Spirituality
The Vision of Constantine, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, 1670
Spirituality IS
Before defining it, let’s explore some of the intentions behind Spirituality:
- To know how to devote your energy in life.
- To enjoy your life more.
- To find the absolute Truth, to understand reality at the deepest level.
- To understand existence.
- To see Beauty everywhere.
- To be Good, seeing Goodness everywhere.
- To be Universally Loving.
- To be healthy physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually.
- To create a healthy environment around you.
- To overcome negative emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, depression, loneliness, sadness, jealousy.
- To be authentic. To be authentically you without trying to please anyone else. Organically, naturally yourself.
- To cultivate a connection to The Universe.
- To cultivate joy & peace of mind.
- To cultivate ultra creativeness.
- To explore reality internally & externally.
- To cultivate Wisdom.
- To reduce suffering of all living things.
- To love the feeling of being conscious.
- To preserve childlike disposition.
- To transcend dysfunction.
- To go beyond petty human issues.
- To be passionate about life.
- To develop gratitude for life.
Dictionaries & Other Definitions:
- The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.
- Quest for an ultimate or sacred meaning, religious experience, or an encounter with one's own "inner dimension".
- Sensitivity or attachment to religious values.
- Of or relating to sacred things or matters; religious; devotional; sacred.
- The quality or state of being spiritual: concerned with religious values.
- An individual's search for ultimate or sacred meaning and purpose in life.
- In a Biblical context the term means being animated by God.
- Modern spirituality centers on the "deepest values and meanings by which people live".
- “Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than yourself, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature .”
- William James: He defines "personal religion" as, "the feelings, acts, and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine"
Spirituality is a broad term that refers to a person's relationship with the divine or the sacred. It is often associated with religious beliefs and practices, but it can also be a personal and individual experience that is separate from organized religion. Spirituality can involve a search for meaning and purpose in life, a connection to something greater than oneself, and a sense of awe and wonder in the face of The Universe. It can also involve practices such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness, which are aimed at fostering a deeper connection to one's inner self and the world around us. Ultimately, spirituality is a personal and individual experience that is unique to each person.
My definition of Spirituality is one’s fundamental relationship with The Universe & existence itself. This involves the recognition of a feeling, sense, or belief that there is something greater than yourself.
Spirituality is a lifelong pursuit of investigating and approaching the fundamental metaphysical nature of existence and enhancing your consciousness to it.
Spirituality is exploring and developing a deep connection to The Universe. A connection to the wonder & profundity of existence and nature itself. Spirituality is the process of strengthening this connection until you have a strong stream happening all the time. A stream of higher consciousness such that it can no longer be ignored and it doesn't happen sporadically or get cut off. Spirituality is about amplifying this connection so you're always connected to the profundity of existence without having to rely on any external stimulation like a beautiful sunset or xyz. Spirituality is a practice to enjoy your life more.
Spirituality is a pursuit of ultimate truth & meaning, a state of being connected to these truths, a practice to keep connected to these truths.
Newborn definition of spirituality: The pursuit of activating your ethereal essence.
Subset Values
Meta-Spirituality
"Meta-Spirituality" refers to a holistic understanding of spirituality that goes beyond any one religious or spiritual tradition. Instead of adhering to a specific doctrine or set of beliefs, meta-spirituality seeks to understand the underlying truths and principles that are common to all spiritual paths. It's about seeing the "bigger picture" of spirituality and recognizing the interconnectedness and validity of various spiritual traditions and practices.
Awareness
The quality or state of being aware: knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists. This is the foundation of all Spirituality.
Truth
That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. Know Truth so you can live in line with natural law and in harmony with nature.
Faith
Faith is trust in the Universe's purpose. Faith is trust in the character of God.
Awakening
An act or moment of becoming suddenly aware of something.
Enlightenment
The highest spiritual state that can be achieved.
Mysticism
Experiencing God or the Absolute; Awe & wonder are steps on this path.
Oneness/Holism/Connection
A state of oneness with The Universe. Developing identity with all things.
Purpose
A reason for living. This is derived from meaning.
Religion
Religion can be understood as an organized framework of beliefs and practices—an institutionalized form of spirituality—that is reinforced by communal ties and offers a disciplined structure for cultivating and expressing spiritual values. In this sense, it functions as a social “technology” for guiding moral behavior, nurturing collective identity, and fostering a shared sense of meaning and purpose.
Spirituality is NOT
Spirituality is confused with many things. Spirituality is not:
“Religion (though religion is a practice of spirituality), dogma, ideology, belief systems, blind faith, worshiping a deity, person, icon, preacher, priest. It’s not religious customs, obedience to authority, or following rules. It has nothing to do with materialism or materialist goals. Not about joining a cult. It’s not irrational, illogical, or unscientific thinking; Spirituality builds on top of science & rationality. It is not crusading against other’s beliefs, trying to convert them or proselytize to them. It's not proving things. You can't prove your own existence or the absolute truth because all proof is indirect. Truth is a much vaster domain than proof.”
Spirituality has some recurring themes and practices but is ultimately about the individual practicing it.
Valuing SPirituality
If someone values Spirituality, it means that they place a high importance on the spiritual aspect of their life. This can involve seeking a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it, and may involve exploring religious or philosophical beliefs, participating in spiritual practices, and striving to live in accordance with their spiritual values. For some people, spirituality is an important source of meaning and purpose, and it can provide a sense of connection with something greater than themselves.
Developing SPirituality
Spirituality starts with the desire to develop your Spirituality.
“There is an indefinable urge to reach beyond the limits of ordinary human existence that is bounded by unconscious forces and self-interest, and to discover higher values in ourselves and to live them consistently in our relationships and roles”.
Developing spirituality can be a deeply personal and individual experience. Here are a few things that might be helpful in your journey:
- Reflect on your values and beliefs, take some time to think about what is important to you and what you believe in. This can help you understand what you want your spirituality to be based on.
- Seek out spiritual teachings and practices: There are many different spiritual traditions and practices you can explore. You might find it helpful to attend a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple, or to read books or listen to lectures by spiritual leaders or teachers.
- Practice mindfulness: Spirituality often involves paying attention to the present moment and cultivating a sense of inner peace and calm. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, to help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and to find greater peace and clarity.
- Connect with others: sharing your spiritual journey with others can be a meaningful and enriching experience. You might find it helpful to join a spiritual community or to spend time with friends and loved ones who share your values and beliefs.
- Find ways to serve others: Spirituality can often involve a sense of compassion and a desire to help others. Find ways to serve others, whether through volunteering, donating to a cause you care about, or simply being there for a friend in need.
Remember that spirituality is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to be open to exploring different ideas and practices and to find what feels authentic and meaningful to you.
My Commitment to Spirituality
I commit to create, maintain, and develop a spiritual connection throughout my life.
I commit to have a profound and personal relationship with my own experience of The Divine.
I commit to bring The Divine/God into everything I do.
The dream of life - Alan watts
"Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time."
OSWALD CHAMBERS
Harry Whitt
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