival. From the immense greenery of Oregon and Washington, their majestic snow-ridden peaks, their grassy green fields, raving rivers, and their plentiful fruit crops, to all the dead grass and shrubbery here in CA. How the fruit prices have risen with CA-driven produce (ie: cutie oranges) dying before harvest. Walking under the huge 1,000+ year old redwood trees in Humboldt National Redwoods Forest, how these majestic trees all feed and depend on the now dried up creeks, and how this effects not only the trees themselves, but all the wildlife and foliage that ONLY live through the shade and shelter these trees' canopies provide. It is this feeling of smallness, personal responsibility, and continual proof to my eyes that it is not just us that are suffering. I see and feel an appreciation of the wilderness and nature, and how wasteful human impact and harvesting has made things worse. The overfishing of salmon, who swim down from Alaska and spawn in the WA-Oregon-CA border down the Pacific Ocean in order to spawn. How new fishing limitations now levied from Alaska all the way down to California in order to help the fish repopulate, has effected fishing communities whose livelihood had up until now, depended on the salmon season across all over the western coastal U.S.. These are working class people of minimal means, dependent on a food source that is now suffering the weight of our careless decisions before. I noticed the only banks up the coast tended to be credit unions (non-profit, partially grant funded). How much grant money and written-off loans were and are being done, to help these people weather these economic changes? If not for them, how much worse would the people be? Nature and its resources are not limitness. How will our country and people continue to have to adapt and change as these resources run out? Any preservation measures will take years, if not decades. There was also the awareness of the cycle of life and the life of the earth. Such a significant portion of our farmland, like some of San Bernardino county (?), is actually in desert where we've forced Mother Nature to convert (via tons of water) into farmable land. As the drought worsens and groundwater becomes more and more scarce, is this use of the land really sustainable? Are we reaching a point in the next decade where we are just trying too hard to make something into something else, when we should just throw in the towel? As the cost will only keep on rising higher and the utility more questionable? Are we delaying the inevitable? And how will our economy be able to adapt to these changes? Having the two-week long car camping trip where I was able to travel and trail run/hike all up and down CA, OR and WA has given me a different view of the Earth and my feeling of awe/responsibility towards the preservation of it. As a small part in the huge role of nature and the veg/insect/animal world, how can I, as a sole human being, respect our land and resources, both in its use and maintenance? My life is just as dependent upon it as any other animal is. Am I doing the right things? Are I doing enough? What really works? How can "I" help "it"?

Spiritual to me is just a general state of being. I stopped going to church a long time ago (still attend for some celebrations - basically the sacraments) but feel being out in nature is where I feel most spiritually connected. Over the last year I may have lost that connection, life gets in the way, time, work family, friends all important have kept me grounded, but it's long overdue that I find that space in nature and regain that balance. It's time for a trip to my favourite spot for some inner peace.

We saw Tower of Power at the Sausalito Arts Festival. My husband got us, two young adult children and two visiting young adults who were staying with us at the time, excited about it since he remembered them from when he was growing up in Oakland. He played us some of their records here at home before the concert. It had been a long time since I saw him so excited about anything! And the concert was phenomenal. So much energy in the band, so much good will and mutual affection between the band members some of whom go back many, many years. The new lead singer fit in with them ideally. Great entertainer and the physical presence and then the voice ... I felt transported. Walked on air for hours after that!

Getting and being pregnant has been incredibly spiritual for me. I've taken "self-care" to a whole new level, now that there's something (someone) else to take care of within me. I re-discovered yoga (through prenatal yoga) after having "fallen off the yoga wagon" for the last couple of years. I've noticed my mood improve tremendously. I don't fight as much with my hubby (though I think he's also shifted some, since I got pregnant). I've gotten incredibly passionate about my pregnancy and birth experience. I consider the birth an opportunity to be a goddess warrior woman, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds... not to mention motherhood.

Yes. As I continue to develop my capacity to open myself to, for and with my students (and others), I feel more fully connected spiritually with them and the world.

My mom had heart surgery and I keep much closer touch with her since. I realize it's for me as much as for her. I need something spiritual in my life.

I am an Atheist so spirituality for me is very much about the natural environment and my experience of it. I am trying hard to develop mindfulness practice and I where I find this easiest is when I'm going for a run or walk along the river or near the beach. This is when I am able to use my FEED (Focus, Effort, Effortless, Determination) acronym to help me practice mindfulness. It is an ongoing journey for me not to let me mind get into closed loops which only make my problems seem worse! I find that when I practice FEED, especially while out in the natural environment it makes a huge difference to my peace of mind. I look forward to increasing this practice in the coming year.

By taking a personality test, I have learned to communicate with my partner. We have become more connected and it has made it easier to talk and to share my thoughts. It has made for a much better way of life both mentally as well as emotionally.

God has shown up on several occassions. Often I have not recognized his presence till after the event. These events might take the form of acting on an impulse to call a friend or family member, only to learn that they were going through a rough patch. I think he showed his grace in moving our little community in Lyons to galvanize around and support each other after the Flood. I heard his name spoken many times.

For the past several years I have been in a debate with myself about the need for spirituality in my life. It is not something I have taken particular joy from ever, but that does not mean that it could not become a missing puzzle piece if given the right chance. I've thought of at least reading up on Eastern religions, for the wholism and the peace that they seem to espouse. Mediation is also something I have begun to consider as a potentially important piece in my life, primarily because I see myself having trouble with mindfulness.

Prob'ly not, other than knowing to be careful what I ask for, and to turn things over to God. Pretty much rvery day is a good day to be spiritual.

I feel spirtualty with my positive outlook on my health and my life. I have faith that I am well!

Attending an If tar in the Synagogue event sponsored by the Jewish Muslim Community Building Imitative which is a project of Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA) JCUA which was founded 50 years ago in Chicago is the oldest group to engage in progressive change for all groups. It's mission is to end poverty racism and Anti-Semitism and to address these issues from a distinctly Jewish perspective..

I've been thinking about my spirituality a lot lately. I feel like it has been fading from my life this year, and I miss it. I wish I could find a faith community that felt more fulfilling. I also wish I took the time on my own for more prayer. I know that prayer will help me be more reflective, more grateful, and a better person for those I love.

This whole year has been a year of reconnecting with God. Oddly enough, even though I was a pastor for the last ten years, this year I feel closer to God than I have in a while. Partly it's because there have been life changes that I think forced me to rely on God like I have not done in the past few years and partly because of a conscious, intentional effort on my part.

I had a bar-mitzvah, so it made me feel more like an adult.

Meditations with Depak have improved my outlook.

Seeing my then-10 year old cuddle a little, blind diabetic dog named Van at the animal shelter where we volunteered. He lay down with him and took a nap. I've still got a wonderful photo of that.

For my birthday this year, my sister gave me a journal to document how I came to live in Australia. I thought about it off and on for a few months. Eventually I came to the conclusion that, yes, someday my children will want to know their mother's story. I'm writing it for them now. I'm writing it for me too.

I was walking out of a store and saw a homeless man. I handed him the spare change in my hand and walked away. He held it for a second, paused and then said "Thank-you" as I walked away. I went into another store and when I came out the man was still there and as I passed him he nodded and said "Hello Shayde" as I walked by. I hadn't said a word to him and out of nowhere, he knew my name. I was speechless and stunned, but grateful because it reminded me that there is always elusive magic and connection in the air.

I felt the energy from my children's hearts when I hold them. It is a calming sort of feeling that I feel in my own heart. I also had a wonderful memory during meditation of believing that Jesus was actually living in my heart from when I was a little girl. It brought me to tears, it was so beautiful. This reminded me that God shows his love to us in so many ways, and that it is often better to just go with what you feel rather than rationalizing it. I also realize how privileged I am to have had such a wonderful spiritual formation and encouragement to believe that we are all children of God.

Walking through Joshua Tree National Park with My family as the sunset moved me in ways I hadn't expected. It was so massive and strange, stunning and strange. Being in someplace so beautiful and geological that my dad never had a chance to explore made me weepy. It was a sense of continuity more than loss, passing his curiosity and appreciation to our kids. I felt at peace and connected to him yet also an urgent need to be present and not put things off.

When difficult and scary events occurred I often reached out to my deceased mother asking for her help. After doing so, I felt a bit more at peace. I have done this over the years and do believe that she can hear me. Whether she has providence over these difficult and scary matters, I cannot be absolutely sure, but the fact that I feel that I can reach out to her does bring me some reassurances.

Singing, chanting and nature always feel spiritual, especially in a group. I love Friday nights at BJ and Romemu and my yearly retreats in Costa Rica with deva Premal, Miten and Manose are transformative.

I was strolling 6th Ave. in New York and saw the "Mitzvah Tank" across the street. I went across the street to investigate and take a picture or two. I was invited in and took part in a tefillah ceremony. Not only was the ceremony spiritual but the serendipity of finding the van so far from home with no intention was remarkable.

Yes. I was in a store conversing with a friend and said, "anything that can be has already been" and from behind me heard "there will be nothing new under the sun". I turned around and met the eyes of the catholic priest who responded. We smiled at each other. It was spiritual beyond belief.

This year I haven't been very spiritual. Sometimes I feel like I'm in the place G-d wants me to be in, and that's comforting. But then there are other times I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. I wonder if I'm too Jewish. I wonder if I'm not Jewish enough.

I had knee surgery last May and I was taking some powerful painkillers and they caused bizarre daytime hallucinations. But the best thing I did was start serving as a volunteer chaplain at the local state hospital. Having the opportunity to serve those double marginalized people has been a blessing.

Yes. This last summer, my partner and I had a chance to visit London. London is rich with artistic and natural beauty. The beauty of man-made art or a tree in Oxford that was planted during the English Civil War. It was quite humbling to witness.

This past year I spent alot of time with Anna & the nuns from the Jordanville monestary & Julie & St Mary's in Cooperstown. Funny since I am a Sephardic Jew & a lot of Buddhist at heart. I realize I don't pray enough, I don't meditate enough, I have lost myself in the chaos of the multiple losses I have experienced in the past 5 years. I was at church in the monestary last Christmas & even though the mass was in Russian it brought tears to my eyes because I realize one can connect with God anywhere & in the precepts of any religeon. The other week St Mary's had mass at Glimmerglass & they blew a Shofar in acknowledgement of Rosh Hashona & I started to cry. I miss mom & dad so much.

This has been a hard year on me. I've experienced a lot of death. Normally I'd say that it would turn me spiritual but this year it rather deadend me so no this wasn't a spiritual year for me

I feel as if I should have lots to say here, but I guess the thing that strikes me most is my opening to my life, day by day, in a more accepting, compassionate, honest way as I age. It feels right to not worry so much about others' experience of me and to try to do my best to stay present and true as much as I can. I do feel more connected to my core self and open to others when I am able to do this.

My spiritual experience has been the joy, healing and wholeness that Yoga has brought me. My lovely partner has turned me on to yoga and it has saved me since injuring my shoulder and not being able to swim. Yoga and swimming have that breathing and flexibility that give me peace. A sense of spiritualness. The opposite of that is a good and close friend I work with that has exercised his religious right wing, fox news position, in a lot of matters. Though he is a close friend and we are able to share our disagreements civily, he has given me a very bad view of the religious right. He has truly shown me that everything is black and white. There is always right and wrong. No room for inquiry, questioning, acceptance and redemption. Because if you are poor, gay, democrat, or non christian faith,......you are wrong and likely will to go to hell. It has turned me further from religion, any religion at all, the most my life.

The most recent was traveling to Sedona and be able to hike those rocks. It is sam asking how much more in synch with nature I was. I feel like I was part of the universe, enjoying how beautiful this planet is and how small we are. That life is bigger than the small daily problems we have. I should be more in contact with nature!

artistically and culturally i attended the reno youth symphony performance (both granddaughters were involved) and it is almost overwhelming to listen to such grand music emanating from youngsters...

I have a renewed scene of Gods faithfulness to me! My Beth Moore study was very enriching!

I don't think so. Other than some little deja vu moments

Not in the way that I'm used to. I've been seeking a personal spiritual experience, like I used to have, but what really stuck out this year is my spiritual connection to Christine - the time in DC, holding hands and exchanging energy back-and-forth, the sex..oh, the sex! The connection, the feeling of her body as my own, it's pretty damn amazing. Then all the times, where even over cam, over text, separate from contact even, I can feel her. It first happened at burning Man last year, where I closed my eyes during the morning and felt an overwashing love of amazingment, body tingling, feeling her presence... My spiritual connection this year, has been focused around Chrstine, and I love her so much for giving me that taste of spiritual-connection, not just to the internal divine, but to another person, that I'm completely in love with.

I've been crying a lot this year. My thoughts have been with those good souls that have left me for other places or planes. The smallest things will call to mind my brother who died at age 12 fifty years ago and my best friend who passed shortly after I married. Both mine and my wife's parents speak to me from beyond now with sweet clear love. The magic of all their memories give me sweet monstrous strength to be a better man. I love them all and they live still in me.

My only spiritual experiences this year have been outside on our farm. Being there makes me feel completely at peace, but more than that I feel complete in general when I am there. Its as if the things of man are far away from that place despite the fact that a short drive will take you to civilization. If there were a specific place that the higher power might choose to remain I feel like my hollar may be one of those places.

Poems & giving up alcohol & my comtinued journey into motherhood. It's felt quite spiritual. I am feeling that strange paradox of filled & empty, and happy to be that way.

Being there in my mom's final days and moments was a particularly spiritual experience. Hearing her say, "I need to go home" and knowing she waited to hear my dad tell her it's okay to go shortly before she passes....it was a profound and beautiful experience to witness. As difficult as the process was, I would not have been anywhere else.

My most profound moments come when I'm singing my children to sleep. The joy, love, pain, happiness and sadness overcome me. There is nothing more pure than to hold a child and have them utterly surrender to being held in a safe embrace. And knowing how wonderful and difficult living on earth can be and how blessed I am to be standing and experiencing what I am at that moment.

No. When did I become so boring?

I have felt kind of spiritual about the substitute teaching I have done. It's been pleasant and uplifting. I've felt welcomed in the schools where I've gone and in general the experience has been spiritually uplifting. Of course it's too soon to really figure this out with losing Louie, our dog, but the whole experience of it, as painful as it has been, has had a profound spiritual effect on me. I am constantly thinking about him at this point, reminded of what he did and what he was like. It seems that he was so much part of our lives and enriched us in so many ways. Hard to believe!

This year I've been examining what fills my spiritual tank. I've found that music fills my spiritual tank. Music makes me feel close to God. Music brings joy and pleasure. The amazing thing about music is how it can transport you to a place in time that you hadn't visited in quite some time, but it makes it feel like yesterday. The proper song comes on the radio and you can immediately feel what you were feeling, smell what you were smelling, and see what you were seeing when you first heard that song. This year we got to see a very dear old friend. We had spent a lot of time together and we had a fabulous visit. We surprised him and it was so cool because it was exactly what he needed that day. God knew that he needed a boost from us and we sent it his way! Hooray!

I certainly didn't have enough of them this year, but the closest to it would be during my time in Cleveland MS. We were doing house visits, where we visited the houses of our students. I had the honor of meeting one of my student's grandmothers. She herself was a teacher, and you could tell with how much she valued education for her grandson. She was one of the most stern and harsh caretakers I had ever seen, but you could tell she did it all out of love for her grandson. To borrow a phrase from Teach for America, she was the epitome of a "no nonsense nurturer." Her son was far and away the best student in class. And we tried to tell her this several times. But for her, that was just the baseline. Like, her grandson, needs to at least be the most well-behaved student in class. She pressed us for more details about his behavior in class. I reluctantly admitted that he occasionally gets distracted in class by his fellow students. She went off on him. She called his name from the living room, "JUNIOR!" He came into the room, and she proceeded to give him one of the most powerful, harsh, and empowering speeches I have ever heard. I nearly broke out crying in the middle of it, because as she told her grandson all the reasons why you ought to focus on your own learning at all costed, be disciplined and focused %100 of the time and not be influenced by others, I felt like she was speaking to me, like, directly at me. I had chills all over. When we'd first pulled up to the house, it was in rough shape: it was a tiny house in the poorest part of town, the foundations were crumbling and there was a pile of bicycles, swings, and children's toys stuffed into the screened-in porch. Inside, the floor was slanted and lumpy. The house's structure closer resembled a fun-house of a Tim Burton flick than someone's home. But despite all that, despite her poverty, despite the fact that she lived in crumbling mini-house, despite the fact that she was supporting well over five children, and despite the fact that she teaches in the most under-performing state in the union, she was one of the most inspiring people that I'd met. We only talked for an hour, but I'll never forget her. Her will to live and persist was remarkable, and she's stronger that I'll ever be. I know that. I am a white, upper-middle class, privileged male from the suburbs of Colorado and I have exceedingly little faith in myself, and I am consistently pessimistic. Meeting her was a wake up call.

Sadly, for the first time in my life, I had to dig deep to go back and think if I did. I did not have moments to myself as I used to to reflect, contemplate or wonder.

A year and a half ago my wife of 18 years left me for another man. Honestly, it's been one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I've looked very hard at myself and the responsibilities that I bear for what led up to her making this choice. God has drawn me closer to Him and I'm beginning to see the beauty that is rising from the ashes. Over just the last few weeks, I've really tried to focus my prayers and my thoughts on forgiving her. Not because it will mean anything to her, but because it will make the difference in my life between being a bitter, angry man and being able to truly move forward... having learned what I needed to learn through this experience and making the second half of my life even better than the first. We do not want joy and anger to neutralize each other and produce a surly contentment; we want a fiercer delight and a fiercer discontent. G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

I have a few moments every year, when I am with my friends, and always when I spend a lot of time at temple, when I consider what being Jewish means to me. at the moment (which I bet I will find amusing in the next year) I feel it's very important to me to Raise children with a strong sense of judaism in their lives. I've also been thinking about wearing my kippah at least on shabbats, but I also don't know whether it would make me actually feel closer to god or not. It would definitely mean I have to set an example for all Jews (or what people think of Jews) in society. I would also like to write a few jewish songs for synagogue, since I have started being the assistant music teacher in religious school, and maybe lead/help lead some kids services.

Spiritual or transcendant, I have found that after we screened in our deck and can now sit outside at night and actually feel the peacefulness of nature at night. I can listen to the peepers, the crickets. At times it seems so loud it could be deafening. I take a real peace from this time. It is a place I can go for solitude.

I was really struggling with whether or not I believed God exists. More with how other in my family would take that. It doesn't matter - I've decided to continue in faith that he does exist.

Earlier this year I came to realize how much I love my children and how much it hurts when I can't get them to spend time with me.

This past year has been one long spiritual experience. Last Yom Kippur, when I was in schul with my husband, I felt incredibly moved. Especially when singing the attributes of mercy and the Viddui, I felt moved and connected. That moment and those feelings were at the root of my decision to convert (which I did not decide until last May). Since May, I have been slowly trying to include more Jewish practices in my day-to-day life. While my Jewish education started the day that I met my husband, it had generally been theoretical, philosophical, or historical and very, very rarely about the practice of Judaism. So, I have learned and found new questions to ask, not only in discussing the "hows" of practices, but also in what the practices mean.

During the Rosh Hashanah services, during Avinu Malkeinu and Aleinu, I deeply feel the loss of my parents and sister. I have these moments of pure emotion that comes over me each year. I am not expecting it to happen and then - wham, it hits me and I involuntarily shed tears. I cannot explain the depth of emotion that follows. Nor can I stop the tears. But I feel the presence of my departed loved ones.

Honestly I have not really had any spiritual experiences. I still have the pray to god for help when in need and thank him for when things go right. I still feel that religion is definitely gonna be something when I get older. But as of right now I really don't see it happening right now. I still believe in god. I just don't go to church or worship. You know like read my bible and act accordingly..

You know, it sounds odd, but probably the most spiritual experience I had this year was in the aftermath of the miscarriage. Those two days I was so zen, so at peace. I had labored and delivered a daughter who had no chance at life, and I'd held her shell in my hand, and I was left feeling very much a part of the ebb and flow. I wish that feeling could have lasted.

When I have time, meditate for long periods. One such time I felt hands folding into my hands so I looked and saw Jesus, Buddah, and other god and goddesses joining me in a meditation circle, another such time it was friends from all over. I felt so protected, supported, and loved

While I wish I had been, nothing comes to mind. Perhaps the closest thing was genuinely feelings as if I have a guardian angel looking out for me since I'm so lucky at work. ELDP was incredible. Getting promoted was incredible. Work is hard but incredible. I'm just so lucky.

The understanding that all the emotions and drama we feel in life are all just energy, and if we stay present to what the energy is -- and just allow it to move through us without us trying to constrict or expand it -- will make us much more peaceful and present in our lives as they actually are.

I haven't had any particularly spiritual experiences this year and I have been longing for some. I started a God journal to help me explore my spirituality but I have not been consistent in writing in it. I was at an art show recently and saw a piece of art that included the text: "the Contemplative... a dear friend taught me to sit quietly at the beginning of each day - listen to my soul; listen for the wisdom, my higher power - the creator; this simple practice which initially took some discipline became my daily grounding and led me to transform, to open my heart." Maybe slowing down and taking time to listen consistently is a place to start.

I have had three Spiritual "ah has" this year. One was when I realized that my fights with my daughter were because I was clinging to her as a child. My "help" was because I didn't get that she needs to take more autonomy, to be the author of her life. I hadn't recognized her growing up. The next was around my own aging, menopause and looking at maybe 40 more years--I have passed the mid point. I probably won't live to 110! Finally I made peace with failed romances. I started opening myself to dating and hope to find a partnership for the next chapters of my life.

yes - I felt very moved by some Mary Oliver poems. I also felt very connected to a lot of music from camp and honestly, just the radio. Sometimes, I think, when my heart feels like it needs help beating, music takes over for a while and keeps my blood pumping.

I was flying to DC, and right before the flight took off, I was saying the shema in my head, eyes closed. When I opened my eyes, I noticed the man across the aisle crossing himself, and the man next to me closed his eyes for a moment, too. In that moment, we were all spiritually connected, despite our very different backgrounds.

I've rediscovered my spiritual self recently. I boxed myself into organized religion, thinking it could give me the structure I desired and a path to follow. I was lost, and just wanted someone to tell me what to do! I'm slowly rediscovering what is important to me, and what I believe.

We had a Brazilian Pastor come to our house to pick something up. He is a friend of a friend. She told him that I have a autistic son and he insisted that we all hold hands,including my son and he will lead us in prayer. I have never seen anything like this , He got loud and very emotional. It was very moving.

I started writing a book about mindfulness for young adults. I feel spiritually drawn to help this group. Turning 50 caused a lot of reflection. I feel grateful for the adventure of my life.

Recently, friends and aquaintances have either been diagnosed with cancer or died. Just this evening, Sharon and I wrote an email to a friend we have both known for 20 years. She is choosing to let go after having another stroke and many years of deteriorating health. I honor her for choosing to do what seems so natural to do. Our message was simple...speaking of the love and respect we have for her and our friendship. There is saddness, and yet gratitude, to say our good-byes while she is still here. There is deep joy and appreciation in that.

I'm continuing to teach religious school on Sunday mornings (for now) and the most spiritual part of my week is the 25 minutes of tefillah at the beginning. Singing with the kids and saying the prayers is so uplifting. Today I was practically moved to tears as they were singing Kehillah Kedoshah. We're setting foundations for lifelong Judaism in these precious minutes and I love it.

I haven't had any spiritual experiences per se. I have had many moments of reflection. I should be doing more to help those around me; my job is selling things to other people over the Internet, essentially, for a large corporation. I need to do more to help others and give back what has been given to me.

When I and my girls were at the memorial service for my ex husband..Fr. P. played a song in memory of Mike. Frank chose "You'll Be in My Heart" . He could not have known that was the song we sang my younger daughter everyday when she was a baby. Only G-d's Divine Spirit could have revealed that to him! It was so moving and humbling

Running my first 10k was a very rewarding experience. It didn't feel necessarily "spiritual" at the time, but reflecting on how lucky I am to be capable of running that length and still feeling whole and healthy is definitely something that makes me feel empowered and connected to the larger universe that allowed me to do that.

I would say arriving at Escuelita Zapatista was the most spiritual. When we got off the bus after an 8 or 9 hour trip crammed in and so excited to be there but so uncertain of what was to come and then the path was lined with zapatistas in their pasamontanas chanting "la gente unida jamas sera vencida" their fists their fists into the air, and then singing the zapatista national anthem--it sent shivers through. I can't even imagine how hard they have worked to create the kind of world they want to live in--to reject and stand up to capitalism, nepotism, greed, corruption, violence, political pressure--to not give up no matter how hard it is, is so inspiring. I truly felt like anything was possible. I also saw that the price of creating this much-desired world was to give up some personal freedoms for the "good" of the collective, which was uncomfortable and confusing and didn't always seem good to me. I suppose I feel free, but am really trapped by capitalism that is so entrenched in me and everyone else that we spend away our savings on things we don't need. I suppose we are all free in some ways and trapped in others and it depends what is most important to us.

Yeah, i started to heard the band Foals, the lyrics are a total expression of art then i started to read a lot about Yannis Philippakis (the genius behind the band), about his life and how the music changed him for better. Also i started to read a lot of Brain pickings dot com, "you are not so smarth", and some others blogs. I felt more awake, i know where i am and where i want to go.

Hmmmm...not sure about this one. Have I had any experiences that moved me? Yes. Emotional releases? Yes. But spiritual experiences, not so sure.

The workshop where I wrote prayers was transformative, not because the prayers was so amazing but because I realized that having a time crunch and structure really helped get past my cynicism. How can I channel that into my more everyday religious practice? Other aspects of life?

When I am with my good friends, gathering together to celebrate, I have a spiritual experience. I spent my birthday with both of my children and my dear friends Howard and Marcie; I went to Philadelphia and had a spiritual experience with Sophie, Ed, Buddy, Jose, Sandy, Ray and Steve - hot dogs, grilled cheese, French fries and good friends - the best! These are high points in my life.

No. I would say it has been a low-spirituality year, aside from the meditation retreats. This is a source of sadness for me, and perhaps from some of Lisa Jill's influence, as she is decidedly unspiritual. That is something to work on in this new year.

Spending time with Ocean is always a spiritual experience. The quiet calm. The tea. The ring of the bowl and Peter and Ocean's chanting. So, too, was holding baby Cora, less than one week old, in my arms, just today.

My entire South African trip. I landed on the 20th anniversary of apartheid and visited Mandela's house and Soweto on my way to the airport home

The day I quit my job was so poignant. I knew I was doing the right thing and standing up for myself yet I couldn't shake this feeling that leaving was letting down some inspirational people I worked with. I wrapped up my exit interview and turned over my keys a little after noon. That was it, time to go. I drove home not knowing what was next. This was the first time I'd ever done this - no plan, no net. I drove home and my wonderful husband was there with a bouquet of flowers. He was given the day off unexpectedly. I walk in and just felt an overwhelming sadness wash over me. I went back to the bedroom to change and my phone rang. It was a co-worker in another state I hadn't heard from in nearly a year. Silence call. I can't handle this call, not today, not now. Blurp. Voicemail. Ok, this is weird. I tap the play button and prepare for everything except what I heard. My very first professional boss - the guy who took a huge risk to hire me for a job many wanted and I definitely was not qualified for had died suddenly that morning in a plane crash. Oh my lord! No, this cannot be happening. In shock, I head to living room to tell my husband. It is Good Friday. The symoblism is not lost on me. My husband hugs me hard and long. I can't break down but I am broken. How does this happen? Four weeks ago, nearly to the day, we land in San Diego for my suprise birthday trip to a voicemail about my Grandma passing. Why is this all happening so quickly? What is the message? What is God trying to tell me about life and what is important? I need something I am not getting. I tell my husband I need to go somewhere to process. He is worried but does not stop me. He tells me he will be there whenever I get back. I pray that he is, fully believeing it is ultimately not his decision to make. This is part of a bigger plan and I need answers, a sign, understanding - something. I drive to the nearest Catholic Church I can think of. It is miles out, practically in the middle of the desert. It is beautiful. It is plain. It is... scary? I don't know. Is this what I need? I sat there in my car for a few minutes. The heat was bothersome but discomfort meant I could at least feel. A pickup truck pulls out of the parking lot while I sit there, contemplating going in. The parking lot is empty but this is a church. It is unlocked, right? It is Good Friday afterall. Here before too long there will be people here, getting ready for mass or Stations of the Cross, I think. I walk to the door and it opens. I go in. I see the candles. I kneel and just simply say, 'God, I don't know where I'm headed or why I'm experiencing so much loss. I don't know what I need to learn from this but please know that right now I can only think that you needed to teach me something I hope in time, with you and faith and grace that I can understand. Please make Grandma and Don special angels, if that is what you need them for. And please help me to see the signs a bit more clearly from this point forward.' I get up, as there are no more words. I take a long look around. This doesn't look like church - not what I remember anyway. I turn to the door and a redhead appears and asks me if I'm looking for mass times. No, I say, I have what I need. I thanked her and left, knowing I did, finally, have what I needed.

As the tides, my spirituality ebbs and flows. This year was a low tide. I had to search the tide pools of my life for the small spiritual blessings. The sun on my face, the grass under my feet, my daughters smile, the few minutes I have found to read. My heart somehow feels closed to anything deeper than that. Tragic events have left me as a fish floundering on the bare lava rock begging for a healing wave to wash me back into the ocean of peace. This year will be better

I am most in touch with a spiritual feeling when I am in a quiet place by myself or with a loved one. When I am hiking in a state park and it's quiet except for the crickets and birds. Or when I sit by the pond outside the clinic I work at for lunch. A spiritual experience also occurs when I witness a breakthrough or growth with a fellow human being. Another experience occurs when I can feel gratefull for all my blessings in life. It also occurs when I get a bright idea that just seems to come to me. I equate a spiritual experience to feeling a closeness to God.

One spiritual experience I had in the past year was going caving in Mammoth Caves. There is something about being hundreds of feet underground in total darkness crawling through unforgiving stone passages carved out my running water hundreds of million years ago that makes me feel so small as an individual human in a very comforting way; it makes me realize that everything will be OK, somehow.

I havent, I hate to admit it, but no. I have felt moments of connection, moments of presence. there was the really cold cold day that I walked to work and arrived so refreshed and rebooted, and realized that I had been too cd to think, my brain had temporarily ceased its usual fast forward/rewind and had , for that mile between jfk station and UMass, been quiet. it was empty, I was smiling. it wasn't on purpose, I tried to recreate the next freezing opportunity to walk, but could not.

Going on Jewish Studies camp has made me feel closer to god and made me feel so proud to be jewish. This has raised my spirituality majorly and made me feel so lucky to be jewish. I learnt so much during that week and makes me want to keep learning.

I did have a particularly spiritual experience this year. I started calling myself a Buddhist rather than just an atheist. I see myself as a force for good more now than I ever did. As an atheist, I was no less caring or moral than when I had faith. Being good or moral does not depend on religion. But studying this eastern philosophy has made things more meaningful to me. And I'm happier.

Just yesterday I thought I was going to die. I was in a car in the back seat after a party, no one was in the driver's seat. A car came speeding down the road in our direction. I saw that car hitting us and I knew I was going to die. I said Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God at the last second the car swerved out of the way. I realized the next morning that the work I was stressing over did not matter. That "big project" was all of a sudden not that important. My office would find a replacement and it would barely make a difference. I thank God for another chance and an ability to do what ever it is He called me here on Earth. I want to start my own business to run my life on my terms and to do something that actually matters. I want to open a soup kitchen/ Christian bookstore and sandwich shop. One that feeds people, body and spirit. God lead me in this endeavour. Amen.

Not that I can think of. I've pretty much given up on the idea of "spirituality." I'm content with the warmth of connections/ relationships.

My dad seems to pop in and out of my life. I feel his presence often in my room and other places. Sometimes it is very comforting and other times it is very spooky. I even went as far as having a medium come over and she tried to say that my dad totally approved of everything that I did, but it still is not comforting enough. I still feel guilty about my dad's death and I feel that is why he is always present. I wish I could talk to him again so I could tell him all my feelings.

No, not really. I have enjoyed the smell of my garden, especially after rain. Or the smell of my children's heads. Or watching my oldest dance and skip back and forth in puddles. And felt the weight of my younger daughter as she's grown older in the last year, still needing to be held and cuddled even as her independence has consumed our lives. I suppose I've just tried to embrace the present moments more than in the past. Those pieces of enjoying my family are the closest I've gotten.

This year has challenged me with regard to judging others. I do it so much more than I believe is right. I remember how my teacher Doroth Satten used to say that life made her role reverse with any life situation she judged. I feel that happening with me. I judge and then I find myself behaving like hte person I judged. This feels like a strong spiritual lesson about being no better and no worse than anyone else, a pull to accepting all of us more, though not all behaviors.

My amazing spiritual experience was at the URJ Convention in San Diego in December 2013. Before the Sabbath morning service everyone gathered in smaller groups and when those sessions were over we all walked together singing Halleluyah, there were about 5,000 of us and it was so amazing it brought tears to my eyes.

I participated in David Suzuki's 30x30 Challenge in May, where I spent 30 mins outdoors for 30 consecutive days. Anytime I am outdoors, experiencing nature, I feel more connected to the greater spirit of the world. I felt a deep sense of renewal and happiness when I was outdoors so consistently. And I'd like to do this more often. Meditating daily also was a very spiritual experience of significance... I participated in a 21 day program through Oprah and Deepak Chopra. I'd like to that more consistently too.

This year, I went on a sunrise hike with my two fellow Hillel officers, Blair and Leala. While I did not actually hike, I sat and watched the sunrise instead by myself and comtemplated the year-- much like these questions-- and I felt very close to God at that point. That entire Yom Kippur was very holy for me-- I was going through a lot at that point last year, dealing with a crazy roommate who turned out to be totally out of control. But the way that I dealt with her, for the most part, was as mature and spiritually inspired as I have ever felt or been. I thank Fate for that courage and strength to eradicate her influence and stay strong to keep my college apartment. Were it not for the high holy day, I would not have been able to keep it together and get what I deserved.

I had a very moving connection to Hashem during Rosh Hashana second day services this year. Earlier in the year at school, we meditated on a piece of Tanya which teaches that G-d sees all, and sees what we do and what we think and what we feel, and that ingesting that idea leads to fear of G-d. I was really struck by that idea, and started to seriously consider the idea that G-d sees me in my entirety. I put that thought away, thinking that I wasn't sure I was ready to live with the consequences of that thinking. Then during second day services, I happened to glance at the english translation of the prayer, and saw a line that alluded to this idea of G-d as seeing us fully. I was taken back to the conversation at school, and to some reading I'd done about a year ago that thought about G-d as "being in your corner", that G-d is how you can understand extraordinary moments of strength, creativity, wisdom, etc., and that what this means is that G-d is really in your corner rooting for you to succeeding and giving you a bit of a boost to help you do whatever you need to do. I had this picture in my head of being in the corner of a boxing ring, and turning around and seeing G-d and suddenly feeling great shame about how I'd acted this year. I began to unpack what I was ashamed about (I hadn't really been able to do this before this moment), and felt very clearly that I had not shown most people in my life their due respect, even those people whose values I take serious issue with or whose character I question. I didn't show them the respect that a human being deserves. Even when I'd say to myself as an organizer that it shows someone whose actions you disagree with deep respect to agitate them to act meaningfully on their values justice and peace and compassion, I'd really agitate them because I didn't respect them at all and wanted to defeat their way of thinking or acting. I felt totally exposed and ashamed before G-d in that moment, and am now starting to feel like G-d is constantly in my corner putting a mirror up to me and forcing me to really look at myself and deal with all that I need to deal with.

visiting an apartment building I lived in when I was in 6th grade. the experience of the intersection of memory and reality

Increased engagement with my feelings. I've historically been more platonic, theoretical, broad, in what I take time to study and reflect on. I'm not talking major revelations here, just assessing my reaction and responses to things more, self-awareness. And working on my ability to talk with others about same.

Signing our ketubah at our wedding was incredibly spiritually meaningful. One of the highlights of the wedding was during the ketubah ceremony. Our parents and grandparents individually blessed us while we all held the ketubah together. It was very special and made our ketubah--Jewish marriage contract--even more meaningful.

Funny how one event can have fallout in so many areas. Giving death the stink-eye back in December was a big deal. Then I had to reconcile the my me God questions. I knew my me as in my should I have an attack. It's all in the genes. No, mine was more why save me? Who am I that the One who is would give me any attention. I found the answer--for me--in a preacher talking about "It's a Wonderful Life." The angel's who save George were the ones with hearts not wings. They showed their love and thanks. The angels who saved me wore a rainbow of different colored scrubs. Each one had a passion, a call, to excellence in medicine. They were the Divine touch.

For four months I ran a diary earlier this year. In it I answered three questions on most days: What did I do to be/stay cheerful? What did I accomplish? How did I feel? This exercise made me more self-aware, in touch with my emotions and happier. During the last 12 months I took and finished four online courses (1. Creativity, Innovation, and Change, 2. Modern European Mysticism and Psychological Thought, 3. The Camera Never Lies, 4. Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects) and am in the middle of doing the fifth one (Scandinavian Film and Television). (I also started two courses that I didn't finish.) These series of independent studies stimulated me, reminded me of my capacity of learning and encouraged my growth. I am aware that the question focused on the spiritual and my answer refers to changes in my emotional and mental state. However these are the defining experiences of my life that contributed to my well-being. No, I didn't have a spectacular spiritual experience that I could recall now. However during the course of my journaling and studies I had lots of moments that felt like little awakenings.

I wish I had an earth shattering spiritual experience to write about. I've felt in a period of thoughtful spirituality, rather than heartful spirituality this year. I would like to pursue a bit more of the tear inducing, spirit led, fall on my knees faith that I've had. In the next year, I hope I have more stories to tell of the spirit moving. Maybe at work, maybe at church, maybe in my social interactions, or maybe just a bit more awestruck wonder at nature. I do believe that God has moved some big things in my life this year, but I fear I haven't been reflective enough to have found the spirit in that. Reflection might be what I need for the coming year.

Yes, in a moment of grace I woke up on the morning of January 17 and through spiritual help was moved to ask for help, tell the truth and return to a life of health, fellowship with others, sense of purpose and hope. My connection with a spiritual force which is personal, infinite and composed of compassion, love patience, forgiveness, and boundless joy to share with me and for me to share with others. What was withered and dying within me 8 months ago has grown into the center of my thinking, my attitude and hence my choices. The world is beautiful again.

