I have been pondering how I would define my religious beliefs if someone were to ask me.. Athiest, Agnostic, etc.. My answer would be: I am a philosophy major, it's complicated.
When I first started on this journey I was very irritated and somewhat angry as spirituality was being pushed through the 12 step programs. I ended up finding great peace and solace in mindfulness meditations and positive self talk.
I made what was a rational decision to accept a proven programs that were reviewed with health benefits through meditation and positivity. At the end of the day it's irrelevant if some higher cosmic being is out there connecting everything together. I am only hurting myself if I reject something that's been proven to help so many others, due to the abuses of power by others.
As crude as it sounds.. do I want to right, or do I want to be happy?
Am I the strongest power in the universe? Nope.
So, I am open to there being a power greater than myself!
You don't have to believe in anything religious or irrational to practice mindfulness and presence and experience the benefits.