- Spiritual is the immaterial, the non-physical, coming from some other dimension more intuited than known. People talk of being spiritual rather than religious, which I suppose means they are not identified with a religious institution, but they do experience a spiritual dimension in their lives. Is the spiritual that voice that we hear in our heads, our conscience speaking to us, synchronistic events, which seem to just happen, life unfolding in unanticipated ways? The sound of silence in Muir Woods, the experience of the trees’ energy, the communion with fish in the ocean? Perhaps it is the word for mystery, for the unknown and unknowable dimensions from which we come and to which we return.
- On one level being spiritual, or having spirituality, refers to a kind of growth or maturation process, often a lifelong one. There is a temptation to include the word ‘personal’ growth or ‘personal’ maturation process. But that shift in viewpoint may actually stray far from the mark. Spirituality, as a kind of maturation spoken of in most traditions, really is about the diminishment of the person, the self, or the ego. It is about a growing recognition of the inner, non-material Self and a movement towards a more enlightened way of being that is at one with ‘what is’. Of course the ego is quick to take up the spiritual quest, and identifies with such an honorable task of being a spiritual seeker. But inevitably the ego is cleverly playing a role, while quietly keeping score of all the wonderful spiritual experiences it has vicariously lived on one’s chosen spiritual path. This is not to dismiss such experiences as they truly have value and allow us to feel one step closer to our goal of expanded spirituality. And yet, unless we are conscience enough to recognize when our ego is masquerading as Self, it can all be an empty ride. It is not necessary to make the ego any less for doing this. It is only important to recognize that, as humans, the ego is always at work. It is the ‘doing’ part of our nature and has to be part of the process of change. All spiritual traditions recognize this partnership is at work. Always taking a step back to reflect, true spirituality constantly maintains a vigilant discernment over our actions and beliefs. It asks the tough question of who or what has grown from any given experience. And what is the yardstick? Ultimately the measure may be expressed in the presence of some kind of humility in the aftermath of our most powerful spiritual experiences. These times may be marked by a desire to change but in the humblest possible way, meaning by that in a way that does not intensify the ego. It is said that failure is the currency of spirit, the price to be paid for spiritual deepening. In a paradoxical way, real success along a spiritual journey includes a good share of failures. While failure is not something our egos readily embrace, our spiritual essence does not seem to have any aversion.
- What a difficult word to reduce to words. It is really a way of being or a state of consciousness (all of which probably need further clarification). Spiritual is a state of being where I am living in, choosing from/with, and feeling the energy of that which transcends and infuses everything.
- Spiritual: when your orientation to life begins to have the circumstances of life show up for you as related to spirit, like when your car won’t start and you get present to a need to slow down, or perhaps spirit is guiding you to a different timeline for your day, then you have begun to live your life inside a spiritual context. Being spiritual imbues the happenings of life with a spiritual flavor.
- Spirituality is a safe and peaceful place for me and has no limitations of what is spirituality.
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