Believers vs Religious~

Of late, I have been carrying conversations with close-ones, loved ones, and some thoughts/feelings have been popping up. I may be philosophical, analytical, researcher, explorer, but it helps me understand myself and the world in many ways. If this is too philosophical, too much for you to take in, or not of your interests, you can hop on over to someone else's blog and have fun there!

I was doing my daily workout yesterday morning and a thought came to mind. "Believers vs Religious". Don't take me wrong. I have respect for those who are part of a religious group or partake/practice their religion and I honor them because it is who they are and what they want/need.

People can’t have religious “believes”; they have religious beliefs. If you have it, it’s a belief; if you do it, you believe. 

Instead of focusing on the actual beliefs, which are not themselves choices, it can be more important and more productive to focus instead on how a person has arrived at their beliefs because that is the result of willful choices. 

People really want to understand the difference between religious and spiritual.Spirituality is something internal.Religion is something external. Religion is nothing but a set of structured systems and theories which induce the thinking of spirituality. It helps you to find the right questions to ask about yourself and find the appropriate answers about yourself.The difference between religion and spirituality is simply that most religions offer a specific set of beliefs and structures to help people to attune to their innate spirituality.The difference between religion and spirituality is in form only, for the true essence of all spiritual and religious practices is God. For being spiritual, you don't necessarily need to attach yourself with a religion. If you are spiritual person, you can see the truth in all religions. For example, you can enjoy the freshness of the whole flower instead of just smelling one petal.


Religion focuses on what pleases man. Being spiritual focuses on what pleases your HEART and SOUL. Religion involves emotions and externals while spirituality involves the whole being. Religion follows man's standards while spirituality follows your own beliefs, your own heart and soul. 


If we focus on allowing the source of truth in our heart to bring us together without judgment -- without proclamations of who is right and wrong -- we will be able to step into a 21st Century we might all envision that is truly inclusive of all.


I'm a spiritual believer... I BELIEVE in myself, in my heart, in my soul. I believe in living my life well because it takes care of my spirit. I may be "religious" about living in a healthy, living lifestyle. I may be "religious" about being eco-conscious. I may be "religious" about working out on a daily basis. I may be "religious" about what pleases me and that is part of who I am. 


Happiness & awakenings are not about having a hubby, nice cars, nice home, money, success, etc. How do you value yourself? I know how I VALUE MYSELF. I LOVE myself and this is who I am!~ What are your beliefs? What are you religious about? 


Didn't I warn you? Is this philosophical enough for you or what? *grins*