I was raised in a conservative evangelical tradition, where spiritual practices were clearly defined (e.g., daily prayer and scripture reading, weekly Bible study groups, and occasional fasting). Emotional expressions of one's spirituality were encouraged but only when controlled.

As an adult I moved to a progressive or liberal expression of Christianity, where spiritual practices are less clearly defined and more service-oriented. Feeding the hungry and attending rallies for healthcare reform can certainly be expressions of one's faith, but they are less clearly connected to one's inner spiritual life. In this progressive setting, emotional expressions are not encouraged, especially here in New England.

Two weeks ago I married someone whose spiritual path has been quite different from my own. My spouse had limited church upbringing but has discovered God through deeply mystical experiences, energy healing, meditation, and silence. My eyes have been opened to "alternative" ways of experiencing the Divine - or at the least, spiritual practices that are new to me.

I am discovering the need within myself to integrate my upbringing and my current faith tradition, and to expand them through new exploration. I believe this will not only help me, but help me help my congregation as well.

During my sabbatical next summer I plan to explore spiritual practices beyond my comfort zone (energy healing, chakras, exploration of myth, zen meditation, etc.) through conferences and workshops in my region. I also will revisit my roots, exploring the rich heritage from which I come, reconsidering the spiritual gifts I left behind when I left behind the theology. During the last two weeks of my sabbatical I will spend time in directed private retreat at a nearby conference center in order to process and synthesize my experiences for my own spiritual development. I also will explore specific ways I might introduce new spiritual practices to my congregation.