Spirituality means many things to many people. When we ponder the question ‘what is spirituality’, it’s easy to think of people using crystals, wearing baggy coloured pants, and sitting cross legged.
We may also think more traditionally of religion. But spirituality pulls together a range of beliefs and practices, that ultimately aim at exploring deeper meanings in our lives.
This might be connecting to something greater than our immediate selves and the material world. Or it could be connecting to a higher power, the universe, nature, or the collective human spirit.
Different answers to ‘what is spirituality?’
Spirituality is closely linked to religious faith, rituals, and teachings such as engaging in prayer or fasting. For others, it may be a more secular exploration of deep self-awareness, and personal growth into becoming a better person.
Common manifestations of spirituality are:
- Religious Spirituality: Spirituality is closely tied to the practices, doctrines, and beliefs of a particular religion. It may involve worship, prayer, and adherence to religious teachings.
- Humanistic Spirituality: As the name suggests, this is a focus on our human spirit and the inherent value of all people. It emphasizes compassion, empathy, and a commitment to improving the human condition.
- Natural Spirituality: Some of us find fulfillment in connecting with nature. This might involve hiking, gardening, or just being outdoors. The aim may be to just passively bathe in nature, and feel a sense of oneness with the earth.
- Mystical Spirituality: Mysticism involves seeking direct experiences with the divine powers or the transcendent. Meditation, contemplation, or other practices that aim to transcend ordinary consciousness are the core here, but it might also involve magick.
The benefits of spirituality
Engaging in spiritual practices has so many benefits for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Studies have shown that spirituality can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress, and a greater sense of inner peace.
During low points in our life, or when we’re trying to cope with loss or trauma, spirituality can be a great healer.
Even when life is sweet and going well, spirituality can encourage us to present, helping to be fully in the moment and appreciate the beauty and wonder of life. It can inspire acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others, contributing to a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
At Cultivated Zen we genuinely believe that engaging in deeper thought and peaceful practice is a great healer. In the Western world, we seem to think that more and more consumption will make us whole again. That it will make us happy. We look for the answers to emptiness in our phones and on TV.
You can fill this gap by looking within. That is the essence of spirituality.
The evolution of spirituality
The 19th and 20th centuries: Spirituality beyond religion
People began to explore spiritual concepts outside the confines of organized religion. The rise of Romanticism in the 19th century emphasized the emotional and experiential aspects of spirituality, often in connection with nature and art.
During the 20th century, the New Thought movement and later the New Age movement introduced ideas of spiritual self-empowerment, the law of attraction, and the interconnectedness of all life. These movements drew from a variety of spiritual traditions, including Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Hinduism, and emphasized personal growth, healing, and the pursuit of higher consciousness.
The 20th century also saw the growth of secular spirituality, where individuals sought meaning and connection without necessarily adhering to religious dogma. There was a significant shift towards spirituality as a personal, individualized experience, often focused on self-discovery, mindfulness, and inner peace
The 20th century was certainly a time of individual and self focussed practice. No wonder that spirituality has tended to operate in that way too.
Contemporary spirituality
In the 21st century, spirituality continues to evolve. In the west it’s generally a personal journey rather than a prescribed set of beliefs, allowing people to explore and shape their spirituality in their own way.
Modern spirituality tends to mean meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. Generally we’re looking at mental, emotional, and physical well-being and building connection to our true self, others, and the universe.
Technology and globalization have also played a role in the evolution of spirituality, as people have access to a wealth of information and practices from different cultures and traditions. This has led to a more eclectic and integrative approach to spirituality, where individuals can draw from multiple sources to create a personalized spiritual path.
What is spirituality? Great thinkers
Carl Jung (1875–1961). Saw spirituality as an essential aspect of the human experience. He believed that spirituality was a natural expression of the human psyche and a necessary part of achieving psychological wholeness or “individuation.” Jung introduced the concept of the “collective unconscious,” a reservoir of shared memories and archetypes, which he believed was a source of spiritual insight and transformation.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) saw spirituality as inseparable from daily life and social action. He believed that spirituality was about living in alignment with one’s highest values, particularly truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa).He saw spirituality as a guiding force in the struggle for justice, peace, and human dignity.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) believed that spirituality was rooted in the individual’s relationship with the divine, which he referred to as the “Over-Soul.” He emphasized the importance of intuition and self-reliance in spiritual matters, arguing that each person has the potential to connect with the divine through their inner life and experiences.
Albert Einstein (1879–1955) Einstein spoke of a “cosmic religious feeling” that comes from experiencing the beauty, order, and mystery of the universe. He believed that spirituality was about awe and humility in the face of the vastness of existence, and he saw science as a way to explore and appreciate the spiritual dimensions of the cosmos.
Connecting to the spiritual
Most people will tell you to get involved in meditation, be grateful and mindful, and go for walks in nature. That’s fine, but we think that the deep journey of connecting to the powers should look further than the usual. Try some of these:
Kriya Yoga: Specific techniques of meditation and pranayama designed to rapidly accelerate spiritual growth and profoundly affect consciousness. The practice of Kriya Yoga helps to quiet the mind and direct life energy through the chakras in the spine.
Transcendental Meditation (TM): A simple and powerful technique that uses a mantra. It allows your mind to settle inward, and draw on the inner self,.
Vipassana Meditation: This ancient Indian meditation technique involves deep observation of the self, leading to insights into the nature of reality. It is a rigorous practice that requires silence and considerable time, typically explored in 10-day retreats, but its transformative potential is widely acclaimed.
Taoist Meditation Practices: These include techniques like “Inner Smile” and “Microcosmic Orbit” where practitioners learn to circulate energy through the “energy body,” which is a concept similar to the pranic flow in yoga. These practices can help harmonize body, mind, and spirit.
Qi Gong: A practice rooted in Chinese medicine, martial arts, and philosophy that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intention. The primary goal is to cultivate and balance the body’s energy (Qi).
Advanced Chakra Meditation: This involves deeper focus and meditative practices aimed at activating and balancing the chakras (energy centers in the body) which are considered gateways to higher consciousness in many spiritual traditions.
The zen word
The evolution of spirituality reflects humanity’s ongoing quest for meaning, purpose, and connection. From its ancient roots in religious rituals and nature worship to its modern expressions of personal growth and self-discovery, spirituality has continually adapted to meet the changing needs and understandings of human beings.
Today, it offers a rich and diverse landscape for exploring the deeper aspects of life. It gives us a lens through which to view life and to help us navigate the complexities of the modern world, while staying connected to their inner selves and the greater whole.
Look within, my dear zen seekers.
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