Angela Field is a new friend on social media. She is active on every platform you have ever heard of (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Klout and Empire Avenue) and some you may not. This is what she says about herself on ‘Brand yourself‘:

Angela Field is close to finishing a Bachelors of Science in Social Sciences, and a certificate in Human Resources. She has a general studies and Oregon Transfer degree which she earned by taking a eclectic selection of classes, always drawn to writing and social sciences and business technology. She is active in social media networking on numerous platforms and loves it.

I saw something she had written on Twitter about the distinction between spirituality and religion and we began a conversation. She might perhaps be described as a seeker, although that is not how she characterises herself. I find her description of the spiritual – and religious – journey that she is on a fascinating one, and thought that some of the readers of Lay Anglicana might also be interested. She kindly agreed to write for us.

I think she makes a very valid point just in the headline – so often we tend to talk of our spiritual journeys as if we are at the end…

A spiritual journey is different for each one of us. Some begin their journey before they even realize they’ve been on one.

For me, my spiritual journey began through exploration of churches and religions with my friends. Since my parents didn’t regularly attend church or speak much on the topic of religion, I was able to explore religions, God, and spirituality in a unique way. I have attended Catholic, Protestant, Lutheran and Baptist churches, just to mention a few, and would like now to attend a mosque and find a Buddhist temple to worship in.

I have studied and continue to study religion on my own and at Linfield College. I acquired a copy of the Qu’ran and read from it often. Most recently, I have taken a class on Buddhism as I am very drawn to the beliefs of the Buddhist religion, which I find fascinating. I love the teachings of Buddhism, most especially mindfulness.

In today’s society we often forget the impact we have on each other and how we can choose to have a negative or positive impact on those around us. It’s like the concept of six degrees of separation, the impact we make on others ultimately will come around to affect ourselves.

I enjoy attending bible studies, listening to sermons, and attending seminars on the subjects of evolution, religion, and spirituality.

I love church for the sense of community that it brings to its congregation, the picnics, and charity work. I love it when the church members feel godly and treat you as if you are welcomed unconditionally with open arms of acceptance, without judgment, only love. Those aren’t always easy to find, is what I’ve found. It hurts to come into the house of the Lord and be treated by a member of the church as if you are unwelcome in his home. That is not the kind of church that I want to attend, and unfortunately there are those.

My spiritual journey has taken me to my knees and I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned while I was there. I feel that God is in all of us and without his strength I wouldn’t still be standing. I appreciate the time that I’ve been given and try to take the time to tell people how I feel about them and show them how special they are, and how much they are loved.

Currently, I have found Pantheism, which seems to tie into what I feel about God, the Universe, and us as humans. I am still new to the formal study, but many of the beliefs that I have formed are shared here with others belonging to this ‘religion’ or set of beliefs shared by many. What I feel is that as atoms, protons, electrons and neutrons we are energy but unique energy, each specifically generated through a process. In this energy there is a power stronger than our own or it’s a part of us that cannot be divided. It feels to me as if God is inside all of his creations and that is why when we see him in us we can’t help but be awestruck at his magnificence.

We are all amazing creations and I feel blessed to be on this spiritual journey with you. Do know that the journey is always taking us to new directions, new insights, and always evolving, so be ready for all your journey has to offer.