Sacred Pathways Assessment

Name

First Name

Last Name

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I feel most at peace when I'm surrounded by nature – the mountains, the forests, or the ocean.

Not True

Very True

I find it difficult to experience spiritual connection inside.

I would rather practice spirituality by spending an hour beside a small brook than by participating in a group gathering.

If I could escape to a garden to pray or meditate on a cold day, walk through a meadow on a warm day and take a trip by myself to the mountains on another day, I would be very happy.

A book called Nature's Sanctuaries: A Picture Book would be appealing to me.

Seeing beauty in nature is more moving to me than understanding new concepts, participating in a formal spiritual gathering, or participating in social causes.

CalculationTotal for Naturalist Write This Down

I feel most spiritually healthy when I'm in a religious gathering that allows my senses to come alive - when I can see, smell, hear, and almost taste something sacred.

I enjoy attending a traditional religious service.

I'd have a difficult time experiencing presence in a building that is plain and lacks a sense of awe or majesty.

The words sensuous, colorful, and aromatic are very appealing to me.

I'm naturally drawn to museums and concerts more than I'm inclined to take a walk in the woods, work in a soup kitchen or read a book by myself.

I would really enjoy drawing exercises or classical music playing in the background to improve my prayer life.

CalculationTotal for Sensate Write This Down

I feel most spiritually connected when I'm participating in a traditional form of worship that has memories dating back to my childhood. Rituals and traditions move me more than anything else.

I begin to feel closest to a Divine Presence when I offer up a symbolic sacrifice.

The words “tradition” and “history” are very appealing to me.

Participating in a formal prayer, developing symbols that I can place in my car, home, or office is helpful for me.

A book about my religious traditions would be appealing to me.

I would really enjoy developing a personal rule (or ritual) of prayer.

CalculationTotal for Traditionalist Write This Down

I feel spiritually connected when I am engaged in acts of justice: writing letters to government officials and newspaper editors, picketing at a place of injustice, urging people to vote, or becoming informed about current issues.

I get very frustrated if I see apathetic people who don't become active. I want to drop everything else I'm doing and help people overcome their apathy.

The terms “courageous confrontation” and “social activism” are very appealing to me.

Activities such as confronting a social evil, attending a meeting of the local school board to challenge the new curriculum, and volunteering on a political campaign are important to me.

The book fighting modern day slavery would be appealing to me.

I would rather stand in the rain for an hour to confront an oppression than sit in a room by myself for an hour and pray or meditate, take a walk through the woods, or spend an hour reading a book.

CalculationTotal for Activist Write This Down

I feel closest to and most connected to the divine when I am alone and free from distraction.

I would describe my spirituality as more "internal" than "external."

The words “silence,” “solitude” and “discipline” are very appealing to me.

Taking an overnight retreat by myself at a sacred place where I could spend large amounts of time alone in a small room praying, studying sacred writings, and fasting for one or more days are all activities I would enjoy.

I would enjoy reading a book about silence and prayer.

I would really enjoy spending time on a night watch, taking a short vow of silence or simplifying my life.

CalculationTotal for Ascetics Write This Down

I feel my presence most strongly when I sit quietly by the bed of someone who is lonely or ill or when I take a meal to someone in need. You can count on me to offer a ride or to volunteer for helping activities.

I grow weary of religious people who spend their time singing songs while a sick neighbor goes without a hot meal or a family in need doesn't get help fixing their car.

The words “service” and “compassion” are very appealing to me.

I sense Presence when I am counseling a friend who has lost a job, preparing meals for or fixing the car of a family in need, or spending a week at an orphanage in Mexico.

A book titled “99 Ways to Help Your Neighbor” would be very appealing to me.

I would rather nurse someone to health or help repair someone's house than go on a prayer and fasting retreat or take a lonely walk in the woods.

CalculationTotal for Caregiver Write This Down

Celebrating Divine love is my favorite expression of my spirituality.

Spirituality is exciting; I don’t understand how some spiritual people can act like they're going to a funeral when they engage in spiritual practices.

The words “celebration” and “joy” are very appealing to me.

I would enjoy attending a workshop on learning interpretive dance or a concert.

I would enjoy reading the book The Mystery and Excitement of Walking With The Divine .

I spend more money on music downloads than on books.

CalculationTotal for Enthusiast Write This Down

I feel closest to The Divine when my emotions are awakened. I would rather be alone contemplating Divine Love than participating in a traditional religious service or being distracted by a walk outside.

The most difficult times for me are when I can't feel a a loving presence.

The words ‘lover,” “intimacy” and “heart” are very appealing to me.

I really enjoy having 30 minutes of uninterrupted time each day to sit in quiet prayer or meditation.

I would enjoy reading The Transforming Friendship .

When I think of spirituality, I think of love, friendship, and adoration more than anything.

CalculationTotal for Contemplative Write This Down

I feel spiritual when I learn something new. My mind needs to be stimulated. It'svery important to me that I know exactly what I believe about the Divine.

I get frustrated when spiritual gatherings focus too much on feelings and spiritual experience.

The words “concepts” and “truth” are very appealing to me.

I feel spiritually connected when I spend several hours of uninterrupted study time reading sacred texts or good books, and then perhaps have an opportunity to teach or discuss with a small group.

A book on religion or spirituality would be appealing to me.

I spend more money on books than music.

CalculationTotal for Intelectual Write This Down

Scroll back. Which pathway/s had your highest total/s?