Looking behind & seeing Rick & my dad building the hupah together. Creators of the home passing the foundation to its future growth - needing both - blessed to have both - looking around & seeing everyone around us as we get married - so loved, our moment - seeing ricks eyes full looking at me taking me in - moving towards an us and seeing how touched you felt in that moment - trading vows- sweet kisses in the moment fully in love - being in the moment - a heart at rest when deeply loved

When I "took a leap" and went zip lining in Haiti. Not a risk taker by nature, it was a big deal for me to do something that while I'm sure was quite safe took me out of my comfort zone.

Sometimes I sit outside at night and listen to the crickets. I find their singing calming. Spending time outside with the sun on my face, enjoying the short summer months, watching and listening to the birds. I'm grateful for these.

Hearing veracini for the very first time!

Yes, as I've been struggling with the end of school and applications for a masters or doctorate degree and the focus of this next phase of my education, there have been times when I felt very alone and in need of speaking with my father. Dad was always a good person to speak with concerning aspirations, goals or interests and particularly anything surrounding education. There have been several days when I've wished that he was still with us so I could speak with him. Once, just recently, when I was preparing for an interview with a professor at a local university I said a prayer to my father asking him for strength and support. I immediately felt his presence with me - not literally of course, but there was a definite sense that his energy, his essence was there with me.

Last year around November, I remember that it was 2am walking back to the hotel after a concert. I remember feeling the cold air, it felt so lonely, I was going through a really tough time... That night I decided that I was going to try my best to change my life, to change the things that I didn't like. It was the first time, I really felt out of my comfort zone.

I have not had any spiritual experiences.

Spirituality is one thing I am distinctly lacking in my current life. I believe in art, in culture, in a cosmic connectivity...but I don't do enough to incorporate and explore these elements in my current daily life. I believe that falling in love has been my greatest spiritual experience in the past year. It's so deeply healing and fulfilling to find the type of love that is truly transcendent of the ego of the everyday. To feel something like that reinforces my belief in something greater than ourselves; a higher consciousness. Although I have not yet determined how I will chose to label this consciousness, or how to connect with it in a more deliberate manner, this is an area of my life I plan to continually improve as I go until it becomes a more well-rounded facet of my life.

Spirituality is something that has not been a major part of my life the past few years. I would like to work to increase it's presence in my life. I have been working at being more mindful and practicing mindfulness, but I haven't fully committed myself to it as a practice. In the coming year, I would like to do more of that. This summer, yoga at the Integral Yoga Center was a nice, mindful treat for myself.

Not really. I went for a great walk in the woods with my mom and wife, I was asked to say good buy to a dead woman's body at work, I have gone to my mom's funky church with my family. I would say one of the greatest spiritual moments of my year was my long walks listening to Snap Judgment.

I found that going to the Grand Canyon and Zion was an important spiritual experience. It was good to be reminded that there are things that are so much larger than humans; things that humans didn't create and can't fully control. This puts everything in my life in perspective -- my life and my problems are so small, compared to the larger forces that are out there. Living in a city, it's easy to think that humans are in charge of everything, but it's reassuring to be reminded that we are not. It's humbling to come to the realization that I am a small part of life on earth that will only exist a short time in the history of the planet. This makes me feel more relaxed though, since because of this, my own life does not need to be so serious.

When I paint, it is always a spiritual experience. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it feels good. Sometimes both. What never fails is that I always get closer to the truth

Any time I am outside, surrounded by nature, I find it spiritual. Nature is my sanctuary. I walk and let my thoughts flow where they will, sometimes I will latch onto a thought and it will keep me company as I walk. I hate to look back and feel as though I have missed the seasons change, the earth rotate, the time pass. Marking the passing of seasons may be a small thing, something I amy not remember exactly, but I remember the feeling, the depth of the breath I took and know that it was good. And I am reassured that I can take another step.

I don't really see myself as a spiritual person. I find myself really rejecting the entire concept this year. I think I really need to look at what it is exactly about spirituality that bothers me because I do find I have been having really negative reactions to it. I don't really know what that's about but I fear it reveals a deep cynicism in me that I don't really like very much.

I have not had any large spiritual experiences, but do realize how lucky and blessed I am to be where I am in a great country with great friends and family. I mostly experience this when I go for a run, take a walk or find myself in nature. The pure natural setting juxtaposed to the built environment is marvelous and makes me realize what is has taken to get me here and how grateful I am, whether or not that is based on my faith or other factors.

As I have no doubt noted in previous years, spirituality is at the core of what I do -- as a cantor in a large Conservative congregation. I feel I'm doing well in pursuing my spiritual life and trying to make a spiritual path available to others -- partly by example, partly by sharing some of the wisdom as I experience it, especially through hevruta study. The deepest spiritual experiences are likely to come from sharing -- from things that emanate from others. This isn't the easiest way to pursue the matter -- but will most likely have the most enduring outcome.

The whole year was in many ways a spiritual process for me. There wasn't any focal event. It was just a year of working on being more thoughtful and focused. But I did enjoy the hell out of singing to a live guitar for a song in Hawaii...

I'm tempted to think of something "Jewish" but the thing that comes to mind is PopUp Chorus. I sang a few times in an awesome chorus which has no auditions and is just a bunch of people getting together to sing. Everyone's voices comes together and I can feel the happiness and love and togetherness in the room and it feels incredible. I've never been a part of a chorus (aside from my youth group chorus with my synagogue in middle school which was probably like 10 kiddos) and it allows me to clear my mind and just let go. It is an incredible outlet after a crazy work day and gives me something to look forward to on Monday's. This group meets weekly and I hope to go at least monthly in the upcoming year, if I could go every week - I would be a happy lady :)

I am not sure how I would define "spiritual," but certainly have had moving experiences with watching my older son overcome learning issues to spontaneously speak in public at his grandfather's 100th birthday celebration.

What I think I associate with this, is the feeling I"ve had, caring for my mother, this past year. I do say this, at the same time as I am considering withdrawing to only one weekend day a week, from 2 now. But, the change will be to attend to my family...that's all. It has been special...in what could be regarded as a "spiritual" way, to spend time with mother as I've been doing. And, today we played war!

No particular event. I do belive I am the master of my fate to the point that we all make our own choices in life.

Yes. God has been with me a lot. I do not say Knahora any more, I say Thank God. The experience make me feel really good. It is little/big things. The house across the street became available just as people were telling me that I have to move out in order to remodel. I went to Rosh Hashona severvices and I sat just in the right place. I happened to mention to gynacologist about dentist and he told me about his dentist. He also told me about his remodeler. I am changing, thanks to God and it is all good.

No spiritual experience in particular stands out in my mind. They do come to me from time to time, like when a young child expresses insight into something that adults would never think about.

I've really lost touch with my spiritual life. I used to reflect more and felt more in touch with the larger world. I feel disconnected from that part of my life and it makes me very sad. I hope that in the coming year I can regain my connection to that part of my life.

My mantra/prayer has been "Patience Obtains all Things" by Sister Teresa I trusted that and had faith that I would find a job and the love of my life... I found both and I hope this new Jewish man will be the one I can grow old with into retirement.

i had an extremely profound acid trip. i realized that everything exists in a fractal formation. for example, tree roots/limbs, human veins, rivers and streams, even the life cycle. to me, this realization was particularly applicable to the sequence of events in a linear time frame. i.e.. one event spurring the next and the next and the next and so on. for us with free will, that is almost endless in possibilities. when i realized this, time seemed to be moving really slow and all my options were displayed out in front of me to choose from and i could pick the best one for the given situation and, if tactful enough, project forward several steps to future options. i also realized that, no matter what i do, there is a certain characteristically personalized way that i will perform it. I found that i am drawn to romance and art and that is what i am most passionate about and whatever i do i will do with a sense of romance and artistic significance. That, no matter how i live, i will live true to myself in these regards.

Trying to understand where organized religous gathering fits into my life has lead to several experiences thtat I believe God is telling me to live out my faith in various ways. I have become disatisfied with orgainzed religon. Whether it is the concealment of sexual abuse, or violent behavior in the name of God or a god. Authority doesn't give us license to abuse. It is the idea that a position of authority and leadership takes advantage of people and then hides behind a structure or cause. It's god's will seems to be a rallying cry. We all need to defend ourselves when attacked. We should all be able to pursue happiness. But why at the expense of others. The spiritual experience in this is a realization that I beleive God has shown me that we are are not perfect. We have free will and can make decisions. Decisions that we may not find agreement on from others. We are selfish. Even though we are blessed with the capability to make decisions that are above our own selfish needs we most oftern time don't seem to have the ability or desire to do so. I have felt challenged to almost everyday to rise out of that selfishness to act selflessly. I know I don't. But I try.

I always have the most spiritual experiences near water, and this year I visited the Smoky Mountains for the first time and was completely drawn to the waterfalls. The natural beauty around me was completely awe-inspiring.

I prayed a lot asking G-d to help me get a job and I did! I try to pray every night, while also thanking and praising G-d. It makes me feel better.

Yes I have. As a volunteer I teach youth a safety and performance item. A young child (3-4th grade) was not interested in what we were doing and sat away from the others. I told the parent I would try something and if it did not work... No big deal. We could as least say we tried. I was able set up the situation where this child would be able to engage and set the conversation in motion by talking to a colleague out-loud about a fictitious problem we were having with snakes. We were able to engage the child and get them to eventually reconnect with the group. It was a good feeling being able to have the experience of life to help another. Billings, MT

Yes, to find who I really am

On Saturdays and Sundays I practice yoga with a group. There is always a spiral element that lifts my spirits , enlightens me, and teaches me something new or reminds me of something to remember . I am grateful for this community!

Having my child, my child being sick in the hospital, taking my baby to the church I grew up in and letting him look in awe at the icons and stained glass like I did once. The wonder and miracles that you see through a child's eyes and the amount of talking and praying you do when they are sick and you can't fix it.

I've had no "spiritual experiences" in particular. Joy, love, good health and and satisfaction with very few "low" moments have made life seamlessly good. As the saying goes, such a year is "uninteresting." I wake each day experiencing such intense gratitude for the gift of such a year - a month- a week - a day. Perhaps this is what you mean by a "spiritual experience."

Our wedding ceremony had an unexpectedly spiritual aspect to it, as family participated in a much more meaningful way than anticipated. That whole trip was amazing and brought more depth to what was originally intended to be a bureaucratic formalization of an already strong, loving relationship.

OMG. I finally went to Israel. The whole 10 days was spiritual. I cried at the Kotel (Wall), I could feel with my feet the horses & chariots running around the track at Masada, I planted my own tree. I have gone from "they" and "them" to "we" and "us". I was there when the 3 teen boys were kidnapped and home just 2 days when they were found. Thus the beginning of The Gaza War this past summer. I weep for them/us.

I think teaching at the Havurah Institute was an incredibly powerful spiritual experience.

No and yes. Sadly, I have not had any experience that has taken me into a transcendent realm, or left me esctatic, or peaceful, or connected this year, in spite of the cultural events I've attended. But, I have experienced three deaths this year, one friend and two close family, that have left me thinking about the afterlife, and our life here on earth, and what it means to believe in God, or to not believe, and how those beliefs affect everyday lives. I am a Jew by choice and my Down Syndrome sister lived in a private home with three other women that was run by Christians, though she herself did not enjoy going to church except for the music. She said she believed in God when asked, and I believe she did but God did not rule her daily life. My brother-in-law, a Jew by birth, distanced himself both culturally and religiously from everything in his background, and became a practicing Buddhist. My friend was also Jewish, and an intellectual and artist, identified minimally as a Jew. More than any other period in my life, I have wrestled with the question of what it means to be Jewish, and what constitutes that community, and how much of being Jewish is about religion and how much is about culture, and what drew me to convert in the first place, and whether or not membership in a synagogue is necessary to feel connected. I don't have all the answers, but I may be getting closer.

I wanted or thought I wanted to embrace Judaism this past year, but I never made the situation occur. I visited a few temples but didn't feel at home. i did write a story on the Trout Lake Abbey and meditated with them and then returned for the solstice druid event. Both felt interesting, but not for me, spiritually. Perhaps my most spiritual moments are out on the water with my daughter and our dog on paddleboards in the Columbia up the White Salmon. One incredible night when we went cross country skiing at Mt. Hood with a full moon. I felt alive and fully satisfied.

A high school classmate died. It made me aware of my own mortality in a more real way than anything that I can recall. It made me think about the limited time that I have here on earth, and the limited time that my friends and family have. It made me want to make the best use of my time, being of service to others, finding ways to cut down on my own foolishness, and to listen clearly for the voice of the eternal in the everyday.

My spiritual experience this year involved communication with horses. As I walked into the horse arena, with an open heart and curious to know what gifts were present for me in that space, the eldest and closest horse reflected back to me "you are the gift." Exactly!

My spiritual experiences this past year have been few and far between. God and I, we haven't chatted a whole lot since I moved out of Boulder. I went to church for a while. I tried to build some Christian community. But it never quite clicked. I always felt like an outsider, always felt awkward, never quite right in my own skin. I wanted to find that special place I had in Boulder, but when I didn't find it in the first place I looked, I gave up my pursuit. I know God has been there watching over me this past year, but I have finally just begin seeking him in return. I wish it was something I was doing in community, because its works so much better than when I do it myself, but its something. I've begin experiencing the presence of God again through the Abide Journal I bought online. The author has a fresh perspective on passages of scripture I've read so many times over the course of my life. She writes about rest, about refreshment from the Lord, and recreating yourself in and through him. I'm eager for the release of her next journal so I can do it with a few thousand other woman around the country. The company will be nice even if I know no one.

Andy and Chinzale's wedding was the closest thing to a spiritual experience I had last year. It's funny that, since just a week earlier I'd been at Stonehenge during summer solstice. I've also been to dozens of zen temples in Japan and plenty of wats here in Thailand. But in those places I watched other people's spirituality. Even in the last day of WarHorse, I didn't have a spiritual experience. I was grateful yes, but spiritual. I don't think so. At the wedding I could feel love and friendship in the air on a level that essentially changed me somehow. There it was my feeling, and a community where I felt inspired with...spirituality I guess. I found myself in a state of reverence and bliss.

While I am still nominally Christian, and while I continue to be moved by the worship services at my childhood Baptist church, I am making more consistent efforts to learn about and experience Judaism. Last week I attended the "Sounding of the Shofar" ceremony that the Jewish chaplaincy organized for the university hospital community. I found it beautiful and meaningful. I also take time to appreciate birds, trees, and stars. I am in awe of the wonder-filled universe that our God has created.

Writing and working on a book has been a spiritual experience.

The day Don had his last radiation treatment for his prostate surgery felt totally spiritual. It's amazing how I got to know so many people in the waiting room over a period of 8 weeks. When Don came out from his last treatment, the other wives were hugging me and crying with me! Even the receptionist was hugging Don and me, and crying, too! It was a beautiful moment, filled with gratitude.

Exercise and nature continue to be my spirituality. Feeling the strength that God (physics, the world, evolution?) has bestowed upon me is beyond invigorating. Running or biking in the Oakland hills, Marin, Tuscany or Umbria fills me with awe. The smells of nature, the beauty of the landscape and how it dips and falls and ebbs and flows under my own power is awe inspiring. I have not found spiritually with a group or in a religious building - but I've found it on the road.

This has been a tough year spiritually...I haven't really had any spiritual experiences outside of the feelings I get deep in my body about my children. I need a spiritual jolt and I'm hoping to look for and get one in 5775.

The closest thing I've had to spiritual experience this year was opened my mind to astrophysics. Prior to because most becoming so popular, but the listening a lot learning a lot about our place in the universe. I also became open to a learned a lot about different cultures and religions this past year. Visiting five continents within the 12 months really help me see different ways people practice their religion. With my first theology course under wraps, I look forward to learning more about different cultures and religion.

No, not that I can remember, or is it like my dreams; I'm cheated on not having [VERY few] dreams, and when I sense that I've dreamt, I can't remember them, and so to me, that's the same as not dreaming. Or is it also that way with "spiritual experiences"? meaning that I truly DO have spiritual experiences but I can't remember any? So I'm DISAPPOINTED. I'm grateful however for the gift of music in my life; both listening and performaing. My [true] line is: "I've participated in, and have heard, more good music than any one man deserves".... my cup runs over when I ponder on all the good music I've heard, and been allowed to perform IN.

For starters my Dakita visits me sometimes in dreamland. This past dream was last week think sep 23 and she was just cuddling my face. I could feel her warm breath up my face. She's such a beaufiul German Shepard. I miss her deeply. Another was last week as well I was waiting for my order at law plaza bakery when my Auntie Barbara's song came on the radio Total Eclipse of the heart. I felt her siting wih me as my body filled with chills. I thanked her because I often wonder how far she is now since so much time has passed since we passing but there she was and I dost want to leave my seat to get my order. I love you auntie. I love you Dakita. I also received special quarters around my birthday and saw 918 over and over as sign from grandparents wishing me happy birthday.

I guess I would classify seeing Kate Bush as a spiritual experience! Also, driving home from the airport late at night after being in Tucson in November (or was it April?), I heard the most beautiful music on IPR. It was Kreek's Notebok, composed by Tonu Korvits. I had been doubting anything having to do with spirituality, and when I heard this, I thought, "There must be spirituality to compose and perform something so beautiful." Choral music gets me every time :)

I read the book 10 percent happier and began learning the practice of meditation. While I'm inconsistent with it, I have found significant relaxation and focus when I take just five minutes and meditate.

Not really. Guardians of the Galaxy was pretty good. I imagine my ultrasound would have been kinda spiritual - had I not needed to pee so bad.

I have a hard time defining what a "spiritual experience" is for me. I have felt many times this past year what I consider the "spirit" a feeling of peace and conviction that there is something beyond this earthly life. And that feeling or sense often comes when I'm teaching or listening to lesson in Priesthood quorum - surrounded by or looking out into a small group of dedicated men who strive to do right, to understand and live their lives with conviction that there is a God, that Jesus is the Christ who is our savior and that their best efforts at pleasing him consist of serving others with love. Last Sunday I was teaching a lesson and some comment made me think of Sec 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants where Joseph Smith is pleading for revenge on his enemies and Go's response is simply: peace be unto your soul. The section goes on to describe how the priesthood works - by love unfeigned and it brought chills to me. Listening to my cousin paint her father's life story at Uncle Bobby's funeral about a year ago felt very spiritual. Attending my friend Phil's funeral and hearing others reminisce about the joy he had brought them, listening to songs sung, etc. was a spiritual experience. Spending a couple of minutes hugging and visiting briefly with my cousin Maureen and my late cousin Nate's widow Annette while in Flagstaff for that funeral felt spiritual in that there was a feeling of love unfeigned. Those and other similar experiences help me to continue with a desire to be faithful. I often wonder if there's any point in trying to be a man of conviction and faith - especially in light of all the injustice, strife and evil in the world. Yet those times sitting, discussing faith with men of the Priesthood,hugging a distant relative, reflecting on how a friend or relative or acquaintance enriched my life give me optimism and conviction that good and love are real,that they emanate from God and that they ultimately, somehow will triumph. Those moments leave me hopeful that the tragedies and struggles of life are not in vain. That those we have loved are more than just a passing part of this life. That there is more and that I am not alone. So despite my misgivings, doubts and weakness those "spiritual experiences" help me to soldier on in hope.

I've found beauty in the photographs of my dogs, and I surprise myself each time I take a good photo of them. I have always taken mediocre photos of everything but something has changed in the way I capture my dogs in action. Perhaps it's the love I feel for them that comes right down my arm and presses the button at exactly the Most loving movement. And I've shared those photos and videos with my Facebook friends who seem to really "get" the humor and love in my videos and photos. When friends express delight at seeing NOAH's quirky ways, I feel that I have truly shared the essence of something I really love. It continues to please me to do so.

Just this weekend I was deeply struck by how fast time is passing. How old my girl is getting . How precious time is right now.

I've had several deeply spiritual experiences this year. The two most profoundly awakening were 1) founding Yes2Joy Life Consulting 2)returning to Israel for the first time; de je vu in Tzvat.

According to mw.com one definition for spiritual is "the activating or essential principle influencing a person." That said, the essential principle influencing me during the past year is helpfulness. Today I offered an elderly Haitian man a car ride. It was unseasonably warm in Boston, about 88 degrees Fahrenheit and he was wearing a green suit. What caught my eye was his leaning forward against a bus stop pole, next to a white plastic bag of personal and holding a cane in his right hand. I thought he might be on his way to church while I was hurrying to the tennis courts. "Is my business so urgent that I cannot help an elderly gentleman? I certainly appreciate the help people extend to my elderly mother. So I made an illegal u-turn--an activity I'm prone to doing--and pulled up to the gentleman. I said hello then asked if he'd like a ride. As he was processing my question, I was hoping he wasn't traveling too far, but he was--about 9 miles. I told him I couldn't take him that far--how's that for kindness???--but that I could drive him to a local bus/train transfer station. I thought he'd discount me or try to convince me to take the long drive but he didn't. Instead, with widened eyes he said sure. Excited that the stranger accepted my offer, I put my car in park, exited it and proceeded around the rear to help him into my car. Once inside he looked at me and said, "You don't know me and yet you give me a ride, how's that?" I told him about my mother. Once at the station, I parked my car and leaped out to help assist him. I also gave him a reusable tote bag to better secure his personal items and $5. I've also given food items from a local pantry to a family down the street and bought a woman a McDonald's lunch.

A great deal of depression and negativity this year has lifted as a result of exercise, yoga and breathing work, and a change of jobs...I also feel my artistic work starting to revive.

Playing for the Winchester and Savoyard orchestras. Also, seeing so many people on Facebook who have the same rationality about religious ideas as I do reinforces my own (though I call myself a panentheist and most of them call themselves atheists.)

everytime I go to synagogue on Shabbat, I feel renewed, and inspired slightly more and more every time I return.

Yes - HIFA.

I had a moment whilst driving south on the M1 that felt spiritual. I was pondering my quest and I suddenly had a great swell of belief - in myself and in those around me. I felt sure that if I can continue to tell my story , it might help. If you build it, they will come...

Yes. My daily meditation sessions help me stay connected with the present. This has been an issue for me in the past. Living in the past and worrying about the future. I'm learning to reflect before reacting. Mindfulness and compassion have become a bigger part of who I am.

It used to be that I valued the desperation of loneliness and feeling lost, for they would push me to wander at night with questions and seeking answers, and I would benefit spiritually from such work. To be oriented toward the big, important things, rather than lost in distraction amid games, and movies, and friends, and snacks, and chores... This year, especially since this summer, I have had the blessing of feeling a new desperation take root in my soul. I am desperate because I have learned how difficult it is to be a good person to the people around me because of my white cismale heteronormative socialization. I take up space. I hurt people, and I disempower them. Also, the material provisions of my life are earned by benefit of violence along lines of power that I did not choose and do not endorse internally, but have seemingly no choice but to actively support. My desperation is fundamentally political. I am remembering to come to God because there is hardly anything else to comfort me and give me hope. And I have faith that God will help me to come back to the people of this world and my communities with that hope and to do the work that needs to be done with the people that need to do it. I have been blessed to meet Eli, whose honest and passionate faith is not hidden behind as many walls and personal barriers as mine, and he has inspired me, and it is my intention to follow his lead in following his heart. It is a beautiful thing that I have rarely seen, and it feels so beautiful to talk with him about my relationship with the Divine in an honest and genuine way. Because I don't think I have ever done that before, and I have hardly even noticed. On Friday night, after I left Eli at the bus stop, I stopped by the Bialos. We were talking about these ten days of awe, and Dov quoted something like "Look for God where he can be found," and I said - show me where it says that. We looked for a little while, opening this book and that to track down the quote, and we found it - Isaiah 55:6 - he pointed me to the Tanakh, which I cracked open and set down. The 2,000 page tome opened to Isaiah 55:1. דרשו יהוה בהמצאו, קראהו בהיותו קרוב

If "spiritual" is defined narrowly, then no, because homey don't play that shit. Defined broadly as "artistic, cultural, and so forth", then of course! Such experiences encourage me to seek out more of the same.

My spiritual moments are always with nature - only a couple of weeks ago I was walking on my own along a bush track on South Stradbroke Island, mid spring, warm, crisp afternoon. I was so tuned-in to the sound of nature - birdsong, breeze in the trees, distant surf - I 'heard' a snake slithering through the bushes. If I wasn't spiritually absorbed in my surroundings, I never would have heard it. I moved over to the snake - a massive python, 8-10 feet long, fully extended, totally camouflaged and silently on the move through the undergrowth, off the track. I filmed her, and she allowed me to move alongside, within inches of her, without flinching. She was totally comfortable with my presence. She didn't stop, slow down, speed up, change direction or deviate from her course. It was a euphoric experience. I felt greatly privileged........ just like I did a few years ago when I swam out from the base of the HMAS Brisbane in 100 feet of water and came face to face, one on one, with a solitary Giant Queensland Groper, bigger than me. He drifted towards me eyeball to eyeball as I did to him, rather than backing away or swimming off, and we had a similar moment......or the Leopard Seal in Antarctica.....or the Fire Flies in the jungles of New Guinea......

Being on some of the beautiful beaches in the Pacific has been sort of spiritual for me. They are beautiful in a different way than other beaches I've seen. It reminds me that I've only seen a tiny slice of the world despite all the places I've lived in and traveled to.

I have trouble answering this question because spirituality is not something that has ever spoken to me. Even in the more broad sense described in the question I still do not feel a connection. I remember years ago when I visited the Western Wall thinking that if I was ever going to have a spiritual experience, this should be it. But I felt nothing out of the ordinary. Similarly this year I birthed a baby. Meeting my child for the first time was an amazing experience. But I still feel like it would be a stretch to call it spiritual.

I've been taking cues from Buddhism - the Dalai Lama and Pema Chodron - and trying to learn to let go of the things that are not meant for me.

Well this year I have been on an even course with the Lord. I think tje most important journey has been trusting God In my relationship with Joe. He has grown me and given me a voice and removed some hangups I have held on to. It has been a mixture of emotions. I glad He loves me enough to care aboit me in this way.

Nothing comes to mind.

I think more about how important and amazing my family is. Joseph and Elizabeth are far away in Champaign-Urbana, David and Emily are in Leavenworth, Lynda and Arwen are in Austin. Rachel, John, and Maggie are in Fayetteville(!). Wherever Miriam is, there is my home. I think this is part of the stage of life I find myself entering. Being old is the best time. For the time being, I am healthy. It is a time for assessment and reflection. I am happy with what I can see of the life I have lived and the life I now have.

Learning that my daughter is more interested in Judaism than ever before. She is minoring in Jewish Studies, she is on the Hillel BOD, and she has had several deep discussions with me on what it means to be Jewish in a secular world.

Other than Friday night davenings? Nothing jumps to mind. But there have been some great Friday nights at the Bayit. Especially when I am not leading davening, and I can just close my eyes and take in the diversity and beauty of the people around me.

Artistic I am writing more with my muse people seem to like it and I am also animating for the first time ever, this will be a 2d animation but it's something I thoroughly enjoy.

Intensive and consistent work with the Esoteric Class of the Schol of Spiritual Science. Completed the 19 Lessons. And working through Steiner's other related works I.e. A Way of Self Knowledge, The Guardian of the Threshold, Striner's Mystery Dramas, Hill Study Group: Developing a circle of friends who share a genuine interest in spiritual life and growing connection. Meeting with Margareta, re-awakening a life of faith and a longing for Christ.

contemplating the afterlife after several deaths in the family was the most spiritual i got this year. when not being choked up by the hymns and eulogies, there was plenty of time to fast-forward to my own (and my spouse's) death and wonder: will i be ready?

There were little things... Like realizing that everything that I remember once ever wanting, I have gotten. However, I have gotten it in the strangest ways, and at very strange timings.

I had a wonderful experience with my niece and nephews. We were on vacation in Kennebunk Maine this July and went out for walk on the beach late in the evening to see the rise of the super moon. It was nice to check out the stars, constellations, planets and the rise of the moon. The sky was spectacular.

I think that starting to embrace more creative practices in my everyday life could be considered as being 'spiritual' as they have opened me up to new ways of thinking about everyday issues. By using these skills and pushing against what I think I am capable of I have seen some great results. I have found myself doing things that I would never have thought of doing previously and even though I might not be amazing, the feedback I have received has not been negative and has shown that I should consider trying new things as I might fail but at the same time I might succeed. This is something I have always struggled with, not joining clubs or doing activities for fear of failure and rejection. Therefore, this awakening has, I feel, made me a better person.

I'm beginning to realize that the most important things in life are giving to others and contributing; my work with Special Olympics makes me extremely happy and I love watching the athletes have fun and gain self esteem.

Every moment of every day is spiritual to me, because I am spirit. I think what the question is asking for is an emotional experience; an action or a religious ritual that others can recognize. My spirituality has become an internal and mostly private practice of reflection and communion of gratitude and love. I don't look for or trust outward signs of public spirituality. They have an agenda.

This year I went to Israel and actually had a spiritual experience. For the first time in my life I was able to climb Massada. I was able to climb it fairly quickly even. I cried at the top, and my whole group shouted I'm Gay from the top of the mountain so that we could hear it echo. I never thought I'd be able to do that with my disabilities.

I'm fortunate enough to have had several spiritual experiences during the past year, as it has been my goal to deepen my spirituality and find connections to it in the everyday ordinary things as well as during key religious events such as chanting the Torah and Haftarah readings. I have also taken more of a risk by sharing thoughts and experiences with others during times of mourning. For our synagogue newsletter, I wrote a column about my background and how I became reconnected with Jewish spiritual life. It's a hard thing to put oneself out there, to be vulnerable (as Brene Brown would put it) and the feedback was really positive.

I started a vlog (video blog) that I send out to a few trusted friends. I call it my Makeup-less Minute because it is one minute long; I record it first thing in the morning, while still in my pjs, face unwashed, hair uncombed and I share with them what I have gained from my reading of the scripture that morning. It has been energizing and soul-feeding for me. It requires me to take each word of the scripture and let it open up and give me meaning and life. I hope it is a gift to those who receive it.

I go to yoga regularly (at least 2x a week). I find the quiet spiritual. I talk a lot and there is always "noise" in my life - I realized how much I welcome the quiet time. I am a frequent attendee at Shabbat services and I love some of the new songs our Cantor has introduced which I find spiritual (am I awake? am I prepared? preceding the Barchu during the service). I like singing, I like the melody and our Cantor (Jennifer Duretz Peled) is amazing. Just listening to her sing is spiritual. I also like moments that seemingly "stop time" -whether that's out in nature or with my family.

I was recently introduced to the religion and spirituality of Judaism. I had only the information and slurs I had learned as a child from parents who were racist and unaware. I happened upon a kind soul who took the chance to introduce me to the pieces of their faith that I was unaware. Surprisingly , I had already aligned with many of the spiritual concepts I was presented. There are many 12 step principles embedded in their faith. I have found a quiet spiritual hum in my heart and continue to embrace and learn more every day. Keeping an open mind to all the marvels of our existence.

Watching the sunset over foster field was an incredibly spiritual experience for me. Being able to appreciate camp and to forget my stresses. #radical amazement

The closeness to the issue of death, I could equate to something spiritual...The conundrum: where did Joe go? How Could he be dead when he was so alive? leading to: so that means I'm going to die? How could THAT be? Leading to : no! not my family! the pain at those thoughts! The understanding of why people turn to religion. The appreciation of how precious is life..is a smile...a breath...a--cliche, true--sunrise... the little pleasures, valued all the more probably Because of these new realizations...the beauty and salve of music, of friendships, of family contact...all these are intensified.

I was not raised with any religion, but my Mom always tried to teach me the importance of being a good person. Treating others how I would like to be treated. This year I felt like maybe being a part of a more organized faith would give me the space each week to reflect on what is important to me; to be grateful for all of the good in my life. I hope in the coming year that I can develop this more; be it on my own or part of a community.

Oddly enough just yesterday, I went to a silent day retreat sponsored by my parish and Xavier University which was lead by Paul Knitter, author of Without Buddha I Couldn't Be Christian. Professor Knitter's wife co-lead the retreat. I'm still processing the experience. It was fascinating to realize how I have incorporated broader perspective in my faith practice, stretching beyond my Christian traditional roots. Some of this incorporation has been intentional;some completely acquired through experience. Faith is for me a lived experience which, the older I have gotten, has less to do with doctrine and and dogma and more to do with how I want to live.

I have had a crisis of faith. I do not feel like I am with the rest of the church. Rabbi seems way too far ahead of me Spiritually. So much so that we are not even in the say state! I do not feel the Spirit the way I used to, so I know its not God that has moved away, but me that has moved away from God.

I have "spiritual" moments every day. I look into Charlie's eyes and think of how amazing and truly grand life is.

A few months ago, my father-in-law bought a book for me called "The Cure." For a long time -- basically all my life -- I've struggled with the ideas of sin, being a sinner, forgiveness, and salvation. My father-in-law thought that this book would be of some help and it was. It helped me remember that my sins are already forgiven; Jesus already died on the cross for me. It showed me that my sin isn't standing between me and God. Rather, God is on my side, with me, within me, and we are facing my sins together.

I have yet to introduce my daughter to the temple, however, during her pregnancy, I spent many Friday nights at temple for the Sabbath. I hope that the peace I found in the familiar chanting of Hebrew songs and affirmations about what it means to be Jewish will translate to her, even if it's just in the familiarity of the songs.

I've not been particularly spiritual this year...

I did start going back to church and the preaching of Khori Smith was moving for me. I have been reading again some spiritual books, and did start my TM. But my spirituality is lacking, I know that.

I would have to honestly answer this question 'no'.

I was at a ceramics fair in September in Mook and looking at the gorgeous and creative things people make; all completely different, was so inspiring. How people view art, their world, reality varies so much.

I have felt Nick's presence with me several times, when shopping for gifts for his mom, when doing things that I wasn't sure I could do. I know it's the part of him that I carry inside, but I guess it's the closest I'll come to spiritual.

I may have over thought this one until I remembered standing on the beach staring out at the do with a Frien I hadn't seen in ages and laughing as though we had never been apart.

Last August 2013, I started the year with a spiritual opportunity - a ten day retreat on Whidbey Island with my brother. Playing on the beaches, reading poetry, gazing out across the water to the mountains in the distance, enjoying time with my dear brother -- all of these moments offered a spiritual opening to what speaks to my soul. Trying to maintain that sense of joy, wonder, and spiritual awakening challenges me every day as I live in the world.

I continue to grow closer to my Lord. About halfway through the year I started using a daily devotional book of readings that also encourages me to do further research in the Bible. I am setting my sights on starting to read the Bible daily, from the beginning with Genesis come the first of the year (2015).

This year has been full of spiritual moments big and small, but the most intense was probably going to the Mikvah for the finalization of my conversion process. It wasn't just the submersion into the water, but also the whole process of preparing and then hearing everyone sing for me after I did my third dunk. It was such a deep, connected moment, and it truly made me feel like part of the Jewish people.

I have really begun to question the faith I had professed in the past. Do I really believe in God? And what does that mean? I take my children to church and support their belief journey. But I don't know if I share that belief. It is just routine? Habit? Or a true faith? I'm very unsure.

This year I started celebrating Shabbat every week in earnest for the first time since I moved to Boston. It has been so good to build community through collective ritual and also to have dedicated time for reflection and unwinding from the week.

I sing in a secular choir that performed the Bloch Sacred Service in the Spring. The section of the piece that describes the taking out of the Torah scroll from the ark was both thrilling and left me in tears.

Not any one particular experience- just a growing sense that I am on the right track. I am less quick to anger. Most of my time I feel happy and a peace. The people I am now surrounded with are not into manipulative, hateful behavior. There are a few exceptions but because they are so few they stand out and are easier to spot.

I typically classify "spiritual" as an internal, emotional awakening. I believe it to be something powerful: perhaps even all-consuming. I do not believe that I have felt this recently, or in a long time, if ever. I wonder what fatherhood will bring in this department?

I have learned a lot about myself this year. I suppose that kind of "digging deep" can be defined as a spiritual experience. I am much more aware of my strengths and weaknesses in parenting and other relationships, in my marraige and in my job. I am turning inward more to try to change for the better. It's hard!

This past year has been a spiritual journey. I don't think I can actually recall an individual event since I recognize that all events are intimately tied to each other. I have been a journey to return to my true self and every step that I take towards that seems to awaken my spirit more and more. I have become cognizant of my power to manifest my own reality. As I have freed myself of negative thoughts and emotions, I have begun to see the world in a new light. I am surrounded by positivity and light and I am humbled by the beauty in the world. I stand in awe at my existence and I recognize that the I exist within the universe and that the universe exists within me. We are one. And that knowledge has allowed me to transcend some of the ties that held me down before. In my journey, I have become a beacon of light to myself and others can see it too. Most importantly, I have realized that love is the most important thing in the world. When you do everything and anything from a place of love, nothing can go wrong. When you embrace love for everyone, you find yourself free from fear. The old saying is true. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. And I have remembered that. I have remembered that the antithesis of love is not hate, but fear. And in freeing myself from fear more and more each day, I accept and embrace love more and more. I have begun to heal the wounds of my spirit by embracing them and showing them love and I have come to learn that regret or wishing that things were different is of no use because what is, is. Every moment in my past has led me to where I am today. And in embracing the present moment, this moment right now, right here, I have found everything I ever needed. My journey has taught me my own power, the power of my mind and heart and soul, and has shown me that any future is possible so long as I make it possible. However, I have also learned not to think of the future because it does not yet exist. So I live in the present and I live in gratitude, in humility, in blessings, in awe. And I've never been more alive than I am right now.

Limmud is still the best thing I've encountered. I am happy to be involved in this wonderful project for for NY and FSU communities

We adopted our youngest child. Other adoptive parents had said that they "just knew" that their child was "meant" to be in their family the first time they saw their child's photo. Honestly, I didn't believe it. A child is "meant" to be with his birth parents; adoption is often a very wonderful, but always a very man-made arrangement. And then I saw my son's photo among a group of pictures of children from an orphanage on the other side of the world, and I "just knew" that he was the perfect child for our family. Seven months later, I held him in my arms for the first time, and although we were strangers to one another - and in significant ways he did not even fit the description that the orphanage had given us - I was 100% sure that he was my child.

Nope. I think sometimes that I cut myself off from the world at large. I don't feel connected to the world around me. I actually feel like doing anything related to religion is a really big burden. Extra drama in my life that I don't need.

My trip to Israel was absolutely life changing. I still don't believe in god but it's made me think more about connecting with people through my culture. There was also a night that we spent in the desert where we went "stargazing" and rather than pointing out constellations, our guide, Dima, just said, "look up in the sky and look at the stars and imagine that on one of those stars there's a group just like ours looking back." And then we sat quietly and just thought of and meditated on that and the desert itself. It was great feeling in tune with the land and desert and stars and sky. I felt that a lot the whole trip, but that night really sticks out.

