This post was inspired by reading an interview with a woman who left her husband when she was 40’ish because she wanted to follow a spiritual path and, according to the interview, she said he didn’t. Now you might say, good on her, and yes, follow your own path by all means.
But I’m rather interested in this whole idea of spirituality. Because her husband is a world-famous musician who has created music over many decades which has thrilled millions of music lovers around the world. Isn’t that being spiritual – following your calling?
I’m fascinated by crystals, Reiki, digital art, healing and Tarot. At one time I rather quite fancied the idea of being dressed in white, drifting around and looking spiritual and quiet and self-contained (a bit like the aspirations of Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love), but the truth is I talk. I communicate. I write. And while I like my quiet moments and am happy to be on my own, I am mouthy and gregarious.
On the other hand, my husband loved being a dogman on high-rise buildings, is a great gardener and has a real magnetism for animals.
We are very different but I happen to think that the way we live is spiritual because we are embracing what we’re meant to be. In astrology, I have nine air signs which means I definitely am an airhead. I also have Neptune right next to my Ascendant, Libra, and my sun, Libra, which also means I’m off the planet, love psychic matters, can tune into people and feel their emotions, and I’m hugely sensitive.
My husband, on the other hand, has nine fire signs and his idea of purgatory would be to sit in front of a computer all day. He has to be active, on the go, planting flowers, digging, walking, living up to all his fire signs. But he’s honest, kind to strangers and animals, he helps people whenever he can, because he’s a Leo and they’re a generous, loyal, warm-hearted and passionate.
And that’s why I think being spiritual is being true to yourself. If you’re born to create music, go be a musician. Think of Eric Clapton (not the musician in my comment above, by the way) who knew early on his ‘teens that he was meant to be a musician. If you love cooking, then cook, and you don’t have to be a Jamie Oliver, you can just enjoy pottering in your kitchen. If you love looking after kids, do that. If being at home makes you happy, stay at home. If you want to work, then work (but for god’s sake do something that keeps you happy and healthy). If you don’t like crowds, feel free to avoid them without any guilt. If you’re a nerd, enjoy being a nerd. Do what makes your heart and soul sing because that, to me, is being spiritual – living who you’re meant to be, not someone else’s ideal of what makes a spiritual life.
I’ll wind up by saying I really loathe that word that is flung around so much these days: “Awesome”. Everything’s “awesome” or you have to be “awesome” or a child is “awesome” or whatever. No, you don’t have to be awesome. You can be fearless by being plain old ordinary you (because that’s what most of us are) and enjoy your life because you’re happy as you are. Don’t buy into the whole shtick of being dissatisfied with your self, just get on doing what makes you happy.
Be happy.
Embrace love.
Do what you love.
Spend time with your kids.
Embrace your loved one.
Spread kisses far and wide.
And SMILE and LAUGH.
Because that’s what makes the world go round from day to day!
