What is Spirituality?
What is Spirituality? Bold question. And for me, I’ve always listened to others ideals of what spirituality is to them and I’ve found it unobtainable. Something that’s always out of my reach. I’ve felt like a bit of a fraud because I’ve not really “felt” spiritual. So maybe I’m just not spiritual then? Or maybe its because I’ve never actually asked myself, what is Spirituality to me? When listening to Michael Singer (author of The Untethered Soul), he made the statement that “Spirituality and the Spiritual path are one in the same thing; all of life is the spiritual path” and this gave me something incredibly difficult, in many ways actually, to contemplate. How was suffering spiritual, and being unwell, being bullied, abused, rejected, whatever it is, how are these things, Spiritual? And then I remembered how many stories I’ve heard from people like you and I, whom have survived illness, disease, being abused, being rejected etc and have said it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to them because it showed them ultimately where they were not living fully, and it made them who they are now. I believe for most of us, that when something life altering does present itself, it shifts our consciousness in a way that we can never return back to how we were conducting ourselves and our lives before. For some this may take time of course to see what lessons we have learned due to eventful forces, understandably so, but I don’t believe that we can return to the same perspective. This article will explore ideas of what spirituality can mean, how our minds can limit our evolution and of course my own experience with this broad, over used, underrated, ‘big’ word.
There’s a great quote by Sadguru – “you are not a body with a soul, you are a soul with a body” – how does this make you feel? For me this challenged everything I knew about myself. It puts life into a different perspective, because living believing you are just your body experiencing whatever life is bringing your way is actually quite a limiting framework because our bodies inevitably age, they change constantly; they can be fragile, they don’t look the same forever (which in itself can be daunting), they impose certain restrictions because of illness and disease or even accidents, and we as society place certain limits on ourselves due to the colour of our skin meaning we shouldn’t or wouldn’t fit in here and there, and one of the biggest limitations of bodies, they don’t last forever… So let’s usher in the biggest limitation there is; the Mind.
Limitations of Mind
The limitations imposed by our minds are a complex and multifaceted aspect of human existence. While the human brain is incredibly powerful and adaptive, there are several reasons why we may perceive limitations in our mental capacity:
Biological Constraints: The human brain has evolved over millions of years, and its structure and functioning are the result of various trade-offs and compromises. Our cognitive abilities are constrained by the size, wiring, and organisation of our brains.
Information Processing Limits: The brain processes an immense amount of information every second, but it has inherent limits in terms of attention, memory, and processing speed. These limitations make it challenging for us to fully understand or process all the data around us.
Cognitive Bias: Our minds are susceptible to cognitive biases and heuristics that can distort our perception and judgment. These biases can lead to errors in thinking, decision-making, and understanding the world around us.
Education and Environment: Our upbringing, education, and environment play a crucial role in shaping our mental abilities. Limited access to quality education or exposure to a narrow range of experiences will have an effect on how we think.
Cultural and Social Conditioning: Societal norms, values, and cultural beliefs can influence our thought patterns, limiting our ability to think outside the box or consider alternative viewpoints.
Fear and Anxiety: Emotions, such as fear and anxiety, can limit our cognitive functioning. When we are in a state of high stress or fear, our ability to think rationally and creatively can be hampered.
Neurological and Psychological Disorders: Conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues can create significant cognitive limitations. These disorders affect attention, memory, and decision-making.
Age-Related Decline: As we age, our cognitive abilities naturally decline. Memory, processing speed, and problem-solving can be affected, leading to perceived limitations in mental functioning.
Closed-Mindedness: Sometimes, we limit ourselves through closed-mindedness, a reluctance to consider alternative viewpoints or ideas. This can hinder personal growth and the expansion of knowledge.
It's important to note (as all of that sounds quite negative/dark) that while we have inherent cognitive limitations, the human mind is incredibly adaptable and capable of growth. Through many things such as education, practice, mindfulness, and self-awareness, we can expand our mental horizons, challenge cognitive biases, and work to overcome many of these limitations. Becoming aware of our cognitive constraints is a step toward transcending them and doing our best to evolve emotionally and spiritually.
So Can We Define Spirituality?