I've tried to put my life and my problems in the context of the universe. As I've been looking into the heavens at night, I think of how big the earth is...and then think how small it is in relation to the size of the universe. I think about the roots of my problems, and how most of them are man made, and maybe not that bad. I try to let go of the stress while I'm looking at all of the stars in the sky. It also makes me think that the universe is a cold, big place, and maybe we should try to be better to each other.

I am not a very spiritual person. I dont believe that outside forces play a significant part in our lives. We are and we become what we aim to be.

I have been struck this year by the limits of the physical body. My parents in their 80's and their aging process. My son being diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder, my husband on constant watch for melanoma's and my own diagnosis with BRCA1. This Ghost feels let down by the machine.....

I have begun running in 5K races this year and have now completed 6 races. I'm scheduled to run in at least one more before the end of the year. I've been amazed to learn what a spiritual experience a 5K race can be, particularly in the connection I find between my thoughts about my family, my past, and the context of the race and its community. The first race I ran was on a cold, rainy Saturday at the end of March. It was raining at the beginning and at the end of the race and that connected me to thoughts of my grandfather, we called him Poppie. He died in October 2005. The experience of his presence was so strong it moved me to tears. It seems almost every race since then there has been some type of spiritual connection or experience to reflect on long after the race has been completed.

I find my spirituality on the bima when I am singing. I feel God through music and prayer. I also have spiritual experiences when I have to make tough decisions. My inner voice struggles with God to make the right decision. I am trying to be more spiritual as time goes on.

No. Sometimes I think "spiritual" is another name for narcissistic, self absorbed self reflection. Either that, or I'm "spiritually" blind. I have thrilled to beautiful landscapes, the great feeling of a gentle rain, the love I have for my husband, family, friends and pets. But "spiritual"? When I'm the next thing to an atheist? No. "Spiritual" is for those who want short easy answers to tough questions and prefer to think with their "guts", not their brains.

This seems to happen often, whether I am quietly contemplative at home, out in nature marveling at the wonders around me or finding inspiration in books. I believe all makes me a better person - more grounded, more rounded and more grateful for everything I have and the amazing part of the world where I live. I grow a little more every time.

I really try to stay in gratitude and awareness of God every day. It's a little difficult to think of one spiritual experience as standing out from the rest. Two that are notable are: When I stood at Ed's bedside the day after his stroke and held his hand, stroking it. Another friend in the room said: "that's amazing - his blood pressure dropped 20 points since you took his hand". The other is when I held my newborn grand daughter for the first time. The miracle of life is simply amazing, and when it is a grand child, it is more amazing how the human race continues to "beget" and carry on.

Very little. I haven't been to synagogue in over a year, maybe even two years. I rarely pray. But I have thought more about God, about the nature of the universe, and especially about Kabbalah. I wouldn't say that I felt "spiritual" but maybe "more connected" or more "aware."

Losing my Grandfathers has been rough, but my boyfriend's sister having a baby has been wonderful. It's a beautiful new life and I can't wait to see her grow up!

Having experience intense loss made me feel a complete disconnect to my spiritual side. It's funny how when something bad is happening to others, my reaction is to send a prayer or hold them in the light, as the Quakers say. When it happened to me, I didn't feel like praying once. I have felt more than ever that God is uninterested in the doings of pitiful humans. As for the places I do feel a sense of spirituality - nature, seeing the goodness in others. That has been numb too.

I've begun regularly practicing yoga and meditation, which has improved my self-awareness (of my body and mind), my relaxation, and my patience... not to mention my physical strength!

My Aunt died, and it sunk in for the first time that my parents are aging and at 50, so am I. I am a secular person, so the "promise" of an afterlife is no part of my thinking. I realized I have some things I want to get done in this, my one life, and am remarkably full of energy to pursue these tasks and acheivements.

I converted to Judaism.

I guess allowing myself to feel stuff with Cynthia, when normally I am so closed off. I mean it came about in possibly the worst possible way and completely, and I mean COMPLETELY devastated me in a way I wasn't sure was still possible, but I really tried to get something positive out of the experience.

Not particularly; if anything, I've wandered away from the meditation practices that have been such a big part of my life for the past couple of years. Although by this point last year, we had just finished the Labyrinth tattoo on my back, and getting settled with that has been a process of being open to the universe unto itself.

I've felt the whole year, since my 50th birthday that God has better plans for me than I do. I have a deeper level of trust. I am learning to be more patient.

Not really. The realization that I purchased a 90mm book and in my twenties I among $125mm but pretty powerful. I surprised myself but getting emotional once i grasped what i have accomplished and also a reflection on all the sacrifices that were made it achieve that.

I don't personally believe in a god or have a religious faith. I find my faith and my strength in my relationship with myself. In the last year I've worked really hard for body positivity and finding great love for myself and in myself. It really isn't easy. I've struggled a lot in finding love for myself and abandoning hopelessness in exchange for passion but there are moments when I look in the mirror and I love who I see, I love my body and my flaws and my smile and the sound of my own laugh, and those moments push me to keep trying to love myself the best way I can. I hope in the next year that those moments become more and more frequent.

Nothing particular comes to mind with this question. I consider my self a spiritual person but I can't think of a particular experience that was spiritual... I am going to think about this more and get back to you.

Hmm. I am just not a very spiritual person unfortunately.

I would love to have a spiritual experience; I'm not certain that I've ever had one, let alone this year. I don't think I hang out with the right people. But I've read some sublime books this year and it's equally possible that I inhabit the spiritual universe of fiction so much of the time that I don't realise all that it gives me.

I'e experienced great beauty. The sun rise over Mt. Kilimanjaro. The savannah of the Ngorongoro Crater. The world can be a place of great beauty and we shouldn't be afraid of it.

Artistically, I have been moved to write certain stories. I have found myself gripped by something--be it in the news, or an event in someone's life, or an idea--and it won't let go until I form a story around it. I don't believe in God, but I do acknowledge that there is a force that passes through me, and that my my writing is to act as a filter and share it with others. That this is my gift to the world.

Do orgasms count?

My spiritual experiences are more frequent now, being in a 12 Step program. The "God of my understanding" (or GOMU) concept works well for me. My life has become better, less chaotic, since I turned my will over to my GOMU. I feel guided and watched over every day and am grateful for my spiritual connection with a power much greater than me.

I really enjoy meditating because it eases my anxiety (usually). I am not very good about doing it regularly, but I'd like it to be as essential for me as a meal.

I have been reading Barbara Brown Taylor's book, " Walking in the Dark". I have nothing significantly spiritual except one baptism that was just especially and deeply moving for me. I want to learn more a out this lunar spirituality by Taylor in contrast or along side of the solar, or sunny spirituality.

Soccer for thekids.

This year I joined the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara because I was searching for a spiritual community of seekers where no one view is considered paramount and the process of worship and celebration is democratic, open and very participatory. I have never found this community in the Jewish congregations I've attended. Generally, I'm put off by the primacy of Torah and God as as the old testament portrays God. And, I have found that in most Jewish congregations, decisions are made by those who contribute the most money. This is not true in UU. Also, I love the notion that the search for truth is, in itself, a spiritual, as well as intellectual and emotional one.

Spiritual no, cultural yes. I don't like Miami. And it's not the city, the place is beautiful, and though the climate is 'tough', I can suck it up. However, I CAN'T STAND the people. The Latin men gawking. It's disgusting. I want to slap them unconscious. The way that no one can speak neither Spanish nor English. Their bad attitudes. It boils my blood. No manners, no punctuality. I hate it. I will move to Europe, New England. Even New York has better mannered people. And did I mention the leering? It's disgusting. I'm not sure that it counts as a spiritual experience but it definitely makes me acknowledge other cultures that I like more. A learning process I guess. I think one of these days I will explode hatred on one of these gross men. I wish to shame them. Can you tell I don't like them? I should do more meditation and yoga.

Hearing Paco de Lucia on the airwaves struck a huge chord in me - I couldn't believe he had passed away before we landed in Spain. It was almost too much to swallow, his natural talent so rare and moving.

I keep coming back to the fire, but it really had an impact on every aspect of my life. I feel somewhat transformed by the experience, as if it were the phoenix that my life needed. We rose from the ashes this year. Our relationship is stronger. I feel stronger as an individual knowing that I can overcome that sort of thing. It was always my biggest fear, but it forced me to grow and to change. It increased my faith in life and friends. I'm so much luckier than so many people in that I had an outpouring of support both financially and emotionally. I just feel like life is much more positive than I had realized previously.

Learning to quiet my mind has changed everything for me.

The closest thing I've had to a spiritual experience in the past year is the intense closeness I sometimes experience when making love to my partner. I've never felt that before. Perhaps because he's my childhood sweetheart, come back to me after 30 years, there is a connection that is different or deeper than any other. But it is a powerful experience for us both.

Sad to admit that I don't think I have had any particularly spiritual experiences this year. I hope this is not a trend in my life...

I have welcomed into my heart a sort of daily blessing or appreciation, a moment of thankfulness for my health and for the life I've put back together and most importantly for the love I've found and developed with my bride-to-be. I am so thankful at times that it borders on prayer, and feel gratitude that transcends the quotidian and the earth-bound.

No, no spiritual experiences, no matter how you define the term. Been to busy running in circles and being depressed about life in general.

Anytime I get outside and hike mountains, I find this sense of peace. I want to live in the mountains. I want to walk them and be in them all the time. There was this one point on a hike in RMNP where we were on the side of a mountain. The trail opened up and there was nothing but a slick rock path, no trees to our left and just granite to our right... the landscape was huge and scary and I was overtaken with how beautiful it all was. I also felt like I was going to fall off the mountain. LOL! :)

As I am writing this, I am reading Jesus, An Historical Approximation and it is having a profound effect on me. I have always been enamored by Jesus in his humanness, but this is really a good book. Just getting to know more about the Roman Empire and how they treated people and what Galilee was like when he lived are adding to my knowledge of him and my gratitude that God chose to become human. I have also read a couple of books which have moved me deeply - You Before Me and The Fault In Our Stars.

Going to Shabbat services at my synagogue have been spiritual on a few occasions. I consider myself fortunate to have religious leaders that make me feel that way.

My life has been one gigantic spiritual awakening. I am a gift to this world and I am just learning to acknowledge myself. If I do not know how to be good to myself, how can I expect someone else to be good to me? Taking care of Heidi, a gift from God. This is such a work in progress but the light has been turned on. Gratitude, happiness, acceptance and joy. Such a journey, an amazing journey. "Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" " But I also tell you this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it's done right, is a kind of holiness, palpable and redemptive." Mary Oliver

This has been a very dry year for me, spiritually. In fact, this year, for the first time, I have seriously flirted with agnosticism. I do not want to be agnostic, but I find belief in the God I was taught about in conservative, evangelical Christianity very difficult to profess belief in. Without willfully turning a blind eye to things that confuse and hurt me. I am tired of all the confusion and discord religion brings. I am weary of Christian culture in America. I can get behind the idea of an all-powerful God that we must bow down to, but I see little evidence of His interaction with us (besides the fact that animals, nature, and humans exist). Which may be all I need for now (or forever): existence and submission to my lack of control in many areas. It will be interesting to see where I am spiritually a year from now...

Not really and I wonder if I avoid spiritual situations and experiences. And I wonder why.

I attended Slichot with Germantown Jewish Center, and it was a really moving experience. It really got me in the High Holy Day mode.

No one particular spiritual experience--although, as I age, I become more and more aware of the divinity that is in each one of us. Unfortunately, I think most religions concentrate on our sinful nature. I have a different view of sin. For me, it's more missing the mark (not this awful and dreadful sinning) and it happens to all of us as humans. It's how we learn and how we evolve and how we become better (which, for me, is the whole point of this physical, human life).

I have been awestruck by the Christian children being killed by ISIS in front of their parents because they refused to renounce their God. I have wondered if I would have that kind of faith. What I really wonder is if I have the kind of faith, that on a daily basis, in my everyday life, in some way demonstrates that I am a Christian. That my decisions, values, actions and speech pronounce my faith. That I consistently stand for and do what is right.

I spent several days this year at Universal Studios in Florida, spending time with family and friends alike. Getting to experience Diagon Alley was a revelation. Books that I have connected with and grown up with were thrown up and made real. I felt connected.

Nature keeps mattering more and more to me. I remember being a kid and totally unfazed by sunsets and vistas and so on (maybe spoiled by the view at our house?), but I stop for them more and more. It's what I remember most specially about Iceland, especially when I got to experience places and weather and times of day with close friends. We didn't need to do anything; being in the world felt like a new gift.

My spirituality was already greatly challenged. To say it is stretched to the breaking point after the death of my son is an understatement. To find any meaning right now is impossible.

Going to minyan and saying Kaddish on a regular basis had a lasting impact on me. I enjoyed honoring my father and grieving in the community. I am now more connected to Judaism then I was. Also, leading services has been a surprisingly fulfilling addition to my Jewish knowledge and observance. It's fun and I always finish feeling exhiliarated.

Manifesting a beautiful home in the perfect neighborhood for raising our kids, the very neighborhood I spent the first seven years of my life, defying logic and reason that we could shift into this space reminds me that I have untapped power

After an orientation for meditation, determined my "mantra" that incorporates a spirtual compnent and cultivates a relaxed state of body/mind. This has allowed me to question behaviors related to personal interactions with others from daily greetings to commuter traffic.

Yes. I helped create a new organization dedicated to creating, and even celebrating, safe & supportive heart-centered spaces. After our first weekend, one man returned home and said he found the same issues & problems he had left, but that they didn't seem nearly as pressing anymore, because he had returned home "happier." Being a part of that man's transformation was truly a spiritual experience for me.

I am reading a series of books called the Expected One - which is about a community of people that believe they are the direct descendants of Mary Magdalene and Jesus. This has been a very powerful revelation for me whether you believe or not- the idea that Jesus was a man that he walked this earth and had a family and loved was huge for me since all representation of him now is AD- also this idea that women have always been powerful thinking beings and that history has portrayed them as harlots, heretics, whores or worse because their power was too much for mankind is so beautiful and I wish those stories could be told more- as I believe that if women are given the chance to rule the world as we know it alot of the issues that exist will start to fade and we will be better for it...I have become more introspective and not afraid to share my thoughts, ideas or musings - as I have learned to use softer elbows when sharing these ideas - I am proud of this work and continue to seek my true self through readings and explorations of all that could possibly be.

This past year I have felt as if in a dream and I still am afraid of waking. It's been like this since I've left such a hard relationship via a horrible 8 year marriage to find myself in such a loving and mutual partnership that I now have. This experience has been spiritual in the sense that I feel closer to G-d even though I've not been to synagogue in the longest time since I feel at peace and feel bliss and blessed in all that happens. Even when things are "bad" I feel as if this dream, with which I am in, absorbs the negativity and brings forth a positive energy that softens even the worst blow. Yes, I have had days of indescribable grief where I can do no more than to cry all day - but I also feel comfort in that grief - and to me that is the hand of G-d in all that is happening. G-d whispering to me that the dream will continue and all will be right with the world as this shall pass.

No, I am continually on a spiritual journey. always growing and changing. It is a beautiful thing!!!!

During particularly difficult times, I find myself craving Buddhist teachings. While I have come to terms with being agnostic, the structure and wisdom that Buddhism offers as a philosophy is both comforting and enlightening.

The only spiritual experiences I have had in the last year have been negative. I feel so disconnected and alone. I've been through so much - and I feel like I was abandoned when I needed to feel Him the most. Logically...rationally...I realize this is not true and that my feelings have lied to me. But that doesn't make the pain less real. I'm broken and I'm struggling.

My girlfriend is a religious person but I have self identified as an atheist agnostic since I was 18. Neither of us thought we'd date someone like the other and yet two years in we live together and have begun to plan for the future. For a long time, religion has either been a taboo topic (with my family) or a point of disagreement. Neither of these was particularly welcome. Yet talking to my gf and her mother has been huge in rehabilitating my view of religious people if not organized religion in general. In a talk with gf's mom, I found that we could both speak very openly not only about religion and sprituality but also about philosophical differences in general. Through that discussion, we found that to a point we believe much the same about god (little 'g') though we come from different directions. It boils down to this. She believes in god and believe the old adage that "God is love," a platitude I never much cared for myself. Except that, to an extent, I can believe in /god/ myself. For me, love is God and God in created between people to towards a great purpose and faith in humanity. It matters not at all that we come at this from different angles, only that it works for how we engage with others, kindly and towards understanding. Interestingly, this led a month later to a similar reservation with my gf wherein we found that we have much the same conception of life after death, once again reached through vastly different philosophical mazes. It has been wonderful to find such communion with my SO and her mother through these talks. The devil, as they say, is in the details, but god (or any number of other words or ideas you might ascribe to this phenomenon) is found in generalities and in one another.

None that I can recall. Perhaps I'm "blocked" as a result of too much stress and not availing myself of opportunities wherein a spiritual experience might result.

This has been a low spiritual year for me. I long to find a way to grow in this area. My attempts at attending a Unitarian Church here in Virginia have not been fulfilling to date, and I am considering trying a Methodist Church. I long for the traditions I had in my childhood, but with a much more liberal belief system.

I can't really say that I have.

LLevo mucho tiempo experimentado mi ser espiritual a través de todo lo que hago. Creo que me he desconectado un poco con mi Yo interno y siento un desequilibrio en mí. Así que de nuevo estoy en el camino del guerrero, buscando ese milímetro de oportunidad para triunfar.

Rob and I renewed our vows after 15 years of marriage, and were re-wed by a Rabbi, while floating in a gondola at the Venetian. This was a very moving experience for us- having our marriage blessed by someone who shares our spiritual views for the first time. Rob broke a shot glass afterwards and we all had a good laugh. I also started covering my hair full-time, as a demonstration of my Jewish identity during a time when so many people in the world were openly hating us. This has been a much easier practice to adapt than I'd thought it would be.

I go to be a part of a women's circle. It was a special experience for me as I spent 13 years leading groups for women in a therapeutic / counseling setting and I was always the giver of support and container for all the negative emotions. There were moments when I was on the receiving end just by virtue of the shared experience, but that was not my primary role and not my job. In this circle I just got to be a participant, recipient and peer - no responsibility to lead or to facilitate. It reawakened a small part of my spirit that I had been uncertain was still part of me.

I can't recall any particularly spiritual moments I had in the last year -- maybe this is a part of my life which needs attention! I don't know that I feel a gaping spiritual hole, though. I am constantly re-evaluating my life choices and constantly analyzing my activities. I'm happier when I make an effort to do things, because my default is to sit and think. Thus, I feel that if I consciously tried to become more spiritual, I would end up in a rabbit hole of self-reflection.

I am again so moved by our planet: by the blue skies, the white wispy clouds, the air we can breathe and the water we can drink. I feel deep-seeded gratitude for this world, and a heartfelt urgency that we must work to protect it. From climate change to mining and industries that pollute drinking water, we must recognize how precious and fragile our planet's assets are. Whether I thank G-d or any power of evolution, I am moved by the greatness of our universe.

Chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is always a sprirtual experience, I love it and enjoy sharing it with others.

On our second tour, we drove through Idaho and I made a mistake on our scheduling. We had a show cancel but we decided to still visit my Aunt and Uncle. I forgot about a time change, and that put us 30 minutes late to our only show of the day. They weren't flexible and we couldn't reschedule, so they canceled. Disappointed and dejected, we decided to head towards dinner. I turned the wrong way out of the driveway and the GPS told me to turn around in a driveway that didn't exist. So I pulled into an alley behind an office building and found a dirt lot to turn around in. After I had turned around, right in front of us was a rescue mission for women and children. Tim and Amy went inside, and a half an hour later we were having dinner with these women and performing for them. It was a total God moment, no other way to explain it.

I have spiritual experiences EVERY time I'm out on the river, kayaking, or finishing my swim, or sitting on the dock. The river itself, whether calm or ripply, or those beautiful sparkles of the sun rays deepens me to my self. The birds soaring, ducks passing, fish splashing up, all get my attention and I know I am connected. The trees too, speak to me, challenge me to be still, yet flexible, and enduring in patience.

If I had have them, it did not register with me.

My spiritual experiences have come from deep inside me, allowing me realizing that I am the determination of my future and happiness. I must always remember this especially when my confidence wains in the sight of struggle.

For the first time, I made and kept a commitment to Jewish learning, weekly with a partner. We learned Pirke Avot every Monday night for the entire school year. The learning was good, and the commitment was good.

Riding the new modern streetcar in Tucson was somewhat of a spiritual experience. The anticipation of the trolley was immense and it was so rewarding to ride it around downtown and the UA area. It marks the event that has transformed Tucson into a serious city, with new development along every corner of the route. While the route is only four miles long, it is the direct link between UA and downtown.

I've been been affected by three things: 1. Saying kaddish for my father 2. Reading about Enlightenment philosophy 3. Reading about the Bible I consider it a privilege to say kaddish, but I have a hard time connecting that ritual with any kind of personal relationship with G-d. If anything, my belief in a personal G-d who intervenes in people's lives has all but vanished. The Spinozan notion of G-d being in the universe rather than outside it resonates with me. That kind of yanks the rug out from under revealed faiths. I've also been read a couple of books by James Kugel, who discusses how the Jewish scriptures are similar to those of other religious faiths, and how various passages of the Bible were interpreted. I'm still mulling it all over to decide where it leaves me.

I don't know if I have. Sometimes when I'm walking I hear god in the wind, rusting around me. But, other than that I really don't know if I've had any spiritual experiences.

Spending good time with my father in the last year of his life, especially helping him with staying in his own home, pain free, until his death. And helping foster his relationship with his great-grandchildren. Leaving his apartment on Saturdays and Sundays filled with joy, sadness and the feeling if whole ness.

Not, that I can recall as aspiritual... however it's wortgh mentioning that ioncredible liberation I fetl at Goran Bregovic's concert. Do awsome orgasms count? I've had some of those...

Nothing comes to mind right away. I have been trying to be spirtually present in both my mind and my heart. I think the most significant experience was when Brandon told me he did not like our church and had a hard time supporting pastors who are wearing designer clothes holding ipads and have tons of money. It put things in perspective a bit. We need to find a church home that supports his beliefs and mine. Soemwhere we can feel at home in. I have been reading daily devotions and would like to become more spirtitual this coming year.

Walking the Narrows in Utah with dear, dear friends and my husband put me in touch with how awesome nature is and how tiny we humans are. It was like being in a cathedral created by G-d to inspire wonder and humility.

Ometz has been spiritual but I sort of already talked about that. I gained a lot of patriotism about this country by working at NCC. I did not expect to get so emotionally attached and invested in the museum and in this country in general but I love it. Really hope I don't turn into Ben though. It's nice to feel excited though. I'm trying to think of spiritual experiences outside of the Jewish box. I want to have spiritual experiences outside of the Jewish box. I am more than just a Jewish girl and I want my experiences to reflect that. Maybe my Jewish spiritual experiences have reflected that for me. I don't feel like I can fully have meaningful spiritual experiences unless I have a diversity of experiences.

I'm not a spiritual person, so really, I don't feel that this applies. I've had many interesting experiences, but I wouldn't put any of them on that level.

The closest I've come to spiritual this year is taking up running again. This has been an area of highs and lows, the lows coming mostly in the form of ongoing injury which prevents me from running at all and prevents me from hitting those highs I so look forward to/need that I get from running.

I think the more I've become in tune with my body and my positive thinking the more spiritual things that have happened. The wedding was spiritual. Seeing the ocean on the way home from work provides me with an immediate sense of awe and wonder. Feeling better after the energy massage. I feel very at peace with my life and very excited - different than I've ever felt before. I feel like this is a major year for me and I can't wait to live it to its fullest!

Not enough. I need to reclaim the spiritual in my life. I miss taking the time to appreciate the moment, the beauty of this world. Going through pregnancy and having a new baby and coping with my growing family has sucked my energy dry, and more than ever, I need to recharge spiritually. Seeing my son born, though.....if there is any proof of a higher power granting us miracles, there it is. I created a life. Inside of me. That is sacred and awe-inspiring and amazing.

I'm sure that I have, but I have trouble identifying them. I have trouble with all of these questions. I think I am still rushing through life from one task to another, without taking enough time to absorb the moment! All I can think of to answer the question is that I have recently rediscovered my interest in Wicca traditions and rituals, and I have been working on incorporating them into my daily life. If nothing else, it helps me to spend a little bit of time every morning meditating or praying, or concentrating on thinking good thoughts for myself and others. I have no idea if it's correlation or causation, but it makes me feel better.

I'm not a particularly spiritual person, usually thinking of the spiritual as some artificial realm that does not need to be distinguished from the emotional or rational realms. The thing that came closest to an emotional revelation was my further understanding of cultural relativism. It's easy to say "I understand that all cultures are equally valid in their own context" but every milestone I cross on my way to fully understanding it feels like a revelation from on high.

I never really know how to answer this question. I haven't yet had any truly spiritual experiences. Spending ten days in Israel last yaer, I did feel ties to the distant past, but that may have been because of the setting (old Jerusalem) rather than any inherent spirituality.

I have had many spiritual experiences this year. Most of the year I attended services every shabbat, and practically every time I am struck and moved to tears by some part of the services. I stopped going to services through much of the summer, and felt very spiritually lost.

I don't know that I would call this "spiritual," but I have really enjoyed every opportunity I've had to be outdoors taking a walk in the woods. I loved Louisiana with all my heart, but it's been really nice to be outside among hills and towering trees. I'm not a great hiker or anything, but I've truly enjoyed the chance to get out there and just love nature. Yay!

Watching my son learn to sit up, crawl, walk and talk has been mundane and miraculous at the same time. I am seeking out wise people's perspectives on how to be a good steward of my child's process of learning to be human, and it is good work to do, as a person, remembering to be compassionate and not try to fix everything.

I formally decided that I am indeed an Atheist. It's something I've known my whole life but haven't been able to just accept it until this year. I haven't "come out" to my mother yet and I don't know if I need to. My family is all very religious and I don't care to get into any discussions on the subject with them.

I can no longer separate spiritual experiences from my experience of life. It is all spiritual and I ponder it often and seek always.

that i am alive after such a radical rupture in my life. that i am able to be a good parent still. moments staring at waters- in MA, in CA, in NY, where i try to believe in the ebb & flow & fluidity of life. my life is not over (please)

Cynical by nature normally I'm reluctant to recognize or acknowledge the bigger picture. For whatever reason - perhaps having begun to meditate - this year has brought me to a more thoughtful less corporeal place. For instance when my nephew visited my 95-year-old Mother several years ago she wound up in the hospital the day he arrived and wasn't released until after he left. This week he arrived for another visit and again, this time the day before he arrived, she fell and has been in hospital. I jokingly suggested to her she ask him not to visit her ever again. Normally I'd leave it at that, but now believe on a more serious level that considering the "bad timing" of my nephew's visits he has somehow been chosen to be the one present at these crucial times when my Mother is in need - that this is one of his higher purposes in life.

My current understanding of "spiritual" would be what I am experiencing quite regularly now. I can look out my back window and see mountains. As I drive out here in Cathedral City/Palm Springs I see beautiful mountains in every direction. This for me is a spiritual experience.

Every time I hear the shofar blow I focus in on that sound. It's as if the sound of the shofar is actually awakening dormant molecules inside me and I can feel them coming to life. Its a sound that reaches back through generations L'dor va'dor. My Zayda heard it, his father heard it in NY and Europe, and so on back to the temple. It connects the generations through sound and mutual experience forming one jewish people, regardless of observance, belief or affiliation. Give heed the sound of the shofar, the blast that is blown, oh my people.

Hmmmm...I have a lot of spiritual experiences, but they tend to be smaller, daily experiences of gratitude and love. Which is nothing to sneer at, obviously. I think it means a deep feeling of connection to the people and the moment around me--so I can feel like that a lot. Right now, I feel most elevated after a dance class.

I continue to grow into my understanding of the complexities of the universe and how 'attraction' and 'vibration' connects us and allows us to create our world.

Attending the two Silent Retreats at Rob's house were wonderful. The first was better than the second. I was able to stay silent and focused inward for a long period of time. Also, spending the evening with Jamey & Eva, when I shared Dad's pictures and plaques and such, opened up my heart in a new way. I'm not sure I would call it "spiritual," as such, but I came to appreciate the value of generosity and sharing in a new way.

I have indeed. I began seeing a specialist in anxiety disorders last summer, and she taught me a series of relaxation and visualization exercises to help me cope with anxiety. During my first visualization exercise - in the therapist's office - she asked me to picture a loved one sitting next to me with his/her arm around me. Without knowing why, I saw Mary (BVM) seated next to me, with her arm around me. I was suddenly filled with such peace and comfort that I became absolutely overwhelmed to the point of tears. Tears began streaming down my face, and my therapist just nodded. She told me that she had seen this sort of reaction before, and that it was clear that my chosen loved one would be a source of huge comfort to me. I have made huge strides in copying with anxiety, and I credit Mary's presence in my life for this improvement.

Yes. I have come to better understand how little so many things I worried about matter. I still worry but mostly less, and can talk myself down better. I also began dating someone who is a widower. This has definitely made me consider the afterlife more. I feel as if we could be together forever. And then I realize he has someone waiting for him. Who, quite frankly, seems like I would have liked a lot. Plus, I met with a friend who is a psychic. She knew my Dad had cancer before anyone else did and he lives hours away. What she told me matched perfectly with so many things that she would not know, it was eerie.

unleashing my creativity, lerning to play a new instrument and creating bags from scratch

The most "spiritual" experience is my attitude towards turning 70. It seems to be filling me with excitement about looking forward only - being unstoppable in my commitment to my mission: To be Joyous and Fulfilled - To be a source of love - committed to the well-being of others - to be a source of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Related to this "spiritual" experience is my drive to write. It is being seen in my commitment to participating in this 10Q program.

I have experienced a lot of beautiful moments, which just affirms for me that they are not exclusive to ALC, nor to religious involvement. The fact that I can see beauty in people, and in moments, and in my environment gives me hope that I will be out of my funk soon.

As I watch my best friend dying of MS, unable to move, as my Mom did with ALS, emotion often sweeps over me when I finish an amazing yoga class and how blessed my life has been to have these extraordinary women in my life.

I don't know that I can think of any particularly 'spiritual' experiences in the normal sense... I don't often think of myself as a particularly spiritual person. Most of my most spiritual moments have been when somebody was particularly lost or alone and I have gone so far as to pray for them... I prayed for my best friend when I found out he had cancer, during his treatments, and in his recovery as he battled deep depression. I celebrated milestones and successes with my rabbi via email, who rejoiced at the news of my friend's recovery, at my sister's engagement, at my own career advancement. One of my favorite things about the Jewish faith is the "mi shebeirach" prayer, the prayer for healing. It is such a community-focused effort, an effort to send good thoughts and feelings to all those in need, whether it is for physical healing, for spiritual healing, or simply a wish to help those who may need it. This, to me, is the tenet of my faith and the cornerstone of my beliefs. "Bless those in need of healing with r'fuah sh'leima - the renewal of body, the renewal of spirit; and let us say, Amen."

In the past few months, I've really gotten to thinking about what it means to be "The Body of Christ." I think that Christians have put what that means into these tiny little boxes like it's a VIP section in an uppity night club. When, really, it takes all of us working together to make the body do what it needs to do. ALL of us - not just Christians.

Hearing my son and daughter play together as part of our synagogues musical group has definitely been a spiritual high for me. It adds a whole new dimension to the service and the music and the prayer to me.

My most spiritual experience this past year was in a chanting "workshop" led by the interim music director while our regular music director was on sabbatical. I've loved chanting for years - I feel confident in chanting, where I don't feel confident singing songs or hymns. Secondarily, my other spiritual experiences were singing with the "Solstice Singers" for the winter solstice & Samhain services in the past year. I'm grateful for Ruben & Pam, for helping me tap into the spiritual piece that music touches.

I can't say I had a particular "Aha" moment, but overall, this year was a lot more spiritually fulfilling to me. I absolutely love having Pope Francis continue to break with tradition and use common sense in his actions. I have really been enjoying having a series of different priests. Our priest, Father Dan Doctor, left unexpectedly, leaving us with Father Dan Hyman temporarily, with many others filling in here and there. Father Hyman was very gentle and down to earth in his preaching, which was refreshing and very moving to me. Another priest was just there twice, but was very wise and delivered the message I needed to hear.

This past year with two trips to Israel and experiencing rosh hashana in a new community I feel particularly blessed to have had some deep connecting moments to jewish text through music and prayer at Shira chadasha, at the Holzer's home and even at Or Torah as a result of being moved by Rabbi Engel's talks. I need to keep being reminded somehow that in the absence of regular torah study, music and melody connected to jewish text is my doorway in.... Additionally the few and precious times when I have been together with our boys and have had the chance to hear THEM sing has been spiritual as well...

Yes. Leaving the church, stepping out into faith, deciding to let go of the role of problem-solver in my sister's life, shifting to being a loving witness . . . . Affected me by shifting who I am being in a big way . . . much more alive, full of joy, etc.

Yes, I think the entire year I have grown spiritually. Reading Thich Nach Hanh's Fear changed my thinking -- about life and death not being starting and end points but being part of a continuous circuit. Also, the homilies at Spiritus Christi affect me deeply. I love the Christian message of non-judgement, love, acceptance and justice for the poor. I thought of suicide last month because I was the most depressed I'd ever been. That was a bizarre spiritual moment because it was such a dark place. I had always imagined that a spiritual moment was full of life, but to want to give life up, to realize that I had almost no hope was a surprise. Talking about my depression has connected me with others who have experienced the same feelings and trying to heal myself has lead me to meditation. The moments I've had during meditation have been profound. I feel more peaceful now that I was deep down in the well. I still am skeptical about love and our potential to live life fully -- there might not be a potential, no purpose -- but I'm enjoying finding out if there is more to life and trying to stay right here, right now... because that appears to be all there is.

So, my previous idea tha I am god has taken a better form and the brighter sight is occasionally pulsing through.

When I was in Rio de Janeiro in February, I had an afternoon out with the girls. They wanted to go shopping for carnival accessories. We then went for posh afternoon tea. I then persuaded them to visit the local cathedral. It looks like an upturned bucket from outside. Inside, I found myself looking up. It's like a giant wonderbox, tapering up to a crucifix in the apex of the roof. The atmosphere was so peaceful in there. A sanctuary of cool quiet. It definitely had an effect on me. I let it. Someone once said you should visit other people's places of worship, even if you're not religious yourself. I like this idea. I can still share their sense of wonder, even if I don't share their belief. I've also started communing more with nature. I have been awed by seeing the sunrise three times. I found my happy place in a glade of bluebells. I saw the girl I was with get flowerdrunk. Maybe I'm being a bit loose with the meaning of "spiritual" here. But then maybe I'm not. My spirit was moved by each of these things. I was inspired. My heart expanded. I wondered at the world and the people in it and the things they do to express themselves.

I am really drawn to art, music and photography. I want to see the beauty in the old, look for the abstract in a forgotten place and simply see the beauty that lives all around me as the seasons change and I get older. I want to remember what I see now later when I ponder my life's events whether successes or failures

I had some deeply moving spiritual experiences this past year during our trip to Israel. Praying at the Western Wall was an overwhelmingly emotionally intense experience, even though we were on the women's side, and I didn't feel comfortable wearing my tallit there (though I did on the other side of the wall where the Reform/female Jews were welcome). I could literally feel in my body the centuries of yearning and praying and powerful emotions layered on top of and all around that site, and I felt very connected to my ancestors and to the traditions they passed down. I also had a deeply moving experience when my youngest son, Isaac, and I sang the sh'ma prayer together on the steps of the ancient synagogue ruins on top of Masada. Sharing that basic acknowledgement that "Hear, O Israel, our God is ONE" with my son, I felt a strong connection to my past and like I was passing on that past to the future via this beautiful next generation I have been trying so hard to raise up right. I still tear up when thinking about it. The whole trip to Israel was a deeply touching, connecting trip. I am so grateful to feel like there is a place in the world where Jews can truly feel they belong, even with all the other problems and issues in the region and the difficulties that keep cropping up with peaceful coexistence.

Praying with Miskan T'Filah has made me feel free and responsible for choosing my prayers and being affected by them. It is more than OK to be me.

Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend I attended a service at an AME church with some of my friends from Synagogue. Some of my friends sang with the church's choir and it was so beautiful and moving, and the sermon that the Pastor gave just about broke my heart.

My back surgery forced me to face my mortality, and reminded me that I really need to cherish what I have from day to day, and that I should try to worry less.

I can't say that I've had a singular spiritual experience. I try to lead a spiritual life and to take time every day to reflect and give thanks. The daily practice keeps me focused and grounded.

I feel like I've had some personal break throughs, in regards again to musing on pregnancy and childbirth and child rearing. I realized some things about my relationship with my parents, my husband, and myself. I will not be the same parent my parents were. My husband and I can parent differently and that will be a good thing. I'll do my best and that's all I can do. We'll be good parents. The biggest realization - and to me, these realizations are spiritual, because they come to me when I am musing, my form of meditation - is that I need to honour my own voice if I'm going to show my child what it looks like to honour theirs. The only regret I have in this pregnancy is not listening to myself early in, and it's causing me some problems now. But I can still listen to myself now and give my child that example, from before they are even born.

...each day that I am abstinent and sober are spiritual experiences for me. Each breath I take is a spiritual experience and each time I look into my husband's eyes and see acceptance, love, kindness, and respect, I am having a spiritual experience. The "problem" is when I take these spiritual experiences for granted...assuming they will always be there. Or, get so busy, which means "I" have become so self-important, that I am not giving thanks and showing proper gratitude/appreciation for being awake to the spiritual nature of my being.

This year, I feel like I've become more distant from my faith, but more in touch with God. I feel like travelling and seeing and experiencing all these amazing cultures and people, as well as really bonding with my friends and family has made me feel more connected to a higher power.

I think my focus was so overwhelmingly on the world of profession that I failed to have any true "come to Jesus" moments. Though, for my birthday, I decided to reclaim my health. I had a slip-up with booze this past weekend, but plan to just get back on the horse and keep on going. Part of the reclamation of health involves spiritual health, too. At times I feel I've been so enraptured in spirituality and religion before, that I might've burned-out.

Every time I hear our local symphony orchestra play it's a spiritual experience. Music is transcendent at the best of times, but great music brilliantly performed is a step into the truly spiritual realm. I can't help but feel that heaven must be something like this.

