Beyond Our Belief

by Ariel Michael

     Is it possible to go beyond our current belief no matter how hard it might be?

     For many people, our moral values were instilled when we were young by family and society. However, I contend that we also have another element to this—our soul—which also guides our moral values. To that end, many of us have had a religious upbringing. I have watched many people deal with their beliefs in a variety of ways. For many of us, our beliefs suit us just fine. Yet for some, small nagging questions form, and we might contemplate why we hold to such beliefs. In some cases, people have totally rejected their former beliefs over such questions. I have found it isn’t necessary to swing too far one way or the other, a median approach is usually best when dealing with matters of faith or belief.

     Some beliefs like superstitions are easy to brush aside as we learn about science or just analyze if they really seem plausible. Yet, for some of us, it becomes harder to tackle the core beliefs we hold dear. Religion is one of those core beliefs that not only holds our core values but many times blocks us from even questioning these beliefs. I have found it interesting when certain individuals—some at a very young age—questioned what they were told others would be too afraid to question their own beliefs. Many kept these questions private until some point in their lives when they thought they could deal with them. However these questions arise, these individuals eventually needed to deal with what they were told and what they were willing to believe. Many turned to themselves for answers. This decision to look within for resolution is not new.

     In traditional Lakota society, the Hanblecheyapi, or “Crying for a vision,” or simply, Vision Quest is a primary rite of passage where the individual fasts and sits or stands alone in a circle for 2 to 4 days in the wilderness where they look into their soul, reflect in mediation, and seek guidance. Many say Vision Quest teaches humility, and it is humility that gives us respect for life and compassion towards others as well.

     In my own life, I didn’t question what I was taught, but later, as I experienced my soul awakening, I found information that seemed contrary to what I was taught. In my earlier article for The New Era Times, “Keeping an Open Mind,” you can find truth in many sources, but it usually is our perception or interpretation that may be lacking and creating the confusion within us. I explained that this contradiction only seemed to be there. It was really a lack of understanding that makes it seem that way, or just looking at it from only one perspective.

     You will find, by spending time meditating or reflecting over these issues, a new way of looking at these issues and will experience a clearer understanding. This will allow you to see subtle truths in religious texts that you had never seen before. Instead of rejecting the text or just accepting it based on your upbringing—by rereading it from a different perspective—you could see how the text does speak of a truth, but the meaning was different from the previously accepted understanding. Furthermore, by displaying a tolerance to other’s understandings and beliefs, it allows us to maintain a respect and concern for them as we move forward with our own enlightenment as well.

     Of course, having been taught spiritual understanding during my soul awakening by the souls I have met, it has helped me to begin my own journey into this awareness. These experiences are available to all of us if we just take the time to seek understanding of any concerns we have about our beliefs, no matter how difficult it might be to undertake. Have faith in yourself that you can find the answers you seek, and you may find a surprising answer to your questions along the way.


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If you are interested in ten spiritual principles that Jesus gave me, visit my website.

Ariel MIchael will have a regular column in The New Era Times entitled My Soul-Journ where she is hoping to reach young adults and children of all ages who feel they have gifts from God.