We must make the most of this incarnation to progress spiritually

Sandra Eiterer (photo) is a retired bank employee in the Brazilian city of Juiz de Fora, in the state of Minas Gerais. She has university degrees in Philosophy, Human Sciences and Accountancy. She is also a member of an organisation that represents Spiritists from a military background. And Sandra works as a volunteer at the Irmão Francisco (Brother Francis) Spiritist Centre in her hometown of Juiz de Fora. In this interview she shares her experiences in the Spiritist Movement:

How did you have your first contact with Spiritism?

My first contact was when I was very young, but I only became really engaged in the Spiritist Movement when I lived in the city of Caxambu. I began attending a local Spiritist Group, known as December 25th, as I sought answers for a million questions that I had inside me. I worked there as a volunteer for 11 years.

Which aspect of Spiritism strikes you the most?

It’s how it combines faith and rationality so well. 

Where does your love for the Spiritist Teachings come from?

I haven’t come across any philosophy that is so comforting, insightful and credible, and it doesn’t insult our intelligence.  

How do you describe the excitement you feel inside yourself?

The same as a butterfly at the height of its process of transformation.

What would you like to highlight from your experience in the Spiritist Movement?

They were all an important step that have contributed towards my spiritual development. It would be unfair to select any particular experience or event. 

How about your interaction with Spiritist friends and companions?

I take part in my book clubs, study groups, mediumship meetings, public meetings, prayer groups and Google Meet groups. In all of them I enjoy a pleasant and edifying atmosphere. And I’m very grateful for that. 

How have you benefited from your contact with Spiritism?

There have been many benefits, and the most important of all was survival. My faith has saved me. 

What is your best memory from all these years?

To be invited to deliver the keynote speech at the 100th anniversary of the December 25th Spiritist Group in the city of Caxambu. And to be invited to join the board of directors of the Spiritist Military Cruzade, which was a vote of confidence given by its president at the time, Mr Serrat. And I’m still in post even after he passed away.  

Tell us a bit more about your online programmes.

I broadcast a Spiritist message from Monday to Friday at 0800 (Brazilian time) on the Gotas de Espiritismo Channel. I also record messages that are broadcast several times a week, at 0600, on the Consolador channel. It’s called Message of the Day. I co-host a programme with Guaraci Silveira and Lyvia Castro, also on the Gotas de Espiritismo Channel, every other Monday at 8pm. And I also do many Spiritist talks and lectures that are available online. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to express my gratitude for life and for all of those I have come into contact with during this life. I would also like to stress that life goes on, it doesn’t end, and we must make the most of this incarnation to progress spiritually and learn how to love.