Many may confuse Spirituality for Religion. Some even think of it as a sect or a cult, but this is because of their lack of knowledge and their fear of being manipulated.

Upon further study you come to understand what spirituality actually is. It is our nature and is nothing mysterious or supernatural nor in any way connected to a sect or cult of any kind.

Religion requires conforming – Spirituality is freedom Religion tells you to follow an ideology and obey certain rules or you’ll be punished otherwise. Spirituality is an ”inside job” and “what feels right for you”. You are free to be what you truly are without having to conform to anything that doesn’t resonate as right with you. Spirituality leads to an awareness that we are all one. It is all up to you to choose what you’ll honor, and choose to believe.

Religion tells you what to think– Spirituality teaches you how to discover the Truth yourself.

Religion tells you what to believe and what is right. Spirituality lets you discover it by yourself and understand it in your own unique way. It encourages discovering your own inner power. It encourages faith and trust in your own truth through the Spirit within.

Religion creates separation – Spirituality unites Globally, there are many religions and they all claim to have the right story. Spirituality sees the nuggets of truth in all of them. The truth is same for everyone despite our differences. It focuses on the divine message they share and not on the differences.

Religion creates dependency – Spirituality creates self-empowerment Religion requires adherence and compliance to be happy. Spirituality shows you happiness is an inside job. Happiness is always found deep in ourselves and only we are responsible for it. We are always spiritual beings not just while attending some events or buildings. Divinity is in us and we are always worthy.

Religion speaks of punishment – Spirituality understands cause and effect Religion says that if we don’t obey certain rules there is punishment in the afterlife…Hell and damnation. Spirituality teaches that every action has a reaction/consequence. The punishment from our actions is not a geographical location like Hell but a consequence of our actions in our daily lives.

Religion says follow me – Spirituality encourages following your own inner wisdom, the Spirit within The foundation of many religions is to make you follow their rules and dogma. Spirituality encourages self-discovery and proving Spirit exists for yourself.

Every religion has something true in it. Spirituality encourages discovering the Truth for yourself.

“My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit who reveals himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind.” Albert Einstein.

Rev Anne Ahokangas

Centre for Spiritual living Winnipeg