Spirituality: More Than a Routine

Spirituality is a broad concept with many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. Nurturing and developing your spirituality may be just as important as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and building strong relationships. Taking the time to reconnect with what you find meaningful in life can enhance your own sense of connection with something larger than yourself.

One of the main teachings of spirituality is to look within and find what you seek within yourself. One of the great gifts of spiritual knowledge is that it realigns your sense of self to something you may not have even ever imagined was within you. Spirituality says that even if you think you are limited and small, it simply is not so. You are greater and more powerful than you have ever imagined.

Notice that spirit sounds similar to words like inspire and expire. This is especially appropriate because when you are filled with spiritual energy, you feel great inspiration. And when the spiritual life force leaves your body, your time on this earth expires.

These are two of the main themes of the spiritual journey:

* Allowing yourself to be filled with inspiration, which also translates into love, joy, wisdom, peacefulness, and service.

* Remembering that an inevitable expiration awaits to take you away from the very circumstances you may think are so very important right now.

Working on personal values and beliefs are a key aspect of increasing your spirituality. Making a list of your beliefs and values will help you live with intention. This list will be fluid, so recognize that it’s natural to shift and revise your values throughout life.

Some of the questions you may ask yourself are:

* What matters most to me?

* Discover your calling

* What drives my actions?

* What do I believe is right?

SPIRITUALITY DIFFERS FROM RELIGION

Although religion and spirituality are sometimes used interchangeably, they really indicate two different aspects of the human experience. While spirituality may incorporate elements of religion, it is generally a broader concept. Religion and spirituality are not the same thing, nor are they entirely distinct from one another.

You might say that spirituality is the mystical face of religion.

* It is the wellspring of divinity that pulsates, dances, and flows as the source and essence of every soul. Spirituality relates more to your personal search, to finding greater meaning and purpose in your existence.

* Religion is most often used to describe an organized group or culture that has generally been sparked by the fire of a spiritual or divine soul. Religions usually act with a mission and intention of presenting specific teachings and doctrines while nurturing and propagating a particular way of life.

Spirituality is about seeking a meaningful connection with something bigger than yourself, which can result in positive emotions, such as peace, awe, contentment, gratitude, and acceptance.

Monretta Vega, LPC

Email: monretta@hsvpcs.com