Do you have religion or do you have connection?

It would be difficult to overstate the role of religion in the human experience.

Billions of us identify as believing in something greater than ourselves.

In a higher power.

In supernatural forces.

In other beings or dimensions.

Most of us essentially inherit our religion.

Handed down to us by our family.

Reinforced by our community.

Others of us forge our own paths.

We set out to learn on our own.

Questioning everything we learn.

Sometimes we arrive back where we started.

Reaffirmed in our initial beliefs.

Other times we end up somewhere completely different.

Choosing another established religion.

Perhaps even forming our own unique view of how the world works.

Much good is done as a result of religion.

Helping others in need.

Pursuing personal improvement.

Acting as a force for a better world.

Much harm is also done as a result of religion.

War.

Slavery.

A mindset of “us and them”.

Seeing ourselves as separate from and superior to others.

All because of our religion.

Never asking how such a mindset serves us or anybody else.

Leading us to a life of disconnection.

Shunning “the other”.

What kind of life is one without connection?

Of course, religion and connection aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.

However, they can be challenging to reconcile at times.

Many of us only have religion.

Completely overlooking connection.

To each other.

To the greater powers and forces in which we believe.

Do you have religion or do you have connection?

Are you following a set of rules?

Based on how it's been done?

Based on what you've been told?

Or are you living as a part of something greater than yourself?

Based on your personal beliefs?

Based on what's true in your heart?

You are worthy of a most excellent life.

Consider the role your beliefs - and your actions - play in that life.

For yourself and for others.

Because they are worthy, too.

We’re all worthy.

We’re all connected.

You’ve got this.