What Is Spirituality?
Spirituality may include beliefs about something beyond the material world, feelings of connection with people and other creatures or with nature, and practices like meditation, yoga or prayer. Spirituality is not limited to any religious system and can be accessed by anyone, regardless of their beliefs or lack thereof. Many researchers and practitioners use the term to describe a wider realm than organized religions, viewing spirituality as a broad area that includes – but goes well beyond – religion.
Depending on the person, spirituality can be as simple as practicing kindness or being grateful in daily life or as complex as a quest to find meaning in your life or achieve enlightenment. It can also be a way to cope with life’s ups and downs. It’s not uncommon to feel more spiritual in the face of a major loss or illness, as it can help you see that life has meaning and purpose.
A healthy spirit can contribute to a healthy mind and body. Studies have shown that spirituality is linked to lower levels of stress and depression in people with HIV, better quality of life in patients with a chronic illness and improved survival for cancer patients.
If you’re interested in becoming more spiritual, it’s a good idea to start where you are. As the 13th-century poet Rumi wrote, “Consciousness sleeps in minerals, dreams in plants, wakes up in animals and becomes self-aware in humans — but reaches enlightenment at different times.” Start with whatever works best for you.