The spiritual celebrations that come with spring

Wow! Have you taken a look at the many spiritual celebrations in this month that beckon spring? Within these weeks lie a treasure trove of sacred days.

Passover meals have been shared, Holy Week and Good Friday have cast their solemn shadows and Easter is set to rise with the early morning dawn. The Eastern traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism have celebrations this month as well. It is, indeed, a time to rejoice in and pursue holy work. Which brings me to another question: When was the last time you dove deeply into your birth religion? And I mean deep. Really deep.

The Dalai Lama is known for advocating the retention of the religion of one's birth, while deeply examining, discerning and exploring ways to expand one's faith parameters, to bring the nuances to light.

My seminary experience that trained me for Interfaith Ministry took me – sometimes kicking and screaming – into a deep examination of my birth faith. While it was, at times, an uneasy journey, it opened me to a greater understanding and expansion of my belief system. Opening doors to multiple traditions, without fear or judgment, created a new and deeper commitment to compassion and mercy.

The restorative justice from the Hebrew Scriptures brings me comfort, insight and hope through the writings of the prophets. The quiet stillness of time spent in nature opens me to the blessings and contemplative spirit of connection with Native American traditions.

Within the meditations of Hinduism – considered to be the oldest religion of the world – are the roots of contemplative prayer and many types of meditative practices. The Sufis have opened my mind and my heart through their poetic writings, and Buddhism has taught me the experience of Interbeing and deep compassion as it embraces and intertwines the mind, heart and spirit.

The mysticism of the Eastern traditions marries well with the Christian mystics in ways that are not only expanding but are interwoven with each other.

So, when was the last time you sat in a Cathedral or within a Mosque, attended a Temple celebration or ventured into the woods for a spiritual silent commune with nature? As I contemplate all that I have been gifted from the many faith traditions of the world and view them woven within my own belief system, I come to see that my Easter celebration is beyond bountiful and joyous. It is the culmination of compassion, understanding, beauty, sacrifice, forgiveness and hope that constructs the labyrinth of the Spirit. It is, indeed, a resounding Alleluia! May all your celebrations ring out with joy!

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington offers sacred celebrations and rites of passage to people of all spiritual beliefs in addition to inspirational speaking on the role of Interfaith in a multi-cultural world. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com for these and other services.