by Maria Koropecky, Storytelling Coach & Author

On this 2nd anniversary of the publication of my novel, “Closer to Indigo,” I’ve been reflecting on the journey of Maria Ponomarenko, the novel’s main character, and how her path mirrors a growing trend in the real world.

According to the 2024 WORLDMETRICS.ORG REPORT, over 55% of Americans now consider themselves spiritual rather than religious.

This shift resonates deeply with Maria’s story and with so many of us who are moving away from traditional religious structures toward more personal and esoteric spiritual practices.

Maria’s Journey: From Religion to Spirituality

In “Closer to Indigo,” Maria is a late bloomer on many fronts, including her spiritual awakening. Raised in a traditional Ukrainian Catholic household, Maria initially adheres to the religious practices of her upbringing. But as she approaches 50 and embarks on a pilgrimage to Spain’s Camino de Santiago, her internal journey begins to shift.

Through her love of crystals, nature, and a more esoteric approach to spirituality, Maria starts exploring the “indigo” spaces of the universe—places where she taps into her deeper self and begins to trust her own intuition and spiritual guidance. It’s this journey that moves her from the confines of tradition into a new and more expansive version of spiritual fulfillment.

Are You Part of This Growing Movement?

Maria’s spiritual evolution reflects a broader trend happening right now. The rising number of people identifying as spiritual rather than religious shows that many are seeking deeper, more personal spiritual experiences. Practices like crystal healing, meditation and connecting with nature—which Maria explores in “Closer to Indigo”—are becoming mainstream as more people create their own spiritual paths.

As you read Maria’s story, you may find yourself relating to her desire for something more, something deeper than what traditional religion offered her. Maria’s journey is one of self-discovery, shedding old layers, and connecting with the universe in ways that speak to her soul. In many ways, her story is a reflection of this broader cultural shift.

Why Are So Many People Turning to Spirituality?

The statistic from the WORLDMETRICS.ORG REPORT highlights a crucial shift: people are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all answers. More of us are looking to heal past wounds, explore the mystical and align with our true selves. We want spiritual tools that resonate with our personal experiences, whether it’s through crystals, chakras or intuitive practices like Maria’s.

The themes of spiritual awakening and personal empowerment in “Closer to Indigo” invite readers to question their own beliefs and explore their spirituality in new, individualized ways.

As you follow Maria on her journey, you might ask yourself:

1. Are you drawn to spirituality beyond the traditions you grew up with?
2. Do you feel a pull toward personal spiritual practices like crystal healing, meditation or chakra work?
3. How does your personal spiritual journey influence the stories you tell, either in your writing or in your daily life?
4. How Does Storytelling Play a Role?

Maria’s journey is not just about her spiritual transformation; it’s also about storytelling. As she trains for the Camino and connects with colorful characters along the way, each interaction serves as a mirror for her own inner growth.

And following suit, “Closer to Indigo” also invites readers to reflect on their own life stories—how they’ve grown, changed and evolved spiritually.

As a Spiritual Storyteller, you may find inspiration in Maria’s path. Whether you’re writing a book or just starting to explore your spiritual side, storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation. It allows you to express your experiences and tap into universal truths that connect us all.

Join the Conversation

If you’re someone who identifies more as spiritual than religious—just like Maria—you’re not alone. Let’s open up a dialogue about this trend. I’d love to hear your thoughts:

1. How do you navigate the shift from religion to spirituality?
2. What practices or beliefs have you incorporated into your life as part of your spiritual journey?

If you want to explore your spiritual journey further and connect with your inner self and as part of the celebration for the 2nd anniversary of “Closer to Indigo,” I invite you to read your own copy of my novel and book a Crystal Mapping Session or a Chakra Healing Constellation Reading with me.

Celebrating Two Years of Closer to Indigo!

I’m thrilled to celebrate the second anniversary of “Closer to Indigo.” It has been such an incredible journey to share Maria’s story with you and I’m grateful for the many readers who have connected with her path. As we move forward into this next chapter, let’s continue exploring the deeper aspects of spirituality—through storytelling, crystals, self-care and the guidance of the universe.

If you haven’t picked up a copy yet, “Closer to Indigo” is available on Amazon and I’d be honored if you join me in this journey. Together, let’s move a little closer to indigo.

 

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