Saturday, March 8, 2008

Eat, Pray, Question Catholicism?


So, I've been reading this book called Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is such a great book. Wonderful really. I had actually started to read it about 3 times, and never got very far, then for my birthday in November, a good friend gave me the book because she thought I would love it. I still couldn't get very far. Then, in February, another good friend asked me if I had read the book. She said it made her think of me. So, at this point, I'm thinking I really should read this book. Obviously, I'm meant to read this book. I start reading the book again. Again, the first chapter does nothing for me, but I press on. By about the fourth chapter, I can't put this book down. I find myself compelled to take the book everywhere. If my kids have a dentist appointment, I take the book in case I get fifteen minutes to myself to read. Then, sometimes at night I re-read certain pages, to make sure I don't miss anything. I dog ear some pages, which I haven't done for a long time. I think to myself I should get a highlighter pen and highlight some of these things. I think this is a book I will buy for my brother. Now, I'm two thirds of the way done with the book. I was so enjoying the part where the author was in India, meditating and doing yoga. I think all of the talk of enlightenment is fascinating. Then I get to a part in the book where the author talks of different religions, and how they relate to yoga and meditation. So I Google yoga and catholicism. Now, I'm shocked. I have only read a few of the entries that come up on Google, but most seem to say that yoga and Catholicism don't mix (to put it mildly). Yoga and believing in enlightenment are blasphemy to the Catholic God. The idea of the father, son and holy ghost does not jive with the idea of "we are all connected as one". I am so confused and saddened. I admit, I went to Catholic school, I was raised a Catholic. I like the Catholic Church, I find comfort in the rituals and going to mass. I also admit, I've taken yoga classes and really liked them. I never really heard anything about enlightenment or any kind of religious reference in any yoga class that I've taken. So, I have to finish the book, I know that. But now I'm feeling slightly confused. I have not been having a "crisis of faith" that I know of, (or maybe I've been having one, just not admitting it), but certainly when a person gets to a certain age (mid 40s for me), it seems there are questions about mortality and spirituality that need more attention and reflection. I am just looking for something, not proof really, a relationship with God? A reinforcement in my faith and that what I believe in is correct, (but isn't that what faith is...believing in something without proof?). Maybe someone could explain to me how I can combine my Catholic faith with a belief in a universal conciousness? Is this possible? I don't know. I know my spiritual journey is really gearing up, and I know I can't turn my back on my Catholic faith and my believe in God and Jesus, and I'm a bit disappointed in myself for even questioning (is it wrong for me to question? Will God be mad at me?). I know I haven't been the best Catholic, but I've tried to be a good person. I guess there are more questions than answers at this point, and like everyone else, I need to search for my own answers, and figure out what it is that I believe in.
So, here is one of the many yoga t-shirt designs I have for sale on my t-shirt and gift shop. And, yes, I have some Catholic designs available at my store also! www.CreativeThoughtTShirts.com. One of my favorite one is "It's Cool To Be Catholic. Check out my designs if you're looking for some gifts, t-shirts or sweatshirts.
Thanks.

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