I feel particularly spiritual when I am walking in the woods, especially with Kailor bean (my dog). The beauty I see speaks to me of a connection with all living things. I feel great joy and peace when I am out in nature. Unfortunately, lately I have been overwhelmed with the greedy, destructive behaviors of humans and the effect this has had on my environment in Buffalo, in NY State, in the US and in the world. This behavior leaves me feeling great grief and helplessness and anger. I have been trying to find a spiritual perspective that heals.

I'm not one for "spiritual" experiences. Nothing comes to mind.

On June 28th I was given the honor of carrying the Torah around my temple's congregation. This was five days after learning that my position was going to be eliminated. I never knew I, as a female, could have this honor. I was thrilled and nervous and yet somehow felt I needed it. When the Torah was placed on my right shoulder I felt a shock go through my body. The sensation lasted the whole day. I never felt the weight of the scroll at all. I didn't want to stop holding it. I look forward to the honor again.

"This is the day the Lord hath made; rejoice and be glad in it." I had a couple spiritual experiences this year, although in a different way from the previous year. While 5773 definitely saw me reach spiritual heights more religiously, especially in Israel, 5774 brought me into touch with some of the most beautiful natural experiences I've ever had. 5774 took me back to Blue Star, where, sitting in Shabbat services, or leading the White Warriors in Color War, or simply enjoying the time with my friends, I felt truly present in the "now" for the first time in a long time. Of course it helps when you're in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with limited outside contact. 5774 also took me backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail with Project Wildcat before school began, and looking out into the vastness of Lake Superior, pack on my back, virtual strangers surrounding me, was a spiritual experience like no other. Impromptu stargazing at Lake Agnes with Ghikhan reminded me too look up more -- a line that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I'm sure I experienced spirituality in other domains, particularly in class with Mr. Kasten or elsewhere at camp, but for 5775, my most memorable spiritual experiences lie in nature, outside, removed by and large from contact with the outside world. In those moments, it felt wonderful to simply be present.

If anything, I think I've become less spiritual. Now that I'm living in a city in liberal Illinois, churchgoing isn't the norm. We've become involved with a humanist group, and taken one trip to "atheist church" in Skokie (for a Sunday-morning talk about the L Trains). I've been reading more about atheism, and looking at the argument that ALL religion - not just the extreme/hateful kind - is bad for humanity, because it elevates faith/belief over reason. I don't know if I'm ready to completely buy into that, but it's a reasonable argument. It doesn't help that the number of nasty things done in the name of religion seems to increase every year, so it's hard to remember that not all religious people follow the First Church of Hobby Lobby.

I can't think of a specific spiritual experience that has had a huge impact on my life. I think this year has been one of quiet spiritual practices. I started collages to process my grief for Peter. I tried to ride my bicycle more than last summer. I have changed my altar cloth as the season change. I have prayed and written poetry and walked through this life with an awareness of the need to be in the present moment.

I got a diagnosis of s serious and degenerative health condition this summer. That follows on the heels of the death of my remaining parent a year and a half ago and turning 50 a year ago. I don't know how spiritual all of this is, but it sure makes me reflect on what I want to do with my life and how I want to live what's left.

I've had moments in yoga practice when I've been completely turned inward, focusing only on breath and movement, and felt a stillness that I would describe as being one with the universal energy that supports all life.

Regaining an interest in creative projects has increased my realization of how important this is in my life. Finding this balance makes a big difference and I plan to maintain it.

Sitting at graduation and reflecting on my time at Pitt was a spiritual experience for me. I felt very small in the crowd but at the same time very proud of myself. It was a weird feeling to have actually graduated. I always knew it was going to happen, but being in the moment is much different than you could ever imagine.

Someone is harassing me with magazine subscriptions (30 so far) and false appointments at NH salons. It has caused me to face my tendency to "hide" when the pressure ramps up. I can't fix this or solve it right now. So, the question becomes whether I'm wiling to let someone else control my life and how I show up in it. Even though I'd like to hide because someone hates me, I know I must push through and show up even more brightly to drown out this negativity. Also, I've had proof delivered to me that what I wish for and declare *will* show up. It's time for more rightful execution. To trust myself and my desires. To feel confident that it will be as I wish.

no.

I can't say I have. I try. But so much "spirituality" seems like playing pretend. And I've had my fill of playing pretend. There are nice things, and there are horrible things, and there are many things between. And they're all still just things.

Yes, several. Some involved a feeling of connection to my deceased husband, a wonderful loving sensation of being cherished and affirmed in all aspects of my being. As if he were reaching across to me, reassuring me, validating me. And these feelings would come just when I needed them, when I was feeling rotten about myself for various reasons. He often made me feel that way when he was alive.

I took a yoga class with Neva Ingalls and felt my subtle body shift for the first time in ages.

Having a big health crisis that kept me inactive for almost 2 months changed the way I think about a lot of things. I am now diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, and it has me considering what sort of person I want to be from here on out. Not a complainer. Not self-pitying. It means in some ways changing the way I think about some relationships, and being less honest with my mother...telling her that things are all right even on days when I feel lousy. I've always been very honest with her, so this feels like a bit of a spiritual challenge to me.

walking in Banf with my husband & daughter and seeing snow covered mountains and abundant wildlife was probably the most spiritual experience - I felt life was good, I was in exactly the space I wanted to be in.

Every time my four year old daughter hugs me I feel I am in touch with something ephemeral and eternal. I wish I could hold that feeling forever.

I have searched my mind and emotions, and realize that I didn't have any particularly spiritual experiences, that were different from my usual ones. I decided not to manufacture one just in order to put it here. I loved the Shabbat hikes, and especially the one in September, the weekend of Mom's yahrtzeit. I thought about her, and wondered whether I ever really knew her well enough to know if it's something she would have loved. I like to think so....but I realized I"ll never know.

I have learned that self love is the key to wholeness and awareness. It is the fuel we need to go as deep as possible and others have so much love it is a guiding light. Thank you Erica

Relocating to Halifax and not being able to go to Japan has come with a lot of blessings including being able to effortlessly find jobs that not only are helping to hone my skills but will help fund my dreams of becoming a baker and owning my own nut-free bakery. A lot of things (material and otherwise) have manifested for me very quickly and I constantly feel inspired by this city and its people which has led me to start blogging again.

I found the creative spirit in poetry this year. The creative spirit comes to me when I am open enough, and allows me to write my poetry. Learning to be in sync with the creative spirit, and learning to not drive it away has definitely been a learning experience. Writing has become much easier for me.

Now that Carl is gone, I do feel more connected to myself. Self-healing has a spiritual aspect.

I can't remember any spiritual experiences or anything that made me say "WOW". Maybe I found some inner strength when I saw how hard my 89 year old father worked to get mobile after breaking his hip.

For the first time, I've been interested in meditation and learning more of the spiritual history behind yoga. I still view yoga as a vital part of fitness, but equally important to mental health and relaxation. I would love to take a class or read a good book on the spiritual history of yoga. I'd also like to learn more about meditation and incorporate it into my routine.

I have had many "spiritual" experiences this year. Every day is a spiritual experience: teaching yoga philosophy along with asanas, learning new ways of teaching, feeling deeply the miracle of life: how everything falls together in a pattern of some sort if I look closely enough, my practice and teaching of meditation and evolutionary psychology. My clients are spiritual experiences: I am reminded how we are all so interrelated, that their experiences mirror my own in some way, and how I can then pour forth an attitude of acceptance and point the way out of the morass in which one might find herself/himself, and that I feel I am channeling ancient wisdom in each and every session -- when I relax and allow it to happen!

Nothing new. There is no god, so it is on us to be nice to each other because we're all we've got.

Spirituality comes in many forms. For me, it is anything that really evokes a deeply emotional feeling inside. I was never raised in any particular religion so I had to figure out for myself how to connect to "the bigger picture" and what that means to me. One event that comes to mind is when my boyfriend and I made the mutual decision to let go of our separate pasts in order to become a stronger couple and be able to focus on our future together. Watching him throw his wedding ring from his past relationship into the river made me feel so deeply. There was so much significance and meaning in that one action and I felt so connected to him in that moment. On top of that, he has always believed that his grandfather (who passed a few years ago) lets him know when he is on the right path by bringing a storm......the skies opened up while we were driving home and poured rain until we got back home. "Love....it will not betray you, dismay you, or enslave you. It will set you free" -Mumford and Sons

I broke down crying for the Hanukkah shehecheyanu prayer this past November. I finally understood what it is to have escaped something terrifying and deadly when I got out of the hospital after delivering our younger daughter. Until that point, it had kind of been mindless formality to say shehecheyanu. But I really really got it after a 6+ hour surgery during which my anesthesia wore off partially.

This past year, I have been reminded that people come into our lives at different points for different reasons. The transitions of this past year were very challenging: Moving to a new state, leaving all my friends and family behind, starting a new PhD program, the unexpected news that I'd be an aunt, the sickness and death of my adviser, purchasing a new home and then having it flood two weeks later, learning how to drive... But the support of new friends in my cohort helped get me through it. Perhaps they won't be lifelong friends, but they came into my life at a time when I needed them and it truly felt like we were all placed in the same place at the same time for a reason.

I'm not sure. I realized I became very uncomfortable with a married temple member this year. We've been friends for four years. Then he started making disparaging remarks about his Christian wife. Then showing up at my home without an invite and it creeped me out that he knew my address. He said he had gifts. I thought I better avoid him. My instincts are blaring warnings. I don't know why. But I joined another congregation. Lesson Learned: don't make 1x1 friends with the opposite sex. I wouldn't have been creeped out about any other married friends popping over. I really can't explain why...so it felt like a spiritual warning to me.

As have the previous two years since I have gotten sober, this year has been a spiritual journey, tho I have felt less close to my Jewish spiritual self, and this has bothered me. Sobriety has taught me a lot about spirituality, and how to use tools that allow me to feel closer to G-D. This year I have not focused on saying morning prayers (due to how long this seems to take me); I have felt the loss of this habit deeply - so why don't I get back to it?!

Listening to John Lewis speak this year has been inspiring. We should never forget the power of the individual or of peaceful resistance.

As I'm getting older, I think more and more about what is to come; what is 'life' after death like? Does it even exist? I'd love to speak with a medium, like Alison Dubois, to see if I can 'speak' with my grandmothers. I miss them so much. If they still exist..does that mean that I will exist? Does heaven exist? If it does, what if my heaven isn't the same as my loved ones' heaven? Then I wonder why I'm wondering about this at all..since it causes MORE, not LESS stress.

I felt giddy in front of Starry Night, then I moved to stand obliquely before it and saw the very human hand in the edges of the paint sticking out and scraping against the canvas. In those edges, is that G-d affirming man, or man confirming G-d?

Shabbos. I have been working hard to observe Shabbos as much as possible this year. (Not doing really well, but I'm trying!) It's been beautiful and educational and relaxing.

Yes, every day. Life in general is a spiritual experience. Every single day. The sun, the clouds, the rain, the snow, the water, the human connections, everything.

After spending a long weekend with my husband and his brothers and wives, my sister and her husband and our son and his fiancé in an incredible setting, Stowe, Vermont I realized how important family was and is to me. It wasn't that there weren't moments of annoyance or exasperation at some of the situations that came up because of their personalities and quirks but in the end it was our love for each other that stood out. That, plus the natural beauty around us transported me to a place of contentment and peace.

In April I began the spiritual journey toward recovery in ACA. This is already a difficult journey, as it's bringing a lot of pain to the forefront, and this is affecting my marriage. While I know this will not be easy, it is important work for my salvation. There will be great need forforgiveness, grace, humility, and love. There will be enormous personal growth and my life will be better. My marriage will be stronger than ever. Steve and I will move toward mutual recovery, healing, and acceptance. I am learning to listen more attentively to my Higher Power, who blesses me and comforts me and sustains me. And FORGIVES me.

Yes. I began learning about Judaism in a self-directed, deliberate way, and began the conversion process. My decision was inspired by an intensely spiritual and emotional experience I had while on a trip in Europe. I spent a day at Dohany Synagogue. By the end of the tour, lectures and visit to the museums, I was changed. Something was awakened in me and decided to pay attention to it.

Nothing spiritual has changed in the past year. I have dealt with death in the family (actually that happened July of 2013, issues with my job security, and my wife asking for a divorce but nothing has change spiritually for me.

I cannot think of any particular spiritual experiences I've had this year- nor artistic nor cultural ones. This year has felt like a year of survival. First year in sobriety. First year with resurfaced trauma dreams. First year in a new marriage. Crowds of people have mostly dissuaded me from being present this year. The most impactful memory I have- and that may be because it happened only two weekends ago- was "A Mighty Fine Shindig". In August, Kerr emailed me while Korrie and I were on vacation noting that he was thinking about hosting an acoustic show to benefit Toni. I immediately said that we'd host. Within a month we pulled it together- 4 singers, 30 attendees, $700 raised form the event and an extra $1600 from an anonymous donor. The spiritual moment for me came when I was sitting watching the singers, the crowd, my dear husband at the firepit, and feeling blessed. I felt hugged by community. These people weren't here for me- they were here for Toni. And yet I too benefitted from their love. I think this is a calling for me to connect to community this year. I imagine attending writing workshop more regularly and, perhaps, the open mic night at which Kerr performs in Union Square. I want to be with creative people, be in the LGBTQ community, and share in something bigger than me.

If it's a clear night, I will always go and look at the stars in the night sky as I have done several times this summer. Seeing them reminds me that me and my life are actually an infinitely small part of the universe, and that I am merely a part of a much grander existence. Going for a walk under the night sky always helps me reconnect with what really matters in my life.

Yes, actually. I was in the tunnel with my dad and his friends and we were drumming and singing. I felt so utterly and completely myself again, which I hadn't felt in a long time. It felt like I was coming home to myself.

I was blown by the majesty of French architecture and the Swiss mountains. I realized life is enormous and the universe infinite.

Though we have explored a variety of synagogues on holidays and shabbatot... I have not felt as spiritual as I would like.

I'm not a very spiritual person so answering this question is not easy.

Doing the shabbat hikes. Watching my son sing Hatikvah at camp.

When I rode the tram/lift at Anacapri in June. It was one of the most beautiful and serene experiences I've ever had...taking in the beautiful scenery, smelling the trees, and hearing the birds as I glided up & back down the mountain. It was so peaceful.

Not really, it's been kind of a crushing year.

Learned that what I needed to add in my instrumentals was emptiness. Space.

Im not really a spiritual person so I can't really answer this question to it's fullest extent. I guess the most spiritual thing that happened to me this year was celebrating the first day of Hanukkah with my girlfriend and her family. It was real strange at first, but being there really moved me, its a lot different than Christmas where only the children got gifts and the parents didn't. I know it isnt like this everywhere but in this family it moved me that they cared more about giving than receiving. It really reminded me that not all people are total shits. A non secular thing that I experienced was the wonders of Italy over spring break. It was such a good time with everyone who went and I'm glad I was able to go.

My sex life has definitely shifted toward a more spiritual experience. It has always been good, but now my partner and I are beginning to have a stronger heart connection which sometimes translate into a blurring of the boundaries of our body when we are having sex. It is very satisfying and deep and expansive, and makes me really happy. I had always dreamed of having a sex life like this, and now I'm getting the opportunity!

Being a witness to a marriage made me recall my own wedding day. It made me feel gratitude for my husband, gratitude to God for taking care of us and keeping us together.

During my yoga training graduation, I was away on retreat for a few days, my husband was traveling for work, so my kids were being cared for by their grandmother and a babysitter. On the second night of the retreat I got the dreaded phone call that something had gone wrong. My son has a developmental disability and was having a severe behavior in the car with my mother. She was unable to manage the behavior and it was raining. My son was out of control, though not trying to hurt anyone and she didn't know what to do. Somehow the police came and they insisted on taking my sone to the hospital. This was when I received the phone call. I knew that my son did not need to go to the hospital, most likely he was having a low blood sugar moment, needed to eat and have someone take control of the situation and change the environment so as to distract him and redirect him from his fixation with acting out. No one was able to do this and the cops took him to the ER. I was over three hours away, so leaving and driving home was not going to even be helpful. I had to wait to hear from them once they got to the ER and I only had an hour before I had to be back in session. This was all required for me to graduate from the program I had spent the last year working on. I called on a teacher who had always been there for us and she agreed to go to the ER and help in any way she could. Once I spoke to them and made sure my son would not be given any medication, was given food and heard that he was doing ok, I was able to hang up and go to my session. I didn't know what the session entailed because the nature of the retreat was to keep things surprising and special. It turned out it was the most important element of the training known as meditation in motion. Essentially, you just let yoga take you over and move in whatever way the energy calls you to. It's the most intimate form of yoga practice and it was to be done in small groups..you in the center of your yoga family, exposing your most intimate dance with your own essence. There was literally nothing I could do to help my son; I simply had to let go and trust that those around him would take care of him, that he would take care of himself, that he needed to figure it out on his own, and I needed to be right here, doing this or else I would never be able to let go and help him to become as independent as he can be. It was the hardest and most gut wrenching experience of my life as a mother. And it was a lesson in complete surrender that I needed, and it completely changed my life.

Yes! I have reconnected with my love of writing poetry. I have read books on topics I love, especially other cultures, than I have in years. I feel that spiritually I have grown through both of these exercises. I call them that because neither has been a passive experience. They have both reawakened my curiosity in the world and revealed some truths about my past, and helped me realize what I want my future to look like.

I think I can say that being pregnant was somewhat spiritual. All kinds of things are happening that I had no control over, I could feel this being growing and moving inside of me, and at the end this new being miraculously exits my body. And my body had the power to create and sustain this new human! I certainly have much more awe for the creation of human life and much more respect for parents and humility about parenting.

I feel spiritual when I do yoga. The way it forces me to become aware of every inch of my body and mindfully control my breathing makes me feel focused and aware of the world around me. I love to see the impact my mind has on my muscles, my lungs, my heart, my will, and more. It makes me feel centered and whole. I feel that my time spent at yoga is a gift, something I'm doing for myself because I love myself and I deserve that love.

I got to participate in a "Jewish Journey" this year through the same group that sent me to Israel a few years ago. This was a spiritual experience for me in that it was one of the first times that I understood all of the parts of services/prayers/traditions and it was just awesome! I felt super connected to Judaism. Additionally, the rabbi there helped me choose a ketubah for my wedding, which was such a special part of our wedding.

I will risk beating a dead horse, but Penland was a truly spiritual experience for me. Never in my life have I been able to so completely connect with a group of total strangers and to be comfortable calling them my family.

When I was in Israel, I had a moment when I was frustrated with the events of the program. So, I went into another room and began to talk to god. It is crazy when moments like these happen, but they make me feel like everything is going to be ok.

I think the closest thing I can describe as a spiritual event was trekking around New York City. I love urban environments/landscapes/architecture and I was mesmerized by the expanse of the city and fell in love with Central Park.

studying the book of Ephesians...shown how to improve my marriage...

An emotionally special experience that I had this past year was, when I was cleaning out my room and I had seen my great grandmothers old cloth and bracelet and was given her old dolls from trips. Which she had before she passed. It made me feel like I was still with her and that she was still in our life's, and no matter what she will forever be in our hearts. There was no better moment then then, when I felt even closer to her, and really could picture her enthusiasm and appreciate her even more and more bringing Back all of her characteristics in just those few memorabilia.

I do not feel I have had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year. In fact, that's something that has been an active lack for me and that I want to focus on in this next year. I had some deeply meaningful experiences but ones that had more to do with my career or my relationship. Not ones that had to do with my artistic side, my spirituality, or my religion.

Mentally, emotionally, and physically hitting rock bottom to the point I shared my suicidal desires. Having faith in the humanity around me now and that that has sustained me through the years made me realize I will not die a healthy young woman, by my own hand.

Nothing of any noteworthyness. I have been moving along down a path of self awareness however.

Listening to monks chanting in a small temple in Bangkok. Made me aware of how devotional people are around the world.

I have found a home in my new Jewish community, something I have never had before, and it has brought me great happiness and contentment to my life.

Becoming part of a shul has been nice; adding Shabbat as a refuge from the week. Being 'adopted' by a friend's family for dinners has also made weekends happier. It's a valuable part of the rhythm of my week, and has somewhat replaced the role of excessive introspection as the 'spiritual' or prayerful part of my life. This is true of social connections generally. I think it's healthy. No woman is an island... A less good experience has been having my assumptions about my romantic relationship challenged: there isn't one right now. On the cusp of middle age, that's alarming to me. Life is complicated enough without having relationship be a major locus of mistrust and instability. I don't have a satisfying answer to it.

This winter and spring there were several periods, both highs and lows, when I was overwhelmed by a sense of my own mortality. Part of this was triggered by my relationship with my pre-school age daughter and her curiosity about life and death. As a parent, I think it is impossible to have an honest talk with your child about death without confronting the fact that at some point you will die and that they will be your living legacy. It gets really hard when they connect the dots and ask that soul crushing question, "Does that mean you and mom will die too?".

i dont know if i'd had any 1 particular experience. but im trying to learn how to allow others to express their thoughts and understanding of buddhism without getting upset when i dont agree and without arguing with them and telling them they are wrong.

Amazing wedding of 2nd child. At sunset, on the ocean, on the cliffs. Welcoming our expanded family. First daughter-in-law is Buddhist, now second daughter-in-law is Jewish. Great experience to integrate new cultural and religious practices. Great way to open the mind to new and wonderful things. And here we are writing our reflections between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Don't think so. Well, every time I swim in a lake or in the Sound my whole body and brain feels elated.

The relationships I have build in the past few months, the closeness I have felt to others, and the way others have seen me has been incredible. I shy away from the word spiritual, as it is so variably interpreted. There were also moments at bci I just felt so present and so integrated with my surroundings. Those moments feel special, unique, and impactful in a mostly indescribable way.

The whole process around the birth felt so deeply spiritual and completely grounded in this reality at the same time. Being so thoughtful and intentional about the bris, and going through it, was also deep and intense and challenging and powerful.

Trite? OK, but every day the opportunity for a 'spiritual experience' presents itself. I once read that (to paraphrase) it's not in the whirlwind, nor the thunder nor the lightning, but in the still small voice. Can you get a spiritual experience out of that? Or do you need a burning bush?

We've been going to a new church for the past couple years. From the beginning I knew it would be spiritually challenging. The pastor is great. He shares challenging messages, and is a good guy. I think I've become more comfortable as a doubting Christian. And sinner. I accept that something changes in me when try to be a better Christian, even if I don't understand the mechanics of it. I keep praying about it. Having a kid makes me pray more, and want a better future for her and the country and the world.

Can't think of anything. :)

Upon reflection, I would say I had a somewhat spiritual experience when I heard a live performance by Brazilian guitarist Dori Caymmi. I was moved by his music, in particular, his music paired with the lyrics of a good friend of his, a Brazilian poet. The combination of the two overwhelmed me in a way that I consider spiritual -- it makes me comprehend that there is something bigger & unknown.

my mother dying. the days leading up to her death were surreal. i never thought i would lose my mother although i knew she would die someday. i feel like a child when i say this. how is it that my mother is not here with me. how is it that my connection to life itself, born from her, is no longer here with me. how is it i cannot feel my mother after being with her for 55 years? is this spiritual? my mother and i were as one in so many ways for better or for worse and now i am truly one. is she okay without me?

The most spiritual experience I have is probably my love for my brother. He lives so far away and we aren't part of each other's lives in a day to day in any real way, but he gets me more than anyone, ever. When I talk to him about struggles, or we can make fun of each other in the way that siblings who grew up together can, it's the best. We really respect and appreciate each other. And we're so similar. It's unique. This coming year, I want to foster our relationship more, skype more, (visit more?) especially because of his health, and how nourishing it is for both of us.

I went to Israel for the second time with Birthright. Getting to see everything again was amazing, but being tired, friendless and hungover made it a little less spiritual. However, later in the summer when I found out about my brothers pot smoking I awoke and realized I am a better person than that and will rely on God.

Nothing stands out.

Nothing really.

I am a terrible sleeper. My former partner turned me on to sleep meditation which I listened to steadily for a while and now once in a while. I think that and some changes in my personal life have really helped me out. :) Yay!

I did not.

Several experiences have turned me inside out about who I thought I was and where I want to go: losing my mother and seeing losing my dad on the horizon, finding out my father's family wasn't Jewish, and being in Israel in June and July at at the start of the war. I am "recalibrating" my personal GPS.

I’ve come to regard having spiritual experiences as a norm. They are not fabricated or conjured. They just are. Perhaps it’s because I expect them that they happen. Perhaps I’ve learned to be open and receptive that I can perceive them. Perhaps it’s that we are shown what we are ready to see and hear what we are ready to hear and know what we are ready to accept. I’ve learned to accept and trust these experiences more readily through the years. Trust that what Is is meant to be has reinforced my courage to share my spiritual experiences with others and led to involvement in a small group of like-minded spiritual sojourners. Each of us is in a different place on our spiritual journey. Each of us is in exactly the place we need to be at each step along the way. As fellow travelers who share this aspect of our voyage we support and nourach each other’s spiritual growth.

A spiritual experience has been my yoga practice - it has become 'deeper' and more meaningful. Concentrating on posures and practice means being with myself, listening to my breathe and feeling my heart beat. Connecting, feeling, being one.

The more I read and study, the more I know God has a special purpose for me. I'm trying to help myself realize that it might not be what I want it to be. I'm also trying to learn to number my days. If today were my last day, would I be ashamed or regret what I did today??

I actually haven't had any spiritual experiences this year... I'm not the most spiritual person though...

Social Dreaming - co-hosted an event for a conference of community leaders from the Jewish Rusian Dispora. The dreams and associations to dreams were moving and meaningful.

I spent a week in Jamaica living in a house a few yards from a bay where the sea-life and snorkeling was incredible. I spent hours each day observing and swimming with fish, eels, crabs, sea urchins and anemones. I saw gorgeous coral formations playing with the light coming into the water. If able, I would have stayed in the water all day because I find no greater peace than when I'm in the ocean just feeling it's ebb and flow or observing it's creatures. There is an emotional and physical reaction that I get from no other place or aspect of life.

I'm not sure about this. I do think that the situation in Israel with Gaza has affected me spiritually. I want to be more involved with my Judaism, am thinking about making Aliyah and I wonder if we Jews can live anywhere except Israel anymore.

It's something I think about every day. I live in a neighborhood that has a significant Orthodox population, everything from modern orthodox to no-skin-exposed-except-hands-and-face-wigs-or-black-hats orthodox. I'm reform, but for the most part, the latter group doesn't acknowledge me as Jewish at all. For the most part, I feel that my religion, an accident of birth, is still my birthright, and I struggle with ways to incorporate it in a mostly secular life, while at the same time I feel genuine repulsion at a view of Judaism that is repressive to women and is at odds with Enlightenment values. You know, from the 18th century. So, for me, the resolution of tis conflict is twofold. First, there's the way I treat people, all people. It isn't just being nice, but a spiritual mandate to try my best to see all people as human beings of equal worth, and try my best to be kind to all people, to the best of my ability. It's a goal, not an accomplishment. The next is to go past my own insecurities and take stock of the many gifts I've been given. By birth, I'm not just Jewish, but middle class, with the benefit of good schools, a good neighborhood, and an exceptional education. I have the gifts of being a talented writer, a talented photographer, and have the ability to talk to all kinds of people, and more important, get them to talk to me. So the challenge is how to best develop and use these gifts for tikkun olam, how to use the skills I have to repair the world, to bring something to it that makes it better, or adds joy or aids the lives of those around me. Thant too is a goal and a journey, not an accomplishment.

The experience of melding the monolithic God and The Great Spirit of my father's Ojibwa fathers has opened entirely new factors of my belief in God the Great Spirit. For a start, my Higher Power is now a loving, humorous, compassionate and nonjudgmental deity. Second, my Great Spirit made everything and has imparted its Touch in the form of being (like a rock) versus soul bearing (like an animal). Unlike the monolithic deities that are selective in their recognition of "God's Children" my deity gives a soul to all living things and expects us to love, guard and protect all the elements of our environment. My respect for other culturals, religions, and art has increased and continues to increase. I've become more aware of the soul of pet dogs and other animals through the belief in the "Rainbow Bridge" where our animal friends await our rejoining them after death. Clyde Merritt gave me the RB belief just before he died early this year. This belief gives me joy in knowing of the reunion to follow.

I have had an off and on relationship with meditation this year, but in those moments that I make time to settle my mind and remember where I am I have felt great calm. I cherish that and hope to bring more of that into my life this year. Times of quiet and centering - a much needed experience for me.

I begin to understand what love is. Again. I know what need is and has been in my life, but this is understanding giving someone my love - without expectation of getting something back. Lo, just when I gave my love to Mr. B., w/o concern for him actually reciprocating, love came back to me. Larger, lusher and lovelier than I ever expected.

I began studying mussar, the study of Jewish core values such as humility and mindful speech in an effort to internalize them through study and exercises. It's given me a path to spirituality and raising my spirit to a higher level through a Jewish path.

Yes. Workshop from Wim Hof and the effect it has on feeling good. Need to do it on daily basis. Also feel that if I combine it with simple meditation I feel great. I did it on the day of and day before I organised a big event for our book launch and felt very happy during the day of the event (nervousness disappeared).

No one thing stands out. I have felt small moments where my son started saying "amen" when we pray. I've been feeling called to simplify my life, do things I love, and just be more of the person I've been created to be, rather than just lose myself in the "mom" role.

I feel as if my entire life is a spiritual experience. Just being alive and waking each day is a spiritual experience. I never thought I would make it past 30, it was just an unwritten thing that would happen to me (Death). But here I am, alive, a business owner and wanting to get married and have a family.

The best example of a spiritual experience is going to the depths of my physical abilities and reaching beyond what I ever thought possible to achieve and sharing that experience with my husband. Getting to the outer limits of who you are and what you're able to do has so much more meaning when it's shared.

I am a very spiritual person, however one thing that I did this year that I found so much serenity in was that I went snorkeling for the first time! It was absolutely mesmerizing. Being swayed by the currents over the tall grasses that were rocking back and forth beneath me, swimming side by side wuth colorful fish and even seals, I felt like I was in another world. It was an amazing experience.

If anything this year has been one where I feel as if I have lost spirituality. While I used to feel busy and hassled or unfocussed, I now just feel busy and like I have to work on too many things right in front of me to focus on anything much higher.

Breastfeeding has been so spiritually fulfilling for me. I will never again hold my daughter as closely as I did before she was born. We will never again be a single being. But those moments, with her soft hair tickling me as I cradle her head in the crook of my elbow, the rhythmic sounds of her nursing, the slowly fluttering eyelids and eventual moment when my nipple slips from her sleeping mouth... those moments are the closest we can get now. So many parenting websites I read talk about making sure your child's "attachment bucket" is full to help prevent tantrums and difficult behaviors. But no one seems to talk about filling their own attachment buckets. Nursing her every night gives me so much peace and connection. It makes me feel so, well, spiritual.

Sadly, no. My lord, this year has been a lot of nothing. :/

Visiting Europe this summer (Amsterdam, Paris, Marseilles, Barcelona) with my boyfriend was a spiritual experience. My eyes were open, I was a citizen of the world, and I wanted to soak up every sensual experience possible. I was a sponge. I wanted to taste and smell and touch everything. I felt connected to my boyfriend and bonded with him over being strangers in a strange land together. I felt euphoric.

My theology class - oh, gee, how ironic. I guess you could call it spiritual, though I'm not personally religious. I just feel like I really enjoy the discussion that goes on, and our teacher is so open to all our opinions, and loves when one student points out what he sees as faults in religion or religious arguments. I love how we can still learn about theology and religion without someone cramming it down our throats. That's how it should be.

Working in the garden, going to the wedding of two people who, after years of suffering and pain, found one another again, taking long walks with my wonderful friend, smelling grass and flowers and sea.

For me, the most spiritual experience is always, always when I can look out to the ocean, hear the waves crashing, feel the sand between my toes, and inhale the fresh air. It is my happy place, my place to think, reflect, express gratitude, decide what I want to do next with my life. The ocean makes my spirit better each and every time.

I really gave myself back to sewing this year. I began with a few skirts but it has morphed into making everything I wear. Aside from the boost of wearing things I've made myself the act of making is so soothing, healing, relaxing. I felt like I'd become disconnected from myself since moving to Minnesota. I changed so much in so many facets of my life that I didn't feel like I knew who "I" was or what made me distinctly "me" anymore. I've started getting back there with sewing and thrifting, antiquing. I am slightly uncomfortable with such material things representing my spiritual experience this year but I feel like I've come back to myself and it makes me a better person to be around.

1. Learning to meditate has helped me tap into my creativity, the calm reserve of water inside me.I can be here, in the present, and non-reactive. 2. Nature is my church. Watching the outdoors, watching the wind's effects, sniffing the sniffs, smelling the smells, feeling the breezes, hearing the crunches, knowing it's all going on whether or not I'm there. There is a trust in nature that I feel very comfortable with.

My most spiritual experiences happen when I am out in nature... and in dreams. I was raised a Methodist and I'm glad I have that background. I do believe in God, but I don't know what that is exactly. Perhaps that higher power that tells the flowers when to bloom and the birds when to migrate. I have gone to church over the years, and joined the Unity Church at one point. But I no longer attend church services. But I do have spiritual experiences. I sometimes overwhelmingly feel the beauty that surrounds us. I feel that I receive contact from loved ones who have gone before me. I believe in spirit guides. I believe we have a soul that outlives our physical body. I do not understand how these things manifest, but I believe them. Yes, I have had particularly spiritual experiences this past year, but they are very personal and also very difficult to describe. They have affected me by making me feel peaceful and grateful.

Experiencing ovarian cancer and treatment has awakened me to my own mortality, and has reminded me of my own inadequacies in thinking I am in control. I praise God that I am forgiven!

It some cases this year has been marked by a lack of spiritual experience. It's been almost impossible -- mostly for lack of motivation to try because it doesn't feel like the place for me -- to integrate into a Quaker community. Sometimes I wonder if this is exacerbating my mental unrest or if that is something that I have been conditioned to think coming from a family that values spiritual engagement. Either way, some sort of spiritual practice would be useful in the coming year.

My daily practice of finding feelings of gratitude has moved me deeply. It has allowed me to reflect on the basis of friendships, meaning of love.

I wish I was more connected to my Judaism. I miss it, I miss how it centers me, how it gives me focus, and makes me a better person. I want to do more to be connected to my Judaism.

I think my spiritual moments have happened while I have tried to have a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature. there have been times when I have been in awe of a spider web or sunlight through the fog. If I have been able to share these moments with my family it has brought a feeling of being connected.

I feel very guilty that I feel more spiritual in some ways about the time I'm spending with my father as he reaches the end of his life than I did about the time I had with my mother. In many ways I feel that much of what I screwed up with my mother I'm being given an opportunity to rectify with my father. I'm more vocal about how much I love him, and try to be more attentive and patient. I affirmatively tell him how much he means to me, and how much I accept and appreciate the way in which they raised me. That said, in similar words as the answer to question 4 that I gave, I would say that the closest to an actual spiritual experience I would have had this past year would have been coming to the conclusion that a significant part of me feels at home in Israel, in a way I don't feel about my home in the U.S. That isn't to say that I would continue to feel this way exclusively if I lived there, but that it exists in such a way at all is important to me. I imagine spending some of my mother's last living weeks with her in Israel and with her/our family there has a large part to do with this feeling.

It is weird that nothing definitive comes to mind. I am sure I have had spiritual experiences through davening at Hebrew College, hearing an impressive d'var, conversations with seminarian friends both at Hebrew College and at ANTS but nothing immediately comes to mind no...

I've been able to reconnect to Hashem after a long time of not being able to pray at all.

This year my spiritual connection has been very up and down. Although I have had some epiphanies, it really could be better than it currently is. On a good note, Marcus has been revamping his ministry and there seems to be a lot of spiritual promise in the future.

The surprising truth is I have not had any specific spiritual experiences in the past year. I used to strive to live a life that kept me open to these moments. I was moved this past week by the things Elder Urchdorff said that our Heavenly Father knows us and loves us...and He is not waiting for us to become perfect to extend his love. It is available to us now.

Bhakti and open hearted yoga have changed and transformed me. It has opened my mind, my eyes, my energy.

I've had a few spiritual experiences this year. Coachella: Large gatherings of people always make me observe and have different experiences. I came to a realization that I needed a partner to fill full and to pursue something more with a partner. Watching Calvin Harris was a moment for me that was extremely fulfilling because I was free and felt a deep connection to the music, environment and the stage effects. Arcade Fire was was very spiritual since all of their songs connect with me. Their performance made me think deeply about my life and the world that I live in. Backpacking in the Uintahs: This was a physical and mental challenge. Anytime I go into nature I have a spiritual connection because I feel a deep connection to the natural surroundings compared to being in a man made environment. I realized that there are a lot of great things happening in my life and made me realize another level of appreciation for how things have happened in my life. The areas were my family, my GF, and my duplex purchase. Also living more primal and having a view of the stars connected me to knowing that there is a lot more out of our known reality and our comprehension of what reality and life are. Our observation points are minimal to what there actually is. Having a view of the sky makes one feel small and large at the same time. Twilight Concert Series: The Local Natives performance and The Head and the Heart

See Answer #1. I have always found spirituality in Nature. I love being outdoors. It can be windy, rainy, sunny, cold, hot. Spring and Fall were my favorites when I lived up North. Spring is still my favorite down South. And I always look forward to those few cold days in Winter. What a pleasant difference! My other love is being out on the water or at the beach. There is nothing more soothing than the sound of the waves and the sun and wind on my face!

I was at the forefront of one of the most insidious wars in history. Men in the finest, purest, almost blinding white combating. Prepared to hone yet another blade, these men seethed words of corruption, repugnance and immaturity. Organized religion is not an object I deeply consider. I am Catholic, and I do believe in God. The God I believe in does not exist within the steeples of grandiose churches and biblical abodes, but under the darkest rooftop. Technically, the holiest are the ones in front of the golden dome. Boston Common is full of contradictions. Yes, we have the holier than thou, the holy and the majority. See, how can someone be so rich yet so poor? I remember going to the common for walk. Little did I know that I would be approached by a homeless man. Now, I had a couple of dollars in my pocket. A part of me wanted to give this man a dollar, but another part of me refused. Excuse followed excuse. "He will use it to buy drugs. I can use this dollar for the train. He doesn't need a dollar." I find that most people try to justify not giving. It is an unfortunate avaricious reality. I am not advocating to donate money to the destitute of Boston Common. Frankly, I probably will not commit to it either. But I do recall a time when I journeyed to this Eden-like garden. A man lay still. Mute. The sun had scorched the very oils in the crests of his flaky skin. The nearby smog tainted his fingernails and countless packs of cigarettes marked their territory on his decaying gums. The man only wanted to drink. A nice vodka. Although I did not provide him with such a refreshing beverage, he did provide me with an epiphany. An eye-opening, forever changing, metanoia. This was the most beautiful man I had ever met. I stood in front of him in awe. I was unsure of his name. Was it Chuck or Bill? I could not recall. I sat their and pondered and he asked, "Are you gonna give the damn thing?" I had almost forgot. I reached out and provided him with a lovely brown paper bag. He took it and smiled. He was disappointed to discover their was no New Amsterdam Vodka in there. I laughed. He took out the most delicious peanut butter and fluff sandwich ever made. He sat there and enjoyed. I watched him. He could not help but smile. I had never seen someone so happy. I was almost overcome with envy. He had nothing but everything. When a friend nearby asked for a piece, he threw the sandwich at him, not exclaiming one thing. That is when I knew who God truly was. See the golden dome right in front of us was the state house. But the true gold was found on the Common. This man had shared his sandwich and a smile despite his anguish and suffering. I learned from that day on that I must appreciate the simple things in life, even a smile, his smile and your smile.

