Be Empowered

The Black Pages on March 8, 2020

Religion and Spirituality

Spiritually healthy people come from a variety of belief systems (religions) and backgrounds and often find their lives more meaningful and joyful; their days are filled with purpose and passion, and their relationships are more satisfactory and intimate. Most spiritual practices have the same ultimate goal—providing guiding values and morals for our daily lives and connecting with a higher power or purpose that focuses us in positive ways.

Are you a believer?

Most African Americans are joyously Christian. We were both allowed to and encouraged to embrace Christianity as enslaved Africans in America. Living in America, a country deeply committed to freedom of choice and practice of religion, allows us to live in peace regardless of our religious beliefs.

Carefully Consider Religion

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Do you live the Golden Rule?

Fortunately, most find that the basic teachings of every religion are greatly similar. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” says Christianity. “What is hateful to you; do not to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary,” says Judaism. “No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself,” says Islam. ”Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful,” says Buddhism. “Blessed is he who preferred his brother before himself,” says Baha’i.

Live a Righteous Life

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Do you nurture your spirit?

Some separate religion from spirituality, although most religious persons are and consider themselves spiritual, and most who define themselves as spiritual but not religious report a belief in God. Even those who reject all religion generally believe in expressing love through actions and thoughts. Essentially everyone today recognizes the great value of prayer, meditation, yoga, and communing with nature. They provide us with sacred time apart from the rush of our everyday lives, and these practices can strengthen the connections between our mind, body, and spirit.

Get to Know Spirit

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Taking time for your religious and/or spiritual well-being is time well spent. For billions of people, faith and religious practice is at the very core of their being and they find peace and satisfaction in their religious practices.