More Than One Way To Skin A Cat
Thanks to a strict religious upbringing I am a better witch today.
I was raised in one of the world’s most devout and long-standing mainstream religions. I had twelve years of supplemental religious education while attending private schools, making it possible for me to receive the full benefit of what it really feels like to be totally immersed in a large population of single-mindedness. This was the only religion I knew.
First-hand experience within the confines of dogmatic principles and subservient behavior has allowed me to hold the concepts of open-mindedness and independence in the highest regard. Once you’ve lived in the realm of sheep-like complacency, self-directed expansion feels spectacular. Besides, it’s motivating to pursue what you DO want when you clearly understand what you don’t.
When I became a parent, I knew that there were going to be things I wanted to do differently with the little Beans. Spiritual development is a personal journey in which there are unlimited methods of discovery. Our paths are as diverse as we are. There isn’t one ‘way’ that is exclusive or superior to any others.
There are several tactics I employed to guide my children. One includes sharing a joke I once heard that always shed light on the virtue of tolerance. When they were old enough to comprehend the wisdom in a humorous story, I told them of the man who was given a tour of heaven. As the man’s tour guide ushered him past thousands of church doors throughout the great maze of heaven, the celestial chaperon paused in front of one door marked with the name “(insert the name of any formal religious organization here).” The guide asked that the man tread lightly and remain silent as they passed this one door. In a hushed voice the heavenly guide explained, “We have all agreed to remain silent and move undetected as we pass this particular door. For the peace and comfort of everyone, we’ve determined that it’s best to let the members residing behind this door remain content in their belief that they are still the only ones here.”
Kids get it. They will embrace the depth of perspective presented in this story, while most grown-ups always assume that it’s referring to someone else.
Two of my Beans are now young adults who are sure-footed and completely at ease with their ongoing process of spiritual expansion. Natalie is just fifteen, so I still like to use ‘the heavenly tour guide’ story with her, particularly when she is facing judgmental questions from peers about her faith. This story brings a smile and opens a line of communication to discuss the virtue of respect. A good witch honors the spiritual journey of all fellow beings, no matter which path they have chosen. As long as they are venturing forward, the location on their chosen path is fine by me.
After all, there’s always more than one way to skin a cat.