I saw an amazing art installation at the Whitney, by Robert Irwin. There was a huge black cloth hanging from the ceiling, it bisected the room and looked different based on where you were in the room.

As I become more involved in social media and connect to people I would not normally encounter in my daily routine, I've come to admire people who pursue a single moment or image that is beautiful. If a picture is worth 1000 words, I think how more and more we are communicating in pictures which is a higher volume of thought than in previous years of my life, and that the increasingly powerful digital tools are giving us a life vocabulary that will make us more than ever what we are and will allow us to connect with others who see the world in similar 'channels' of perception or experiential expertise.

I took part in the worldwide meditation for peace a few months ago. I don't really separate "spiritual" experiences form life experiences. I am Spirit. I feel the Oneness when I am in Nature, or even when I let myself relax into Being.

I can't say I had any "awakening" or anything like that but I have been praying more often at night. When my wife was pregnant I prayed every night to God for a safe arrival of my son and a successful delivery. Later I thanked God for my new job and all the blessings. Work became different than I expected and it just seemed like I was just going with the motions in life. Now I accepted that my job will never been what I expected and I resigned to the fact that I have a steady job to support my family. My wife started her Master's program and I pray to God that I'm thankful for her and my son every night.

Sadly, no, none that I can think of!

I do not think I've had what could be considered a spiritual experience but I can say that I've had a feeling of becoming settled and comfortable. In a way that suggests to me: it's time to move on and from this time and place.

Going to temple offen.

No.

My trip out east. The way it worked out could only be orchestrated by a power other than me.

Bar Mitzvah.

I lost my grandfather a year ago. Since that time we have found dimes. Dimes everywhere. And when I tell someone about it and they scoff, they usually find a dime that day. It is the most remarkable thing. It makes me feel that maybe death isn't the end, maybe there is something more, and just maybe, my family that has passed is there, looking out for me. It makes me want to be better, do better.

Not particularly spiritual, but I have travelled to some amazing places this year and travel is good for my soul. I drove through a blizzard to see Hovenweep and then spent an afternoon at Canyon de Chelly which is spectacularly beautiful. I saw the Golden Gate Bridge and SF for the first time; I saw the Gulf Coast of FL for the first time; I saw Yellowstone NP and the Beartooth Pkwy for the first time and at each of these places I left some of C and the boys' ashes. This is very important for me to do. I also began hiking a lot and the time I spend alone on the trail with Phoebe are also very important to me and somewhat meditative.

I suppose the awareness that I can't belong to any organized religious community, but that I draw from many. The awareness that I am unable to let pass the number of times that we refer to "G-d" that we are creating an entity that reflects our own human tendencies and weakenesses, and limit the potential of spirit by creating religion and mythology.

No

I have had a prolonged spiritual experience over the past two years fueled by my practice in yoga. There are specific times I can remember in which going to the mat opened my mind to love and possibilities and let me make better decisions in my life and the lives in those around me.

My mom's continuing health crises, the death of my college friend and stepbrother (both in their 30s), my sister's struggle to get pregnant...all of this and more continually challenge my relationship with and belief in God and/or anything spiritual. On the one hand - how can all of THIS exist without SOME sort of divine assistance/input? How can we say there is no greater meaning or purpose to our lives? But on the other hand - as countless before me have questioned, how can these terrible things happen to amazing people? Even if there is a God, what is the point of that being if a 30 year old woman can die and leave her young husband behind? If my incredible sister and brother-in-law can't become parents? And yet...despite all that, I'm not an atheist. I'm very much agnostic...but potentially slightly leaning towards yes.

No, and this really disappoints me.

doing a yoga challenge in february where i would go everyday or sometimes twice a day was really awesome in that i felt super connected to my body and also my community and just an overall growth in minding the energy I give off and that i choose to surround myself with.

My spiritual experience would have to be digging deep into the Masai culture in Kenya. I learned how the children are brought up as well as got to try some food they eat and perform the many different tasks that they do to run a home. This enlightened me to the many different cultures that exist around the world and that other people may have different beliefs but that shouldn't matter when there are so many that you share.

This year I've been introduced to the concept of mindfulness. I can't say I'm an active practicer, but I think I would benefit from more time for reflection in my life. Life feels less chaotic and "noisy" this year than in the recent past and there are opportunities to reflect on who I am and what I'm doing. I think I should probably take advantages of more of them.

My spiritual path is a function of my awareness, which is a function of my health and health of purpose. That being said, moving downtown has put me in the line of sight of people in very different circumstances than my own. How to have an impact there, on a personal level, within my own power, has been a "virtuous" path, but I'm also wary of any self-aggrandizing in the course of trying to help others. Overall, I'm still very angry, and disappointed, about the bigger picture, and trying to see where I have value if the path I thought was right is closed. The grand fairness is definitely in question.

...

I walked to starbucks and got drinks for my whole family and it was very spiritual because when I for back we all sat down on a couch and watched a movie together.

No major spiritual experiences beyond the synagogue routines.

The effect that yoga and meditation has had on my mind and body has been spiritual from time to time. In a hectic and stressful life, it has provided me with small glimpses of my spirit that I don't often get to see.

Once again, I can't say that I'm a particularly spiritual person, other than my intense love of my children and family and art, especially literature and music. I have done a little more reconnecting with music in the last few months, which inspired me on a lot of levels. But truly, even as I sit here in Istanbul having seen mosques and churches and appreciated the sacred spaces they offer, it is the art (or some would say decoration) that is more guaranteed to move me than the idea of these as places of worship. As I've had the same experience in other churches, temples, etc., I think that's just how I am. On the other hand, I do experience feelings of intense joy with with people I love, and art I admire. I can tell myself that this is a chemical reaction in my brain, but then I think/hope/want it to be some kind of signal that there is something more. Somehow. Somewhere.

My spirit has been challenged. By cancer and mortality and love. This train wreck has made parts of every day spiritually loaded. Some good: instants of living in the moment, with the glorious world and the people I love. Some bad: questioning the purpose and the arc of life and the meaning of God. The blessing and the curse side-by-side. Yet somehow I almost answered this question "no". Because the angels didn't sing, and my heart didn't thrill in synagogue. But instead I say "yes" it has been a very spiritual year. Wonderful and awful.

The fault in our stars affected me by a lot because there was a death and it was sooo good and I loved it soo much because it was so good and I loved it.

Well, I felt grown-up, romantic, sexually-charged love for someone for the first time in years and years. That's a mood-lifter!

I've become more in-tune with myself and listening to myself and accepting what what my body/mind/soul needs. It hasn't always been easy since what I may want isn't always what I need.

For me, getting married was a spiritual event. It marked a change in my status. It marked a covenant I took with G-D and my Wife. It opened up a whole new way of looking at things and thinking about things I never would have thought about before.

A movie that I saw affected me it was the Maze Runner. Because I liked it and it showed me how to be brave, and Dylan O'Brien is in it.

I cried in a yoga class. Google reassured me that is fairly common. Does that count? I hope so.

My wife and I had a wedding ceremony with our family and close friends this past May. We went to Washington, D.C. to have a legal ceremony in Oct 2013, and we wanted to do something meaningful for ourselves and our families. My wife is not Jewish, but she is very supportive of me and takes part in many of my practices. Since gay marriage is not legal in Louisiana, we had to get creative with the ceremony. We chose the have our mothers "officiate" under the chuppah in a blend of traditional Renaissance themes and Judaism. The old idea of a bride being "given away to her husband" just didn't make any sense to us. Instead we treated the ceremony as if our mothers were gaining another daughter. Her mother read to me from the Torah in Hebrew (as best as she could), and my mother spoke to my wife in her own way. We wrote our own vows and included our fathers and sisters in the ceremony - our families became truly blended. Our union became more spiritual this way. Everyone said it was the most wonderful, loving wedding they had ever attended or been a part of.

I think the closest we have come is all the sporting events from this summer - the start of the Tour de France in Leeds and then seeing it go through Essex. And going up to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games - a lovely time spent camping with mum, enjoying the sport and enjoying the city.

This year I experienced a life threatening accident while skiing in Utah. I was hospitalized with injuries that may have left me paralyzed or brain dead forever. By the grace of God I was saved from long term injury. This was particularly apparent because of the fact that the man in the room next to me in the ICU was paralyzed from the waist down. He was pulled of the same mountain on the same day with a very similar accident. He will never walk again. I on the other hand was walking the very next day, and to this day continue to exercise and work out daily.

I've discovered yoga can calm me and help me feel safe. It also helps me feel less sad for a little while.

I feel like I've had them in the past, when I was in France painting pictures of it's magnificence or when I've become engrossed into a project that lasts for days and I can't seem to stop. I feel like I had a fun time participating in the 48 hour film festival, however I haven't experienced a moment like that above in a while. To think of it now kinda concerns me.

Nothing out of the usual. The usual being great moments of openness, stillness that take place in nature. Other moments while listening to music. sometimes just sitting quietly.

Spiritual is one of the most overused and tired words in any religion. It's time to find another means of expression.

Well, I guess that my bond with my mother grew stronger, and that has helped me get through the pain of my weakening bond with my father. I think that it happened at exactly the right time, which is why I am considering it to be spiritual.

Yes. My ability to grow exponentially as a person in all of the four areas of my being. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. So much of this is attributed to the journey that began two years ago when I decided to change my life completely. Start over. Find myself. Realizing that I was on the wrong path opened my eyes to the possibilities of what the right path could be. And the realization that it’s the path that I make for myself. This year is also entirely different from the first year of this journey, which is all a new chapter of my life. Last year was the year of stripping everything down. This is the year of rebuilding from the foundation upward.

I wish I had more spiritual experiences, sometimes I feel pretty much dead to spirituality or like those that are having spiritual experiences are faking it. I had a specific moment where I took my mom to see my dads body in the morgue and I got to be there for her as she let out her emotions. She left the room and I was left alone with my dad. I said some words and when it was over I felt like a good son in the sense I was there for my mother in such a tough time. I'm not sure if that qualifies as spiritual but if it does than that is my most spiritual moment of the year

not really. sorry i'm so boring

I have had just a few spiritual moments this past year, and they have occurred when I've been with my wife and dogs down on the river that adjoins our property. I have felt a sense of peace and rightness down there.

I always hate this question. I don't have spiritual experiences. I just don't. The closest I come is when there is a particularly desperate situation of my own or someone else's, say, a kid who is dying from cancer or I see someone is in need of help that I cannot give. In those moments I say something like "Ancestors of _____, or whoever is listening, if you can help, now would be a great time. Comfort, hope, a shove in the right direction, anything. If you can hear me, that person needs you." I believe in something akin to past lives. It's possible. A higher consciousness, something. So, just in case someone is listening and can help, I ask. Do I ever see a result and thank my dead grandmother ? No. Because I don't know who/what is listening. I just know its not the "god" they talk about in church and synagogue.

on the way back from skiing in feburary my husband told me there was an article i would like in the airline magazine. it was about folks that had stepped out of jobs that they weren't meant for to make their dreams come true. it made me really open my eyes to the fact that in order to make great strides, you must dare greatly. since then i have been inspired to hone my craft, to find my space. i feel the pit in my stomach that can only mean that it is time to be brave and let great things happen.

Also hate this question. Nothing here.

Narrative Leadership - I attended a retreat for this topic as the encouragement of my pastor...also a leader. it was pivotal for my life and will be a milestone to which I'll refer for many years. This retreat helped me to better focus my life calling of a bi-vocational minister. While not an official position in a church, per se, I've learned to embrace this as an unusual fulfillment of my initial called to attend seminary. Moreover, the discovery moment was the final story we used to gel together the week. I chose the story of Ishmael, who is marginalized by the Christian church as not related to the lineage of Jesus since he is related to the Muslim faith. It's that very reason that attracted me to Ishmael. He is a part of the family of the Old Testament and a son of the covenant, but one neglected from an historical perspective. My call is unusual and no in line with normal expectations, but it takes all to fill the family; especially those whose lineage might disqualify them from consideration.

Not really. I'm not much of a spiritual person, and I think I've felt truly "spiritual" only two times in my life. I think I'm a bit afraid to let myself feel spiritual sometimes. Im not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

Last year at the high holidays, I created a daily mantra, which was formed out of the idea that mantras are a collection of words to aid towards transformation. It had a message to myself, and I said it daily for many months. I think this year was marked not by large and memorable spiritual experiences, but by the effort to bring that in to daily practice. Because how we live our days is how wel live our lives (one of the lines from my mantra.) And this year, like every year, I am struck by how difficult it is to make a change, to institute new habits and break old whens, even when they no longer serve me. Its a life long process.

I don't guess I've experienced anything 'spiritual' per se, even in secular senses of the word. The closest I can come to this is culture shock. It's been very interesting being in college, and being in the world, and interacting with people constantly. Considering college was about all I talked about for a year, everyday when I'm just going into class, I say (without fail) 'I want to go home' and moan and groan and go on with my day anyway... With some daydreaming of going home. Oh well, you really can't have it all and life is never 'perfect', whatever that means.

This has not been a particularly spiritual year for me. The closest I came to having a spiritual experience was when an exquisite piece of music that I had never heard before came on to the radio as I was driving home, and I was simply transported by the beauty of it.

I have been lighting shabbat candles as much as possible (when I remember) and that's been a calming habit for me. I've also been trusting the "universe" more, and believe that there is goodness out there for me, even if I don't feel it immediately.

I'm making progress at feeling okay about my level of religious observation. Maybe I'm becoming less self-critical, but I keep reminding myself that I'm not Orthodox and don't have to feel guilt for not observing all the "rules". i feel closer to G-d by accepting myself, and by enjoying learning about Judaism in all its forms.

Performing a tarhra for two friends. May they rest in peace.

I saw the film Boyhood last month and it moved me- I've thought a lot about it.

I have spiritual experiences on a regular basis as long as I am tuned into them and reading them as they present themselves to me. Without them I am not sure I could go on functioning as I do. Finding this website happened when I realized I was letting my cat go-mortally--on Wednesday the first day of Rosh Hashanah and wanted to know more about the significance. The following day there was an NPR broadcast about the significance of this time of year--the ending of the old year, the beginning of the new and that it was a time of reflection and atonement. Knowing that heaven's gates open for us from time to time reassures me. It is a reminder about being open to the greater mystery that issues us into this life and then out again. That is how I found this website and began reflection time, which seemed important to me. Synchrony in events-experiences-thoughts-dreams are the harold of the spiritual working in my life. Intuitive prompts guide me when I listen, and when my attention is brought around (mom's picture flying off the desk one morning; turned over backwards the next. After I have acknowledged her and asked for her assistance from beyond the grave.)

I am in a place spiritually that I have never been before. Since I was 25 I have felt as if God was with me every day and over the past two years that feeling has diminished until now it feels like I am alone. I don't feel lost and I don't feel as if I am in a bad place, I just feel alone. This all started with my announcement to my wife that I no longer wanted to be married to her. From that point until now I feel as if my whole world has retreated from me, but I know in my heart it was the right decision. She was abusive, demeaning, uncaring, insensitive, and unapologetic. I could not bear the burden anymore, I could not carry the load of my misery one step further.

I am constantly battling with this idea of spiritual... I think the most spiritual experience I have had this year was running my 5K races and finishing. Every time I finished one and beat my previous race time, I felt exhilarated, enthused and accomplished.

Spiritual can be a foreboding I assume as well. I've changed my life so I'm not working as much as I used to. I'll have to rely on my boyfriend for more financial support but it is for my future dream to have a chance. I just know it won't be instantaneous and I will need to work hard. It's like I'm walking down the correct path but so scared I won't make it to the end.

This is a bit similar to #1 for me. I'm a fairly spiritual person, frequently thanking God for all the beauty in my life. Singing some of my favorite songs with the congregation affects me on a regular basis. I suppose theatre occasionally gives me a spiritual experience, especially when the show provides a catharsis. LES MIS does, so did PETER AND THE STARCATCHER and RAGTIME.

I seem to have fallen off from the mother tree. Time to come to grips with that and say goodbye to SG.

In January I went on Birthright. That trip was extremely spiritual to me. I kind of expected it to be, but kind of not. I'd been to Israel before - with friends, and we'd just traveled for a couple weeks. But this time was with other Jews. Now I knew I'd be pretty much the least Jewish person on the trip (totally was - the running joke was "I was the worst Jew ever"), but I almost feel like because of this I might've been more touched by the experience than anyone else. Going to the Western Wall on Shabbat, doing a mini-Bat Mitzvah, picking a Jewish name. These things were incredibly touching for me. Touching in ways I didn't expect. That trip was extremely emotional for me. While I don't expect to become a regular synagogue attender - I do plan to become more culturally Jewish - including doing my first fast ever on Yom Kippur this year.

We moved to a low income, low education level, African American neighborhood, in which I have witnessed many children attempting to maneuver their everyday lives to include friendship and fun, in spite of a lack of resources. Daily prayer sustains me, and I see its effect in multiple ways. It provides calm, direction, and upliftment, as well as a connection between this world and the next. It can change the direction I am going for the day. If I take the time to pray in the morning, I have learned to keep a pad of paper beside me and write thoughts in it that occur to me after prayer. They tend to be things I need to take care of that will have the most valuable and immediate effect with those people I am currently in contact with.

Durong my first day at work in Starbucks I befriended this girl called Nayareth and then I met her twin sister called Jael. We kicked it off immediately. Then we found out that we had many things in common, for example, the three of us like kpop and went to the same gig in January same location even, just meters away from the others and we even caught a glimpse of each other while chasing the guys of this band around Santiago. The band was CNBLUE and realising that we were so close yet so distant just the month before we met was something awesome and very special.

Yes which is driving me towards a sense of urgency to focus on what is important to me which is to awaken spiritual matters in those with whom I am directly involved. This includes family, friends, work colleagues and anyone else who comes across my path.

Sitting at the fire pit at Eldorado, taking part in the fire ceremony, chanting and throwing masala into the flames. Chanting the Ganesh mantra with my yoga mates. Knowing for sure Ringo was our puppy. Crying after sex. I am more tender and more vulnerable.

My Spiritual experience this year was grounded in the FACT that GOD is always on time ,and is WORDS are still full of life

the is an interesting question for me. once upon a time i would have said most definitely. having grown up baptist and being involved in the church pretty much all my life this was definitely a regular thing in my life. i believe that God exists what form that comes in is up for debate. this is all starting to mean something different now that i have my own babies. i want them to be a part of something. i want them to be raised in a set of beliefs. now. ..whether they stick to that is up to them but they have to have at least a foundation of some sort. this i know is something i want for them. i just have to get off my butt and do it. i feel like i have a little time before they are really going to understand what is going on. as i think about this a bit further it makes me consider the implications of what a step back into the "church" might look like and feel like. it would mean that i would have to lay a lot of old past hurt feelings about the whole thing down - if it was something that was good for my sons. i also consider this as a way to let go of more stuff in my life. (note to self: i think this might be need an additional post at another time.)

Small spiritual experiences are often stronger for me than big ones. Experiencing the effects of being spiritual in my everyday affairs make them more real to me. I recently had a small quandary about whether to volunteer my services, offer them for payment, or neither. I spoke with one of my spiritual advisors and he directed me to work Steps 4, 5, 6, & 7. I did. Days later, in the meeting where the question was raised, the answer was there and I spoke it. It was not one of the options I thought it would be; it was all of them.

As a matter of religion, I don't know if I have felt anything particularly spiritual. I have felt a sense of family, and now that family is across the country from me. I will admit that I have failed to embrace a new community in Seattle, and that's something I need to remedy. But probably the most moving and spiritual experiences I have had this year are within nature. Mostly during kayaking and hiking, I find real joy in seeing animals and parts of nature that look largely untouched but simultaneously perfect. Snowy mountains, lush forested hills, clear waters, jellyfish, sea lions, rabbits, and butterflies. Growing up in the suburbs and moving to the city, it's wonderful to be part of nature. It has never been so evident to me that I am surrounded by life.

My healing work with my therapist and healer, helping me to heal the wounds of my childhood and loss of my parents. This is ongoing with more work ahead.

This is something that I have thought about over the past year- that my experiences have shifted from heavily spiritual to heavily secular. A major reason for this is my education- being in school full-time, with a job, an internship, and a daughter, not only leaves little time for spirituality, but has forced me to alter my thinking to more fact-based and concrete truth-seeking, whereas I used to rely heavily on intuition and feeling. I can now appreciate both sides of the coin, know that they are both necessary, however I haven't been able to integrate them yet... Hopefully, with graduation only seven months away, I will have the space to breathe the spiritual back into my life. But, I will say that it still creeps in in the most unusual places, reminding me of the greater design in the universe, and that we all have an integral part to play in it.

No significant spiritual experiences. I'm working on being mindful and present but that's just a generality and not a specific spiritual experience that I've had this past year.

The first bookend is watching my younger son to start becoming the man that I always thought he could be has been quite moving to me. It was not an easy path, often filled with rough spots and much prayer. But I always thought he was a good person with much to offer the world. Now, I am beginning to see him step into his potential. Very gratifying. The other bookend is for the first time seeing my 85 year-old Mother being slowed by her age. She remains quite vibrant but time is catching up with her. I find it quite moving knowing that her time is dwindling but yet comforted that when the end arrives she will be rejoined with my Dad. I am weepy but happy.

Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park was a meaningful spiritual experience for me. Being immersed in nature, away from the strife and challenges of real life, really helped me recharge and realize just how much I appreciate the beauty of the world. Andrew and I have talked a lot this year about wanting to leave Tulsa; some of that is just wanting change, but another big part of that is wanting a place to call home that is beautiful. Tulsa is nothing compared to Colorado (though it is infinitely better than Texas). I want beauty and wonder; my spirituality this year has been more shaped by those things than standard "spiritual" experiences.

In this past year I discovered writer's groups on the internet and the pleasant activity of reading, writing, and sharing fiction with like-minded individuals. As a result I have not watched television at all since March. And it is pleasant to cultivate one's imagination instead of consuming commercial entertainment.

My spiritual experiences are tied to seeing natural wonders, most of which are with me daily. Just looking up at the sky, watching the infinite formations of the clouds drifting above me, calls to mind so many of nature's cycles and miracles.

No.

My attendance at a music camp, and being immersed in jazz for a solid week, had the spark of spirituality. Music, more than almost anything else, fills me with spirit. Standing on stage, feeling the vibration of instruments and voices coming up and through me is a piece of heaven. My voice hitting a note with perfect pitch transports me. When I sing, I am in a holy space, and I feel the after-effects for a long time.

I'd say my relationship with Whitney is the most "spiritual" thing in my life, though I'm not sure I fully grasp the meaning of the word. Our relationship has stood in stark contrast to most of the others in my life. This year I had to move away from her, but I still feel as close to her as ever.

When I hug Audie close to me, and she makes her sweet little cooing noises and silly rasberries/zerberts....I feel closer to God than I ever thought possible. It is a love without fear.

No. I've been depressingly closed off from prayer and other ritual in Judaism. I've languished in a synagogue with leaders I don't respect, a congregation I can't connect to, and work there that makes me feel like a cog in the wheel, not a meaningful part of a shared vision.

Psychics visited our attic (and whole house) a couple of months ago, to help me fully understand what I have been experiencing in our attic. My experience has been of a man sitting by the east window - not threatening in any way, just there, and I know he is there because I can feel him looking at me and occasionally reaching out to me. The light flickers in the attic when I leave sometimes, as though to say Goodbye. Deb Senger brought 4 other psychics over. Each walked through the house and yard independently. Each came back to report the very same thing: a man in the window in the attic, also the sense of being pushed down the stairs (I have that sensation all the time) and lots and lots of talking going on. I always hear the talking, it is like a radio that is just out of earshot. So, very confirming to me and it made me appreciate the bit of psychic ability I do have. Diane Grady channeled me before she came to the house, said she saw a little blonde girl with pigtails and a teddy bear - and then saw my picture and my bear when she came to the house.

There have been a few instances this year of me having a spiritual moment. One was just three weeks ago when I went to sit on the benches by the chapel of my school and to write in the journals there, only I didn't have anything to write with. I spent about an hour just reading other entries in the journals and just sitting listening to the sounds of the birds and feeling the breeze on my skin. I fell into a deep time of self reflection, just thinking about what I had read in the journals and thinking about what had happened to me over the past year. I got lost in thinking about the past, and it actually took me a while to come out of it to. After I left the benches I had to practice piano and watch two episodes of Battlestar Galactica to come back to the present.

Obviously the most difficult thing in my life. I still feel like I spend most of my time in shock, even though it's been a year since my dad died. I appreciate the bittersweet aspects of it all, like becoming pregnant with his birthday as my due date. It allows me to feel like he's still here and still available to me. In the first months after he died, I honestly felt like he was still with me. Sometimes his presence seemed so obvious to me, like he was about to walk around the corner. Now he really does feel far away. Ugh makes me so sad.

Yes... when I was in Israel during the winter to visit my daughter, the two of us went to Rosh Hodesh services at the Kotel with Women of the Wall. It was an amazing experience...but the definitely highlight was the recitation of Hallel. I literally had goosebumps and was just so in the moment... it was a spiritual experience I have a rarely had ... even in my shul, where I am a shabbat regular!

I don't know that I would call describe it as spiritual, except that it did do my spirit good. I have learned that who I am is someone who wants to spend the rest of life experiencing joy with others. Experiencing the joy of others. Sharing in the sorrow of others. I have spent much of my life on my own, pretending that doing so was okay with me. In realizing that it's not how I want the rest of my life to go...yeah...I'd say that was a spiritual experience.

The sermon I heard on Rosh Hashanah was pretty spiritual for me. It was from a guest Rabbi from Berkeley who described to us feelings on Israel that I have in common with him. We are both left-leaning, liberal Jews who see ourselves moving to the right when it comes to Israel. It's nice to know that other liberals, like me, can adapt like I have to Israel's concern for its safety and be against terrorism without leaving behind our liberal world views.

The most I've felt this year has been because of meeting and falling madly in love with the best person I've ever known. I've already discussed how he has altered my entire way of thinking: I now believe in TRUE LOVE. It took me 38 years but I'm finally no longer a cynic. That's huge and wildly spiritual. I understand for the first time that it's possible to have a relationship with another human (any kind of relationship: family/friend/etc) that has absolutely no pride, no ego, no competition. It's just two people who genuinely want the best for each other. Unbelievable. And I get to be half of that. It's spiritual, yes, but primarily it's humbling. I cannot wait to see where we are at this time next year, with our wedding in the past.

No. I spent most of the year gearing up for the birth of my child. I anticipated that it would be a life affirming and spiritual experience, but when I had to have an emergency c-section, I felt hollow, as if the experience has been taken from me. While the rational side of me knows that the c-section absolutely had to happen, I find that I mourn the fact that I wasn't able to give vaginal birth to my child.

Spiritual experiences, for me, are every day occurrences. The divine...love...is expressed when two people meet--in conversation, in understanding, in interest, in caring. When we try to bridge what divides us and are--however temporary--able to transcend the illusion of separateness, we are with God. I actively try to bring this about, by practicing patience and kindness, expressing my feelings and appreciation, but its also important to notice and acknowledge when others are engaged in this practice as well.

More time spent and spiritual enlightenment.

I think for me the passing of my grandfather was quite a spiritual period as I spent 10 years of my life as a religious jew and knew the proper procedures that needed to be adhered to. For this reason I was called upon to guide and lead my family through this process and especially assist my father who was my grandfathers only son. I attended synagogue regularly and spent time in the house of mourning reflecting on my grandpas life and his teachings. Through the spiritual process of mourning I was able to give my grandpa a proper farewell and honour his memory.

Being with my girlfriend has been very calming, especially when compared with my last relationship. She is a very level-headed, supportive person, and very sweet. She is about to complete her undergrad in Biology, and next fall she plans to move away to do her Master's. I might be going with her!

yes meeting with our rabbi while outside Charles' room in icu at Aventura hospital, I chose to find a positive experience to become sort of illuminated by seeing a legacy like change in my husbands behavior that reminded that one can choose to focus on the negative or rather on the positive so then i remember how he became involved in the cancer.org website and began sharing his knowledge and experience with others, until I saw how the change from always taking to beginning to give of himself was a catalistic change and as you begin to give of yourself that you attract good karma and you yourself become less selfish lessons: see the positive in life and always give of yourself selflessly to others

I have had some focused negativity directed at me by a psychology student in Barcelona who writes poetry. She is a horrible person and it has taught me that I can feel pity and a kind of love even for horrible people.

I have. I remember having them ... moments of absolute calm and clarity - insight and beauty. I don't remember when. Why does my brain retain the bad stuff but not this?

Dad's death, daughter's wedding, have given me a lot of spiritual fodder this year. I would like to partake in more artistic endeavors that I find spiritually enlightening.

No. I don't believe in spirits.

I meditated. Stopped meditating. Meditated again. This year hasnt been as spiritual as the year before but I do feel more in touch with myself.

My daily interactions with patients has helped me appreciate each day, even the little things.

Nope. hehe.

I have had some "insights" into my own behavior. I have been able to step back and witness myself in situations. This pause has allowed me to be more mindful and thoughtful in my reactions to that situation.

Attending the funeral of my young cousin, dreading the behavior of some of my family, I was touched by God's grace through the words of the priest and the friend who offered the eulogy. I can't remember ever feeling so freed from sadness and anxiety like this.

The only thing that comes close to this is the week surrounding a former student's death from a drunk driver. I adored him and it affected me profoundly. I drive the road he was killed on every day, and at least once a week, I think about it and him. You are missed, Matt.

The birth of my grandson. Need I say more?!

I have come closer to knowing my place on this planet by spending time out in the desert. That has been a very spritual palce for me.

I think just being near the ocean for the summer, made me so peaceful and calm. And so excited for the future. I remember lying on the grass, looking out at the harbour, thinking...."How can I stay this happy forever?" It was such a peaceful feeling.

Trusting Gd to move forward in selling my company and going to Israel.

I started thinking of God as the great heart of the world. This is an image of God that I find comforting, beautiful, empathetic, and humanistic. “I know what the cure is: it is to give up, to relinquish, to surrender, so that our little hearts may beat in unison with the great heart of the world.” -- Henry Miller

I went to Gaia House and really enjoyed it. I feel my practice getting a bit deeper. I know every time I go there I feel better.

I have had a feeling many times over the past year that one of my late grandparents are next to me, usually one of my grandmothers. It's almost like I can see them but then they disappear. It's been very unsettling but comforting in a strange way. Both were extremely strong women, so I'm hoping their presence is to prop me up.

Shabbat at Camp Ramah. Spending Shabbat eve and doing havdalah with my children.

Receiving my ancestry results from 23andme. I learned that I literally have ancestry from all the continents except Australia and Antarctica and that my maternal line had been traced to coastal Western Africa. I felt an overwhelming connection to history and all my human brothers and sisters. I also felt an overwhelming urge to spread the gospel of 23andme and ancestry testing.

This year has been the most spiritual of my life thus far. My grandma's death forced me to confront mortality in a way I never have. Questions began pouring out of the deepest parts of my heart and spirit, questions about what happens to us after we die, if God exists, what God is, and how my own life is connected to it all. I read "Proof of Life" about a neuroscientists near death experience and, as a result, he became an unwavering believer in the sacred connection between science and spirituality, having had an encounter with god itself. It profoundly resonated with the experience and feelings I was already having as I watched my beloved grandmother slowly, agonizingly, reach the end of her life. I truly believe in another realm of existence, something beyond our temporal life- the force of life and love from which we are all born and ultimately to which we all return.

I had several spiritual experiences and, mostly, it involved the opening up to listening to God and asking all the annoying questions that besiege my existence. At the end, I'm learning not to talk so much and listen more.

Nothing stands out as being particularly spiritual. I'm an eclectic Wiccan, Pagan and Buddhist. I try to live every day with aspects of spirituality. Life in general is spiritual. Breathing and living are spiritual. Making a cup of coffee to cooking always involves prayer. Observing nature is spiritual. I see spirituality as an every day and every living experience.

I thought I was going to die soon. It felt logical. Being overweight with a body in pain and problems breathing, of course I thought I was going to die soon. My sister died at 59 and my brother died at 58, both of sudden fatal heart attacks. My eldest sister came down with heart problems at 58, sought medical attention but died at 65. I am 58. What else am I to think? I figured this is the end of the road for me and for us kids. I am last of the grown children. Without a job, without insurance, I can only make plans and make final arrangements to be sure my Mother, whom I care for, is taken care of by someone in the event of my death. I have been getting myself ready. I've set up a arrangements with a funeral home for both my mother and myself. I am setting up a Living Will and Living Trust documents and speaking with family members to let them know my wishes and my niece who is a professional care giver will take in my Mother and continue caring for her. Then there's the bucket list. Every month since January, I have decided to explore the culture, traditions, history and food of a specific country. From Japan to Scotland to India to Spain to Egypt and Peru and more for each month of the year. I wanted to learn new things. Then there are the things I have never done before this year like sailing on a real sail boat, not a row boat, cruise or power boat. I loved it. I have enjoyed new restaurants, going to movies, attended live theater performances, taken classes from Tai Chi to crafts like jewelry making. I decided to start living. These past few years have been about caring for others and I still do that, but now I am doing much more for myself. I have even made a best friend which was one of my goals for this year. The spirituality in this has been an enormous feeling of being blessed. Knowing that life can end any minute, I began living. And in living, I began thanking God for my every waking breath. And as far as my health is concerned, I went to my sisters cardiologist. She put me through a whole battery of tests and I am delighted that my heart is good and strong and I have no blockage. My lungs are clear but I have a mild case of COPD which I take albuterol for. I have Sleep Apnea so I am on a CPAP machine. I have anemia so I am building my iron levels back up. No wonder I had no energy. No wonder I was too exhausted to take care of my health. No wonder I was feeling out of breath. It wasn't my heart! It was something I have control over. I cried when I learned this about my health. This too has made me feel enormously blessed. And it is these sweet blessings that make me feel humbled and grateful and loving life and God.

A great spiritual experience i had this past year was during Hanukkah listening to my husband teach our children the prayer of Hanukkah. I felt more connected to my family and to that we were all a little closer to God

Honestly - I don't know if it is spiritual but seeing the David Bowie show got into my soul. I wept when i heard his voice. It felt like the passing of time, my youth, gone. His voice was so beautiful and he plays around with what it means to be authentic, play a character. Event though I really only loved the performances and the genius of his art. The creativity blew my mind and somehow I felt joy and emptiness at the same time

Not really. That's terrible, but I just haven't.

Nothing exactly spiritual but I did have a moment when max passed away and I felt all the life suck out of him.

I went on a medical brigade to Honduras. The poverty and need was overwhelming and something I have never experienced before. Going in amongst them and being able to provide services that can sustain them was the closest I have ever been to a truly spiritual experience.

None that come back to me when I try to recall. Sometimes I feel like I live below some threshold of the mundane and worldly that makes spiritual moments hard to see.

I was very inspired by an episode of Cosmos focused on Michael Farraday. While I was somewhat familiar with some of his contributions to science, but I had no idea about his humble beginnings and his long winding path to academic discovery and recognition. I purchased a biography to read even more about it. Now when I freak out about the duration of my degree program, I try to think about Farraday and learn to be patient.

Walking for days to Machu Picchu was a profound experience. It became most spiritual for me when I was alone - not a surprise - on the path, listening and feeling the rhythmic click of my walking sticks and enjoying the beauty around me. Those mountains, the sun, the snow, and knowing that ancient populations spent every day of their lives worshipping, acknowledging, and experiencing the spirit of this natural world - I joined them for a few short days, and yearn for a life like that now.

My spirituality has changed a lot this past year. I went to a sweat lodge back in January. It was so hot and I felt like I couldn't breathe. My heart started pounding and I wanted to run out as fast as I could. I leaned over to the friend that invited me and I said, "I can't do this. I think I need to leave." He leaned back over and said, "You'll be fine." I then prayed and said, "Please remove my fear." My fear was instantly gone. My heart was instantly calm. I was able to breathe and move through the rest of the sweat and rituals. And now that I think about it, that was almost two years ago. I haven't had that kind of connection to my higher power for awhile now. Maybe I should get back to some things that helped me feel connected.

I've gotten closer to Adonai this year. Prayer is becoming a lot more personal, worship is changing (for the better), and I feel solid in my faith and relationship with God. Plus one of the most positive things that happened this past year we were planted in a really good church...extremely blessed. And my daughter chose to be Baptized...could do spiritual cartwheels over that.

I feel I grow "gently" a little at a time. I am more aware of "where I saw God at work today" and ask myself that a lot and discuss it with my husband, and some friends. It's exciting to me when I recognize something!

I admit I feel I've become less spiritual and want to address that. I feel I pray less and read scripture and spiritual books less. I feel I've let career and materialism creep in too much.

None! Let's change that!

I don't think I've had any spiritual experiences this year. I've had a period if artistic, sexual, and personal(ity) death. I guest my biggest spiritual experience has been confronting my demons...which I am still doing.

I had to become a character for a show that had a personality very different from my own. I read the novel and watched the film interpretations to see how others had played this part, but it wasn't until I truly envisioned myself as the character that my acting could be believable. Sometimes after a performance, I would have to leave and take time for myself to get back to my own personality.

I am reading a book by a Native American botanist. Her discussion of a nation of gratitude (she shares a Thanksgiving recitation that is utilized rather than a pledge of allegiance), the honorable harvest, and of viewing people as part of rather than separate from the rest of life has given me some food for thought and verbalized some of my own thoughts more eloquently than I have been capable. I am particularly enamored with her discussions of giving back to the Earth and how people and other organisms meet each other's needs and help each other to flourish. The discussion of being a piece in a larger picture, rather than unique, in some ways seems counter to Judaism. I hope to make sense of it any way that doesn't feel as such.

