Spirituality is hard to define. It’s obscure and that’s a good thing, because it means a million different things to millions of vastly different people. And so it should.
Religions have strict teachings and are easy to define.
Spirituality is fluid, individual, immeasurable and as broad as you like it.
And that’s just the way I like it.
A great quote that sums up my experience of spirituality is this:
“Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.” Christina Puchalski, MD, Director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health*.
Let’s look at some big ideas that underline spirituality as a whole… especially mine.
CONNECTION
Knowing in the depths of your heart that we are all connected. Knowing that there is something bigger out there, something perhaps eternal, always loving, never judging. Knowing that inside of us ALL is a soul, a spark of light, an awareness that goes beyond this body. We are more the same than we are different, because our true essence is love, light and pure.
Some spiritual people will connect to source by praying to God, but many will not. Instead they may chat with their angels, commune with Spirit, seek advice from their higher Self, communicate with their guides or simply feel connected to something Divine.
MEANING
When I think of the search for meaning, I think of exploring ways to live a richer and fuller life. Not necessarily rich with money, but rich with significance. Appreciating significant moments with family and friends, meaningful conversations, possessions that matter, careers that serve humanity in some small or large way, taking care of the environment, each other and ourselves.
It’s all those things and more. For me, meaning is also about having a purpose. Knowing that I’m here for a reason, that I chose this life and this is an important part of my journey for my spiritual growth. I’m a uniquely remarkable person, not insignificant or a fluke of science. And everything happens for a reason. I mean, everything.
LOVE
Spiritual people are all about love, and loads of it. I’ve found spiritual people to be the most open-minded, accepting, and loving people I’ve ever met. They’ve tapped into the power and importance of being a loving person and they know that by living every day with kindness, gentleness and generosity (for themselves and others), life is just so good.
Love is why we’re here. Unconditional love is a big lesson for all of us. I know this to be true of the way I relate to my family and friends. When I am open to giving and receiving love freely, with no expectations or conditions, life is simply amazing and the love comes back in big ways. It’s not the easiest lesson to learn, but every time I get it a little more, I grow a little more too.
Spirituality is not defined by or limited to oracle cards, chakra balancing, energy healing, crystals, meditation, mantra, yoga, or prayer. These are powerful ways I tap into my Soul and grow spiritually, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessary to be spiritual. Find your own path and tools that help you deepen spiritually. Stay curious about your Soul’s path and it will reveal itself to you, all in divine timing.
All love
* quote from this article
photo credit: Rome, St Angelo Bridge via photopin + creative commons
