March 3

FAITH MONTH: DAY 3: “Doubt everything. Find your own light.” ― Gautama Buddha

I have had so many teachers on this road of life. Some of them told me they were spiritual and attempted to convince me that their way of believing was right.

I did not believe them. Why? Because I do not convince well. I ask uncomfortable questions. And I do not believe anyone who needs to make others wrong. A wide variety of spiritual paths make up my practice. I am a Medicine Woman, strongly attached to beliefs and practices of the Medicine Man who adopted me and gave me his teachings. I honor that path well.

I am also a long-term practicing yogi. The Vedic path of life is very important to me. I eat and live in accordance with many of their practices of life, all designed to honor my body, mind, and spirit. This has gone on for many years. I am devoted to this, as well.

I also study Buddhist teachings. I love the simplicity and yet the complex structure of many teachings. I strongly believe in the duality of my mind and life itself.

I was raised in a Catholic tradition and required to live it strictly as a young child. I was the only one in my family to do so. I do not understand why, but it was how things were in my early life. I do not really resonate with any of these teachings, and was quite terrified when we held hands and said the “Our Father” after a meeting when I was new. Ugh!

I read most of the literature of various sects of Christian theology. I read the Book of Mormon when I lived in Utah and discussed the practices with a few devout and a few not-so-devout Mormons. It did not resonate for me. I was impressed, however, by the structure of their church and the way they handle the issues of homelessness, hunger and poverty with their members. Quite a system of government that would be a great model for the rest of us!

I went to Lutheran, Baptist, Pentecostal, and a few other ceremonies I did not quite get motivated or moved by. I got baptized twice when I was an infant and a couple more times as a young adult. It must not have taken. I felt nothing.

When I was about 18, I went to see Yogi Bhajan in Los Angeles and fell in love with the whole idea of the lifestyle and culture of kundalini yoga. I practiced for years, but could not adhere to the non-use of drugs and alcohol.

Today, and for the last 30 years, I have practiced much of this lifestyle. It totally resonates with me. It is a big part of my life.

So, I love the title of a book from many years ago, “If You Meet Buddha on the Road, Kill Him.” This is a great quote! Because we are not here to be teachers or gurus, except as we are interacting with our peers.

I have probably taught more about what NOT to do in life than what TO do. I am not a spiritual guide. I am a spiritual seeker. My journey is different than yours. We may converse on many topics and you may see the light that I see, but your path to that light may look very different. I know I have walked a very long and crazy road to this place.

So, will you. But, I promise that if you are faithful to your heart, the light is there for you as well. Keep the faith!