I think my spiritual experience can best be described by relating conversation Geir and I were having. He was asking me "How do you do it how do you keep so positive in spite of everything you have to deal with?" And I just laughed and told him "Because I'm happy -how could I not be happy? I have you I have the kids I have my family my life is good."

Hiking in cinque terre and seeing the butterflies. Not sure how to explain it exactly, but it was somehow spiritual.

I'm not sure I've experienced anything like that in the past year. Although watching a spectacular sunset with my sister in Cornwall was a very peaceful and special moment. As was watching a sunrise in the Welsh mountains with my partner last month. I always feel that sense of peace when I'm by the sea, or in the mountains. I feel that has to have a deeper meaning.

Visited the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao and while the building was astonishingly beautiful, the contents of the gallery were underwhelming. It made me question even more what the fascination is with video art and installations.

Most recently, I attended a relgious service (although I am not) where the rabbi spoke about the power of spending a few minutes a day recognizing what one is grateful about. I loved her incorporation of spirituality with technology (she shared a Gratefulness app) and I wish to become more consciously aware of being grateful.

I hate to admit it but I have had no spiritual experiences this year, I haven't even tried to be artistic or cultural! I hope by the time I am reading this next year I will have taken up yoga, and maybe gone to a few of the places I want to go to.

I lost my religious faith - such as it was - last year. This year I've just become more settled in my atheism and explored what a 'spiritual journey' means to an atheist/humanist. I've come to the conclusion that it is experiencing to the fullest extent possible what it means to be human. I've tried to give over part of every day to 'mindfulness' - experiencing something to its fullest degree, whether it's when I'm walking the dog, or cuddling the baby or chopping an onion. I want to start recording these things - and possibly do The Artist's Way (properly this time!) but finding the time to commit to it is sometimes difficult.

On Sunday, Frank and I attended church together and the message was about telling your story, and we had been talking about how important it is to tell your story (50 times) before you fully process it. We reflected on how each time you tell your story it is reflected back to you through the other person's lens - and that it creates a new picture - much like the quilts that were hanging in the sanctuary that day, or the stained glass windows, or the mosaic in the front - a beautiful convergence.

I have found a connection to my past grandparents who, as a young boy, I was quite close to, but they passed when I was still young, and I found this connection where I didn't think I had one before. My grandparents, being very religious, were important to me and my family and our community, and as I'm still involved In my religious community, I often look to them as models and for guidance to help me.

Nothing

I don't really think I've had any spiritual experiences in a long time. I've had experiences that really moved me and made me feel something, but I wouldn't call them spiritual.

I haven't really had a spiritual experience this year so I can't say for sure.

My spiritual awakening has mainly been to discover my autonomy with my health. I don't know how it was possible before to not realize that I am in control of my mental health decisions. Right now it seems so obvious, but I actually had to go to "training" to find this out. And I'm well-educated! I want to share this with as many people as I can.

Every year our family vacations for a week in the fall at the beach, and I find long solitary walks on the beach to be about as spiritual as I get. On the walk, I do a lot of thinking, evaluating, and planning while I enjoy the incredible beauty that is the shore.

Deaths of close friends has caused me to want to spend more time with friends and family.

Climbing Snowdon. There was a point partway up, and this sounds so silly, but I was finding it very difficult and a bit frightening and then all of a sudden I had this overwhelming feeling that the mountain wanted to be climbed and would keep me safe. Then at the top the view. Incredible.

Is it inappropriate to say that walking into the Model Room at the Harry Potter Studio Tour was a spiritual moment for me? I cried, I felt all my love for my friends and my world and my fandom and it was lovely. Hope to go back there again!

My husband and I have had multiple "spiritual" moments this year through . there is nothing more incredible than being able to have such a strong connection with the person you love. It has made us grow extremely trusting of each other. There is no "him" there is no"me" there is only "US" and that is all we need.

Spirtual experience of Mishkan Chicago. I have found a spiritual home.

The closest that I come to spiritual experiences these days is having a good writing day. That and getting drunk and listening to Harry Nilsson.

I don't know about spiritual, but I certainly had a grounding experience taking Jonah up to camp. It was incredibly meaningful for me to take my child back to the place where so much of my identity was formed and have him embraced by the community.

Iguazu falls. Things like this remind me of the one basic fact that I believe: There is a God, and he loves us. It has actually been a year full of spiritual tribulation, as my relationship was challenged, as well as my own beliefs around spirituality. I still struggle with what role Jesus has in the whole picture, but go to moments like that to be reassured of the presence of a loving god.

Music makes me tremble especially sung by those magic voices. The difficulty I am having with Hebrew is symptomatic of my spiritual and faith-related dilemmas.

The road trip to Montana was both eye opening and grounding in many ways. Of particular interest during the drive was the Little Bighorn Battlefield. We planned to only spend a few minutes there, and ended up staying for a few hours. Something about walking the hills where the fight took place, seeing the headstones for the soldiers and realizing they vastly outnumbered the Native headstones. It made the panic and fear of the moment quite palpable. Realizing that this was the single victory in an otherwise drawn out genocide made it even more affecting. It is something I have thought about many times since, and was by far the most impactful place I saw.

Honestly, no. I'm just not a spiritual person, and I don't believe in God.

I have grown away from organized religion. I think now that the major sects --probably all--are more about power than God. Contemplating the Universe, I do believe in God, but think that mankind simply cannot grasp her in our limited experience and mentality

I think I recently had a cultural/artistic spiritual experience in terms of wanting to connect with that side of me. I would like to be more creative moving forward and make time to be creative for myself. I sometimes feel stunted from not creating.

Yes. I realized I've always sort of believed in God, and I'm becoming okay with that. Sometimes I don't have enough courage to think that I'm completely alone in the world.

Towards the end of 2013, I decided to involve myself in the practice of yoga. I did well at first, practicing every day. I now practice a few times a week, laziness takes over. The flexibility aspects of yoga come naturally to me; but this year I found my zen. Most practices allow me to clear my mind and focus on breathing. I've seen a real mental shift. This new found spirituality has changed my outlook. I only want positivity in my life. I only allow the negativity to stick around a few minutes before I consciously push it out. I love that

At camp a friend of mine was atheist and I found a strong connection with his beliefs.

I spent about 90 minutes this summer examining an exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum by Kara Walker entitled Anything but Civil. I've always considered slavery as a brutality of the past and that more than a century later, African-Americans should have moved on. But how can they move on with the pervasively racist attitudes many people hold on to?

No, but I liked Andrew W.K.'s column about spiritually being a sense of the greatness of the universe outside oneself.

I've become very inspired by British culture. I've started to incorporate it into my life and I absolutely adore it.

When I placed my hands upon the Western Wall, I did so out of respect. Respect for the history, respect for it's cultural significance. etc. Certainly not because I expected to feel something. As a pretty secular Jew with not much time spent searching my spiritual side, I truly felt something besides stone when I made contact. It was electric and extremely powerful. I'd say that it's opened my mind to possibilities beyond my belief system.

I think it's cool that cultural got included there, thinking of culture from the "this is the culture we live in" definition rather than the "artsy" definition. In what ways have I experience the culture I live in spiritually? And, broadening the definition of spiritual to include taking action on behalf of the greater good, I come up with: I am grateful to be part of a group of people who are actively engaged with the community (from which our culture grows), working to make ours a culture that values the lives of those who are homeless.

Don't know what spiritual really means. I connect with God when I pray, when I connect with people, at random moments. Those have happened. But mostly, I feel gratitude for my life. That's about as spiritual as it gets...

I'm extremely grateful for the loving guidance of my friend and spiritual teacher. He helped me cope with my illness by giving me a powerful spiritual tool, a small booklet of "steps" that helped me remain centered on the stuff that really matters, e.g. love, gratitude, wisdom, etc. And he taught me to stop framing my efforts as "I'm TRYING to [fill in the blank]" and instead simply choosing to do whatever it is (e.g. not be afraid of something). Sometimes now I say "I'm PRACTICING..." This has been incredibly powerful for me.

I really haven't, and THAT effects me! I feel lately that I'm slowly drifting further and further away from my faith. I know it's good that I'm concerned, but I still haven't done anything about it! I suppose confession would be a good first step.

Very recently we started attending the Presbyterian Church in our new town because my husband is now the Music Director there. I found myself listening to the sermons because they seemed like good guidance. I had been struggling with an acquaintance with whom I was working closely and living closely at the time. She was not treating me very well out of her own insecurities, being disrespectful and alternately needy of my constant attention and yet scornful of me. As a result I had grown to resent her and had started treating her badly in many small ways. I felt bad about myself for doing this, taking my revenge in little words or in an attitude, making her suffer passively and not acknowledging the battle. As I would go to sleep at night I would pray that I could find a way to rise above this behavior, to move on from it and treat her better even if she never did so herself. But I was having no success. One day the sermon at church was entitled "Sorry" and it was about how hard it is to apologize for things that you've done wrong. It was an epiphany for me, it made me realize that even though this woman owed me as much or more of an apology than I owed her, in order to make peace with my past actions and move on into the future in a better way I would need to apologize to her for what I had done wrong. It was very scary and kept me up nearly all night thinking about it, if I would have the courage to do that. But I did. And it felt wonderful. It didn't make everything better. But it did make the parts of this problem that were my fault easier to deal with and correct. I had a similar experience earlier in the summer with my stepdaughter. She had done something wrong but in response I overreacted. There was a tense 30 minutes during which I could tell she was feeling herself very much the victim and I had a feeling things were "wrong." I realized I had not done the right thing and so I apologized to her. I told her that I knew that two wrongs did not make a right and that it was up to her to realize the wrong she had done, but I knew that my reaction was not right and I realize that and wanted to apologize for it. It was amazingly healing for both of us. She, being still a child, seemed to struggle with her own admission of the guilt on her side but that is her struggle, not mine. She shouldn't have done what she did and I shouldn't have responded the way that I did. To admit it makes us stronger even though it makes us feel scared and weak at the time. The following week after the "Sorry" sermon, the topic was "Help" and it was about how asking for help is also scary and difficult. I found this lesson very applicable as well. I was able to put it into practice that night at work. There was a sticky situation that needed to be solved quickly and I took it all on myself, then quickly realized I wasn't sure I could accomplish it. Who was standing right there with nothing to do? None other than the woman I've been having the troubles with. My pride rebelled against it but it was the right thing to do: ask her to help me. Which she did, and so the job was done well. I'm holding these two lessons very close to my heart. I think there is magic in them and although I am right now only a novice I think it is a worthy pursuit to study them as much as I can. I doubt they are something at which anyone attains mastery but I do believe, like any other skill worth practicing, one can increase one's proficiency and benefit from the gain.

Unfortunately I can't recall any. This whole year has been extremely difficult. The only moments of calm I felt occasionally when in the nature.

Going to Kripalu was amazing. It made me feel more confident in my yoga practice and more introspective and intentional. It also reminded me that meditation takes all forms and even a few moments of deep breathing will give me benefit.

The mikveh: I came out feeling clean before our wedding. Being in the warm waters, remembering my conversion day. Tears, both times, and walking down the street afterwards feeling new, letting my hair dry slowly, hoping something of the waters would sink into me. The attendant sang me a song, held my arms and blessed me, I could scarcely look into her eyes, the feeling was so intense. I felt new, new, new. Shabbat: In the desert, especially. So many Jews from all over the world all together, singing, E. and I cried and cried, the sun set exquisite behind the mountains. I felt part of this people, part of history.

maybe those moments where my perspective shifts and the world brightens and lightens and I'm like, "oh, I have agency," or "oh, things aren't so bad," feel spiritual to me. Like I'm so surprised and moved by how quickly things can change

The music at our shul. It is uplifting and calming. Our clergy members have angelic voices.

Over and over again I have this experience of being in the flow - that I'm riding the current in the great ocean of life that is taking me toward the shore of my intended destination.

There have been little blips. Always around water. When the stress of the world melts away. The beauty of life shines so brilliantly, and I finally feel like I can breathe. It's always around water.

There have been various visions and feelings of connection with other beings via heart and feelings of deep love. It is elating when it occurs.

I made a person and continue to nurture him. He's 5 months old, and it still seems unbelievable. The whole process is incredible and really connected me to the world at large. It feels like such a singular experience, yet also so universal.

This year has been a spiritual rebirth for me in that I have become open to the idea of faith for the first time. I am more comfortable with the ambiguity of the relationship with faith than I have been in many years. This hasn't opened me up to any spiritual experiences in particular. This year I have been moved during church services, reading novels and listening to music. Also, receiving kindness has been particularly moving this year.

I've had a real "epiphany" this past year about how grateful I am for what I have ..... my wife and family, my career ., my sports, activities, my friends, my health, my finances as I get close to retiring....... I don't have to be fearful of my future as I have done a good job in preparing myself as best as I could...Things may happen that are out of my control, but I am a very happy guy .......

My husband is 75 and I'm 70, and I am keenly aware that we won't have each other forever. Here’s our daily spiritual experience: We start each day with coffee – he brews and serves it, and we sit together for a while, maybe talking or maybe just sitting. There was a Harry Belafonte song, “Every morning fore the sun comes up, she brings me coffee in my favorite cup. So I know, yes, I know, hallelujah, I just love her so.”

I joined a women's group reading tehillim every day through the internet, women from all the world. It relinked me a bit more to my roots.

Ummmm....no, actually, I haven't. How odd.

If we are counting the full year, last October I went to Mammoth Cave for a long weekend. I did 5 or 6 tours while I was there, and the cave just gave me a sense of wonder. Every turn of the cave was different, and it was so quiet inside. Thinking about the long long history of it just made me so very happy in knowing that I am a part of all of this, and it is so much bigger than all of us. I found a bit of peace in the cave, and I've been thinking about going back again.

I have been experiencing a crisis of faith for several months now. I don't doubt the existence of the Divine, but I seriously question whether or not any avatars of the Divine actually care about humans in general, and me/my family specifically.

Probably the closest is spending quality time with my aging father and aunt. Grappling with my own mortality. I'm not the child I was when I instantly draw up a picture of me in their company. I've changed. They've changed. I don't have much time left with them, so make the most of what I do have.

I honestly can't think of any. It's been a pretty enlightenment-free year. I haven't had any particularly peaceful, calm, rejuvenating moments that I can think of. I need more of that -- to find the beauty in the ordinary, to just experience things as they come.

One amazing experience occurred at a rally to support Israel. A rainbow, sign of God's covenant that means never again, appeared in the sky, with its bow touching the Holocaust memorial. It was very reassuring that God saw that we were beseiged by war and would keep us from destruction.

I haven't really had any special experiences in the past year. I'm not really spiritual person, be at in faith or artistic or anything. I'm more of a science person affected person, I really don't feel like I ever had or will have a spiritual awakening. As of now the only time I think it could possibly happen is in January, when I have my daughter. That will be a life-changing and I believe spiritual awakening.

I am blessed in that every year, month, and week of my life so far has contained profound spiritual, artistic and cultural experiences. This year, there are at least 3 things that stand out for me: 1) This June, after several years of trying to reach out to and accept my child's step mother's presence and her relationship with my ex-husband, one day as I sat in meditation, I found that my spirit just rose to the occasion all at once and was enveloped by a profound, not just tolerance, but platonic love for her. I was so relieved to have reached this awareness and humbled by its breadth, depth, and sincerity. Within days of accessing this feeling, I got the courage to visit my son again, even though uninvited by my husband. (Probably because I knew my intention to be peaceful, loving, and sincere.) For the first time since my husband has discouraged my visits, I was able to see my child and tell him again that I love him. This was an incredible and exhilarating achievement, in no small part because of my awareness that the change was made possible by a change that began within me. 2) In August of this year, after two long years of unbearable separation in a friendship that has been a great source of inspiration and companionship for me, and without a doubt the most compelling experience of unconditional love I have ever known, I finally let go of my determination to 'fix things' and recapture the past. I was aided in this by my friend's father who made it clear to me that my attempts at continued communication with her were not welcome. In the past, this sort of rejection has been the source of a lot of shame and disappointment for me. But this time I handled myself gracefully and without insistence, and truly accepted her father's dismissal. When I hung up the phone from this conversation, I felt exhausted. Not tearful, or devastated, or broken, just spent, done with the situation and slightly numb. This itself was progress. But when I sat in meditation shortly after that, an overwhelming sense of love broke over me. This was not a sensation that I was trying to develop from within, rather it felt as though my friend knew what had transpired between me and her father and was reaching out to me with love and gratitude for my acceptance of the situation. I still do not completely understand her silence and absence, but I know that the love and friendship between us on a soul level transcends whatever circumstance our material and human relationship takes. 3) The third instance that comes to mind is an artistic one. This September I had the honor of performing in a small jazz concert with another local musician. I have sung jazz for many years, but for some time had felt alienated from the genre and so I nursed a preference for original popular music. But September's concert gave me new love for this particular vocation. The concert went exceptionally well. I was in good voice and clear about my artistic needs. And singing these tunes provided an indescribable creative and spiritual release for me. I look forward to continuing to sing with joy as an expression of my creativity and spirituality in the coming year.

I was slain in the Spirit several times. It has made me really desire to be Baptized with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. Have become more open to praise and worship.

I'm constantly reminded that I'm tuned into life a lot more than I think sometimes. Thinking about people and they email or call. Seeing things happen right before they happen. The serendipitous nature of so many things in my life is a constant reminder that we are not alone in this world and that we're all connected in ways we can't even imagine.

I lost my religion entirely. I go through the motions of the most important, cannot muster the will or motivation for the minor details anymore and feel perfectly ill at ease everytime I think to myself: Nu, so now what? Where are you going to end up?

I had a very strong experience during a Latin mass in Portland Maine and felt the presence of God surrounding me and his providential hand guiding me. After a grueling couple of years, I felt relaxed, quiet solitude, a chance to help others, grow artistically in my field, make new friends, and commune in one of his most dramatic landscapes one I'd longed to see again for over 30 years. I felt him affirming me, correcting my path, renewing me, and leading me further along a deeper, more fruitful path. This mass was the start of a week long renewal to move me toward a new phase of life and I'm so thankful and excited for where it will continue to lead...refreshed and reset!

I recognize that my life has been lived without God for quite some time. I want to draw close again, my spiritual experience is a suffocating absence.

God has told me to trust Him. I just did that again with my job, but He has pulled me through some uncertain situations and gave me better options than I had before. I have learned to take several leaps of faith when I have felt the need to do so. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and he will direct thy paths."--Proverbs 3:5-6

Once again I feel I write this answer with a bit of remorse that I did not get to prayer as much as I wanted/should. But in saying that I feel now more than ever that I don't have a place to worship where I really truly feel like I belong. The next year I will continue to search for this. To answer the question I think after being attacked in April this year I spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on what happened and assessing how it occurred and why. There were considerable variables that fell into place that literally saved my life and allowed me to continue on being who I am today. For that I thanked and continue to thank Gd every day. After a week or so of feeling fragile - lying at home bruised, sore, in shock and in pain - it finally dawned on me that Gd sent an angel to protect me and save my life. With many odds against me I walked out of a fight of 2 of us versus 20. Walked out. I realised that I have a big future ahead of me and Gd has big plans for me. My time had not come and I must thank Gd every day when I wake up in the morning that I can keep achieving my purpose on this earth.

I have actually went through a massive spiritual spectrum this year. At the beginning of the year, when I moved back from the Florida Keys and started spending time with Samantha, I went to church more than I ever had, and truly felt like I was gaining religion. Since then, I have reconfirmed my belief that spirituality transcends organized religion (though organized religion in itself isn't necessarily bad), and that you can find God -- whatever you definition of him -- in nature, moments, and the kindness of others.

This has been a great awaking of my 6th sense and letting go into and for God. I am so grateful for the knowledge I seek and the wisdom I grow into. I see God differently and therefore I see myself and others differently as well. I keep letting go and God just keeps getting bigger!!

Yo fui a un retiro religioso que me ayudo conectarme mas con dios y entender mas sobre lo que realmente significa dios.

I've had several opportunities to "minister" to people in the healthcare space: seemingly-random encounters with people in the general patient pool for my medical conditions who could benefit from access to other patients, patient stories, and peer support. I am able to guide them to online communities and resources to help them better care for themselves and improve their lives.

I don't think I have had any particularly spiritual experiences this past year. In fact, if anything, I've been feeling much more disconnected spiritually than I did in the past.

Despite the fact that I left a religious career for a secular one, I find myself having profoundly spiritual moments in my office. I can honestly say that I've touched lives, made a difference. In a completely unromantic way, I feel I've had I-You relationships within my office, even allowing for a touch of I-Thou. My craft allows me to see the Thou in my clients, and hold up a mirror so that the client may see it in his or herself.

I read Danya Ruttenberg's book about finding g-d and religion and spirituality and it made me start on my own journey. I hope that I can continue it in the next year.

Gd has answered many prayers. His mercy endures forever.

La copa del mundo fue un evento muy espiritual para mi porque pude ver un partido en vivo. Este torneo me transformó en un patriota argentino como cualquiera

Yes. I have felt surprising and completely unexpected moments that can be described by no other term than "grace". The grace of an unseen force that intersected miserable or myopic moments and transformed them into moments of clear awareness - that among ruin, death, malice and evil there are still these impervious, undeniable, indestructible fragments of what we like to consider g-dliness: that the world is not without balance, that there is piercing and radiant beauty, transcendent truth, unending goodness, incorruptible virtue. And these enormous consciousness shifts could be caused by the smallest occurences: the silent falling of a leaf, the brief smile of a stranger making unsuspected eye contact as they vacated a seat I wanted, the slow sideways movement of the tail of an eft gliding in the shallow edge of a pond, the absurd mockery of a mailbox full of impersonal junk mail - small things, the adjacent intersection of the pedestrian and the divine, opportunities everywhere, and I with the good fortune to have been available and alert to at least some of them.

Surviving 2 heart attacks awakened me to the fleeting moment that is my life. Hopefully, I am trying to be a better person, and quietly preparing for an easier transition for my family - should the end come sooner rather than later.

My most spiritual experiences in recent memory are found in the sunrise hour on the shores of the lake with Lucy, the water-crazy hound. Gulls swooping and soaring, ducks swimming and fishing and hanging out with their young, the sand and water and sky and air different every time, Lucy's joy palpable and consistent.

I spent the summer with my kids and their best friend with one year of college under her belt, learning and watching and hiking and talking about their views and thoughts. For some reason, maybe the weather, the added sadness of Terrin being lost to us, or us just having time...but it was spiritual to me. I had the feeling of being very close to the earth and love and a god or goddess.

Spiritual? I don't think so, not that I can remember. But I know God is there.

I've been quite moved by walks in the forest near here. You can almost feel the life seeping from the trees and mosses. Sometimes my skin tingles. The forest feels like a quiet but immense power. I always feel refreshed and renewed. I often find myself thinking new thoughts and finding revelations.

The times when I'm focused purely on the present, when I'm out in nature, those are my spiritual times.

These are spiritual experiences for me: walking in the woods by my house in DC with my delighted dog, watching him encompass joy and presence; creating a nurturing, safe, pleasurable, restorative environment for myself when I run a hot bath with Dead Sea salts, and close my eyes and relax into the liquid; being in the ocean, and near it on the beach, feeling like a small part of a whole, tasting the salt, smelling the air, feeling the waves carry and toss me; if I'm lucky, getting to a flow state in yoga, a moving meditation; Paul Simon's music; attending pensive, small, and echoing quiet Sunday evening services in the low-lit chapel at St. Bart's; observing Lent as a period of reflection and renewal, and deciding to observe the 10 Days of Awe for the same reason, starting with Rosh Hashanah services at Sixth & I with Ari. Being in the present moment, aware, and connected through my body to my environment lead to spiritual moments for me.

I've not had any bad spiritual feeling, but I do think I've lost my center a bit. I want to relax more with my artistic endeavors.

I can't think of one particular experience. I'm certainly not an "organized religion" guy, except to be exasperated by those who think they have all the answers. I suppose I continue to be amazed by the art, theater, food, and natural beauty of the Twin Cities and surrounding area.

Getting to visit London was a cultural highlight in the past year. It reminded me of just how much I LOVE to travel and how much of the world I haven't seen. It really made me rethink our economic choices. When we move, I want a small house with the smallest possible tax bill. Then we have $ for the trips I want to take!

I don't really ever have spiritual experiences. Sitting through the two rosaries for Doug's dad's funeral was interesting, from an anthropological perspective.

My sister had a near death experience. My bil passed away. Life has changed but we are still going strong. I have found further spiritual need for running to think things through and stay stress free.

Sometimes when I'm feeling particularly low, when I just need something more...suddenly something will appear - almost in front of me like it's a sign that I need something. This spring I went to a wedding that made me crave religion more than I had in a long time...wanting the community and just something more... Then when I had been thinking about it more...how I wanted a church setting without god, or with a god I could get on board with..The radio station i had been just about to change but stopped at the last second.... started interviewing people about "the Sunday assembly" - a church without religion.

Diving into astrology, and keeping meditation practices often.

I began meditation this year (although still very irregularly) and I would consider it being somewhat spiritual. One time I closed my eyes for only a few seconds and immediately I burst into tears, it was so intense. I didn't even have a particularly hard day before the tears.

In short, no. This has been a painful year for me, spiritually. I felt so disconnected. I'm making an effort these days, and it is better, but overall, this year was pretty spiritually void for me.

I have really reconnected with my artistic abilities, I've started drawing again after many years, but I feel like those around me think it's a waste of time. But I believe anything that makes you happy can't be a waste of time,,

I recently opened a small notebook that I had used for a "prayer journal" for about a year. Several years had passed when I opened it. As I read through my various prayers for healing,for myself and others, blessings for those that were in need among many others, I saw that almost every prayer had been answered! This reminded me that I have to have full trust in God to do what is best for each and every one of His children. I try hard to not let doubt creep into my thoughts, just to be patient for his answers.

I'm trying to teach myself to play the keyboard and in the few moments when it goes right it's like I can feel a tentative link with this whole creative world that I knew existed (I'm opposed with music) but never really understood before, how it all works and fits together. A similar experience to acting, which I have done none of this year, and really really miss. Going to Robben Island also. To go through that and come out wanting a peaceful revolution instead of wanting to fight is something only a very strong person could do.

It is incredible how at peace I feel when i connect to my Judaic values. When i'm stressed or upset, or even angry, focusing my attention to judaic things and values almost resets me. Things like baking challah, singing songs or prayers, or even reading about the significance of things seems to inspire me and help me realize that I am part of something so much larger and something that grounds me.

Yes, the close of our LDS Encampment was an especially spiritual time for me. I think of it often and work on the commitments I made there.

Without a trace of facetiousness, I have to say that witnessing Beyonce in concert on the On the Run Tour with my best friend and my fiance was a completely religious and spiritual experience.

It's always weddings or camp... and this year it's a delightful overlap! Two camp friends who I have known since the mid-1990s got married in Walla Walla in July and it was such a blast to celebrate with a bunch of camp folks. Afterward we headed out to camp proper for a relaxing retreat, and then there was a lovely evening of food and drink before we flew on to our next wedding: this time among college friends. The camp community helped us with transportation and lodging with amazing selflessness. I am always overjoyed (in a very deep and spiritual sense) whenever I can reconnect with communities of people who are important in my life. Camp friends and college friends are right up there with family.

This year my faith has stopped having meaning. I believe that God and other spiritual forces exist. I've stopped feeling them impact my life, at all. I feel like I should be sad about this, but.

Not really, just the usual church attendance and prayer. I am trying hard to pray for those I don't like and for those who hate my country.

Yes, God has always been there but I've never listened like I am now. I am amazed at how clear I now hear his voice and when I follow miracles happen. It's exciting and I am so sure I will never be alone and I will never be the same!

I've had to go to Catholic church twice. One wedding, one funeral. It made me grateful to be Jewish. It's very strange to hear chanting in English, somehow it feels better in Hebrew.

Loss of important people and a pet have deepened a reflectiveness I have noticed growing. I read about religion more than I have done in the past and I mourn in various degrees the losses and explore how they make me feel. And I miss these people and my pet. As I watch another move to his end I question how we live and how we die and why we are here at all. Does everyone make a difference.

I signed on as a Second Year Ally with Public Allies Delaware last September. And everything changed. I struggled to be happy at my placement and feel whole-hearted about the program. One day, I was in the car, literally on my way to an IDP with Jennie when I caught the end of an interview with Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Responding to the criticism that looking at the stars makes you feel small, he said “our molecules are traceable to stars that exploded and spread these elements across the galaxy,” which is cool, but I’d heard it before. But then he continued…“If you see the universe as something you participate in – as this great unfolding of a cosmic story – that, I think should make you feel large, not small.” “If you see the universe as something you participate in…” I started tearing up. In two sentences, he had taken the values of Public Allies and community development and applied them to the laws of the universe – he had dug into the very core of my internal struggle and shown me why I was dissatisfied. I didn’t feel like a participant. It really was a spiritual moment for me and it was the start of me trying to change how I felt. I started advocating for myself as an employee. I started being more honest about my challenges. And I started returning to me strengths. It made a difference and I wouldn't be where I am today without this moment.

I'm not sure I can answer 'yes' to this. I sat in front of a Rothko and watched the colour move and felt it draw me into it. I walked in the high Atlas mountains in Morocco and felt a sense of calm and excitement both at once. I cried in front of a stranger (my counsellor) within 3 seconds of meeting them and admitted I was sad and alone and needed help to become happy. OK, so yes. Yes I have.

I tend to avoid the word spiritual -- I don't know what to make of it, and it always makes me think of fake, hocus pocus, or woo kind of things. But I am very willing to experience awe, or "wow". A little while ago, I ate apples with honey, and I was remembering not long ago going to a farmers market where a small beehive was set up, so we could see how bees work to make honey. That was really amazing, when you think of it -- that bees work in this insanely complicated manner, to produce this incredible treat. I am constantly amazed and delighted looking at things like that, but I am not sure that this is the sort of thing that people describe as "spiritual".

I can't recall a specific spiritual experience I've had this year, strangely enough. The entire year has been a big journey of learning and growing. I feel like I've come a long way in one year, and that in itself is a pretty spiritual experience, I think. Getting into housing after so long being homeless I think also leads to a lot of (good!) self reflection. After being housed, I've learned a lot of smaller details about myself and my personality, and how to best make the world around me work for me. I think mainly, my spiritual experience this year is that I feel like I've finally "grown up," so to speak, but I've also finally grasped the concept of how to hold on to my childhood at the same time. And I think that's what's making life so peaceful for me now.

Seeing all those plays that my students and I wrote, all coming to life in the Best of the 25 Hour Play Project was a pretty spiritual experience. So was connecting with a lot of interesting women at the Jewish Women's Retreat at Camp Ramah. The experiences reinforce my commitment to creativity - because that's as close to the divine as I can imagine.

The closest I have gotten to a spiritual experience has been the carpets I keep buying everywhere I travel - in the past year I have bought 5 rugs and they all have a story and history and the energy of the hands that wove them

Blood moons have signaled the beginning of the latest Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza. Next year the blood moon in September 2015 could be another economic collapse like in 2008, or a military attack like for 9/11. Some messianic rabbis are saying it could be the advent of the Tribulation. That we’ll have to wait and see… I spent most of the year avoiding my husband. I delved into Instagram and the beauty of photographing God’s creation around me. Water, sky, flowers, sunlight falling, birds in flight, buildings… There was a great wall between us and I was struggling to stay married. I was still captured by emotions about Kirby and Brett breaking up. I got to the point that I finally wanted deliverance from my feelings. I went up front at the Vineyard, (which Victor and I found to be like going home for us,) and Bill Hammon prayed for me—he didn’t know what about, he just lifted my hands slowly skyward as he prayed for the HS to minister to me. I was delivered! Thank you Jesus!

Near the end of 8 wks of pain/immobility from hip, a flash of optimism in the morning. Morning: optimal optimism time. ...small. a tiny lizard's tail, curling in the sun. Hope. Possibility. I don't have to stay stuck, always running the Fear/Anxiety Hamster Wheel. I wrote it in my Planner. With pencil. Small, rounded letters. "Today can be more."

This year 2 things happened. I had an adult bat mitzvah. Kedoshim. At Yom Kippur. Aliyah 1 - verse 1 -10. All by myself. Because I wanted to. And now I'll be doing it again for the same community. It't not just the bat mitzvah - I've become someone who can leyn for my community. And I freak out - the nerves are so bad that I shake - because it's Torah, because it's strangers, because it's my community, because about 100 years ago my family was traditional and then life and the world happened and we weren't. And now Debbie, daughter of Lazar, who's the son of Gita, etc. --> well, now she studies torah and chants for her community, this itty bitty piece, but it's mine and it's small but its also a world - a life time's journey. And I became a teacher - I sub for a sunday school and I lead sessions for local community events - small again, but if you knew what it meant, well, the greatest blessing and the highest joy I feel is in the moments where I share my knowledge and thoughts. I'm a part of Jewish continuity. That's so heavy and so beautiful.

My intuition feels like a spiritual experience at times. This allows me to trust my SELF, which is most important.

No. Not that I can think of. I think I've had many fewer moments of...what to call it....universal love than I used to have in Somerville, where I just felt so connected to my environment. Here, even when I feel a sense of wonderment at something, I simultaneously still feel a bit out of place. It's all relative -- so now that I know how great I can feel (because I used to feel that way all the time), anything less is just...less. But, at the same time, more and more, I also feel very grateful for my husband, just in a general way, and that is a wonderful feeling.

Watching my grandmother at her 80th birthday brunch being totally overwhelmed by being surrounded by all her loved ones was incredibly powerful. It was a statement about how life looks towards the end when you've done something very very right. It was also significant that she never really thought she'd see some of these people again a year ago due to her diagnosis and that today she's doing so well.

Camp this summer was very spiritual for me. I became more comfortable talking about what my ideas about spirituality are and I'm so, so grateful for all the people who talked to me about it. I realized that I should be more open minded towards religion and spirituality.

I was able to travel Japan and parts of Asia, and see some beautiful temples, shrines, and special places. I cherish the moments of awe and stillness that I can experience. I have also returned to my meditation. And today I went to my cousins' bris! It was the first bris I remember, and in this beautiful, old, crumbling synagogue. It was wonderful to be with family on this last day.

So many! I find spiritual aspects in almost everything I encounter. I've been trying to focus on articulating what the spiritual represents for me--for so long that word was contaminated and only had religious connotations--an expectation required of me by some higher authority so that I could pass as a good person. But I've discovered that as maybe the most misguided idea of my whole life, the biggest piece of bunk to be passed on to me ever. I think the spiritual is simply the collaboration of sensations that fill us when we are on the right scent of our own destiny. When something reminds or inspires me to actualize what Aristotle called the 'entelecehia' in myself, the work I was meant to do in this life, it gives me a spiritual feeling. I think Carl Jung put his finger on it when he said that just about all psychological illnesses stem from a spiritual problem. He didn't mean that people need God. He meant that when people cannot fulfill themselves, follow their own psychic and mental navigational systems because all the signals are swamped by excessive and persistent exterior directives and conventions imposed upon them. I went through such a dark few months of confusion trying to extricate myself from the muteness that had descended on me, the inability to say what was true for me, the paralysis that had moved in from trying so hard to please everyone, fit in with the ideas of everyone, be in agreement somehow with everyone, I was moving into an empathic extreme that might have swallowed me soon. I went to a doctor who did not prescribe me psych meds, but who listened very carefully and then stated simply that I wasn't crazy, only suffering a crisis of purpose. That experience cleared a lot of the dark shadows away. To deny your purpose is to kill yourself prematurely. Suppressing myself in order to bring others comfort is self-abuse. Spirituality is not denying who you are so that others will think you're supremely good. It is the magnet that keeps your ear to life as it whispers to you whether you're getting warmer or colder to the hidden things you need to find.

Hmmm...I will saying seeing The Amazing Catfish at the Seattle International Film Festival was an incredibly powerful experience. I was almost uncontrollably crying at the end. It was a film about kindness and unconditional love and compassion, things that often seem in short supply. And it also brought up feelings about my own relationship to my mother. As an experience that caused me to reflect on my values, my history, my place in the world it was pretty profound.

The Kandinsky exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum also the Leo Saul Berk exhibit at Inova. Both so moving to me in very different ways.

My Great Aunt, who is 102 years old, has been challenged by sickness and weakened health the past month, and likely will not live much longer. Seeing this incredibly strong-willed, independent, and sharp-minded matriarch of my family in a more weakened, vulnerable, and at times confused/scared state, has been challenging, but also brought the preciousness and fragility of life into the fore. Its a pronounced reminder that we have a finite time to live. My aunt lived according to what she felt right and I doubt has many regrets. She presents a wonderful example to me of trying to be mindful of the choices I have and to make them thoughtfully.

I'm not an overly spiritual person but I have a really strong sense of intuition, which has been as keen as ever this year. As far as cultural spiritual experiences go I saw one play at the Edinburgh Fringe which really stood out from the crowd "Lippy" by an Irish company ...stylistically innovative it begins with a post play review discussion of a play we don't actually see... amazing sequencing... and layer upon layer of different angles on the real life case of 4 irish women found dead in an apparent suicide pact ...very moving.

I don't think I would have considered financial hardship a "spiritual" experience until after I had to go through it this past year. It has been especially difficult to learn that my value is not inextricably tied to my accomplishments or ability to make money and provide for myself and others. The experience has forced me to rely heavily on God for all of my needs, including the most basic (food, shelter). It became too easy to assume that the fruits of my labor were a result of my own abilities until I came to terms with the fact that everything I have is a gift. Literally everything.

No specific spiritual experiences come to mind. There have been several times in my life when I felt like my spiritual life was on a roll and I was living the exact path I was meant to be on, meeting the right people, doing the right things. I suppose life is always that way, we are always on our path, because if we weren't we'd be doing something else, but this year didn't exactly feel that way. There wasn't a lot of ah hah moments or feeling overwhelmed with YES, this is right. I guess the most connected to myself I've felt was when we were in baja this winter. Reading lots, lots of yoga, eating good food and living simply. That time affected me because I was able to set small goals for myself and accomplish them easily because I wasn't distracted by work or school. It felt really good to live simply, I'd like to take a part of that into the new year.

In August, I went to Chicago. Oddly enough I stayed in room 606 and returned on flight #606. That trip showed me that I am enough. That people love me for who I am. I also left feeling more physically confident. For the first time, I did not feel like the geeky kid with the thick glasses and the gap. I was made to feel attractive and desired. So I was able to develop self love and I hope that that allows me to be that much more stronger and pursue my goals.

Singing the Sh'ma with my father at the end of his life was powerful. Not sure how the experience affected me -- I'm waiting for a sign from him to know how much time/energy I should expend on his wife. I promised I would take care of her and I have, but now that he's gone and time will inevitably move forward, I wonder how much is enough.

