Photo courtesy of Latina Moms.
You wake up early on a Sunday morning and put on your favorite pantsuit and heels. You are exhausted after a long week at work but feel obligated to meet your family at church. You arrive there and sit for the next two hours listening to people read bible verses, sing and clap, and talk about community and unity.
You cannot help but zone out. The priest once again is preaching about something you disagree with. You feel confused because there is no inclusion in this house of worship. You know you believe in a higher power but begin to struggle with the thought of religion itself.
This is an internal conflict that many people undergo. It stems from the belief that religion and spirituality are the same thing. Religion is, in fact, a manifestation of your spirituality. However, this does not necessarily mean they are the same thing. Having these conflicts well into adulthood emphasizes the crucial importance of teaching our children the difference between spirituality and religion.
Simply Define the Meaning of Both Terms
For as long as I can possibly remember, my parents always told me that I was a Catholic. I believed this is what I naturally was. However, I think this is not the right way to introduce our children to spirituality and religion.
As an adult, I was able to determine that I did not identify with the religion my parents imposed upon me. I came to learn that my spirituality came from within me. It came from my values, my sense of self-awareness, and the connection with my inner soul. It is the deep-rooted awareness that the universe is all connected somehow.
Religion is more of an outward expression because it requires one to attend places of worship, practice the teachings of scriptures, and observe ‘holidays’ such as Easter.
Read Together
Books are a great way to teach our children about morality, civic duty, and various beliefs and cultures. This will allow our children to open their minds to the diversity around them and help them understand that there is no right or wrong way to view the world. No matter your beliefs and practices, we need to teach our children that there are different schools of thought.
This sets the foundation that they have the freedom to explore their self-awareness and truly practice what makes them feel whole.
Keep It Simple
Teaching our children about spirituality and religion does not have to be difficult, either. There is no need to force countless lectures, documentaries, and educational television upon them during their free time. Take it easy. Allow them to be one with the world. Turn off the iPad and go outside for a walk. Let them enjoy the outdoors and become in sync with the world around them.
Allow them to embrace the beauty of the world, take in the scenery, and truly cherish and form their own values of goodness.