Introduction to spirituality
Spirituality can be described as recognizing and experiencing the life force that connects you with
everything animate and inanimate. It connects you with a greater power that humans have given many
names. It is considered a universal human experience. You may call spiritual moments sacred or
transcendent and feel deeply alive in your very being. Spirituality is a personal journey of seeking
meaning, purpose and connection to something bigger than yourself. It brings positive feelings like peace,
awe and gratitude. Although all religion claims to be spiritual, Spirituality shouldn’t be tied to any one
religion. But at its core it’s about humanistic values such as love, compassion and harmony.
How To Become More Spiritual?
For many seekers, the surprising truth is that there really is no gate to spiritual life as suggested by a Zen
idea called the “gateless gate”. This means we are already spiritual beings, even if we pretend otherwise.
We may already be on the path without knowing it and recognizing that can be a big comfort. We can see
how busy and disorganized our minds are when we sit quietly and watch the mind. The chaos is just part
of a thinking mind so there’s nothing to be afraid of.
These patterns are revealed by meditation which also guides us to quiet times and lays the groundwork for
deeper inquiry. Along the way we may read books, read poetry, study religion or hear spiritual teachers
like Adyashanti, Alan Watts or Ram Dass. Stay detached but open minded. These teachings aren’t meant
to provide answers but markers for a deeper reality. They may inspire us but, in the end, everyone finds
purpose in their own way.
We can also practice meditation in motion by doing any form of exercise and movement. Journaling helps
clarify our thoughts and feelings. Practicing gratitude and memento mori (remembering death) can make
life feel more precious. Even asking a question like “Who am I?” or serving others with kindness can
open our hearts to something deeper.
In the end, remember that we don’t have to cross any special threshold to become spiritual, we already
are.
where did spirituality come from?
The term "spirituality" is as rich as the idea itself. Its etymology comes from the Latin spiritus meaning
“breath”. The term was first used widely in the 5th century but for over a thousand years its definition was
Christian only. Its meaning didn’t start to change towards the more inclusive, intimate understanding we
have today until the 19th century. The word’s gradual entry into people’s vocabulary, growing and
changing with them, was what drove this evolution, and not some single person. However, the practices
we refer to as spiritual are very old. These practices, which include trance work and animism, date back to
the Paleolithic era.
Embracing Spirituality and Accessing Higher Gift
A change in focus is the first step towards spirituality. Higher gifts like intuition, serenity, and deep
connection are found in the deliberate transition from outside noise to inner quiet.
Start by just using meditation to observe your own mind in order to gain access to this. Take note of its
incessant, judgment-free chatter. This awareness opens a door and creates a space. From this point on,
consider wisdom traditions as markers rather than destinations. Through thankfulness and attentive
listening, cultivate presence in your everyday life.
Recalling your actual nature is the path. You can only set out on this journey one mindful breath at a time
and always remember that the journey itself is the destination.