Working at a church has wrecked me for spiritual experiences for a while. :(

I'm not sure.. I feel like I've had an attitude revolution since college started last year, so I might as well talk about that. I am so much more of a happy person ever since I got to college. I love everyone here, I love what I do, I love Los Angeles, I love my professors (for the most part), I love literally everything about USC. And when I went home this summer it felt like so many of my friends are still in their little high school bubbles even after a year away and I'll be honest, it absolutely disgusted me. I don't understand why they focus on all of the negatives of life or hyperact about things. Life happens, learn to cope with it and be independent.. stop being so petty, please, because it's exhausting. I was almost too excited to fly back to school at the end of the summer.

It's interesting. It feels like my spirituality continues to unfold and this past year would, in a gently way, show that. There have been no lightening bolts but more and more I find myself around people who are sharing there spiritual experiences as they relate to higher power and energy and I feel like I'm on a path (however slow) that's leading me towards my own true spirituality. It's exciting and a little bit nerve wracking too.

I really enjoy the peace of Saturday morning shabbats services. I also cry at the goodness of the people there and I think of my family. I say I need to attend regularily, why don't I?

Realizing that my life could change in any direction with more self confidence after 'waking up' from three syncope experiences, I made specific decisions for my future.

Yes. I was in Istanbul and Morocco. In Istanbul and in the Medinas, especially in Fes, when the call to prayer was chanted, there would be hundreds of them chanting at almost the same time. It was amazingly spiritual. It made me want to pray.

In the second week of September, my husband gifted me with a vision quest in a Pyramid in Mount Shasta, CA as the culminating gift in his first month-long birthday celebration of me. I feel the experience rooting, unfolding, revealing, and deepening in my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. Much of my quest feels outside the realm or reach of words and feelings and more in the realm of dreams and dreamtime. I feel my Vision Quest is a quintessentially ancient and primordial, modern and nascent rite and privilege. I choose to write about this event to revisit it, anchor it in my consciousness, and honor it as I navigate returning and not returning to my ordinary reality. Acutely aware of the impact of the lack of silence, solitude, and natural darkness in my urban life, I now boldly prioritize creating or honoring time and space by syncing my body to the natural rhythms of Mother Earth. I freely gift myself with breaks, pauses, and transitions throughout the day. I make sure that I have fresh air in my lungs; my barefeet touch grass, dirt, and moss; my nose smells air, plants, and the lake; and my hands feel smooth and rough tree bark, flat and spiny leaves, velvety and sharp petals, sift grains of sand on the beach and are washed by Lake Michigan’s gently powerful fall waves; my ears listen for crows cawing, robins chirping, owls hooting, crickets fiddling, breezes blowing, twigs snapping, and squirrels chattering. Through nature, naps, and no-thing-ing; meditations, mindful movement, mental musings; and deliberate pauses, deep breaths, and daring disconnections; I find I have more time and space and awareness and capacity than when I was multitasking and trying to corral and control all the moving parts in my life. Before my Vision Quest, I stole those moments and judged my right-brained, sensitive, and empathic nature harshly for not being tough-enough to successfully push myself into this culture that honors doing over being, thinking over feeling, linear over spiral, concrete over malleable, and compartmentalized over connected. Although I know I knew a great deal about how to be me, my lifetime of trying to fit into the mainstream by keeping my sensitivities concealed, was a habit so highly engrained that it wasn’t until I returned from my Vision Quest that I stop wrestling with the angel of my true nature and embraced my full-human-being-ness. I honor the call to limit my exposure to technology and television. Instead, I invite myself to unwind and disconnect with printed books and acts of artistry by day dreaming, doodling, writing, or creating beautiful spaces in and around our home. I am touched by how potent it is to be alone with my SELF and how expanded I feel when I deliberately connect with the unseen and unseeable and unknown and unknowable. My Vision Quest gifted me with the knowing of how it feels to be me. I feel embraced by the Universe when I express the truth of me. I freely embrace and express my loving, laughing, playful, creative, joyful, silly self because those are the qualities through which my sensitivity, vulnerability, and uniqueness shine the brightest. When I am connected to my own experience of living in my body on the planet Earth, I know I am truly being me because I navigate my emotions and circumstances as they ebb and flow in and out of my day. Balance and peace are available, not because things always go the way I would want but because I can acknowledge the truth of what’s occurring without resisting or adding to the discord. I don’t have to add mass to the chorus of voracious arguments or anger by piling my judgments upon the already blazing bonfire fueled by blind rage and blind faith. All I have to do is invite myself to participate in this world in a way that supports my health and wellbeing. I shine my light, not by denying what is happening in the world-wide-wars, power-distortions, or fear mongering, but by noticing and choosing to act and think independently, respectful of the Earth and the lifeforms she sustains. There are many loving, compassionate, honest voices speaking and when I tune in to them, my faith is renewed. My Vision Quest opened me to a greater to capacity live from my soul. I am reminded of the wisdom of the Baal Shem Tov who advises: “Never seek to imitate the spiritual path of another. If you try to do so, not only will you fail in fulfilling your own path, but you will not do as well in the task meant for your neighbor.” (Hoffman, Edward. The Kabbalah Deck: Pathway to the Soul. Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 2000. p. 27.)

None that are god-like. I'm a rather firm non-believer. I've seen nature at some of its best, most beautiful times, that's all the spirituality I need. To know that the sun is a vast orb of flaming gas, and that when the light emitted from its fires hit the atmosphere around the insignificant planet I've been placed on; I see pink and orange and purple and yellow and red and blue and green and burgundy in the sky, all at once.

Jp: during the blowing of the shofar at Adas this year for the first time, in Austin airport on my way home with the sun streaming in and an overpowering sense of light, being drawn in a large cemetery straight to my grandmother's grave while looking for nancy,s grandparents and having been misdirected to the "wrong" section. All feed into a maturing sense of the ups and downs of our existence, a real engagement with the idea that things change and will change in this next year (close relatives, people I don,t know, maybe me...will die) and that the ups are made so much more important by the downs. Which are thus positive (as regards my job particularly) although easier to say that after an up. Np: watching Eric at 95 dance down the aisle at his granddaughter's wedding, Rs: can,t think of one. The whole thing is great. You get up to my time in life, with family around me and nobody particularly after me, that,s it.

i'm actually waiting for a particular experience to happen today... september 28th!! i'll get back to me later and let us know , hmm. well, it didn't happen but ~ it's still in the vicinity! still in the spirit... there are so many spirits among us!

How utterly depressing: No.

TomorrowWorld 2014 was spiritual in the sense that for the first time in quite some time, I had a group of people surrounding me who A) cared about me B) were having fun and most importantly C) seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves. I feel that I am always dragging people to do things that they do not want to do, but this time it was other people voluntarily doing something that I wanted to do. It was such an amazing 4 night experience that I cannot wait for it to come again next year. The best part about it was that my "crew" shared the same musical taste as I did, which I know will make our experience in the future even better.

I always say that I don't feel at all spiritual. But, in the context described above, I can say that I am affected by artistic experiences. I remember the visit to the art museum in Hartford and enjoying particular paintings. I am spiritually moved by old structures, prompting my original interest in historic preservation. This year, my attention has turned from Victorian homes to buildings built in the arts and crafts and mid-century modern styles, as well as to art deco waterfall furniture. This interest of mine does not seem spiritual, but as I write about how my new passion affects me, I see that it inspires and motivates me.

This has been an extremely hard year for my church as we are without a pastor and there is a lot of stress which causes people to say and do things that cause more harm than good. This has caused me to pray more and turn to God more for guidance, which is a good thing. I pray that this time next year I will be able to see where the positive side of it all.

Going to Spain and realizing that so many people in the world speak one language plus English. We as Americans expect that from everyone and it's sad. Just opened my eyes to other cultures and just more appreciative of people from other cultures trying to learn English and trying to acclimate to America. and the fact that America is a little full of itself in that aspect

Unfortunately I have had very few, if any, deep spiritual experiences. I feel as though I have lost my ability to just "be," to experience life in quiet, without electronics and other people. Even filling out these questions, I had an urge to turn on the TV while doing it but resisted! I need to focus more on just being still.

When I went to synagogue for the first time in a very long time for the first night of Rosh Hashana this year, I felt something. I don't know if it was G-d or an angel, but I felt a heavenly presence. It was definitely a sense of belonging, and I haven't really felt that way in life for a few years now. It felt really good.

Having mom near, spending time with her and dealing with her issues up close and personal has been very spiritual. The aging process is one that I think most people are in denial about. I certainly was. In addition, my support group has gotten so deep and our sharing is a window into our souls. Of our group of 7, 4 of us have lost parents in the last 18 months and one other has a mother in the end stages of Altzeimer's.

Through a whim of cyber stalking I discovered the man who raped me in high school was jailed via a series of Facebook posts he made. He admitted to being abused as a child and harming others. He posted about seeing his brother get killed and his awful experiences in prison. In posts he asked for forgiveness for the awful ways he hurt people, though he knew he did not deserve it. Finding his posts made me feel like the world was working - Karma worked!! It validated my faith in nonviolence, and my decision to not seek revenge and stop the cycle of violence. To know he realizes he did wrong in the world and is genuinely sorry is a huge glowing cosmic gift.

I had a moment of bliss watching "On the Town" and was transported back to the Ohio Theater Summer Movie Series in the 1970s, with my grandmother. I am more aware of the 'circle of life' thing without nostalgia to drag me down.

I realized a new spiritual connection with someone I had a friendship with for a long time. I allowed myself to see my true feelings for this person were more than what I thought. When I lost sight of the spiritual and became focused on the material God showed me the folly of that thinking. Ultimately, I grew to understand my folly was the foundation of even more spiritual growth.

Having gone to Israel, I'm tempted to recall an experience there as one of the more spiritual experiences I've had in the past year. This being said, I challenged myself to think deeper about that which I've experienced in the past year. Admittedly, I thought to myself, with such a focus on trying to live life in the present, specific moments didn't necessarily come to mind. Upon further thought, though, as I spent a little time thinking about the year, one memory I had was lying in the Cranbrook pool face up, Thinking about the journey that way ahead as I prepared to depart from home for what would become the longest time I had ever been away from home. I stared at the oculi in the ceiling as the crystal bright ceiling overhead lights shone down on the pool like overly bright stars in a still young night sky. This pool had been a refuge for me for so many times that summer, and I knew amidst the stillness of the water that an exciting yet unknown and likely sometimes turbulent journey awaited. Now that I'm back home, and have the opportunity to return to that place, this recollection of that moment when I was on the precipice comes back to mind as one of the more spiritual moments of the past year.

Everyday is a spiritual experience for me, at least I try.

This year I have begun writing again. I began as a form of therapy for a great loss and it has made me enjoy living once again.

During my trip at LA, I was browsing the Hubble's Telescope website to change my email and browser backgrounds, respectively. The pictures make me think: my god. Then watching the panel on "The Existence of Nothing" just go me thinking, intellectually and spiritually.

Trip to Rome was inspiring on every level. The amount of history, the weight of centuries, and the simultaneous feeling of mortality and immortality. Art everywhere, intoxicating. Centuries of art! Centuries of creation and destruction and re-creation and religion and war and politics. Mesmerizing. Art covering every wall, every space of the ceiling. A Baroque musical tour of a palace. Walking down tiny alleys that open up to huge plazas with Bernini fountains. Rooftop gardens. Midnight dinners. Absolutely one of the highlights of my life.

I went to the HK on J rally in January and stayed to the very end. It had been rainy and nasty all day, but as we were singing some hymn, I think it was "We Shall Overcome", the clouds parted and the sun came out. Rev. Barber loved it, and went on about how God was on our side. It was a bit kitschy, but I was super inspired by that moment. It showed me the incredible power that faith can have when it advocates for justice, and the connection that can be created when justice is a part of your faith.

As a part of my training to be a doctor we spend time in hospital taking histories and performing physical examinations on patients. One day a fellow student was taking a history while the rest of us looked on. This patient had presented with a stomach cancer so large that it was inoperable. the tumour was causing profuse bleeding which was a major concern as it could be fatal. Normally I would always make a point of shaking the persons hand and thanking them for taking the time to help us learn. On this particular day I was feeling tired and a little stressed with exams approaching and was keen to get going. At the end of our history taking session I said thank you and goodbye, I saw the patient about to reach out to shake my hand but I had already started walking away. Thinking back that afternoon I felt bad having not given this person my full attention, which is what I normally pride myself on. I decided that when I was back the following week I would go and visit him, but time got away from me. A week after that, the doctor that took us for history taking sessions informed me and my colleagues that this particular patient had passed away as a result of a massive bleed from his tumour. This affected me and I dwelled on it for some time. It has taught me to always give people your proper attention and respect, regardless of how your feeling or what you have to do. Time is a gift, and you never know how important the time you give to others can be.

I started breath work. And fell in love.

Sprit crushing maybe ;>

The experience of becoming close again with one of my sisters has been a spiritual experience. We have shared some vulnerable and deeply caring thoughts with each other. In particular, after one conversation she called me back a few minutes later to let me know that she would help me carry the burden of frustration and hopelessness I was feeling about a particular area of my life. She said, "I am your advocate. You are not alone. I am here for you." I was moved by her support and expression of love. There was a spiritual element because I felt relief, love and was uplifted.

No, I can't say I have. I better pay more attention to this area of my life.

I've never been a particularly spiritual person but I do believe there could be something else out there bigger than us. Although there wasn't one particular moment in the past year that is "spiritual" for me but I will say that in starting Yoga over the past few years has made me spiritual and more even keeled. It has made me more accepting of others, other idea and other religions (which I never discriminated against to begin with). I try not to judge people so harshly and see from other's points of view more readily than I have in the past. Overall, I am gladly accepting of this change and welcome the future changes it brings.

I have had a few experiences this past year when I would sense someone or something trying to help guide me with a problem I was having. I went with those little bits of "advice" and it has led me on a much happier path so I will definitely heed the signs and feelings more often.

getting this yoga and meditation thing really into a habbit. realizing that i sleep better, when i do yoga and meditation as the last things before laying down. at that I am proud of myself, when i am able to start the day with yoga meditation.

I have felt disconnected from my spirituality - but seeing Hedwig was like being in a church I had never imagined. And being on my yoga mat is often like finding the center of everything.

I think I have had many. Maybe I am just recognizing them more easily these days. I am seeing the beauty around me each and every day. I have also had some "visits" meaning really just moments when I had to stop and think, really think, about my self and my surroundings. I appreciate the opportunity, or nudge, when it happens. It keeps me present and thoughtful in both very personal aspects as well as in a bigger picture view.

I have not had any one special spiritual experience in this past year. I do not attend church but I do not consider myself out of grace with God--or backslidden as it is also called. Some days or seasons, I do find myself seeking God more than at others but I know that I am a born again, spirit filled, Christian, and I believe my name is written in the Lambs Book of Life. I can say that I am not as close to God in my relationship as I should be or as I would like to be and I know this is my own fault. This is something I strive for each day. Today I did send out a text to certain persons asking for and offering forgiveness for any offences I have caused or been a part of. The one to Kisha was the most significant. And the ones to my son and my brother. I just pray my son and my brother and I get closer to God and become closer to each other in the coming year. As for Kisha and Rick, I really hope and pray that I can remove myself from that situation and that they can both draw close to God and to each other and raise their daughter in a Christian home.

La mochileada por el sur fue una experiencia espiritual realmente. Fue un encuentro conmigo mismo y mis objetivos de vida, son la sencillez y la simplicidad.

I regret to say that none are coming to mind. I think of myself as a spiritual person, but as I've answered in my other questions, I think that I lost my compass this year. I really hope to come back to that place of beauty and wonder this year.

At the Singing Against Hard Times gathering that JFREJ sponsored it was very moving how we came together around our horror of what was happening in Gaza and Ferguson. We recognized that singing, theater, and dialogue won't make the change that is needed, but it will be an important first step towards change at a time when people feel silenced and polarized.

Writing retreat at Bolinas-deep inward journey of personal writing, while connecting colleagues doing the same on the CA coast

I think I find spiritual connection in some unexpected places sometimes. "Spiritual" was one of the first words I used to describe seeing Beyonce perform this summer. And I really meant it. Being in the presence of such beautiful, grand artistry, and full-bodied, heartfelt, passionate (even if this is all part of her brand), performance, and sharing this experience with a community of her admirers, tears streaming down the woman's face standing next to me, was really a powerful thing. When she covered Lauryn Hill's Ex-Factor, that was really amazing. Ex-Factor is one of my favorite Lauryn Hill songs of all time, and the Miseducation was one of my first CDs as a child. It brings me back to my early days of being a baby romantic, performing arts-kid, and shameless shower-singer. It was like the merging together of times in my life and bold, beautiful female artists that I love and respect deeply. I wasn't expecting to cry, but singing along with her, the fullness of sound, the familiar lyrics (especially the "care for me..." repetition at the end) the illumination of people's phones and the sway of the crowd, having my boo's arm around me and feeling that warmth, love, and connection, the freedom and innocence of this perfect July night -- it just brought me to this other spiritual plane, far away from the stress of work and my regular life, I entered this other, care-free, connected space.

No. And that saddens me.

I met my Grandniece and thoroughly connected with her. It was a joy to go to her baby naming, and sing my entire repertoire to her during my visit. There is nothing like new life to see the hand of God in all of our world.

I started a formalized yoga and meditation practice after returning home after the New Year. I found out that my sister, Nancy, had stage 4 lung cancer and I was horribly sick with the flu over most of the holidays and returned to an endless winter of cold, snow, and gray. I realized that I needed to start taking care of myself in a way that supported my values. It has brought an ongoing calm and some joy to my daily life...a constant in a world of chaos.

I recently noticed a large monarch butterfly pass, then brush gently and intently against my 29th floor window....twice! My grandmother (passed away in 1987) loved monarch butterflies. This was a message from her. That I'm doing fine, to keep going, and that she loves me.

When my dad passed my love took me to this park, we walked through the snow and even though my heart was hurting I felt at peace and I felt my dad's energy. He has also appeared in my dreams and good things have happened to us and I feel like he is watching over me :). I just miss him so much.

The moment of seeing my mom's body I would describe as spiritual. Finally seeing/understanding in person that you have a soul, and that my mom was no longer there. Her leaving this earth has devastated me, but it's been a time of intense reflection. Also, the fact that I gave birth so easily with Susanna this time. That moment of pushing her out of me was amazing- I felt so wonderful and in control and like I was on top of the world.

The ease with which I led services in August, my comfort being in front, allows me now to pray while I lead. One of the evenings in Jamaica was extraordinarily beautiful and I was brought up short by the beauty. The same was true of our time in Yosemite last winter. Just stunning.

Not a spiritual experience, but I think I'm occasionally doing better at handling social situations. For example, when someone told me she was great friends with someone I dislike, I avoided saying I disliked the person and said "is she excited about starting her new job"? One thing I didn't mention in an earlier question is that I was booted out of my part-time ffs position last October. I am sad and wonder what it is about me that turns clients off (which is why I was booted out). Not sure this is a spiritual concern, but is something I wish God would help me with.

Beyond almost going atheist because Christianity is driving me up the fucking wall? No, no spiritual experiences to speak of...

GOING TO THE SOUTH TOTALLY CHANGED MY VIEWS ON FAITH - I AM BELIEVING IN A GOD NOW AND IT TOTALLY IS GOOD FOR MY HEALTH I AM STILL DISILLUSIONED WITH THE INSTITUTION OF RELIGION AND ITS OPPRESSIVE COLONIALIST USES DOE

I HAVE had many particular experiences this past year. The end of that relationship brought me into a much much deeper, valuable, needed, relationship with God. I rely on Him. I am awakening to the dynamic for my relationship with God too. I need to drive and follow his directions, if you will. I am driving being the important part. I need to not just sit around and wait for some irrefutable sign that I"m supposed to do A or B. I need to evaluate the options in my life based on His teachings and take action. No more of this sitting around waiting. I have become much more sensitive this year. I cry at the sweetest/kinda sad/only a little bit sad things now, but most of all selfless actions of Love. Oh man. Those just get me every time! I have also come to realize WHY bad things happen in life. Todd Cook said it best in Aug/Sept? this year when he said life and God are NOT the same thing. We have free will and our choices are what create the actions in life. God does not dictate every move and action, He set it all in motion and we took it over and messed it up from there (free will). Because of this, life is made up of the concentric rings rippling outwards from every action every single person makes. Whether they do good things or bad (sin) things we are all immersed in the effects of all these actions. Very similar to the proverb of a butterfly flapping its wings and changing the course of the world.

Being out west was spiritual for me. Seeing the natural world always is for me. It's where I most strongly believe in a higher power. We saw so many astonishingly beautiful things. Just thinking back to it or looking at our photos brings me back and opens up a space in my heart and my mind.

I began my apprenticeship at the women's collective. This led to the Devi Marga retreat. It changed how I relate to the world. Allowing myself more forgiveness. Not feeling so guilty and worrying.

I'm reminded about the importance of spiritual experiences by my crazy cousin Sandra, who puts her faith in the unknown, and uses that faith as an excuse not to plan. I'm so not ready to do that. I am the captain of my destiny and will put the systems in place, financial and otherwise, to count on myself and not have to hope that the spirit will take care of me. Perhaps in the future, I'll feel differently, but I am so far from throwing my fate to the wind that I can't believe it will ever happen. Having said that though, I'm frequently reminded about the importance of taking time just to focus inwardly, to get a sense of what is important and how to prioritize the many things that are going on. I try and do mini-meditations - in the shower, in the elevator, in other times where I just have time. I close my eyes and think of nothing. I'd like to be able to do more of this.

nothing out of ordinary spiritualism....

I cannot think of any other than the birth of my third son. I will never, ever love my mother more than when I care for a newborn and realize her unconditional love has enabled me to be who I am right now.

I went to the Chibala Center on my cousin't recommendation. I also went to a Caholic Mass and a the Beth Elohim Rosh Hashanah service. The experiences either helped me grow as a person (i.e. comfortably look people in the eye) or clarified my personal values.

I found my way back to meditation. I re calibrated with a week of daily practice, started attending a weekly guided mediation practice, and actively working on how to combine my emotional and psychological work with that spiritual practice. The result has been learning to slow down, to pay attention to when I've had enough sleep, to pay attention to how I feel about the sounds of the morning (hating the sounds of birds or loving them, appreciating first morning light or not, and so on). I've been able to deepen my compassion and kindness for myself and others. I am doing so by simply sitting down, being quiet, and paying attention - as simple as a 3rd grade class coming to order. My mind is clear of the daily clutter when I engage in my practice and I don't obsess about things that stress me out, that are in the past or future, that I cannot control. it is helping me to eat well, get enough sleep, and know that if I'm stuck in negative thought patterns or unhealthy habits that it's because I'm not paying attention to my physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

I can't really pinpoint a particular experience per say. When I am pregnant, as I was this year, I always feel more grounded and anchored. Daniel was no exception. I feel the most connected to his birth - most likely because it was most recent. I will miss the movements of him in my body and feeling him inside.

N'ilah at TBZ was pretty flipping amazing and gave me a sense that my spiritual self isn't dead, just dormant.

An increasing awareness of blessing and the sacredness of all. Every day, numerous times, I'm stopped in my tracks with the wonder or delight of the taste of food, the abundance in my garden, the colors of the sunset, the peace of the waters, the faces of people, young and old. It seems to get better all the time. In spite of the anguish of the world, blessing.

I read a number of books with my son about the sprit that is embodied in a dogs love. My son would readily sit with me and listen as I read these books written from a dog's perspective about love and life. we all want to be loved and to love and I found this to be a wonderful way to share this with my son.

I cannot say that I have had any particularly spiritual experiences in the past year. That's kind of sad. Perhaps I need to take stock of what I am doing with my life.

my fiance's dog died this year. we had to put him down. he was 14 and very sick. he could have probably lived a few months longer with constant care around the clock. after 2 years of near constant care, we didn't have it in us to continue. but it broke our hearts and we still feel sad and guilty over it. i try to believe that he is still with us in spirit and that he understands and forgives us.

Traveling to Turkey, Israel and Jordan was a very rich experience both social and cultural

I was blown away by the beauty of Italy and NYC. First, Italy blew me away with it's winding countryside, cultural treasures and amazing food. I also came to appreciate and be in awe of NYC's size and scope. I've really enjoyed biking and exploring new parts of this magnificent city

The closest thing would be joining and singing with the choir this year. Transportative.

There are a number of experiences I've had this year that have left me with a "spiritual" feeling. Watching the sun set on a deserted beach in Puerto Rico, staring out across a field watching light roll over the mountains in the Catskills, seeing Evan's film in its entirety for the first time. What they all have in common is they have afforded me time for introspection and have made me feel at peace.

Nature. Nature is spiritual for me. Being able to spend more time and make the move to Maine, even if I'm not as physically active as I would like to be what with transitioning to new job, new home etc. and shift in routines and schedules - I go out at night and look up and am in awe of the stars, and overwhelmed by the vastness.

This whole year has been a spiritual experience. The dream work with study group. Also learning to pay attention to animals and plants and other signs around me. I notice when the different birds show and and listen to what they tell me. Learning more about chanting at the shrine in Tallahassee has increased the effects of my Tai chi practice which has become more spiritual in and of itself. Moving from UU Montgomery to UUFEC and realizing that I miss even the small spiritual things that were happening in Montgomery that aren't happening here yet. It's been quite a 'Spiritual' year.

oh sure. being on retreat with molly. meeting amma. i have come to believe in a feeling of god more from within and my judgemental thoughts have decreased. it's nice.

I'd have to count parenting an infant. The extent to which we depend on each other, even after the physical separation of our bodies, is beyond anything I've experienced before.

I would say that my experiences at Temple Sholom and finding a spiritual home. Having community around me. It was also spiritual to have my family and friend community around me at my son's bar mitzvah. When all the great aunts and great uncles were on the bima it was spiritually moving.

Yes, I think choir has helped lift the fog of depression a bit. And I have been thinking a lot more about spirituality as in getting to know myself and following my own passions, instead of doing what I think will impress/please others.

Feeling loved by Melody after failing her so many times. Hearing the first chorus of the Matthauspassion and breaking down at the entrance of the O Lamm Gottes chorale.

The POC retreat on mindfulness was the best and most spiritual thing to happen for me. Just having the notion that happiness, my own personal happiness is important and that I'm worth it was a radical shift in how I had been walking around in the world. During that wonderful quiet Saturday, I felt more peace than I have in years. I was truly nourished and felt so refreshed. Like my mind had been wiped clean. It was beautiful. Now I just need to find ways to build a daily practice.

I've been an atheist since I was five, but I love old and ancient churches. Why? Something in their smell, their atmosphere, calms me. The orderliness, the decoration, the care that is taken with them makes them a haven. They are safe, quiet, and when I travel, a more copacetic place to meditate than a hotel room. This year I visited several wonderful churches in England: York Minster, the church at Haworth, St Giles Cripplegate, to name a few. The church of St Mary in Lastingham on the North Moors is what comes to mind as a "spiritual" event. There's a rare aisled crypt below the church that has an indescribable feel of time and, for want of a better word, holiness. When I went down, I found a verse from T.S. Eliot's fourth quartet printed and laminated, lying on one of the benches for travellers to find. I read it and sat for some time feeling the place around me. I received my UK citizenship this year, and something in that church was emblematic of why I had applied for it.

I have become more aware of the tug of the feminine aspects of spirituality. My religious tradition is a totally male-oriented one which downplays feminine strengths as much as possible and my cooperation with that system no longer satisfies. On the other hand, because there is no other model, I find myself floundering to find how to connect in any deep and meaningful way to the feminine aspects of God, the source of life, the nurturer and upholder of being.

Weirdly I had a very big emotional experience watching the movie Guardians of the Galaxy with William. I think it is because it's a story about a young boy who's mum dies, who doesn't know his dad and who gets kidnapped and taken into space. Because I watched it with William, and it snapped me back in terms of emotional resonance with my own childhood it passed for spiritual in many senses. Most of my spiritual moments come snatched, and when I am alone. A sudden glimpse of sun, or light glancing off odd objects. Many of my spiritual moments are now on instagram.

I have been drawn back to nature in a profound way. The trees, the land, the dragonflies, the birds, even the spiders...they call to me.

I have become much closer to my Native American roots. For years, I have shied away from the term pagan. I tried very hard to assimilate into the Christian culture and it isn't a good fit for me. Moving to the Midwest, I have become surrounded by the culture and I have embraced it. I refer to my religion as a nature-based religion. I have been using my "western medicine" knowledge incorporated with my native heritage to provide healing to people who may not otherwise have access to health care. The more I practice my craft, the stronger I feel as a person. I can feel the blood of my ancestors coursing through me and I feel more connected to the world around me.

If I had to choose some experience, it would be noticing how people want to buy into anything you tell them, if you offer it with a little sliver of hope sandwiched between. That was my experience of giving a talk about my biggest creative project – afterwards people wanted to talk to me because they thought I knew something, had some answers, could change things for them, would show them the way. All because I'd been put on a stage (a pedestal) and told to talk at people. Once I was up there, suddenly I was credible, I was someone, I knew the secret, even though I knew nothing more than I had 20 minutes before. I could see how politicians and religious cranks might get carried away – there was power in the way people looked at me. It was odd and exciting and discomfiting, and I didn't know what the hell to do with it. So I shrank back as I always do, and let someone else take the attention. I can't take bullshit from anyone, least of all myself.

When I got to ride the bike the first time in Kansas I felt close to G_d.

Driving through Boston with Jake, just before leaving at 6 am,, we had the radio on. And it was shitty music. And then this song came on that just sort of shut us both up. Between fresh morning air and being afraid we wouldn't be able to see each other again soon and that song, the world was perfectly tranquil. It made me appreciate the quiet times in life where you might be over come with emotion but you can still appreciate the beauty of it all and the peace it can bring to you.

My most spiritual experience this year was our wedding ceremony. I felt connected, holy, and loved.

My life is graced with speckles of gratitude, like fall leaves and snow flakes and sun rays. No big bangs, just life unfolding blessedly each day.

Yes, most of my Spiritual experiences have been in dreamtime. I'm aware that I am fine no matter what. I breathe into that awareness and find Peace.

I had my first mushroom trip a few weeks ago, and it was incredibly spiritual. I was one with everything, and I felt like I was in a place of deep understanding with everything. I felt words like Am Be Is and Are had new meaning, and I could forgive everyone for being because we all just are who we are and we're doing and being what we are because being on the Earth is hard. I kept saying "Why do we have to be something we are absolutely not"?, and I wanted to stay in that place forever. It was a beautiful trip.

I think I've become better at what I want to do, which is teach. I think if it's not in your heart, what kind of teacher would you be?

Yes, I started dream journaling again after a very long dry spell. It has been healing and a good experience for me.

My studies with Michael Shapiro are a constant source of spiritual awakenings. My studies with the Mussar Institute and especially the retreat in May 2014 to Brandeis, CA was an awakening. My webinars with Mussar, my readings of God is a Verb, the death and life of Reb Shachter-Scholomi, Shefa Gold's Torah Journeys, studying the weekly parsha with Miriam. All these routines, devotions, and studies flowed together to infuse me with deeper understanding of Torah. When Charlie Sargent was diagnosed with X number of months/years to live I asked myself what do I want to do with my time. The answer was Study Torah. One other day I asked myself what did I want to devote the rest of my days to and Attending a Yeshiva was the answer. Extraordinary!

my tastes in culture,food, music, clothing have changed drastically!

For the first time in a long time, I was able to experience a somewhat spiritual connection with Judaism. At Szarvas, through in-depth discussions and meaningful programming, I re-examined my relationship with Judaism and learned that not believing in God and being spiritually Jewish weren't exclusive concepts. After the two week experience, I didn't necessarily question my beliefs, but I realized there were more doors to open and explore.

No not really It had been a soul searching and becoming more aware of who I am year. Who I want to be!! I am slowly finding myself. Redefining a bit as well.

See question 1. My son's birth and bris were deeply spiritual experiences. The bris took me by surprise. I thought I would be an anxious wreck and I felt calm and strong. I did not enjoy the procedure but I felt propped up by this amazing and loving community. By the words of my husband. The sound of my sons name. By the words of Rabbi Tsadok reminding us to love the tiny moments. To make them as important as the big ones. To find the joy and life in the little things. As we carried our son away our family and friends danced around us and blessed us and held up our wedding tallit to shelter out newborn son. In this way Axel Reuben was welcomed into the community and offered a lifetime of love and protection. And that was just amazing and so very powerful for me to see.

I went to Japan this year for the first time and saw things that were much, much older than I had ever witnessed before. A country with a homogenized culture is so different from one like the United States, especially one that's been around for thousands of years longer. I felt the spiritual sense kick in on a rainy day in Kyoto, when my sister and I visited the Philosopher's Path and the Ginkakuji temple. I can't think of a place more beautiful than that temple--the whole country, for the most part, is extraordinarily gorgeous. Similarly, I felt a very important, strange, and strong feeling when we went to Mt. Fuji. Though we didn't visit the mountain itself, the views we were able to see of it were breathtaking and the surrounding forest, Aokigahara, was a sight to behold as well. It's known as the suicide forest, and while I had read about it a little before visiting it, I never thought I would actually see it. We did almost on a whim, and I immediately felt uneasy about going there. There was a strong feeling there--not sure what it was, but it was just strong. I didn't want to venture much further than we did, plus we would have missed our bus back into town if we had, so we went back. But on our way, I saw a fox running away from us. That felt like a gift from the forest. I felt overwhelmed for the next few days, and on the plane home I suddenly began to cry deeply and sharply. I didn't know where it came from. It didn't feel like sadness from leaving Japan behind, so my only explanation was the forest, which I could not stop reading about after visiting. I just want everyone to be okay.

Watching my girls participate in Shabbat together, all 3 of us singing and lighting the candles. I remember exactly how it felt and when my husband picked up our youngest daughter smiling, it was a peace I knew my heart will treasure well into our future.

I've sought out spiritual counsel through prayer but beyond crying my eyes in church or at my bedside there hasn't been anything noteworthy of calling an "experience" however through prayer I've begged of God to help me believe in love again. My soul feels empty without love in my heart. So I have been given the strength to love again with out fear. I am loving her with everything I have but no matter what I do my love is not enough to earn her love for my own...

Ever since I was in the hospital and now worry about every potential issue with my body I now say a prayer when I go to bed. it's the same prayer I said as a child and feel it's more important now.

There has been so many spiritual experiences during my stay in my old town, I can't really pin point a single one. It's been cumulative really. I've grown in confidence in God and in the Blessed Virgin Mary. I've learned to be a better Catholic in society and in my own home.

I've been doing a lot of meditation the last few years, and it's changed me so much. My mind feels calmer, more observant, better at seeing people and listening to them. I'm better at soothing my anxieties, and looking beyond myself. I'm so thankful for this.

Not really, I had one on the pane just then. The oceans eternal ripples and the impact humanity has had on the earth through mining, digging, deforestation over fertilising, waste and so on..we seemingly destroy everything we touch in our quests for survival and dominance. Why are we so hell bent on pursuing wealth...how come wealth can't be considered the closest connection we have with the earth.

I continue to have most of my spiritual experiences when I am out running in nature. Sex is also a good source, as is the dance floor.

Yes, it was during the time me, together withh Ate Danica and Ate Melai went to Tacloban for field work and we visited a church inside a cave. It was amazing and peaceful. I can't believe that it was man-made and people climb more than 300 steps to attend mass in that church. Faith really moves mountains. :)

My new spiritual experience this year (outside of experiences felt when in touch with the wonders of nature) was felt this summer while joining a meditation group at Seaside Jewish Community. I began to have a heightened awareness of the connection between my intended behaviors and Judaism. I began to experience a form of the Devine in my consciousness. My thoughts and behaviors have changed me to a much more positive and loving and accepting person. I am able to see the light of the Devine in others more clearly.

Many. I've created art, appreciated nature, I've screamed and cried. I've talked to God.

Being in nature mostly. Since I started taking daily walks (at least I try to) over the summer, I am observing all kinds of things. The way the wind moves in the grass and the trees. The way the light shines through the leaves, and the patterns of clouds. The birds singing, the insects flying, the texture of the sidewalk. It's very relaxing and peaceful and makes me feel connected to the bigger picture. The more I do it, the more I realize what a waste of time it is to always be busy staring at a computer or iPhone screen. I think more than anything else, I feel "grounded" when I am looking at the world around me.

I've really dabbled with meditation this year. I've got my beads and I really enjoy lighting candles when I'm alone or with friends (and hopefully soon lovers!), but the candle thing is less spiritual and more just me becoming an old lady. Meditation is great for me, because it really doesn't matter what anybody else thinks or experiences - it's all about me!

Spiritual -- hosting Thanksgiving & Birthday & Hannukah with husband's interfaith family and my family was so, so wonderful, and truly a triumph. Seeing the growth of a baby destined for miscarriage was amazing and humbling and so, so sad. Gaining a job and so many friends from my previous job was also wonderful.

This past year has been a very challenging one physically and financially and I've had a tough time getting out of that and into the experience of the spiritual. The year prior, I'd been very steeped in a process of spiritual discovery, but this year I've kind of been coasting. It's something that's been missing in my life: the creative, the uplift, the cosmic. It's time to dive back in. I returned to this q the day after YK to add the following experience: I attended a film of the Jewish film Fest in the desert. 100 voices, about the cantors that perished in the holocaust. I learned so much about my culture that I didn't know through this film and cried tears of joy and sadness throughout. This began at the start of the film when several audience members were participating, singing the songs in the film as they were performed. I knew very few of the pieces and began to realize what had been lost, the comment in the film that really resonated with me was how the nazis had ultimately succeeded in their efforts to exterminate our culture. So much was lost. I was also moved by the stories of survival, laughter from the ashes, and I've observed that survivors seem to have a positive outlook on life because they feel they were reborn, brought back from the dead, when the camps were liberated. For the first I feel compelled to visit the camps and I also want to attend the jewish cultural festival in Krakow. It definitely stirred something new in me and I want to make that spiritual, cultural pilgrimage.

