When I was in Italy last month, I went to “see” the Shroud in Turin.
I didn’t know what to expect.
The Shroud is behind glass doors, in a climate controlled container.
So it wasn’t actually on display in the chapel.
I sat down with other visitors in the pews anyway and closed my eyes to tune in.
The Shroud is considered by many to be a holy object.
Even though I couldn’t view the actual Shroud, it was okay! What I felt was extraordinary.
I don’t practice any religion, I never have, because for me God is in the trees, the water, the animals, each of us. I don’t have to go to a building to be with God.
God is my own personal experience.
I’m not concerned with what anyone else believes. I just ask that they don’t work to convince me my experience or beliefs are inferior or need to be changed to meet theirs.
All that being said, the Shroud is filled with controversy where its authenticity is concerned.
I don’t know if it’s real or not, but I do know there’s no denying the incredible energy that I tapped into sitting there that day.
It was palpable.
I felt it deep within my heart and throughout my entire body.
It vibrated through me continuously as I quietly experienced those 15 minutes.
Maybe it was the energy of the Shroud.
OR the amount of LOVE each person brings with them in honor and gratitude of what they believe the Shroud to be.
It’s a contained corner of that chapel with pure divine energy coursing through it.
If that’s how pure love feels when directed toward an object, imagine what we could do if we approached each other in the same manner.
If that’s how we respected and treated our planet.
The possibilities are truly endless and gave me a great deal of hope.