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.

This year I realised that I feel closest to G-d when I'm standing in front of the ocean. Something about the way you can stand in front of the waves and feel like there's nothing and no one behind you- that it's just you there. I feel like I get to have a one-on-one conversation with G-d and that I'm in a safe place where I'm heard. I've been blessed this year to live in a place so close to beaches and so accessible. It's given me more opportunities to speak my mind, to ask forgiveness, and to heal and forgive myself.

I think my spiritual experiences have yet to come, but will be here soon. When I move into my own place in 2 weeks, I plan on practicing a lot of meditation and yoga, and trying to fully understand who I am to the Core.

About a year ago I was moved into action by all the murders of black men and I started trying to speak up. Blogging, sharing resources, talking to people about it and it's felt a little like a spiritual experience. I've spent a year being involved in many different areas, learning as much as I can and trying to bring others with me. Interested to see where I'll be in the work for a year.

I am an elder in my church. I have watched how God has moved a whole congregation towards one community and has led everyone to make meaningful decisions. Personally, I am learning to trust God more. I have faith for the big things, but not as much as I would like for the smaller things.

I am happy to say that I experienced as close to a spiritual moment as I probably get this year, and will remember it for the rest of my life. On Katten Island, in the archipelago of western Sweden NW of Götenborg, I climbed to the top and experienced the surrealism that I've experienced only a few other times, all in nature. The sense of smallness, the sense of wonder, the pure, unadulterated admiration for the raw beauty of the views I had at the top of that rock only inspire me to seek out those feelings more.

The week after the election I went back to church for the first time in 40 years. ( Unitarian) it has been extremely helpful to feel a sense of a community, to connect with people in such a positive way, and to think about the sermon/readings on a regular basis. I had no idea it would make such a difference.