In my college years, I made the conscious decision to distance myself from organized religion. Despite mostly enjoying my upbringing in the Methodist faith through middle school, I started noticing concerning signs when I relocated from the cozy suburbs of Denver, Colorado to the megachurch-dominated realm of Dallas, Texas during as a teenager.

Increasingly, it seemed to me that the church seemed to provide a convenient excuse for hypocrisy, judgment, excessive opulence, and an unspoken hierarchy, although the latter may have been specific to the region’s extreme affluence.

Rather than attributing these experiences to a universal flaw, I decided to explore religion in a new environment, this time in Alabama, where I attended college. Unfortunately (and I can say now, not surprisingly), I encountered similar red flags within the Baptist churches there. It became apparent to me that these issues extended far beyond specific locations—and I started noticing them everywhere.

I found solace in the strongly anti-religious sentiment prevalent in the UK and Europe, where I discovered that churches were largely regarded as historical relics, and the concept of separation between church and state held genuine meaning.

The path to my separation from religion was also made easier by my partner at the time, who had long identified as an atheist. While I never identified as such, and always maintained a belief in a higher power, their contrasting belief system appealed to my rebellious nature.

However, upon returning to the States and experiencing a profound crisis of self, I discovered a renewed fascination with spirituality. This interest was ignited for me in a metaphysical bookstore, where I sought answers, distractions, and new hobbies. I emerged with an armful of books, a collection of crystals, a tarot deck, and a list of upcoming community events.

In recent years, my spirituality has deepened through regular yoga practice encompassing both physical vinyasa and the associated lifestyle principles, exploration of astrology, intermittent meditation, experimentation with divination, a growing affinity for affirmations and manifestation, and a renewed connection with nature.

To me, the concept of God is synonymous with The Universe, and I can say now that I wholeheartedly believe that The Universe is on my side and that my path is unfolding precisely as it should. Beautiful synchronicities reveal themselves at every turn, and when I seek a connection with Spirit or Source, I turn inward.

My spirituality is highly individualized, and it can’t be confined to a church or a sermon. While I can now see that religion can serve as a helpful foundation for some, including my mom who has expanded her beliefs beyond conventional megachurches while still finding solace in Christianity, I have no desire for others to dictate what constitutes the “correct” belief.

Moving forward, I choose to embrace The Universe with an unwavering curiosity and an open mind. I am now on a personal mission to connect with like-minded people who share this approach and curiosity.

I am so grateful to have been raised in a faith that gave me a solid understanding of morals and miracles, even if in a roundabout, unintentional way. And I am excited to now be on my own journey of spiritual discovery and spiritual growth.