Spirituality is often shrouded in mysticism and elusive to definition. There are many sides to human existence that absolutely transcends the boundaries of religion, culture, and conventional understanding. Interestingly The Royal College of Psychiatrists define Spirituality as follows:
“Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling or sense or belief that there is something greater than myself, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.” The very human part of me that needs an explanation, is actually quite contented with this answer. It feels in my mind and body to be more of a feeling than a tangible experience with everything. The following areas we’ll explore are common themes surrounding Spirituality I’ve come across when researching or reading any texts considered as Spiritual:
Defying Dogma
Spirituality is not synonymous with organised religion. It is a realm that defies the boundaries of dogma and doctrine, inviting us all to explore the deepest facets of our being. In doing so, it encourages us to question, reflect, and redefine our understanding of the universe and our place within it. In this way, spirituality acts as a bridge between the rational and the inexplicable, between science and the metaphysical.
The Inner Journey
At its core, spirituality is a deeply personal journey. It beckons us to embark on an expedition into the uncharted territories of our inner worlds. Unlike organised religion, which often provides a set of prescribed beliefs and practices, spirituality allows for a highly individualised approach. It encourages (but should never coerce) introspection, meditation, and self-discovery as means to connect with the essence of existence. There’s a beautiful quote by Deepak Chopra:
“Awakening is not changing who you are but discarding who you are not”.
Transcending the Ego
In the daring pursuit of spirituality, we encounter the concept of the ego, the sense of self that often dominates our thoughts and actions. Spirituality challenges us to transcend the ego, to question the boundaries of our identity, and to merge with a higher, universal consciousness. In doing so, we strive for a state of egolessness, wherein the boundaries between self and other blur, leading to a deeper connection with all life forms.
Unity in Diversity
While spirituality may seem ethereal and transcendent, it paradoxically promotes the idea of unity in diversity. It celebrates the multiplicity of human beliefs and practices, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the spiritual journey. By acknowledging the beauty in this diversity, spirituality allows us to respect and appreciate the beliefs of others, fostering a sense of global interconnectedness.
The Daring Quest for Meaning
Spirituality is a quest for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and indifferent. It asks us to confront our mortality, to grapple with existential questions, and to find purpose and significance amidst the uncertainties of life. It challenges us to seek meaning beyond the material, to discover a profound sense of purpose that transcends the mundane.
Connecting with Nature
The daring exploration of spirituality often leads us to a deeper connection with the natural world. This connection is not limited to environmental conservation but extends to a recognition of the sacredness of all living beings and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Spirituality implores us to respect and cherish the planet and its diverse ecosystems as an embodiment of divinity.
I don’t claim to have Spirituality all figured out because it really will be different for everyone, and it should be. Because we’re all so different. One of the best things about being human actually is how different each person I meet is. So what works for one shouldn’t work in all the same ways for another. That’s not to say I’ve not resonated with other people’s ideas and work and what they share, because I absolutely have, and connecting with other humans through communication alike is often profound, but what I’ve found in my own experience is that I can hear words from so many places, but until I’m ready to hear what they’re saying, it won’t actually penetrate into my mind and body. Yet years later, hearing exactly the same thing, those things can hit differently and I may actually listen that time and take it on board, apply certain ideas and useful tips and hints, but I‘ve found I will only ever do that when I’m ready, and it’ll have my own twist to fit into my life, my reality; I’ve then adapted that teaching to me on a personal level. So whether we fully embrace a witchy mindset, delve into astrology and follow the stars and planets, use Tarot or Oracle cards for daily influence, meditate every day, do yoga or Thai Chi, whatever all the things are, whatever resonates, or indeed NONE of these things; all of that is perfect for YOU. Its where you’re at now. You are, in my opinion, a Spiritual being just through existing. Because all of life, no matter what it brings and who you are, is Spiritual.
Spirituality is a daring voyage into the heart and soul of humanity. It defies simple definition, transcending the boundaries of religious dogma and inviting us to embark on a deeply personal, introspective journey. This quest challenges our egos, encourages unity amidst diversity, and asks us to confront the fundamental questions of existence. By connecting us with the natural world, spirituality leads us to a greater understanding of our place in the universe. In its daring and boundless nature, spirituality ultimately illuminates the path to a richer, more meaningful life. So now ask yourself, what is Spirituality to you?
