This is the beginning, the beginning of my spiritual journey.

For most of my life, I was searching for a way to truly connect with my spiritual side. I was raised Catholic, so I always had a religious tie to spirituality but I never could seem to find the ability to truly have faith and believe the way I wanted to. I would pray, but usually only when I was asking for something or needed some help.

As a college student, I found myself connecting more to Eastern philosophies of spirituality, like the teachings of Buddha and Zen ideals. It all made so much sense to me: lead a moral life, be mindful and aware of your thoughts and actions, and develop wisdom and understanding. These are such simple and beautiful ways to guide yourself (and your spirit) through life!

Fast forward to the present. In grieving and mourning over the loss of my sweet baby at 13 months of age, I have finally been able to come to a place where I feel I am nurturing my spirituality. I am growing. I am discovering what it means to believe and have faith. I now know what it feels like to pray with your whole heart, and I know the power that my prayers have. When I pray, I give thanks for all of the amazing people in my life, as well as the many blessings that I am lucky to have. I pray for strength, guidance, and the ability to be the best possible version of myself. I pray for friends and loved ones who need support or healing. I am not just asking for help in times of distress anymore; it goes much deeper than that now.

I still very much value the buddhist philosophies, and try to have them guide my thoughts and actions everyday. I know that I am serving my spirit when I keep my thoughts positive and my actions meaningful. By approaching my relationships and interactions with love and compassion, I am not only making my spirit grow, but I am also growing the spirit of others around me. Is that incredible, or what?

So, what’s next for me and my spirit? I will keep working on being the best person I can be, and hope that my spirit will keep opening and blossoming.