Hello, i am an American and a devotee of Shiva. I feel that I worshipped Shiva and Kali in a past life, but now I am wondering: is it a punishment to have taken birth as a westerner? I am afraid that in my next life I might lose this connection to Mahadeva as a result of such a birth. In this life i feel a great sadness at the lack of opportunity for satsang and blessings of holy places. Thank you for any suggestions.