I used to think spirituality was something I had to carry.
A set of beliefs. A moral compass. A flag to wave in the face of the world’s chaos.
But these days, I don’t want to carry anything.
I want to be.
Not a perfect Christian. Not an enlightened meditator.
Just someone who walks through the world with open eyes and a soft heart.
That’s what Christian Zen gave me, not a better label, but a quieter life.
A way of being that’s less about performance and more about presence.
Less about arguing the truth, and more about living it.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.”
Not, “You should go debate people.”
Not, “You need to fix everyone.”
Just: be light.
Zen says the same thing in different words:
Sit. Breathe. Notice. Respond with compassion.
This isn’t about escaping the world or transcending it.
It’s about showing up inside it, with awareness, with grace, with love that doesn’t need to be loud to be real.
I don’t have all the answers.
But I’m learning how to stay present in the questions.
I still follow Christ, but I don’t follow him out of fear or obligation.
I follow because I’ve tasted what it’s like to live awake.
To feel God in my breath.
To meet each moment like it matters, because it does.
That’s the new way.
Not Christian or Zen.
Not East versus West.
Not duality at all.
Just this:
Wake up.
Be kind.
Breathe deeply.
Let the Spirit move through you in silence and in action.
And if the world asks what religion you are, smile.
Then live like love is your answer.
Enlightened Life Fellowship 