I used to strongly identify my spirituality through the projects and activities I did for my church. I no longer hold this viewpoint. I also used to believe that it was essential for me to me to know the "highest truth." I jettisoned this notion around eight years ago. At one time I thought that being spiritual was the exact same thing as being religious. Now I realize this was a misconception on my part. It is very important to see the difference between religion and spirituality. Understanding this difference is like knowing which end of the candle you need to burn in order to bring light into the room. If you light the wick burning end you get a bright, slow, steady, and progressive burn. If you light the other end, thinking this will produce the light you need, you'll end up deeply disappointed and frustrated. So it is with the case of thinking that your religious choices equal your essential nature. Never. Your religion can only help lead you to discover your essential nature-your spirituality.

Religion, as an organized institution, involves the gathering together of a group of people who share a common set of beliefs and practices related to how God — or a Divine power — is at work in the world. Those involved with a religious tradition have made a conscious choice (ideally) to see, experience, and understand the world in a particular way. So, if I'm "a Catholic" and then decide to convert to Buddhism, I have made a conscious choice to see the world from another and different perspective. This choice doesn't change my essential nature, but can bring about changes in my perceptions and beliefs. Spirituality, as a reflection of what it means to be human, is about experiencing our essential nature. Our essential nature is not something we choose for ourselves, and is not determined because of any right or wrong decisions we make our lives. No. Our essential nature as a human being simply IS.

I think it is very important that we come to terms with our own understanding and appreciation of both religion and spirituality. If we do so we can more fully experience our own unique spirituality. As Anthony de Mello reminds us in his book "Walking on Water": "Spirituality is being awake. Getting rid of illusions. Spirituality is never being at the mercy of any event, thing, or person. Spirituality means having found the diamond mine inside yourself. Religion is intended to lead you there." I challenge you to find the diamond mine inside you. I strongly suggest you do so by fully embracing the complementary elements inherent within religion and spirituality.

Jack LaValley is a practitioner of the martial arts, physical cultivation exercises, and sitting meditation. Although currently working in the hospitality industry, he spends much of his free time helping and working together with those who are pursuing the spiritual path. Jack and his wife, Wha-ja Oh-LaValley, a native of South Korea, reside in Westchester County, New York, and are the proud parents of three beautiful children. Jack is completing his book manuscript, "A Perfectly Balanced Life: Living Each Day with Wisdom and Strength," and expects publication to be in October 2008. You can reach Jack at: perfectbalance1@optimum.net. © Copyright 2007 by Jack LaValley.