November marks 3 years since I began a journey to start my website RISE - Realizing Individualized Spiritual Enlightenment. Most businesses fail the first year of creation, especially specialized ones. Spirituality is not a religion and is not recognized as one being tax exempt. GREAT!!! But there fore is considered a business. In order for me to practice what I do, I have to have and maintain my papers with United Metaphysical Churches, which has been given the classification as a religion, because they profess "Christian Metaphysics." It really is amazing how just adding a word, can make a practice of a certain belief that is not recognized, become something that is.
Spirituality teaches about taking responsibility and following through on it. Religion, as spirit and I believe as well, takes away that responsibility making one responsible to an illusion of a greater power. True Christians (Christ followers) actually are practicing spirituality, but because it involves God and Jesus, typically viewed religious Icons of several world religions, can be seen that they are religious. I don't want you to think I am putting down religion, but it has lead people to believe that there are certain behaviors that allow people to treat others differently than themselves and it is ok, if they believe that their religion teaches what man made ideas have written about as their truths, differently what the real truth is.
What does this all have to do with Three Years of RISE and Gratitude? Well firstly it shows me that their are truly people interested in spirituality, bettering themselves, taking responsibility and also their own Co-Creativeness and belief of it. These past 2 years, because of Covid, have totally changed the direction of how I was working to a super highbred of itself allowing me to work with not only local people, but people all over the world. I have worked with people on 5 of the 7 continents via the internet. AMAZING to think that Spirit had such foresight as a friend has said several times to me, to prepare through others, the way my work would be in the future. I have made changes of course to my work as well, but I had to do it. I had to do what was best for me and also for what spirit seems to be leading me more so to. I know a lot of people are not happy with the decisions I have made, but I didn't create the situations we are all living in and I wouldn't be able to extend my work as I do. I have had to make decisions on who I can and cannot work for as my belief in spirituality is stronger than the need to tell a person over and over again, whether they are going to get married, buy a house or make more money. Those are details people have full control in and they want someone else, like religion to tell them what and how to do it because they just don't want to do it for themselves. Sorry, that is the truth, but through studying spirituality and putting it into practice, one can certainly create the path to be able to accomplish it. My son also, who has been one of my main focuses as a parent should have, has worked with me and also been able to attend sessions and learn because he just can't drive back and forth to one place. Many have commented on how much he has grown and how they can hear him benefitting from the sessions and lessons he attends, if I were to only work for a small group of people and he benefits from it, I did the right thing and for the opportunities I have had to do so, I am grateful.
I am grateful for everyone who has crossed my path, teaching me things about my belief and myself I never thought I would. Starting RISE allowed me to love my work again and make some truly great friendships. Starting in 2022 I have to main focuses that will begin. One - The start of online classes both taught by myself and spirit and an added afternoon circle on Wednesdays for those who live outside of the U.S. or cannot attend in the evenings EST. I also will begin working on three books that been speaking to me for years to start and will do so because of the things I have learned during this time.
It will be my hope these things, will further they opportunities for growth for everyone of all ages, yes I said all ages. All are welcome in spirituality.
If you decide to continue on this journey with me, welcome and I am glad you stayed. If you move on to find someone else more suited for your needs and what you want, I am happy for you as well. I have given people plenty of opportunities to express the things they wanted and were interested in and hopefully in the future, you will see something that will help you on your path or answer your questions. Great or small, more than you expected or just enough, all I can say, I did my best that I could do and if it wasn't enough, I only want the best for you, whatever that is.
Have a great November, I am grateful you took the time to be here.
Blessings,
Steven