Certainly, each person has his own idea of what spirituality is. However, when we stop to reflect on the real concept of the word, we are often left with no answers.
It is common to associate spirituality with different spiritual practices, such as masses, services, sessions, meditations, in addition to specific techniques or actions. In fact, spirituality can be found in a Catholic blessing, in a Spiritist healing touch, in an Evangelical preaching, in a Buddhist koan.
All of this is spirituality and, at the same time, none of this represents the essence of the word. After all, rituals or techniques are means to attain spirituality, not the ultimate goal.
So, what is spirituality?
In this publication, we will take a look at spirituality through some points of view. Thus, we can understand the subject from an ecumenical and inclusive perspective.
Spirituality vs. Religion
As I said above, religions are ways of practicing spirituality. However, in essence, religion and spirituality are quite distinct.
Religion
Religious practice is based on rituals and traditions. Both have the important function of facilitating the practice and creating habits of reconnection between man and the Higher Power.
Practitioners of formal religions find a clear path, with steps already taken to reconnect with “God”. It is as if, in this context, everything is already a little more "chewed" to facilitate learning.
One of the fundamental characteristics of religion is the existence of an external authority that tells us what to do. This authority can be a priest, pastor, rabbi, pope, reverend, mother, teacher, etc. Depending on the context, authority is the very sacred scripture on which religion is based.
Spirituality
While religion emphasizes form (ritual, tradition, dogma), spirituality usually consists of a search for the essence behind the appearance. In other words, what counts in this case is the purpose or intention behind the action.
Interestingly, spirituality has a strong connection with the origin (the essence behind the appearance) of the word religion, which comes from the Latin religare and means to reunite, to reconnect, to commune with.
In this context, spirituality can be understood as the constant union with something greater than yourself, regardless of the location, the form, the companies, or the action being taken.
A fundamental characteristic of spirituality is the presence of an internal authority (intuition, being, consciousness, inner God) on which the practice is based.
Spirituality according to etymology
As we have seen, in essence, spirituality is related to the etymology of religion, which means to reconnect, to reunite.
In addition, it is interesting to look at the etymological root of the word spirit. It comes from the Latin spiritus, meaning "breath" or "blowing", but also "courage" and "vigor". Thus, spirituality can be seen as the quality or state of courage and vigor.
Spirituality according to the New Testament
In the New Testament, there is a Greek word that refers to the concept of spirit. This word is pneuma and brings the idea of something that reconnects to “God” after physical death.
In this context, spirituality can be understood as the process of turning to “God” or reconnecting to the Higher Power, very similar to the origin of the word religion.
Spirituality according to Philosophy
In philosophy, spirituality is understood from the opposition between spirit and matter. Spirituality can be associated with a search for the meaning of life that transcends the mundane.
Finally: what is spirituality?
Virtually all points of view agree that spirituality is related to the search for the meaning and purpose of life through the transcendence of the physical world.
Likewise, different evolutionary paths and traditions commonly associate spirituality with words such as:
These terms can be seen not only as symbols of spirituality, but also as tools to achieve reconnection with yourself and with something greater than yourself. In addition, the words above convey qualities that are evidenced by all true spiritual practices, regardless of the religion, form or technique chosen by the practitioner.
Finally, if you have any definition or concept of spirituality that you like, feel free to complement the article by leaving your comment below. This way our reflection will become even richer!
Picture credits: The pictures used in this publication can be found on these sites: Sara Mastros Blog, Centro de Ajuda, Portugal Resident
Follow the Light and much Love,
!October 11th, 2020