The Beginning

Welcome,  Spiritual Soldiers, 

I want to first thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this post. I hope whatever time of day you come across this post, you are able to take something away and apply it to your own life. This post is intended to welcome you into my life and spiritual journey thus far. 

When I was a child, I often felt deeply connected to elements around me (water, air, earth, and fire). I always found myself wanting to swim even without knowing how to swim. I was one of those kids who played in the pouring rain and filling up the bathtub with water. Sitting in the wind and hearing all the sounds echoing in my ears as I sit in stillness. Laying in the grass, walking barefoot, attempting to climb trees, and going on occasional hikes were a dream. Watching the colors of the fire from camping, bonfires, grills, and stoves understanding its power and fierceness . All of these things in some sense brought comfort, understanding, and curiosity. 

As I got older and learned more about different religions and cultures, I gravitated more to the practices of cultures who value the interconnectedness of life through nature, ancestry, energy, and the soul's journey. To reference a few religious or spiritual practices: 

There are many more that exist, these are just ones that have resonated with me over the years. I also want to make it clear that spiritually and religion can go hand and hand. You do not have to feel like if you utilize spiritual practices, it effects your faith in your religion, because that is simply untrue. What I often like to say is that spiritually helps guide and connect you to yourself but also can help you strengthen your faith as well. 

Bringing this back to this earlier image of me as a child. I found safety, security, love, and a sense of calm when I engulfed myself in nature. Then as I got older when I learned more about spiritual practices and other religions with this same focus. This has led me to lean on spiritual practices as a way to take action in my own happiness, sadness, grief, joy etc. In doing so I have felt more connected to myself and more aware of how I show up in the world. I also have found that I developed an appreciation for life and everything that surrounds me, because I am present. 

After taking part of different spiritual practices and adding them into my routine, I am more present. Present in how I feel, my thoughts, my habits, and my interactions with others. What is making me feel bad in this moment? What led to this meltdown? How can I bring myself back to a state of calm? 

All in all, the point of this post is to remind you that it is okay to be open and explore your options. It's okay if your starting point looks different. It is okay if you have tried this route and then strayed away and now you are back. This journey is not about becoming an expert in all things spirituality but becoming an expert on you. 

With Love & Peace,

Rayne 

P.S. If you are feeling open enough share your spiritual journey or share something new you tried to help get more connected with yourself.