It's tough to argue "what if's" after the fact, of course, cuz what DID happen is what did happen. We humans obviously have some need for labels, many of us, maybe MOST of us, so there are plenty of those out there, handy and available.

I happened to hit on a number of those... and the one i found when *snick*! This one FITS! This one FITS, i tell you! There was a supreme rightness there for me, Chet, and i can't explain it any better than that.

There are things within the religious views of the Native Americans that feel right to me. There are elements of Zen, and yes, Tao, that i nod at. There are bits and pieces everywhere that seem very apt and correct to me, as i've encountered them in various religions and philosophies. But.... THIS one *fits*. The things man has done to it don't always fit, mind you. Man screws things up. But on its' own, it connected with me better than a glove made for only my own hand.

That answers your question only partially, i know. Would i have gone on with my path INFORMALLY had i not encountered the formal brand? Well... i suppose. Without the existence of formal (or awareness of it), i guess i'd have to. *LOL* It was in me, and it wasn't going to leave me, that much i am certain of.

Is that what you were asking?