spirtitual practises that exists. Meditation requires one to focus their

attention on one object, process or action and clear the mind of

any distractions. Meditation has many purposes however it most

commonly practised for the purpose of focusing the mind, improving

thought productivity and dealing with stress. For me, I find that lighting

some candles, playing some calming or inspirational music, closing my

eyes and clearing my mind is a perfect getaway from the fast pace and

ongoing stress of the real world. Mediation would definitely be a

practice I would recommend for anyone for almost any purpose.

There are many things I do within my life as a personal ritual, that

 takes me into my own zone. Sometimes I listen to music to sooth

me, go for a run to release anger or meditate if I am extremely

stressed and need to release my mind. The positive thing about

running for me is that helps me to almost instantly helps me to

release any anger, stress or any negative emotions that I have

buried. I find being out in the fresh air and among nature to be

 very comforting, soothing and therapeutic as it takes me to a zone

 and is a time where I can solely focus on myself. Running is a

creation gateway to spirituality for me as I am apart of nature and

being out in the fresh make me feel blessed to have life and

makes me feel one with the  environment around me. As well as

the psychological benefits, I also love running because I know I am

doing something positive for my body on a physical level as well.

Running isn't for everyone, but for me it's a personal ritual and a

great releasefrom the chaotic world around me.

of the soul and the knowing that there is greater meaning to yourself and, more broadly, life. I think a

 big part of spirituality is intuition and the intuitive perception of the causes behind outer conditions.

 For example, on my spiritual journey I have learnt to trust in my gut feeling and have taught myself

that everything happens for a greater reason. I think spirituality is what makes us self aware and

ultimately human. We feel, we learn, we are inspired, we question, we can think for ourselvesand we

 understand ourselves like nothing else on this earth and I believe that self awarenessis our soul and

our spirituality.

Intellectual Gateway:

Most likely develops spirituality through
reading and reflecting on ideas and concepts.

Relational Gateway:

Most likely develops spirituality by making deep
connections with others and seeking beauty in people.

Contemplative Gateway:

Prefer time on their own, with space to reflect
on their experience of life-seeking wisdom through contemplation.

Activist Gateway:
Draws people into the work of justice, energised
by participation in causes and social action.

Creation Gateway

Enters the spiritual realm by being drawn to
nature, the bush, the beach, the mountains to recognise something bigger than
themselves.

Intellectual Gateway:

Throughout my spiritual journey, my mother has shown me books and passages regarding life, a light within and a greater meaning. It was from a young age that I was exposed to this greater way of thinking and through reading and reflecting on life and the purpose of everything around me, I have become a greater spiritual person.

Relational Gateway:

My mother has always been a very spirtual person and I think it's fair to say my relationship with her was the biggest gateway to my spirtitual life. From a young child, she always taught me to believe in myself, to trust in myself and to be my own inspirtation. Her all famous line through my childhood when things didn't go so well was "everything happens for a reason".

Contemplative Gateway:

I enjoy alone time now and again to focus on my own feelings, thoughts and physcological well being. Whether I meditate, go for a run, a walk or even just sit in a quiet place and reflect, I think it is fair to say that the contemplative gateway is a big part of my spirtitual being.

Activist Gateway:
This gateway isn't a major part of my spirtual journey, however when I actively help people around me it does help me to appreciate my life and admire our greater cause.

Creation Gateway

The creation gateway is another big part of my spirtitual being. I am drawn to nature quite strongly and find myself in deep appreciated and admiration for the natural world around me. When I go for a run each day, I feel at peace to be in the fresh air surrounded by birds and trees. Being amongst nature helps me to get into my zone and helps me to ground myself and appreciate the smaller more delicate and precious things in my life.

I like this scripture because it assures us that there is somewhere we can go and someone who cares when things are getting tough. It inspires us to channel our inner light and be strong.

Russel, Peter. Weaver Spirituality – What is spirituality. Created 23 February 2006. Accessed 9/11/2013. http://www.peterrussell.com/Weaver/WeaverSpirituality.php

 Jesus however I am not a very religious person. I am a very

spiritual person and believe that there is something greater

than us dictating the course of our lives based upon our

decisions and karma. I believe that everything will work out

eventually and that everything happens for a reason

in my life. I trust in the natural process of life and believe

strongly that our path is heavily altered / affected by our

choices and karma. Some may say that what I am explaining 

 is pretty much God, which may be so, however there are

many parts of the bible and the Christian religion that I still

remain sceptical about.