A Rabbi from a neighboring synagogue scheduled a voice lesson the morning of Kol Nidre to vocalize and sing through the famous prayer before the evening service. She was about fifteen minutes late, and walked in, not harried when she is usually late, but with grace and a steady glow in her eyes. We sang through vocalises to focus her tone and tweaked her breath so as not to push in her upper register. But her sound still wasn't that flowy wave of beauty she can produce. I finally got the idea and asked her to sing in a forward bend to loosen her head and neck and connect with her spine and her core as she inhaled and exhaled. Her sound changed immediately and the haunting cry of Kol Nidre ve'esarei emerged from her as she sang bending forward. And as she she slowly stood up, one vertebrae at a time, the timeless words of Kol Nidres sung over millennia by thousands of cantors flowed through her and out of her in purity and in truth. When she lifted off the final tones of Shavuot, we looked at each other and beamed. Over the last weeks, I had been feeling spiritually bereft and uninspired from my synagogue's politics and the pernicious talk of wagging tongues even during the HHD. But as Rabbi Danielle sang Kol Nidre in its entirety, I felt a weight lift off of me and a glow pierce my heart. At the end of our lesson, Danielle reached for her pocketbook, and I told her I wouldn't accept payment for our exchange. I had needed her more than she needed me.

This year I have been trying to merge my existing spiritual practices of yoga and meditation with Judaism, which I know a lot less about. I feel so lucky to have found a local community that does just that!

About 30 years ago I had what I realized was a "spiritual experience" while kayaking alone in Prince William Sound. It was a vision when I felt, consciously, a very deep connection to the natural world - an immersion that felt like the purest kind of joy and elation I've ever felt. This year, I had that same feeling at points in the 4 days Mark, Kory and I spent in the Pantanal of Brazil. Nearly every moment was in awe of the Eden-like wealth of biodiversity we were experiencing in this magical place. I was in my own version of Heaven! Perhaps the difficult 3-day journey it took to reach this place intensified the experience - - in any case, it was several days of real magic that the word "spiritual" describes perfectly.

Every day in the funeral home is a spiritual wild ride.

my trip to the Acama and Taos pueblos was a monumental "spiritual" experience for me. The connection to the earth, holding on to their history and translating that into the most amazing array of art was mind bending. While living in different areas with different stories and lives, these folks created and continue to do so, despite the prejudice of a country against native Americans. As a former potter, and collector of quilts, the artwork made my heart sing.

African dance class continues to be a source of peace and inspiration.

I've been dwelling a lot over the past couple of years of how I feel about spirituality, what spirituality and religion mean to me, how to connect to the bigger/the Whole, etc. I'll say that in recent months, I've read a book that identifies the Whole as the Field of Potentiality, and I have been quite amazed at the level to which the FP has shown its presence in my own life since it came into my awareness. I hope that in the coming 12 months, I can continue to tap deeper into my own connection with the FP, which in turn will allow me to dig into my connection with everything and everyone.

I have learnt that my relationship with God is ever-changing and evolving from my side as I grow,learn,fall, pick myself up and yet He remains the same today, yesterday and forever.

I felt a different connection to the temple this year then I normally do. It really hit me that the temple is people's religion. This is where people go to love and mourn and release and heal. It's a very sacred place, and while it manifests once a year on the playa, it exists in our hearts year round and goes where we go. I realized that I want to protect that space and would like to start volunteering as a temple guardian.

I don't believe that I have had any spiritual experiences this past year. I believe that I have tried to become more in tune with things around me. I am trying to change my nature and believe in myself more. I have been on that path for so long it is difficult to leave it but I want to be happy and emotionally healthy for myself and my family. We are all still adjusting and will probably still have more to deal with in the next few months but I am feeling good and know that I am not longer alone in this thing called life.

I find it very spiritual to be on the Plains. Who knew I was a North Dakotan at heart? When I get buzzed by an eagle or spot a coyote in the distance, when a heron sails over the road to light in a pond, I realize how glorious the world is.

Its the moments when I feel very blessed - I see something, I read something, somebody does something and it moves me. I really love chanting in the morning. It centres me and I feel serene. I've also been doing jappa most nites when I get into bed. A beautiful way to end the day.

The only thing I can put into words is the realization that I cannot change the world, but I most certainly can work to make it a better place, one smile and act of kindness at a time.

Heightened experience for the need for Shabbat as a day to separate myself from the world of email, a time not to think so much of the small stuff, even if not in synagogue. Yom Kippur works in similar ways, although on a deeper level.

I'm the least spiritual person I know. I mostly have faith in myself. And this year I proved how much more capable I am than I ever thought. I don't know if it was faith in myself that was holding me back or a simple desire to maintain the status quo. Let those things that I'm afraid of define me. I seemed to be happy with letting those fears be a part of who I am simply because I didn't know there were other parts. Fear was a factor, a hurdle, but obviously not a big enough one to stop me from getting over it.

Well, I've been feeling guilty that I don't know enough halacha. I think me and my husband are going to both learn halacha again.

At the end of the second semester of yoga teacher training... I (re)found God. That's how I remember describing it to Jon. I felt/saw/experienced/knew it. It was in the community surrounding me. It was in the tears and the circle and the om. I was able to stop second-guessing/questioning/ being suspicious of a spiritual community and just be, appreciate, love. Thank you, God, thank you.

I am a bit disappointed to say that I failed to completely engage in the Easter season this year. Perhaps I was busy, but I feel that it was more of a lack of motivation that inhibited my attendance at church events. In fact, on Holy Saturday night, my family actually considered not going to the midnight service at all. And they didn't end up going; but I did. Now, I don't want to sound all self-justified and pious, because as you read before, I didn't actually do that well in terms of going to church. However, I was not about to miss the most sacred day in the religious year because of laziness. Therefore, I hitched a ride with my grandparents and headed off, in my suit, into the night. For a while, I began to regret my decision about going, as the service trudged on and I grew impatient. Then, the spiritual stuff happened. If you are unfamiliar with Greek Orthodox custom, for Easter, all the lights are shut off in church at midnight (I mean all the lights- they really go out of their way to ensure this), and the priest begins spreading the new Easter light from a single candle. As the fire spreads into a blaze of hundreds of wax-dripping symbols of the Resurrection of Christ, a sense of the Holy Spirit (and smoke) fill all who are present. There is something special about being there, in community with all the other faithful as church bells ring and the choir chants. The situation was not unfamiliar to me, having been raised rather religiously, but this was the first time I had actually pushed myself to do something spiritual rather than being pushed by my parents or elders. This sense of character reassured me, somewhat, that at least I had continued such a special tradition in my heart, and I had actually been moved to act by a commitment to my faith. Of course, I did not face death like so many Christian martyrs, but in the face of modern secular consumerism, I had made a good decision and went against the grain. I had no added benefit to this decision other than gaining a little bit of knowledge about how to live faithfully, which certainly also carries over to more than just going to Church in Easter. I'm working on living out my faith too, though.

Spiritual experiences. Running in the dark. Running in the early morning while it is still dark and then the sky lightening to day. Running when I didn't want to go because I was tired or depressed or defeated. But putting on my shoes and my running clothes and starting, my feet getting into a rythym and running through the darkness is my favorite. I am no longer consumed with the tension and chatter. The chatter is there maybe in my head only but my body is free. I am just one with the breeze and the night and the rythym of one foot and then the other and the steadiness of the action of moving. I am reminded that I am whole and ok just as I am. I am reminded I am strong and capable. I am reminded I have a gift. There have been other moments of finding the ocean, the beauty of the desert, the Oregon mountains. There was driving back from Oregon, south of Patterson, CA, when I realized I was on some crazy adventure in my station wagon I had to find places to check the transmission fluid with my cat. That the drive was beautiful and I always said I didn't want a typical life. I wanted my life to be an adventure. There are moments at the colleges, where the history and beauty of the buildings fill me with awe that I am in such a place. When I have the opportunity to be surrounded by leaders and originators of theories and concepts and movements, my soul wells up. When I find new places that give me pause, I am reminded I am here and I will be okay.

I turned 50 this year and I feel a strong sense of seeking out my purpose in life. I have not found it and I am determined to this year!

I had to go to Jordan on a work trip and decided to extend it by a day to go see Petra. The sites were simply mind-blowing, and I would absolutely call it a spiritual event. This was my facebook post: " Fourteen years ago, I took my first archaeology course at Smith College. The professor, Dr. Allen, shared some slides of an excavation she had worked on at the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Petra. Today, I experienced the site first hand, and it was even more amazing than I could have imagine." Just thinking about what it must have felt like for a person in the Roman Era to have traveled for weeks across the dessert to arrive in the thriving metropolis of Petra - I cant quite wrap my mind around it.

Yes, during the month of Ramadan. I feel the urge to discover my inner spirit.

I would have said that hiking was my spirituality, but I have come to see that the entirety of the world around me can be a spiritual experience. I am often overwhelmed by the beauty of the world, even on its grayest, rainiest days. I am grateful everyday for being alive, even when I am frustrated or angry, sad or disappointed. It is in those moments where the greatest learning occurs and reinforces the process of personal growth. It is through these experiences that I have to a greater, more holistic interpretation of the word 'spirituality'.

I went to my first Catholic Ash Wednesday Mass. That was interesting. The Catholic faith always confuses me a bit. I'm not sure why they still do things just to do them? Like, why do you repeat things? I feel like a lot of practicing Catholics don't really know why. That said, it was a cool thing to experience.

Becoming part of the Al Anon, ACA, and Yoga Home community has definitely impacted (increased and strengthened) my Spirituality and belief in a Higher Power. While I haven't actively worked the 12-steps, I already feel my trust in the Universe and my Higher Power developing. I have encountered so many obstacles this year - the kind of challenges that may have made me question, doubt, and challenge my faith in the past, but with this higher trust- there's something in me that keeps me going forward, as gracefully as I can. I am able to face what's put in front of me, accepting what's present, rather than denying it or running away. I attribute this new practice back to my belief in a Higher Power. This belief carries me through difficult moments and helps me come back to a place of peace, love, and positivity because I trust that my experiences, situations, and circumstances are all part of the plan, helping me grow, learn, and develop as a strong human. I come back to prayer often- specifically reciting the Serenity prayer when I feel ungrounded, and am learning how to be in conversation with G_d, (again:)

I preached a real sermon at church for the first time. I prayed for God's guidance as I went over the readings and I found that I was inspired to compare the story of Moses and the burning bush to a general lesson on paying attention to what God wants you to see and experience rather than letting fear color your perceptions of people and events. I brought up the shooting of the young man in St. Louis by the police as a case of people not paying attention to each other and reacting out of fear instead of seeing with God's love in your heart. It may sound corney now but it was well received. People have asked that I speak again sometime, now I'm in for it! I continue to investigate how yoga can combine with my Christian philosophy to increase my closeness to God.

I had the good fortune to go to Amsterdam. Each day spent looking at art was an immense joy. For the first time I felt like I understood how each artist and art movement truly impacted the next. On top of that I toured the Anne Frank house. What a beautiful, sad, moving experience. Again it put so much in perspective for me, about WWII, and European history and how one small voice can tell a very big story.

I answered this question once already this year and the computer erased it because I didn't press "save my answer" before going to another question. Is that a spiritual experience or the opposite of one? Bring me the Rhinoceros, a book by John Tarrant, has been a window into a new way of looking at spritual experiences. I've been reading more poetry over the past 1-2 years and especially over the past weeks, really enjoying spiritual-ish shivers or sense of rightness that some moments of poetry bring. As always, I go looking while not totally acknowledging that I'm looking for spiritual experiences in my walks and runs and yoga. Is a sense of wellbeing spiritual? I would like to find more spiritual experiences in community - Jewish, yoga, friends - rather than my default solo unspoken searches. Do I ever count my moments with people I care about as spiritual? I think I do count my practice of trying to connect with my patients as spiritual because it is such a practice, and it would be nice to bring more of this home. Laughter is spiritual and I suppose so is gratitude so I feel those running through me at home quite often but don't always count it as spiritual. Friends give me a great sense joy - that too is spiritual.

No. I don't really believe in religion at this point.

My courses at Princeton Theological Seminary have brought me great joy, and I think closer to God-even though I'm not sure what that means. My meditation practice has also been very spiritual.

Not in the traditional sense of the word, but as I outlined previously I have undergone huge personal growth, which I think will empower me to move forward in a different way.

Not so much....awareness is sometimes fragile as it is strength.

Quite a few actually. Events that brought me closer to my family and friends, and gave me insight into prioritizing my life. The experiences ranged from letting go of my anger to having frank and important conversations with family, friends and associates.

Over 4th of July I attended a weekend-long music festival in Quincy, CA called High Sierra Music Festival. Some of the music happened to be old spirituals played on instruments representative of a rich musical history. On Sunday there was a Morning Gospel Session · Ashleigh Flynn & The Back Porch. It was so profoundly moving and made me think of my mom, the tears were streaming. Later I went back to the "big meadow" stage and spread some of my mother's cremains there. The performance was powerful enough to warrant a sprinkle.

I'm slowly coming to terms with my grandpa's death after a year. I'm not sure if this is considered spiritual at all. I feel calmer and safer when I wear the gold feather necklace I got a few months before his passing. He was the first person to notice and compliment it since we both shared a love of birds. It makes me feel like I'm still close to him. It has now become a way for me to remember him everyday and keep memories of him close.

Traveling to Israel was so enriching for me! I really enjoyed connecting with Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron. Being in the land of Israel and actually living the bracha "Next year in Jerusalem" was nothing short of a miracle! The year before I learned about Women of the Wall during Yom Kippur services. Seven months later, I was at the Kotel, dancing and singing with them. The beauty, the intelligence, and the experience was just awesome and will stay with me forever. It was amazing! I can't wait to go back!

Bonding with my child was pretty magical.

I think NaNoWriMo has been the most spiritual experience last year. I did it! I wrote a book! I still have to finish it off, but hey, I did do it. Blood, sweat and tears went into it/ Nights of agonizing pain. Sleepless nights. But I did it! It has brought me a lot. And made me realize a lot. I can reach my goals. I can work. I can write. I am creative. I am awesome.

Seeing Half Dome by the light of a full moon. Beautiful beyond belief.

No. I haven't felt spiritual about anything. I don't believe that there is anything more than our memories, our hope for the future, and our here and now.

Identifying a purpose for this last quarter of my life was such an emotional and spiritual experience. I had ended a career that was so rich in leadership mentoring opportunities and stepped into health and family issues that took my energies and focus, became my purpose. But I needed something to complete that, to complete me. It came to me as I listened to an interview Krista Tippett did with the creator of NPR's Story Corp. He said the staff at the booths where people went to record their stories felt their role was bearing witness to those stories, and saw it as a sacred role. That is what I have felt drawn to and use so much in my writing. I am not sure how this purpose will bear itself out, but I feel more focus in my writing, and I am more aware in my interactions with others of the need to listen, to be open to their stories, and sometimes to draw their stories from them. I see that kind of presence as the gift to others of understanding, the deepest need we human beings have outside of survival. I am letting my purpose guide me. We will see where it takes me in this next year.

I attended PRE and found that it was a very good experience for me and it has changed the way I think. PRE has also brought me to sign up with Bethany Councelling Centre where I can offer my services

There's a certain calm that's settling over me, every so often. I believe in myself more and feel less inclined to take people's opinions to heart. I owe this partly to the blogs Militant Baker and Radio Carly, both of which deal with body and appearance acceptance. This has made me more aware of my own judgmental behavior, which I am learning to curb. It has also made me more forgiving and loving of myself.

I'm not a particularly spiritual person but I participated in the polar plunge (on New Years Day) for the first time and when I went underwater, it felt as though I had been cleansed of the last year and welcomed to the new one. To my future self: Did you go on any adventures this year/do anything crazy/act stupid?

I think knowing that God has been with me during this bitter sweet, confusing, heartbreaking, and laughable year has been the most spiritual experience I've had. As sad, mad, lonely, and depressed as I've gotten, I have had my angels and God. I always feel his love and presence and know I am not alone. I also feel the love that only a mother has for her child. The pain I hear in my mom's voice over the phone with me while I sob about being alone. It's spiritual to know someone loves you more than they love themselves. This entire years as been messy but so beautiful to reaffirm that God is greater than me and knows why he does what he does.

I have been part of a Mussar group that meets once a month. It has taken me away from my mundane daily problems for at least a short while each month and helped me to renew spiritually and emotionally.

I don't think I have. I have had amazing moments of clarity. Amazing moments of tenderness and vulnerability. There are days when what's going on inside my head and heart overwhelm me and make me look at myself as so broken. I'm not broken. I'm just tangled in some complex stuff.

My friend Bev died last week after a long battle with cancer. She called it the "beautiful gift of cancer" because it allowed her both to profess to the world her faith in Jesus, and because she and her husband Tom took the opportunity to do many things on their bucket list that they otherwise might not have. Her funeral was this past Sunday and one of her requests was that we sang the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah. In meeting with the minister she looked in her eyes and asked, "too much?" Which, of course, I can picture with her trademark twinkle in her eye. We sang the Chorus, as requested, in the lovely choir loft of our most glorious little church, and I swear I felt her and felt God when we sang that piece. Not that it was perfect, but it was certainly glorious.

Seeing feeling and connecting in so much love and light with my soul and star brothers and sisters, seeing beyond time and space, being one with everything and knowing my origin as divinity

Not really. I'm getting further from religion every day. I'm not promised another life, so I really try to make the best of this one. It's a good coping mechanism right now. Whenever I fear death, I try to push it to the back of my mind and tell myself that I won't waste another minute worrying about it. I won't be promised any minutes after death, so lets not waste a single one that I have right now in life.

Clearly the Return/Tshuva has been startling. The mix of meditation and davenen has been extraordinary. It is not as "new"feeling as it was last Yom Kippur. This year I had a better sense of what was happening.

I am not sure I would call it a spiritual experience, but more of a examination of my spirit, what drives me, what makes me happy, what makes me unhappy, the unhappiness is the aspect that needs the most attention, understanding that the biggest challenges in my life also hold the biggest opportunities and moving toward these instead of away will ultimately lead to being more content in my life, a better partner, father, son, friend and neighbor.

No, just always trying to be mindful of God's grace and trying to be a good person.

Yes--I've reconnected with my energy and presence and chakras, and have spent significant time cultivating positive energy and connectivity again.

I had the experience of participating in a national martial arts championship. On the last day, there was a friendship farewell--I got to talk to and shake hands with a hundred strangers who practice what I practice. It was really humanizing.

Well, with the financial issues our family is facing with 2 kids in college and the lost of employment, we have to continued to hold onto our faith. It hasn't been easy, but it's all that I know to keep my sanity in a crazy world.

March 16th, reading Rachel's emails with Yuvi, Jessica and man I can't remember name of, outside union carbide factory in Bhopal. Deepened my appreciation of what she'd said as a human being, not just an activist. The importance of human connections and compassion to all politics. That that is the core, and the rest should be built on that, without obscuring it, in order that politics doesn't become soulless and counter productive and utilitarian and empty and corrupted. Also pesach felt intense and spiritual, as ever but somehow moreso. I feel stronger somehow, by being grounded to the traditions I'm part of, which make me feel I'm not just alone, but part of this bigger more powerful and longterm endeavour.

Meditating and was able to imagine connecting with another, without touch, without words, just knowing. Was able to "imagine" colors / energy, inside me, around me, around another, threads between us and as one. Looking out at beautiful skies daily from "my" office.

Since the beginning of May I've been going down to our pond early every morning and spending a few minutes just "being" and absorbing the sights and sounds. I've found it very grounding.

I wouldn't say that I had a specific spiritual experience. I feel like I had small moments of insight through out the year. I learned more about the power of people and love this year. I believe in people and love as my spirituality and this year has only strengthened that.

Spending Sukkot in Israel was spiritually uplifting, especially the Jewish music concerts I attended during the holiday (in Jerusalem and Moshav Mevo Modiin). The experience of diverse Jews of differing levels of religiosity joining together to celebrate the holiday through music and dancing was energizing and a cause for optimism. The music itself was also spiritually arousing.

My daughter celebrated her 2 year anniversary of being sober. this has brought her back into the family and closer to G-d.

Jon's death - great clarity that our life force/soul essence is NOT the body.

A little while ago, I had a stomach virus and every time I threw up, my dad kept saying: "oh God, oh God, ew, Jesus, oh God, why." So whenever I throw up, I'm reminded that there's a God.

I was dumped by someone I very much liked and felt connected with because she felt we weren't connecting spiritually. Spirituality is not something I've ever considered outright, but have instead happened on when I needed guidance. I don't call myself spiritual, but I most certainly believe in and rely on the power of the universe. The way life works there is no way that there isn't some sort of influence, and through meditation, yoga and reading I have found a very personal place for myself spiritually. But again, it's never been something I've labeled. One thing, is that I'm always willing to hear more, to learn more and to build on what I've already found to be true for myself. So when this person came into my life, it felt like kismet. We connected so well and so quickly that I couldnt fathom when she told me that it was moving to fast, and that we weren't connecting. It was a life lesson for sure, and has made it so my guard is higher than every before.

Returned to Spain for the first time in about 10 years. Renewed my love affair with one of my favorite countries.

Umm, no. Not really. Not compared to the previous years. No revelations. The Life Cube showed me that we can have community, just not for long term. Leaving Rob reminded me to take care of my emotional self. The first day sitting on the back patio enjoying the pool felt pretty damned good. Graham reminded me that I am global, acting locally. I miss my shul. I didn't attend services because I had none I belonged to, and no one I felt connected enough to to participate with. Not to mention, tickets are expensive. Spiritual, feh. I just need more gigs.

1. Going back to services at camp. It always astounds me how connected I feel to a greater presence when attending services at camp. The community is so strong, powerful, and committed to the same goal. I do believe in a higher being when I'm at 46 Bowen Road, even if only for two days. 2. Starting yoga and reading Eat Pray Love. This book has been monumental in my desire to start yoga, and yoga has become one of my favorite activities. It is a spiritual experience, allowing myself the time to be with myself, improve myself, and relax for 1.5 hours. I hope that I allow myself to delve deeper into my mind and continue this practice once I go back to classes.

I started meditation a few weeks ago and I really do enjoy it and think it will be a good practice for me. The person teaching the class called it "building an immune system for your mind." I liked that image. I hope I can discipline myself to do it every day.

Before I dive into any spiritual experiences, I feel obliged to mention the impact my trip to Umea had on me. In February we went there with a group of four to visit Felicia in her hometown. The city of Umea buzzes with culture and is surrounded by a picture-perfect Scandinavian landscape. Apart from all visual stimuli, group experiences, cultural differences and culinary surprises, I was most touched by the climate. It was nowhere as cold as it could have been and I am unsure of how well I could have adapted to the extreme cold. But the weather we had is something I really enjoyed and miss almost every day since. In May I received, as a birthday present, a ticket to visit (together with Carolien) two lectures of H.H. the Dalai Lama. They took place in Ahoy Rotterdam, where there was more than enough space for 100-150 market stands. It was a wonderfully spiritual experience to see and hear the Dalai Lama speak, while at the same time, the topics discussed and the people I met were very down to earth. My Buddhist practice has not changed as much as I expected, though it certainly reinforced my spiritual inclination.

I feel more enlightened and certain of God(ess) in my life. I have become more aware of the spiritual nature of the world and real muddy on the nature of religion. I think God(ess) is however one perceives that infinite force or energy.

I have never been that closely tied with religion but towards the last 6 months before entering treatment, I found myself in a few churches just praying for a miracle, for some way out of my eating disorder. I also decided to try new things at ERC and ended up in prayer group in the morning. To spend 15 minutes reflecting on scripture and how it related to us on that specific day, to express gratitude and to prayer for specific people and situations and just start the day from a place of positivity and blessings was a true gift and something I'd like to continue going forward.

No- I am not a spiritual person - it bothers my boyfriend, who is very religious and spiritual. He wonders how I cannot believe in a non-secular spiritual system. That said, I find that being in the outdoors, being in nature - admiring the amazing natural wonders - does give me a feeling of awe - I guess a spiritual experience.

Yes, a near death experience a few months ago still has me reeling with horrible anxiety and post traumatic stress. Incidentally, the experience has left me with no doubt that Jesus is there when you are moving toward the next place that we go. The feeling was profound; surpassed all understanding of what I know here; and filled me with wonderment and awe at the bigness of it all. The peace and serenity, the calm and the love. Oh my God! The love that is poured over you, surrounds you, covers and protects you in those moments is nothing less than other-wordly. You may not, in fact, "believe" in Jesus, but He is who I called to in that moment, and I was covered. Utterly covered and protected from distress, and sheltered by a love more vast than the universe has revealed itself to us. Amazing!

I always love reading torah or haftarah at synagogue. Would I call it a spiritual experience? No. I am lacking in this department for sure. I don't really know where to look anymore now that I'm not able to go on retreats with my school anymore.

Nothing incredibly spiritual. I do think death still boggles my mind. Young death, old death, it all kind of brings you back to reality. When you hear of someone young passing, it makes you realize you are not invincible, I could be gone the next day. Really makes you enjoy what is around oyu presently and the happenings of your life. When people who are older pass, it has a different feeling to me. It makes me realize what I want to have. When Uncle Steve passed and 200+ people came to celebrate his life, it made me realize you really have to take the time to connect with people. I also have come to realize that I want to experience certain things( spouse, children, etc.) in my lifetime. I don't want to pass without knowing a passionate love with a spouse or significant other. And most importantly I want to feel that type of unconditional love for a child, and for something that I created. So I guess really my only spiritual experience involved the deaths I saw this year and realized how much I have to live for and experience.

Losing myself in a way and being able to be in one present moment when running, solely focusing on breath.

I am praying voraciously for Kate McCrae. She is now 9 years old and battling a rare brain tumor. I have been praying for her for 4+ years now. Since she was first diagnosed. It affects me because it reminds me how precious life is. I also pray for her mom, because I have no idea how difficult this must be for the family as a whole.

My yoga practice has been transformative to my life, both mentally and physically. I've felt changes in the way I think, the way I treat people, and the purpose and intention with which I live my life. In a world of negativity, spite, and distrust, yoga has softened the area around my heart and helped me shed layers of emotions, frustrations, grief, and heartache. Yoga has helped me become more introspective and I'm slowly becoming better at quieting my mind. Working hard physically in my practice has made me stronger in other aspects of my life and I find that at no other point am I my truest "Shannon" than when I'm on my mat.

My wife, son, and I were in a boat near Porto Jofre in the Pantanal. Thousands of snail kites swarmed over the river settling down to their roost. A whole population of that region dependent on those few trees. I was awe struck.

Running 8 miles uphill on a brisk New Hampshire night at 1:30 will always, always stand out.

I think I've had a couple. Definitely, I have had a greater reconnection and engagement with Judaism. And, I also experienced living alone for the first time... That may not sound spiritual, but the realization that you can manage something, when it suddenly hits you, is spiritual.

My pregnancy was a very spiritual time that I wish I had savored more. I was literally brimming with life, feeling my unborn child move inside me. I remember always falling asleep in my husband's arms with his hand on my belly.

I am continuing a spiritual awakening that started at the beginning of my 33rd birthday. After that fall, I vowed to change my attitude toward myself and love myself more. This has affected every aspect of my life. Spirit doesn't mess around. Once you kindle your fire, you cannot help but take off. Now, as I am embarking upon my 35th year on this planet, and having lost 70 pounds of weight in the past two years, I am on the path to replacing that physical weight with spiritual weight and mindful matters. This long-birthed awakening is taking a steady stride to empowering me to share my story and reach my climax of peaking when I reach the age of 65. This awakening is teaching me to live in the present. It is teaching me how to truly love others as well as loving myself more than I ever have. It is twisting and turning me into the kind of human I wish to be...an ongoing, continual journey that will likely take me the rest of my life to figure out...And I am finally up for the challenge by being full of more energy, desperately seeking knowledge, wanting to be a student of the Earth forever, and drinking in other people's stories to go along with my own.

Not so much spiritual as a sure inner sense that no matter what happens, I shall be all right.

Having a child is a spiritual experience. I marvel at the miracle of life more than ever now. A baby mouse is just as amazing as a baby human. Life begins magically at conception and it has little to do with the parents. Once this gift is given to us we are responsible for giving it love and nurturing it. We are also responsible for giving love to the world and everyone we encounter. Everyone is someone's son or daughter.

I'm not a spiritual person, being an atheist. I think the most "spiritual experience" I've had this year has been working quietly in my garden.

I began meditating and it makes a difference in my sense of calmness in the middle of the storm.

I haven't had any spiritual experiences in a religious sense. I would say giving birth to my child has really made me ponder the totality of life and death. I never thought about dying until I gave birth to life. Funny how that is so connected. I do wonder how we as a couple will raise our daughter on a spiritual level. I would like her to experience many different religious practices and allow her to decide for herself if she would like to explore more. I suppose it's hard from an agnostic point of view to make those choices but I believe in being open and want to encourage hope there's something more.

Recently had a "Come-to-Jesus" talk with my parents about what I'm doing after school. Basically, it ended with my mom and I agreeing that if I want to seriously pursue a writing career, I need to write more often, and start sending things out to publishers. I also had a "spiritual" connection with a deer when I found myself inches away from one on the Skyward Trail at my university.

I've been a bad buddhist. Want to work on this. The mental transformation during my 51 mile run was nothing short of spiritual. So happy to have re-wired my brain around my past and while I still miss some deep relationships from my past I'm excited to be looking forward.

Well, this is as good a question as any to talk about Shannon. Her death. How she is missed. How it seems like she is still here - and I know in many ways she is - but how I still expect her to call, to visit, to sleep over, to be at Mom's. It is now 20 months since she passed. It seems like forever ago; it seems like it just happened; it seems like it didn't happen. I continue to love her, to miss her, to cry, to dream, to be happy for what we have, to ache for what we don't have. To hold her in the cradle of my hands, to give her my heart, to feel her warmth, to have honor for what she gave me, to love her deeply.

None - this is so not me. I'm terrible at being spiritual. I'm also embarrassed by it. I fear that people will judge me for being religious or spiritual in a way that isn't synergistic with my ambitious lifestyle. At the same time, I'm quick to judge others for believing in God. Oftentimes I feel that life would be so much easier and more joyful if I let myself believe in God, or embrace spirituality, but I have no idea how to do it. Tried yoga. Doesn't work for me - it doesn't relax me or spiritually engage me. Never made time for meditation. Don't know how to approach it or how to focus - or rather, how to not be self conscious while doing it. One of my most culturally/personally uplifting moments, however, was upon arriving to Mumbai. Long flight, spontaneous adventure, ready to embrace the world. It hit me when I found my driver at the terminal, and kept building as we walked together to the car. The energy around me rubbed off fiercely. New smells, new people, new clothing, new sounds, new cultural norms, the anticipation of my seeing my friends in an hour... we were nearing the car in the garage and BAM it hit me like an orgasm. My heart started beating fast, my spirit rose with no bounds, a smile spread wide across my face: life was suddenly awesome once again. If I can attain traditional spirituality, I hope to have more of those uplifting moments this coming year.

I was incredibly moved by the novel The Language of Flowers. The main character drew such sympathy from me. The beauty of using flowers to communicate touched me.

Losing my cousin to cancer. It was devastating to lose her and see the pain in the eyes of her family. But I was grateful to be able to do the funeral service and memorial service for her. It felt so right. I was really pleased with my eulogy and singing. I don't mean it to sound selfish, as it wasn't about 'look at me', it really reconnected me to a spiritual side. And I think we've found a congregation for Shabbat services. Now I need to find a way to sing more.

I recently watched the girls do a 'light show' where they danced around in the dark with a flashlight, listening to the Tarzan soundtrack. I was deeply moved by the joy and pure abandon I was witnessing. It made me think that these are the moments that really matter in life.

Getting to listen to the choir of my alma mater sing Handel's Messiah was spine tingling.

Getting to hear Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg play Shostakovich piece at the Oregon Symphony may have touched upon the spiritual for me. I feel deeply connected to classical music, and Shostakovich's notoriety for creating technical, difficult, dark pieces of music was all too clear in her playing and the music itself. This is probably the second time in my life that I have felt really, genuinely moved by the music.

My spiritual growth lies in my travel -seems to be enhanced when traveling alone... This past year I traveled to: Climbing Kilimanjaro -3 day safari Yoga/Kirtan on Crete - jumping Shiva 2x... xtra night, tatoos Traveled to: Amsterdam, Geneva, London 2x, Nice, St. Tropez, Frankfurt, Italia, Munich, Indiana, Salt Lake (2x), New York, Crystal Springs, NJ, New Zealand (Auckland, Queenstown, Milford Sound, drove from Christchurch to Auckland took the fairy crossing), Australia- (Melbourne, Brisbane, Mullumbimby), Taiwan, 3xLake Tahoe, Portland, Big Sur, 4xSF (half marathon) Mumbai. Hong Kong Taught me I need to travel more... Need to trust my intuition... Change flight to drive to Van Gogh museum to see exhibit by George Seurat in the Netherlands. Extend trip in Crete by 1 day. Take class in NY for confidence. Took energy healing class...

Eh, not really. I have been working on my personal development and am slowly becoming more spiritual, but it's a gradual process and we'll see how it will grow this upcoming year.

Feel more at peace with where I am in life x Have slowed everything down & am practising patience & believing in things happening when they're ready x :)

I had this weird dream on the morning of 11 June 2014, just before Typhoon Glenda exploded the "bomb". In my dream, I was rendering a snappy salute [perhaps to the flag, as it was almost Independence Day] when all of a sudden I was grabbed from behind by the hair on my scalp and was bodily carried away, with a voice telling me "Ilalayo na kita rito, bago ka pa nila mahuli." Later that evening, a companion in the seminar reminded me of this dream which I had casually mentioned to her while having conversation during morning snacks. She said that Lot and Sodom occurred to her. I had this conversation on the road on 19 July 2014 with a fellow biblical scholar about getting out of one's comfort zone and trying out new things in order to continue growing and becoming better. Then I had this conversation with a fellow professor about my having a powerful spirit and of the need for me to experience this to compel me to unwillingly leave my comfort zone and go off on a mission that may even take me overseas. My spirit [angel?] is so powerful, she said, that I merely had to be present and it was enough -- much like Saint Francis of Assisi who did not need to preach in words in order to make the presence of Jesus felt. She also said that I was still in my "joyful mysteries" and that I needed to experience my "sorrowful mysteries" in order for me to experience my "glorious mysteries".

Yom Kippur was a very "spiritually moving" day for me....and most days I find spiritual meaning.

I have had no spiritual experiences this year that I can think of. I need to change that.

i just typed out a huge long answer to this about how admitting to myself religion was false was like when you were a kid and admitted to yourself Santa Claus wasn't real no matter what people told you, and I accidentally didn't click save. So that's the gist, I'm not typing it out again.

Yom Kippur this year at TI was amazing. Rabbi Zecher had us write a note and bring it up to the arc with our transgressions. We also ended Yom Kippur together in a large circle. Very moving and made me think about the year to come and how everyone is connected. I hope to be a part of this community this year going forward.

I almost got into a traffic accident via spinout in the snow. I was was incredibly lucky to evaluate without a scratch to me or my car. It had really helped me realize what is important in life and what my priorities (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) should be.

Just looking at my son who is 4.5 is spiritual for me. Could be watching him eat, sleep or doing an activity like watching tv. My son was created by Hashem and looking at him makes me feel spiritual and connected to G-d.

I went on a 7-day silent retreat at Eastern Point in Gloucester. It was lovely. It was lovely to be silent. And it was beautiful out there. But it was just lovely to be silent. During that week I got to the heart with the help of the spiritual director there addressing the piece of me that always second-guesses myself. The spiritual director brought me the Hafiz poem that goes "Now is the time to know that all that you do is sacred." Talk about grappling with the past year, and my imperfections, and other people's imperfections, too. I also put my foot down about interviewing during the retreat. I decided to see how I felt, and I did go for it. Gloucester was really important to me, as a space of sunshine and beauty but also where I addressed that the seal pup was distracting me from my retreat because he was maybe there on his own, but discovering that Good Harbor is actually a good place for a seal pup to hang out. Nobody is alone, even if they seem alone. Or, at least, I'm not alone, even if I feel alone and I'm in deep struggle. I don't feel as strongly about being an atheist as I did last year. I do wonder if maybe I'm more Jewish than I thought. Like, more deeply Jewish. Sukkot really resonates with me, as do High Holidays. Yeah. Just something to think about.

I can't remember any. I feel like this means I need to get out into nature more, and not try to count playgrounds as the great outdoors. The most spiritual experiences I have are looking into my daughter's face or snuggling together in her rare moments of motionlessness.

Not spiritual in the religious sense, but I have had some experiences with "flow" while working on drawings and while out on adventures taking photographs. It's affected me by clarifying further my need to redefine my life, and by installing a sense of urgency to creating an atmosphere of adventure and love that will draw people and events into my life.

Childbirth was pretty darn spiritual! I ended up forgoing pain meds and channeled the strength of women from generations past. There's no doubt it was intense, though I think I blocked a lot of the memory already. Deepak seems to remember the pain (or at least the sound of me in pain) much more than I do :) I didn't have total intentions of going totally natural, but I will say it's nice to know that I could handle it.

I'm not sure if this really counts as a "spiritual experience", but here goes...I've always believed in life after death, & that those who we love & lose are always around us, making their presence known more significantly at certain times. Leah was probably one of the first & most impactful deaths that I ever experienced, & to this day, I frequently feel her energy around me, whether it be a certain song coming on the radio, a butterfly landing on my foot, etc.. Since Bunny's passing in May, I've definitely felt her with me pretty often. One of the most glaring moments, happened when a reporter from the Indy Star randomly stopped in the store one morning, wanting to feature me/Niche in the Sunday paper. Out of nowhere, he coined my personal motto as "I have chutzpa", and I immediately knew that Bunny had made this moment happen. Since then, I can't help but believe that she's been a strong influence in the positive growth that I've made on both a personal & business level.

My new passion for plants has really taken me by surprise. I think it was a way for me to come to terms with what was happening with Teddy. The mass inside of him is like a succulent in a way. And a plant that is so beautiful one day can be virtually non existent the next day. Beauty and life can be so fleeting. Whatever force brought Teddy into my life seemed to be taking him back from the inside out. It was devastating and beautiful all at once.

Gosh this year has been nothing but. I started out the year with Kute Blackson's Man Breakthrough experience and coaching with him, doing work around helping my inner child to know she was unconditionally loved, then I did the full Landmark curriculum and studied eating psychology. In a nutshell, I've learned to be more present, more authentic, to listen to my intuition, and to believe that I'm good enough and I am worth sharing with the world.

No, not really. Life continues much as it has this past age. :) The forest and the garden and the sea and people I love continue to be a source of amazement and wonder that I hope I will never lose. And people's creativity, all around the world, gives me hope for our future and so much joy.

I'm not comfortable with the term "spiritual"--what on earth does that mean?! I guess in terms of self discovery the September run of EiF training was pretty impactful--reflecting again on how I relate to myself and with others, whether and when I use my heart or my mind...it's a life's work, exciting and exhausting all at the same time.

A new Rabbi for our community has rekindled my interest in the study of my faith. It has also helped me to see the broader aspects of my faith