February 5, 2001
Introduction
Welcome to Awaken The Soul! This is a place were we come together from different backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs to celebrate our spirituality. Knowing that there is more than the world we live in and that there is a Higher Power is the common ground that pulls us together. We gather in the belief that there is an immortal essence in each of us that we commonly refer to as the soul.
Much has been written about the differences between formal religions. Likewise there are varied beliefs between those who do not associate with one religious group or another, but consider themselves on a spiritual path. Rather than concern myself with the differences, I have always chosen to seek the similarities. Therefore, my desire is to continue seeking greater spirituality along with others who are not exclusionary, but accepting.
Awaken The Soul is a reference point. It is not a map nor a vehicle for those who seek to influence others on what they believe is the one true way. As a reference point, we hope to provide resources for seekers from varied backgrounds. If we do this correctly, not all materials will be applicable to all readers based upon where you are in your personal journey or your religious beliefs. We are attempting to reach out to the diversity we celebrate.
My spiritual journey began when I was a small boy. I remember one night when I was five or six awaking to a vision of a man standing at the side of my bed. He appeared to almost glow. I was not frightened and soon fell back to sleep.
The next morning I checked to see if maybe my curtains could reach the far side of my bed. Even though the windows were closed, I figured I must have imagined my “nighttime visitor”. Unfortunately, the curtains could not be the source as they were not long enough to stretch the distance needed to explain the vision.
The figure had a familiar look to him, but I could not place it. He appeared to be from an era long ago. It finally occurred to me to go downstairs and look in a few books where I might be able to place his face. Everyone was still asleep when I snuck down to the bookshelves. We had several Ideals picture books that seemed like a good source. After a few minutes of searching, I found a picture that looked familiar. It was Jesus in a book about Easter.
No, this is not the beginning of a story about an epiphany that followed this experience. Rather, it was an event that started a lifelong search for something deeper than the surface of life. I wanted to understand how people worshipped, meditated, prayed, or simply lived with an inner peace that said, life is more.
In my high school years I began to investigate eastern religions and philosophy to expand my knowledge and understanding. During my confirmation classes at the Congregational Church I attended, I was exposed to religions and faiths such as Judaism, Mormonism, and Buddhism. What marveled me most was how God spoke to people in so many different ways (let’s not get hung up on a name for the Divine).
Although I am most comfortable in my Christianity, I respect and celebrate those from different backgrounds. I continue to borrow from other traditions to find my very personal sacred path. As Awaken The Soul evolves, I will seek diversity in its direction through input from people of all backgrounds only rejecting those whose message is one of exclusion and/or intolerance.
We have such a wonderful opportunity to love, honor and respect one another and look beyond the obvious to find the sacred; whether that is at home, at work, at school; with others, by ourselves, in nature or in a crowded mall. Awaken The Soul wants to be a part of your sacred journey. We want the words “Discovering Spirituality In Everyday Life” to have purpose in all that you do and all whom you come in contact with.
Richard
Richard D. Olson, Founder & CEO