Lesson 2, Level 1 Reading Book Assignment Pages 21-22 (Personal Assessment)
1. How would I describe your knowledge of Religion and Philosophy?
I am still learning. I am aware that we apply Religion and Philosophy in everything we do.
2. What do you see as the greatest obstacles to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
My greatest obstacle is the negative aspect I hold about myself. Which I know is an illusion, but I find it hard to believe that it is an illusion. I feel sometimes like I don’t exist in this world.
3. What do you see as the most important need you have?
A need to belong.
4. What is your previous religious affiliation or faith and how do you think that relates to what you are following now?
For the past 13 years I’ve practiced faith in my higher self/ spirituality. I lived with my Nana as a child she was a Christian. My Dad is Rastafarian and his parents are Seventh Day Adventist. I have never adopted any of these religions or faiths that I am consciously aware of. As I have always asked the question whose is god? How can I believe in God if I don’t believe in myself? God is just a three letter word, how can we praise a word that can’t be seen. So I decided to study and practice self-development to discover more. I’ve slowly started believe that there is something greater or higher, which I am aware and see why others call the energy God. I trust the teachings will reflect what I already know and help me to remember who I am, and lead me to truth of existence.
5. What role do you feel Religion or Spirituality plays in your life?
Spirituality ”my higher self/intuition” plays an important role in my life. It’s the only thing that has never let me down.
6. Have you had any previous Yoga Instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience?
My relationship with yoga has been on an intuitional basis. I have practised yoga for many years, but never took it seriously. Last year I did pregnancy-yoga and about 2 months ago I did African yoga. My sister has been trained by Pablo Imani in Africa. She puts on sessions here in the UK (Manchester) where I am from. I notice when I do yoga and after, I feel connected to the world, I feel bright and lighter. Also I would have strong sexual dreams in relation to my past too. Yoga can have a powerful effect on me.
7. Have you received any advanced religious instruction?
Not that I am aware of. Maybe in my dreams but I was not aware.
8. How do I see my life?
At present and in reflection I am proud of what I have achieved so far. I’ve experienced a traumatic childhood and I became a mother at 16. I later went to college and studied a Diploma in Person Centred Counselling as well as Reiki Healing 1, 2 and Masters. I then went on to university where I gained a foundation degree in Integrated Practice in Children and Young People. I top up my degree to a BA Honour in Leadership and Management in Children Services. I travelled to the Amazon Rain Forest on my own, and stayed out there for 10 days with the shamans; I’ve also been to Morocco, Turkey, Cypress and Jamaica. I am currently bringing up my children on my own. It’s been nearly a year since I’ve had my second child after such a long time, as my eldest is now 15. I feel like there is more I would like to achieve, but I am aware I need to appreciate my successes and accomplishments of what I have achieved so far. Spiritually in my being I feel I’ve accomplished a lot and I have. But I have this negative side to me that I allow to take over. This stems, from my past as I was always known as the rebellious child who would never succeed. This has always stuck with me.
9. What do I think of own potential to succeed in life?
I do believe my potential to succeed in life would be grand no words would be able to describe the level; I would be devoted to help others to transform and exist in this world.
10. If you could, what would you like to do with your life?
The first thing I would like to do is transform my life so I could help others to transform and feel like they belong and exist in this world. Simply by being myself.
