Bella Dyosa

Let the debates and arguments begin.

Just kidding.

On a more serious note, I think we can all agree that we are living in a time where religion and spirituality are more prominent than ever. Although some people use these terms interchangeably, they are two different concepts.

The National Library of Medicine states that “religion involves an organized entity with rituals and practices focusing on a higher power or God” while “spirituality involves a personal quest for meaning in life”.

Having experienced both thus far in my existence (and I’m sure a lot of you reading this have too), it’s safe to say that the aforementioned definitions are accurate.

Just like how some people see the world as black and white, one can either consider themselves as religious or spiritual in our realm of belief systems.

Story time: I grew up in a conventionally Catholic household. Attend mass every Sunday, do not take the Lord’s name in vain, and no sex talk on all accounts.

Shoutout to my fellow millennial Catholics. Y’all know how it is.

Being raised Catholic had some pros. I was taught that giving back and being of service to people is an important part of life, I discovered expressing one’s faith through singing is wonderful, and I attained a strong moral compass.

Plus, most of my friends back then were Catholic. How else were we going to spend even MORE time with each other?

As the years went by though, I felt more of myself not resonating with other aspects of the religion. I thought that going to mass was a drag, I couldn’t understand why saying ‘Oh my God’ was evil or bad, and moreover, why in the world was birth control banned by all means?

It came to a point where I was questioning if I was going to hell because I just no longer liked going to church. Which I probably will never know the answer to until I actually leave this lifetime for good.

I was never religious, but I always had a strong faith in God or a higher power. So, once I took away most of the practices that came with Catholicism (I still pray every night and every morning), I had a better understanding of what it means to be connected with God.

Enter: Spirituality.

This is where I felt free and more welcomed. Diving into spirituality made me realize that one’s relationship with God, source, the divine, or however you want to call them, is very personal.

And it’s amazing to know that it’s not just God that is there, but also a whole big ass spirit team that has your back and is there for you no matter what.

They are literally one nudge, one sign, one prayer away. All you have to do is stay open and communicate with them in your own unique way! I’ve been clicking and clacking with them since 2021 and we’ve been having a ball, to say the least.

In that sense, I would say that I’m spiritual and I like it that way.

A loved one of mine can say they’re religious and that’s okay too. In fact, I have many loved ones who are more on the religious side. But what makes our relationship deeper is that we do not shit on each other’s beliefs to make a damn point.

Yes, you probably know the type that I’m talking about (on both sides of the spectrum) and I’m not even sorry. Do us all a favor and get off your high horse, breathe some fresh air, take a walk by the beach, and love yourself more. You’re welcome.

But you know another individual we all tend to forget about?

It is those who are both. Religious AND spiritual.

Yes, folks. You CAN be both and it’s fucking beautiful. Ain’t no damn labels stopping them from doing their thing and we LOVE them for it!

So, religious or spiritual? Where do you think you should stand or which one do you identify with?

I’m here to tell you that there is no right or wrong choice.

And whatever it may be, for as long as you are practicing (or preaching) from a place of respect, love, and kindness, then you’re golden.