Every month, Founder Susan Vernicek, writes a new “BE” article! Susan has discovered an itch to dig deeper into her Soul and “her” GOD and shares her two initial thoughts validated by the famous Gary Zukav.
A believing soul is forever evolving – Susan Vernicek
I’ve recently started to shift my thinking about GOD(s) and the Soul. I remember going to church as a little girl. My favorite part was Sunday school when we had a project that we got to use the glue that looked like Aunt Jemima’s syrup, with the yellow rubber top. I don’t remember the teachings or much of anything else. I do remember when we stopped going to church. It was after my grandmother passed away–my Dad’s side. She was 101 and an amazing, strong woman. Her passing was my first experience in trying to understand GOD, but I was in sixth grade and that thought unfortunately passed quickly.
I never knew what I believed in growing up and never was ready to really face the deep questions and thoughts to educate myself further. I was and am always fascinated listening to those that are willing to share their faith and beliefs with me, so I can have hope that one day I’ll know my beliefs and own them.
It wasn’t until this year that I found myself having the itch and desire to dig further and finally figure out what I truly believe exists with our Souls, and possibly a GOD. I’m sure it has to do with the fact that I’m facing losing a parent–my 87 year-old Father– sooner than I want. What I do know is that he takes after his mother for sure with strength and has beaten cancer over three times, all after the age of 50!
My Father and I on my wedding day held at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn – 6-1-13
I’ve started with Super Soul Sunday with Oprah and all her extremely talented, intelligent and thought provoking guests. Every Sunday for the past month, I’ve been entrenching my mornings with coffee and Super Soul Sunday. It has been enlightening so far and has validated some of my thoughts.
My favorite Super Soul Sunday so far was with Gary Zukav, author of The Seat of the Soul. What is the Soul? Gary says and I quote, “The soul is that part of you that existed before you were born and will exist after you die. It’s the highest most noble part of yourself that you can reach for.”
This lit me up because I always believed and believe that our Soul is energy, and energy never dies. I believe that I need to fully understand my Soul to understand a GOD or what my belief is in GOD.
Then Oprah asked him, what is GOD? He brought up exactly what I think about when I think of GOD(s). He discussed how everybody has different understandings about GOD, but he believes that the universe has layers and layers of wisdom beyond, which may be a higher power.
I’ve never felt so validated with my spiritual beliefs before listening to Gary. I do know what I believe and that is that our Soul never dies. I do believe that there is a higher power and that higher power may just be my GOD. I am not obligated to call it a GOD, but it provides a name for “higher power.” I do absolutely believe that we all can believe in our own version of GOD, which creates a world of knowledge. I think it’s extremely fascinating to hear how unique our minds think, perceive, and comprehend the universe and the afterlife.
I have a long way to go, but I feel amazing. I am ready to start digging further in understanding “My Believing Soul.” My next step is to read Gary’s book, The Seat of the Soul, and then go from there day-by-day with continuation of my Super Soul Sundays! I respect and welcome your believing Soul and together we can continue to learn and discover a deeper meaning of life.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
I’ve accepted that there is no right or wrong way in believing. I’ve accepted to not be afraid to explore my beliefs further.
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?
I appreciate my openness to faith.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?
Finally announcing that I am 32 and still figuring out my religious beliefs and spirituality.
What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
Many would judge me on not knowing if I believe in a GOD or not–not knowing has created a vulnerable identity, which I see as an open-to-learning identity.
How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my honesty and I love my journey in discovering my believing soul!
Susan Vernicek – Founder & CEO
Helping Women Get All A’s in the Game of Life – Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM
Susan,
Thank you first for sharing your strength, hope & experience and for extending an opportunity to share. My eyes lit up when read the subject and I opened to read more immediately. It seemed you were telling my story. I too recall being in church as a child when I would visit my Dad & Grandmother on wknds. At home with my Mom church was not a priority so as I grew older I went less and less. What I remembered most was how much I ccould not understand what I was hearing and questioned a lot till I recall people getting annoyed at my many questions. I always felt there was something or someone looking out for me. I was exposed to a lot of unhealthy events by the behavior of the adults around me. Violence, Vulgarities..etc and always felt fear something bad was going to happen to those I loved or myself, mostly I worried about my mom and lil brother.
I recall saying prayers never really sure if they were being heard or answered? I just had an inner knowing and sense things were going to be OK…that I was protected.
Fast forward to adulthood I now feel in retrospect there are no coincidences and hindsight being 20/20 we develop, learn and grow as we should. Even through many trials and tribulations I wouldn't change much else I wouldn't be the person I am today. I am not where I want to be but I am certainly not where I used to be. I am so glad I don't look like what I've been through. I never really adapted to any particular doctrine and/or religion and have always identified myself as spiritual. I too believe there is a power greater than myself and I choose to identity it as God. I also feel he lives within and I am used as a vessel to carry out his will and purpose for my life. I believe I was chosen with my very own calling to walk, move and live in his likeness. It's a daily process given each day as a gift by his grace and mercy. I aspire to be the best me I can be in this realm and even better in the next.
Love your thoughts and thank you for sharing! I too considerate myself spiritual, but also confess that I have not yet felt comfortable "praying" I may pray and not really be aware of it, but when I need a pray I ask others to send them my way because I don't feel authentic (yet) praying to GOD? I will say things like "please be okay, please heal, etc." I'm really working on figuring it all out. I believe that I work really hard and that is why things happen for me, but I also wonder if I have help as well…
a very interesting true to life and experience story. I too believe.
on this phylosophy and teachings…
Souls realy search his original qualities