Spirituality, what is it?

[jomifl]

why is it that when people mention spirituality or say somebody is a very spiritual person they are completely unable to explain what they mean. They go sort of vague and say things like 'well you know..' and 'If you don't know then I can't explain it' ....not much help really. Ideas anybody?

[boxtops]

I have been involved in work around spirituality in the healthcare context and it is really difficult to define. It's not just about religion, it's about seeing the patient as a whole person and providing holistic care meeting the whole needs of that person (which is culturally and religiously appropriate if necessary). Spirituality is the opposite of materialism so it is, as it were, caring for the soul (or inner man/woman if you are not religious) and living by a set of values - being happy in your own skin can be a sort of spirituality. It is very hard to define it exactly!

[jomifl]

exactly

[jomifl]

So nobody really knows then do they ?

[beso]

For me spirituality is characterised as the intergation of the mind and the body with the universe. A coming together of the whole being.

Religion is the main barrier people must overcome to achieve this understanding of nature. Religion is based on the surrender of moral responsibility and is the antithesis of spirituality.

[LoftyLottie]

It is hard to define, I would agree. I go along with Boxtops though on this. To me it's also having an affinity with the world around us and accepting that we are just a small part in the greater scheme of things. It has got a lot to do with not being materialistic or self centred as well and believing that there is ................... oh blast................. I can't explain it.

[LoftyLottie]

And what Beso says as well ^

[LoftyLottie]

Religion to me has nothing to do with spirituality. Organised worship to me has nothing to do with spirituality either.

[Sqad]

However you define it...........and I can´t.........it plays no part in my life in any way.

[LoftyLottie]

Are you sure Sqad?

[Sqad]

lofty...try me.

[Sqad]

Mark...no it doesn´t help....to me it is gobledygook.........but perhaps not to others.

Please.....tell me....how or why or in what way should this thing called spirituality come into my life.

[LoftyLottie]

Do you care for your cats Sqad? Do you have empathy with the nature around you? Do you appreciate a sunrise or a sunset and do things move you almost to tears, simple things?

[Sqad]

You are describing emotion.............is that the same as spirituality?

If it is, the jomifl has got his definition......... spirituality =pure and simple....emotion.

I wonder how many people would agree with that?

[LoftyLottie]

Emotion yes, but not just that, it's a sort of emotion I suppose, but tied up with a much deeper inner awareness. Difficult to explain.

[McMouse]

Although baptised and confirmed within CofE as a child I no longer have any specific religious beliefs. A couple of years ago I cycled from Biarritz to Santiago de Compostela following the Camino route and certainly found it a humbling yet uplifting experience. Was it a spiritual thing.....I don't know, but I did feel I became a better person and understood much more about myself.

[Sqad]

LOL....that is what they all say.

[Sqad]

My answer was to Lofty.

[Sqad]

If I had to answer and i am no expert on such things, most people think of spirituality as the life after death...the world of the spirits and of their antics and messages to the living.

Am I way off?