You don't have to travel the spiritual path alone.

Byline: FROM HEART TO HEART By Jane Irola For The Register-Guard

You never know where suffering will lead you, what avenues darkness rolls out along the way to enlightenment.

Those avenues took me down stark valleys and deserts and left me at the edge of what appeared to be an abyss. When I felt as if I had fallen into the mouth and belly of the beast, I gave up control. I capitulated.

In that effort to stop resisting whatever good life could give me, and to gain objectivity and freedom from the reminders of childhood abuse, a tiny fleck of light began to grow into a mighty beacon.

There began my journey on the highway of understanding God's love, security and safety. I learned to take a little love wherever I recognized it and place it in my pocket and put it in a jar at home. This light of love has sustained me and helped me help others, as needed.

How did that light grow in my experience? Guidance and new habits of thought were gained from the spiritual community found here in Eugene.

I have been given tools for my spiritual journey at the Two Rivers Interfaith Ministries monthly interfaith prayer services and dialogue meetings. I listen to individuals who have had healing experiences and hear of ways they pray and practice their spiritual life.

Becoming a regular attendee at these events has had additional pluses. People begin to recognize you and smile and share spiritual revelations and lessons on their spiritual journey.

I have also attended a monthly spirituality reading group at Borders that discusses books such as "Healing Words" (Dossey), "An Open Heart" (Dalai Lama), "The Power of Now" (Tolle) and "Science and Health" (Eddy).

Exchanging ideas with other seekers, I have often experienced a better understanding of God. New ideas helped me dispel fear and revealed the presence of God's goodness and love. I have wonderful glimpses of my particular path and mission. I see how to more consistently bring love into the world through my thoughts and actions.

Going to these events, I now interact with like-minded people actively seeking spiritual solutions and establishing daily spiritual practices. I look forward to sharing in everyone's spiritual journey at these get-togethers. It also helps to reinforce my spiritual path, and I get the support I need to persevere and continue progressing.

The First Christian Church on Oak Street houses the interfaith prayer services on the 11th of each month. Representatives of many faiths take turns in sharing their spiritual beliefs in prayers, talks, song, dance or chant. On a table near the front door, there is always printed news of spiritual happenings and get-togethers. After the service, cookies and chai tea allow people to mingle with the representatives of different faiths and the community participants.

I've learned that the deep dark abyss is really a very short distance from support, community and enlightenment.

Jane Irola is a spiritual seeker and regularly attends interfaith gatherings. This column is coordinated by the Two Rivers Interfaith Ministries, a network of faith communities in the Eugene-Springfield area. For more information, call 344-5693.