I periodically aim to showcase stories from the various publications under Illumination Integrated Publications that are tagged with Spirituality. These stories, which I find deserving of our readers’ attention, will be featured on an irregular basis. IIP does not see itself in competition with other outlets; rather, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz and I advocate for collaboration across platforms. As such, I have previously highlighted the works of various authors, regardless of where they were published, and I will continue to do so.

To begin, I will share several notable pieces published in ILLUMINATION over the past few months, all tagged with “Spirituality,” that I believe warrant further exploration.

Firstly, I’d like to share this insight:

When I refer to spirituality, I mean it in a way that goes beyond the divide of belief in a deity or not. One can embrace spirituality with or without a concept of "god" as they interpret it. The essence of spirituality lies in love, empathy, compassion, humility, honesty, and courage.

In my view of spirituality, there exists a counterbalance to all those uplifting feelings—namely, accountability, both for oneself and in holding others responsible for their actions and words.

Recent Stories Worth Noting

I have been inspired by Camille Grady’s journey, both in her writing and spiritual growth. In her latest article, she expresses:

Not understanding certain aspects of myself transitioned from being a fear to an opportunity for exploration. The universe only unveiled its secrets and my own in gradual increments.

Encouraging me to seek more.

I hope this excerpt motivates you to delve into the entirety of her insightful piece, where Cammie shares an abundance of spiritual wisdom:

An Unconscious Seduction

Explore the mystery of yourself

medium.com

I first discovered Frank Ontario through his frequent contributions to Diana C.’s profoundly spiritual publication, Know Thyself, Heal Thyself. In his recent entry in Illumination, he discusses his diverse approaches as a healing practitioner.

A Service Miracle

Body-Mind-Heart

medium.com

I firmly believe that individuals should seek contentment rather than fleeting happiness. I once wrote:

I pursue contentment, which is not settling but rather a hopeful, elevated baseline, derived from inner peace and connection to the outer world. It doesn’t arise from accumulating possessions but from recognizing my ties to the universe as a living entity and from aligning my mind and soul with understanding my purpose—my drive—by uncovering my true self at the core. [Read more](https://readmedium.com/oft-covered-topic-of-happiness-has-never-been-essayed-as-fabulously-simply-as-will-buckingham-just-ef9ef1dee54d)

Recently, I’ve come across several writers who resonate with this perspective. For instance, Shaheen Sultana recently shared:

There appears to be a subtle distinction between contentment and complacency, yet the two states are entirely different. Contentment involves being satisfied with what you have, while still striving to improve and grow as a person.

Read her full article here:

The Simple Truth I Learned About Contentment

The grass will always look greener on the other side until you start watering your own.

medium.com

Last month, Yvette Brand penned an impressive piece on this topic in another outlet:

10 Signs Your Ego Is Making You Unhappy

Your ego is just another piece of your authentic self.

medium.com

Additionally, Libby Shively McAvoy, a newer spiritual writer on Medium, shared a beautiful post in Illumination in late July:

Shed the Shackles of Ego

Soar to New Heights by Living a Soulful Life

medium.com

Karma is often misunderstood in Western contexts. It doesn’t simply mean what goes around comes around. Even those who grasp its essence often overlook that it ultimately revolves around intention. Recently, I encountered the most comprehensive essay on karma in Illumination, and I encourage you to read this remarkable piece by Infinitians:

The Real Meaning of the Law of Karma will blow your Mind

It ain’t about shifting the blame; it’s about taking responsibility.

medium.com

The next story, written by DrRodriX, doesn’t explicitly tag Spirituality but definitely should. It discusses the lack of critical thinking today and its adverse effects on individuals and society. I often reference this thought by Neale Donald Walsch:

Religion cannot coexist with Spirituality. It cannot tolerate it. Spirituality may lead you to conclusions that differ from a specific religion—something no established religion can accept. Religion promotes acceptance of others' thoughts as your own, while Spirituality encourages you to discard those thoughts and develop your own.

This sentiment aligns closely with DrRodriX’s narrative:

The Death of God and The Birth of Tolerance and Critical Thought

God died first, then altruism followed, initiating the deliberate design of genuine human happiness.

medium.com

Links to Subsequent Features

• [Illuminating Spirituality](https://readmedium.com/shining-the-illuminating-light-of-spirituality-on-the-mirror-f1a59df411fd)
• [Editors Picks on Spirituality](https://readmedium.com/editors-picks-illuminating-spirituality-c2734bfd7ed6)

Earlier Collections

In this section, I highlighted various writers, including Joseph Lieungh, Jean Carfantan, Esther George, and others:

Illumination’s Lights Shine Throughout the MediumVerse

I’ll help you find the gems hidden among stardust.

medium.com

Although the writer I highlighted in this collection blocked me, I hold no ill will—I still appreciate you, Timmy.

2nd Volume of Illumination’s Lights Shine Throughout the MediumVerse

There is one star that shines so brightly dark that he gets his own volume.

medium.com

One of Medium's finest, Ravyne Hawke, returned to the platform after a break, and I featured her work here in January:

3rd Volume of Illumination’s Lights Shine Throughout the MediumVerse

Insight with the clear and precise vision of a bird of prey.

medium.com

I also featured the poetry of Daniel A. Teo:

4th Volume of Illumination’s Lights Shine Throughout the MediumVerse

Volume 1 of my shares included this poet. I have been meaning to correct the brief attention I afforded him…

medium.com

This next piece showcases Reverie, alongside Markus Scorelius, Esther George, Kim Petersen, and others:

A Writer to be Revered

With great pleasure, I feature the work of Reverie (and others for good measure).

medium.com

That’s enough older stories for now.

In Rama, I create, with soul-energy flowing through me, inspiring and propelling me forward.

Marcus