Spiritual Not Religious #2
By Reverend (Doctor) Cynthia Ramirez Lindenmeyer
Science of Mind Magazine
Releasing the tight grip generated from years of reciting creeds and learning theological narratives resonates with the emotions I am experiencing as an excited mournful empty nester. Ten years our family home collected memories, books, pictures and well, stuff. Now I understand why self-storage businesses appear everywhere!
Why did I collect so many things? I wonder how many life experiences are stored in my mind, body and heart? The parallel journey of relocating and unrooting deep seeded beliefs, in essence, is the spiritual path of letting go.
This move requires considerable downsizing, consequently six days of garage sales included selling an enormous antique china cabinet that went untouched for a decade. Gathering dust, three generations of treasured dinnerware now stare at me after being freed from the furniture. My mother worked overtime as she diligently completed her gold-rimmed Blue Willow china set. My artistic great-grandmother meticulously painted swans and flowers on at least two hundred tea cups, bowls, and plates.
Spirits of deceased family members cry to me, “You must save all this. It is your duty.” My two adult children do not hear these voices. They have no attachment whatsoever to the narrative of sacrifice or heirloom guilt. I yearn to let go of these relics, like theological beliefs stored in my mind, collecting dust. But am I truly willing to let go of the heirloom sacraments of Communion and Baptism?
I still remember my First Communion. Probably no surprise to you that I wore the same dress my mother wore, hand-sewn by her mother. My daughter also wore it, and now it is the last hanging item in the closet.
“Mom, that is so ugly.” Definitely not Pinterest or Snapchat-worthy.
Am I holding on to religious beliefs that burden me with guilt from some unconscious duty concept? I find it challenging to untangle myself from the Nicene Creed, the sacrament of Communion, and other deep-seated formative convictions. And so I turn to Spirit as the ultimate moving company, relocating and changing my thoughts. Then I let go.
Bio:
Reverend Dr. Cynthia Ramirez Lindenmeyer is a Center for Spiritual Living minister for the Sacred Activism Community, a virtual and in-person community of like-minded individuals pursuing spiritual living. She also serves as the American Public University System Chaplain. Check out SolasRetreats.com for her latest offering!
