By: Misty Murph'Ariens

​

On Halloween, I got into a conversation with some neighbours about religion.  I said, although I'm not a Christian, I am quite happy to observe Christian holidays, and am certainly not offended by religious blessing or greetings.  One woman said, “What do you mean you're not a Christian? You mean you're not practising.” I said that I was not brought up a Christian, I am not baptised and I don't believe that Jesus is the only way to God. “That pretty much disqualifies me,” I said. “Then you're an Atheist?” she asked.  I said that I was not an Atheist, I am very spiritual, in fact. “What are you then?” she asked.  I said, “Well, I guess to a Christian, I am a pagan.”
I do practise my spirituality actively, saying a blessing before every meal, meditating on concerns that weigh on my mind, observing sacred times and days of the year.  I think praying, no matter to what name, puts one in touch with the divine.  And being in a sacred place, of any faith, inspires a sense of awe that puts one at peace. I was not brought up Christian, but I was exposed to a number of religions, and spent alot of time learning about them.  Over all, I found they all had the same message—do what you know in your heart to be right, be loving to one another, and the world is full of blessings, so be grateful. 
Though the study of the worlds great religions taught me a lot, I can trace my core beliefs and spirituality to my mother.  She was very open to all religions, and through her I learned many of my own sacred hymns and writings.  These do not come from one text, but from many sources.  For example, when someone dies and I need comfort in spiritual answers, I draw The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, from the shelf.  When I need affirmation of the right thing to strive for in life, I reread the Desiderata.  Any time when someone might draw from the Bible, I draw from The Prayer of St. Asissi, The Infinity Prayer, or Conversations with God. My hymnal includes The Beatles Because, or Let it Be, and recently I have added The Sabbath Prayer from Fiddler on the Roof. 
During the holiday season, I like to partake in the traditions of many cultures, for their universal spiritual and practical significance.  We celebrate the passing of the solstice because it represents the rebirth of the sun, the lengthening of sunlight hours in the day.  (To those of us running off solar panels, this is  truly a joyous occasion.)  Festivity and cheerfulness leading up to this day is important as the cold, dim, muddy days of the season can get spirits down.  Feasting and sharing at this time of year is a way to rejoice in the abundance that the growing season has provided us and to remind us to be grateful for all the friends and family in our lives. 
In whatever capacity you celebrate during the holidays, I invite you to remember the traditional meaning of these holy days, to take time to relax, be festive and to be grateful for everything you have.

He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.  Proverbs 15:15