What is Spirituality?
Spirituality, in a narrow sense, concerns itself with matters of the spirit, a concept closely tied to religious belief and faith, a transcendent reality, or one or more deities. Spiritual matters are thus those matters regarding humankind’s ultimate nature and purpose, not only as material biological organisms, but as beings with a unique relationship to that which is perceived to be beyond both time and the material world. Spirituality also implies the mind-body dichotomy, which indicates a separation between the body and soul.
Before we explore how we see ourselves can adventure in spiritual growth, let’s ponder that word spirituality. It has been much misused recently in our all-pervasive media, and some are inclined to think it is an invention of “New Age” adherents. It is not. Spirituality in general is the innermost aspect of religion. Christian spirituality is the inward journey of the human spirit into the very heart of God, to dwell there with Christ and the Holy Spirit in full awareness forever.
We have see seen that a spiritual life does not require a different “state” in life. In fact, some conditions of family life or work life are actually more advantageous to a deep life with God than life in a monastery is. We can begin precisely where we are. In fact, that is the only place we can begin.
Since spiritual life is an inward journey, no particular externals are required. When we turn within deeply and consistently enough, we will find God in our heart and ourselves in the loving heart of God. This is simple enough to say, simple perhaps even to understand with the mind. To live it is a great challenge, a fabulous adventure, a fascinating journey. Ultimately, it is coming home to our true home, the “place” we have yearned for always: the heart of our Creator.