Spirituality is a worldview that strives for answers to questions about the meaning of life, connection to others, and truths about the universe. It may involve religious traditions centering on the belief in a higher power or it can encompass non-religious beliefs that seek inspiration, reverence and awe. It can come into focus at times of emotional stress, physical (and mental) illness and loss, and in the face of death and bereavement.
It encompasses cognitive or philosophic aspects, experiential and emotional, and behavioral dimensions. Its broadness and lack of consensus on definitions complicate efforts to assess and research it. For example, some researchers use the terms religiosity and spirituality interchangeably despite the fact that a person can be religious without being spiritual.
In addition, there are many different ways to express and interpret spirituality. For example, Buddhists aim to achieve nirvana or freedom from suffering; yogis attempt to purify the mind so they can be one with the Universal Soul; and followers of Vedanta believe that they can become part of the Absolute Consciousness by dissolving the ego knot that limits pure consciousness to a body-mind.
People across the globe are increasingly open to spirituality, with more and more Americans saying they are “religious” or “spiritual.” Even those who don’t consider themselves religious often embrace some form of spirituality as a way of finding meaning in their lives. For many, this is a source of comfort and peace during times of change and uncertainty.