What is Spirituality?
Its Effect on Your Well-Being
“What is spirituality?”
This is a question posed by religious leaders, scientists and secularists alike. For some, the term “spirituality” suffers from a bad image. It has negative connotations. It may also imply paranormal experiences. For others, spirituality is a synonym for faith and religion.
Many people aspire to live what we can call a spiritual life. They would never consider it so, nor express it accordingly. Yet, they're on a spiritual journey. Their life reflects the stages of spiritual growth. Their actions express the basic nature of a popular definition of spirituality.
The issue is a complex one. Religious leaders and scientists have stepped into the debate. They're attempting to clarify what they see as the meaning and the effect, if any. Medical professionals sit on both sides of the fence. Many, alternative and conventional, now believe some connection between being healthy and spirituality does exist. The issue, for the scientists, is why?
Defining Spirituality
How then can we define spirituality? Is it truly a religious off shoot? Does it have links with the occult? Does it even exist?
The current Dalai Lama has no difficulty defining spirituality. He writes in Ancient Wisdom, Modern World that “spirituality is concerned with those qualities of the human spirit – such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony – which brings happiness to both self and others…”
Even those of us who are not Buddhists can relate to what the Dalai Lama is saying. Generally, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, love and compassion are desirable traits. In fact, they're sometimes downright necessary for the world to survive intact.
Prayers and/or meditation often bring us closer to understanding the values incorporated in spirituality. They can result in spiritual growth and development. Yet, at the very heart of such actions is a realization that all humans consist of more than mind and body. It's present, whether you believe in it or not.
Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the question of what is spirituality is a debate that refuses to go away. In light of scientific research, the topic is increasingly becoming a popular one. This is, in part, the result of a specific perception - that connectivity between the body, the mind and the spirit exists. In fact, research indicates the impact of spiritual beliefs on thehealing process.
The Importance of Spirituality
For those who understand the intricate connection between the body, the mind and the spirit, the answer to what is spirituality is important. We may continue to lead healthy and fruitful lives without spirituality. Yet, life improves when we embrace some form of it.
In fact, by including some type of everyday spirituality into our lives, we may actually increase our ability to be healthier, live longer and decrease the debilitating problems resulting fromstress and depression. This should indicate that we should all adopt a spiritual growth plan and seek the answer to "what is spirituality?".
The Meaning Of Spirituality: A Few Final Words
When it comes down to it, we're the ones who define our spirituality. The answer to the question, “What is spirituality?” depends upon our approach.
If we are a Muslim, Christian, Jew or Neo-pagan, we look at spirituality in terms of our relationship with the God, Goddess or Gods. If we ignore the existence of any form of deity, spirituality may appear as the essence or feeling resulting from actions we take in our lives.