Spirituality – Creating Connections Beyond the Physical
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Spirituality refers to a person’s perspective on the world and the nature of existence. This concept is frequently tied to religious faith, but spiritual belief can exist without reference to a higher deity. A person’s spiritual beliefs extend beyond time and matter. They encompass philosophical ideas beyond the material, worldly realm. However, this is inevitably a subjective realm. Spirituality is an individual perspective, which each person must define for his or her own self.
Ultimately, spirituality refers to a perceived connection. This connection can take many forms. For some, spirituality means connecting with the natural world. Such persons believe their lives and purpose as intricately tied to the Earth. Other spiritual views center on a connection to a metaphysical realm. This may refer to a religious ideology or a transcendent emotional experience. Manifestations of such spiritual belief are often associated with meditation or other altered mental states. Some simply refer to spirituality as a connection to a greater energy force. This force can either exist within an individual or in some external realm the individual seeks to enter.
There are several common elements of spirituality, which exist across numerous cultures and belief systems. For example, the idea that each person travels a spiritual path to reach some enlightened or perfected status is accepted by many traditions. To succeed on this philosophical journey, a person must follow certain behavioral norms and adhere to a moral code. Additionally, many believe the spiritual world can only be reached after some break with the physical world. Thus, common spiritual practices include the symbolic or literal disposal of material possessions and worldly ties.
For some, spirituality is also inherently tied to physical wellbeing. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that spiritual practices, such as meditation or prayer, can influence a person’s health. However, due to its esoteric nature, spirituality seems beyond empirical study. Thus, spiritual issues do not often mesh with scientific discovery. However, this has not stopped some researchers from attempting to reconcile the two. Most notably, perhaps, is Ken Wilber who proposed the “Integral Theory of Consciousness,” which seeks to explain the universe through both the scientific principles of physics and spiritualism.
Some researchers have moved beyond human spirituality and sought to uncover whether animals have spiritual experiences. Most notably, studies of chimpanzees have shown that these primates participate in displays of mourning, love, empathy, and curiosity. This indicates they are capable of “higher” emotions, and could possess some level of spirituality. Building on this information, researchers have suggested that human spirituality began prior to the evolution of modern, homo sapien man.
Spirituality is something that each and every human experiences on some level. It can not be strictly defined or studies. However, it has fascinated people for millennia and continues to play an integral role in the human experience.
John W. Martin
Author Bio
What is there to say. I like to write a little something now and then but am too busy with other things to try and make a living at it.
