~ SPIRITUAL EMERGENCE ~      With the dawning of the new millennium, many people are awakening to spirituality.  There is a tremendous difference between being spiritual and being religious.  While many of us have had a strong religious upbringing, we really haven’t made a spiritual connection.  Perfunctorily attending church services and praying within our various faiths at one time was enough.  However, as the Earth changes, there is a hunger for more.            For some, spiritual emergence is a gentle process which develops as a natural consequence of years of meditation and prayer.  For others, it is a rather abrupt awakening due to the emergence of transformative energies even before the groundwork is done.  Still others may endure harsh circumstances in life which open up the spiritual channels within them.  As people confront the limits of their endurance, they will often move into non-ordinary or transpersonal states of consciousness.       When spiritual seekers, or even those who do not consider themselves to be on a spiritual path find themselves experiencing levels of awareness and energy transformations that did not exist before, the results can be confusing.  Many people find this to be a very trying time in their lives and seek the assistance of a teacher or Guru.       In my opinion, more and more people will be leaving the dogma of organized religion behind in search of a more spiritually enlightening path.  At this point they will be forced to deal with issues in their lives, and this is  not an easy time.  Meditation helps.  Being able to quiet the mind and allow answers to come from within is an excellent way to begin.  Follow the path that seems right for you.  Trust your intuitive side, which will also be emerging at this time.  Most of all, know that you are not alone.  Seek out groups in your area that are dedicated to healing and the awakening of the spirit.        Fear not as your path twists and curves on this awesome Earth walk.  Remember that God/dess is omnipresent and is with you always.  As we step into the new millennium, let us not resist the changes that are abundantly flowing from this vast Universe.  Reach out your healing hands as you connect with your own spirit.  We are all here at this given point in time for a reason.  What a wondrous time to be alive!                                                    This article is courtesy of Tintagel