Spirituality is not like instant coffee

Nadine Kreisberger is a French traveller who has worked in international relations, classical music, journalism and psychology. But it is her particular interest in spiritual matters that has led her to devise this version of The Proust Questionnaire: 8220;It helps us to see people who they really are inside.8221;

What does spirituality mean to you?

It is about knowing yourself and being of service 8212; being aware of God8217;s existence as a giver of life and light but not within a particular faith, understanding karma and reincarnation, the interconnectedness of all things. LIVE is living if you go forward, but it becomes EVIL if you read it backward: you have to go inward and find contentment instead of always being out and wanting more. But it is your own choice. And it takes a lot of strength to make the right choice. You cannot have instant coffee in spirituality.

Do you believe you are guided and protected by a superior force?

I believe in God as a presence, a force of love that can make things happen in the most harmonious ways. Also, God has blessed me with two spiritual guides, Vispi and Ratoo Bhavanagri, who have been protecting me, saving me, guiding me ever since I met them. Their mother lost them in a car crash and communicates with them through automatic writing. Through her they give us messages. I do not know what my life would have been without them.

Do you believe you have a special mission or purpose in this life?

Every single human soul has a mission as well as a gift, with a spiritual guide who helps him use the gifts in order to accomplish the mission. The gift is not necessarily a profession, it can just be being a good listener, or changing the thoughts of someone about to commit suicide. But at the same time I do not believe things are predestined. Free will is God8217;s biggest gift to us and it is completely up to us to honour our gift, and make the right choices.

What is spirituality for you in your day-to-day life?

I do not believe in rituals and religions, but spirituality is something I experience every single day whether through communication with my guides, or through my work.

What is the role of spirituality in your work?

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After the national award I won for Dil To Pagal Hai8217;s choreography, I was offered many movies. My guides simply asked me: 8220;What is your priority?8221; My school of course. 8220;So give time to it,8221; they said, 8220;because people need you8221;. I work with thousands of physically or mentally challenged children, with HIV-affected kids, with people in wheelchairs and crutches, using dance as therapy. Working with movies has brought me more recognition, but the school is where I can live spirituality every single day.

Can you tell us about a unique experience that changed or shaped your spiritual beliefs?

The day I met my Bhavanagris 26 years ago was the turning point of my life. My entire life changed. Before I was dying to win the Grammy Awards, the Oscar, to be noticed and recognized. I still have a little of that in me, but I feel there is much more to life 8212; living my mission and at the same time enjoying life here and now.

What are your spiritual inspirations?

Since I was a child, I have believed in Hanuman, Zoroaster, Shirdi Sai Baba and many others, because I feel they are like the spokes of a wheel, coming to one centre. But the reason I love Vispi and Ratoo so much is that they do not tell you to fast or pray a thousand times a day. Rather, they insist on you doing your soul8217;s work .

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If you were to be reincarnated, what would you like to be reincarnated as?

A good healthy human being who can serve the light.

If there were one question you could ask god, what would it be?

How long will it take for You to take me into Your arms and hug me?

What is your idea of happiness?

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Doing God8217;s work through all that I love 8212; dance, music, choreography 8212; while pursuing my spiritual work, and finding a balance through it all.