Spirituality – is it religion? Is it meditation? Is it Faith? Is it God? Is it Nature?

The first known use of the word was in the 15th century. Since I have heard the term spirituality used in many ways, I looked to find the literal meaning. I actually found a variety of definitions. Merriam-Webster defines it as 1) something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric as such 2) clergy 3) sensitivity or attachment to religious values 4) the quality or state of being spiritual. American Heritage defines it as 1) the state, quality, manner, or fact of being spiritual 2) the clergy 3) something such as property or revenue that belongs to the church or to a cleric. And I Mosby's Dictionary of Complementary and Alternative Medicine defines it as 1) an individual's quest for understanding the true meaning of life and the desire to integrate with the transcendent or sacred. This may or may not arise from or lead to community formation or ritual observance.

Beyond its literal definitions, spirituality is characterized in different ways culturally. Christian Spirituality is defined as that which animates a person's life of faith; that which moves a person's faith to greater depths and perfection. Jewish Spirituality is grounded in seeing God in the everyday, and living spiritually means making a difference in this world now. Middle Eastern Indian Spirituality is all about being compassionate and positive towards the self and other living beings. In Islam, Spirituality is defined as the linking of actions to the purpose of life. Buddhist spirituality is concerned with the end of suffering through the enlightened understanding of reality. While all of these may be valid, perhaps none are quite complete.

What makes each of us live spiritually is unique to every one of us. I found many, many ways that people define this term individually. Some made complete sense while others left me wondering how they could be so far from what I believe it means. There are many ways that one can bring spirituality into her/his life. Prayers, compassion, selflessness, attending religious services, keeping sacred all living things - all are ways of practicing spirituality as a way of living.

I remember growing up I had my bedtime prayers – “Now I lay me down to sleep…” – kneeling beside my bed and adding in specific people I wanted to each night. And I remember whenever the car would have trouble starting that mom would say to the six of us “say a Hail Mary”. Being raised Catholic, going to mass, praying was how spirituality was defined for me in my life. As I got older I stopped going to church while still believing in a greater power or God, if you will and having faith in the goodness of man. I eventually came upon shamanism which brought things together for me while not diminishing my faith.

I eventually came to this conclusion: no one can tell anyone else what makes them live spiritually. What works for one person another person has a different way to get the same result. There are a variety of religions and cultures that offer a spiritual way of life. If you want religion there is one out there for you. If you want community there is one out there for you. If you want to blend any of these, that is out there for you as well.

So I offer you my own definition of spirituality: the quest for the enlightened understanding of reality while honoring all things in a grateful, compassionate way and assisting others as I can. I found things that have worked for me and please let me offer them to you. These help me hold spirituality as a way of life.

   ~  I practice seeing the spark of Divinity in everyone because they are a reflection of me
       (even the ones I do not particularly like)

   ~  I pray, often

   ~  Giving, whether it is monetarily or volunteering time. No matter what, it matters

   ~  Gratitude, even for the unwanted things as they are an indication of what you want, lessons

   ~  Compassion in thoughts, words, and deeds

   ~  Having rituals, standard practices that keep me balanced

   ~  Community