My Spiritual Journey Essay -- Personal Experience Essay

My life is continu totallyy unfolding into a more global taste of faith, religion and culture where I once thought all was wrong and evil if not strictly Roman Catholic. One of the ways I prune my outlook is to analyze the different ways people honor the dead. I can remember as far back as age four, get my hair done and the whole family rushing out the door to get to Mass on Sunday mornings. My family who owned and/or rented five different homes on a typical Puerto Rican near-north side Chicago block, would all meet out in front at the van. I say van because my aunt/Godmother who has sizable dystrophy, had the largest vehicle due to her handicap. We all packed in and headed for either St Sylvester or St. Francis Church, depending on who made the decision that day. My great grandmother had the matriarchal front rider seat. An uncle was driving, a few more adults behind that including aunts, uncles and my grandmother with all of us kids, nearly eight of us all to the re ar. It was so hot with no unmortgaged windows or air conditioning. Sometimes I thought we were on our way to hell. When we got there, we would have to sit quietly, stand, kneel, and repetitive combinations thereof, shake hands, a few songs then the last(a) guitar-played song was the finale. The second part of the words, La misa e terminado, dnos gracias a Dios (The mass has ended, thanks be to God) was spoken by us kids all over and over while we giggled. It was then time to go eat. They were fun times where El Dia de los Reyes(Three Kings Day) on January 6th was celebrated with many families singing in paranda style groups throughout the Christmas season, going from home to home with traditional instruments. My parent... ...try, but I have been privileged to honor those from less traditional backgrounds such as Masons, Jehovahs Witnesses, Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim. Inside, I do feel sad when there is no spiritual or religious service prior to military h onors. So, overall, my spiritual move has been a winding and enlightening one to date. I am now more open minded and ready for progress in understanding and appreciating all religions alike, especially after this class. I want to visit India, Thailand and other places now. If they are fundamentally good, then they are not immoral, misguided or evil as I was once taught. After my confusing past, I am still seeking and searching for that one possibly perfect spiritual fit. Through loggerheaded soul searching, more education and continually giving back I will find it some day.