Photo: Beth Scupham on flickr

Dear Meli,

I’m not spiritual. Really, I’m not kidding. My partner of ten years, on the other hand, is super spiritual. When we got together, we were both atheists, but since then she’s totally gone on a spiritual kick. First it was yoga. Then meditation. And now she’s going to a spiritual center. And – it gets better – she wants me to come with her. I have no intention of doing this, and she’s not listening to me. I know that she reads this column, so I thought you might have some advice. But only if you agree with me!

Avowed Atheist

Dear Avowed,

Well. Honestly? I DO agree with you…I think.

If you are suggesting that if you are not drawn to doing spiritual work, or going to a spiritual center, then I agree that you should not do so.

I would even go so far as to suggest this to anyone who is on a spiritual path. If someone is trying to push nudge you in a direction of doing something that doesn’t feel right to you, that person may need to look at their own motives.

My own spiritual life has become deeper and deeper through the years. So I can imagine that if I were still in relationship with someone I had been with a decade ago, it would be incredibly difficult. I can imagine that your sweetheart might be wanting to share more of her life with you. For many of us, it does make the spiritual path richer and more delicious to share the journey.

On the other hand,  you might also consider the possibility of going with her, just once. See what exactly it is she’s wanting so much to share with you.

Perhaps you’ve been stuck in an old story about what spirituality is. If so, you may be resisting an old picture in your own mind, rather than resisting spirituality itself. It might surprise you how much you’d enjoy sharing this with your beloved. If you never try, you’ll never know. And if it’s really not for you, then it wouldn’t harm anyone for you to go once, and become clear and communicate that.

Relationships are about meeting our significant other where we can. If you have to cross a bit of territory to give her what she’s wanting, that could be a generous act of love. If that feels deeply or morally wrong to you, then that’s another thing. In that case, I’d suggest communicating that – taking full responsibility for this being all about you and not her – and see where the conversation may take you.

If you are resisting one another only because you have become polarized, it could be time for re-evaluating priorities on both of your parts. If you come to find that you are no longer compatible, you’ll both be happier if you let that be.

That said, sharing every aspect of life is certainly not a requirement for a rich, rewarding and fulfilling relationship! Worth exploring for both of you, I’d say.

Blessings and Love to you in all you do,

Meli

 What is your experience with the spiritual path and relationships? Share your comments below!

Want Sneak Peeks, Insider Info, and other Fun Stuff?! Become a member of OhMyGod Life!  

Save