What Is Spirituality?

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Spirituality is like an adventure park waiting to be explored.

Spirituality: Beyond Objectivity

It is not ideal to consider spirituality as a thing or object. Unlike specimens that can be dissected and analyzed, spirituality is better thought of as a boundary-less dimension of human experience. As such, it is not amenable to the normal methodologies of scientific investigation. It cannot be completely defined or pinned down. So, what are we to do?

Embracing a New Perspective

Firstly, you don’t have to give up on spirituality or abandon it if you find a particular religion lacking. Instead, view spirituality as something free from institutional structures and hierarchies. Rather than focusing on dogma and beliefs, think of it in terms of attitudes, values, and practices. It’s about what motivates us at the deepest level, influencing our thoughts and behaviors, and helping us find our place in the community and the world.

Spirituality as an Adventure Playground

Consider spirituality as the ‘active ingredient’ in major world religions and some humanistic ideologies. You might think of it as an adventure playground—a place to learn, grow, and extend yourself. This metaphor suggests that spirituality is a dynamic and enriching space for exploration.

Scientific Method vs. Spiritual Exploration

Spirituality involves deeply personal, subjective experiences and differs from the scientific ambition to be objective. While science seeks to understand the world through empirical methods, spirituality offers a complementary approach to discovering ourselves, our relationships, and our purpose.

Silhouette of person sitting on boardwalk at sunset

Themes in the Spiritual Adventure Park

In this ‘adventure park,’ various themes emerge:

  • Joy and Wonder: Children’s spirituality often flows through capacities for joy and wonder, which also play a role in adult spirituality. A sense of fascination and awe persists through life.
  • Dualism and Holism: Teenagers often develop a dualistic understanding of the world, whereas spirituality involves a holistic appreciation of interconnectedness. The yin-yang symbol exemplifies this principle of wholeness and balance.

The Yin-Yang Symbol

The yin-yang symbol illustrates the interplay of opposites. Yin (dark) and Yang (light) represent polarized forces such as night and day or feminine and masculine. These opposites define each other and are inseparable, symbolizing dynamic balance and constant change.

The Concept of Time

  • Chronos and Kairos: Greek terms for time—chronos and kairos—represent two types of experience. Chronos refers to linear, mechanical time, while kairos symbolizes spiritual or ‘God’s time,’ characterized by synchronicity and perfect moments.
  • Experiencing Kairos: When kairos is at play, it may feel as if time slows down or speeds up. This experience can be profound, such as when athletes get ‘in the zone’ or when significant, unexpected events occur.

Epiphanies and Synchronicities

An epiphany is a moment when eternity seems to intersect with everyday life, revealing something profound and life-changing. These moments are often accompanied by synchronicities—meaningful coincidences that reinforce the significance of such experiences.

Conclusion: Engaging with Spirituality

Joy and wonder, dualism and holism, and different experiences of time are just a few of the themes in the spiritual adventure park. While some aspects may seem challenging, with familiarity, spirituality can become a source of peace and growth. The ‘park’ is open to everyone, and engaging with it can offer rich opportunities for excitement, learning, and personal development.

Why hesitate? Embrace the exploration and see what you might discover.

References

Larry Culliford (2011, March 30). What is spirituality? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/spiritual-wisdom-secular-times/201103/what-is-spirituality