What Is Spirituality?

Spirituality is a sense that there is more to life than meets the eye, more to the universe than purposeless mechanics, and more to human beings than just electrical impulses in the brain. It usually involves a belief in some form of higher inteligence or consciousness running the universe, and may include ideas like heaven, hell, reincarnation, and the afterlife. But people of all faiths, including atheists and agnostics, can feel spiritual.

A big part of spirituality is moving inward – tuning into your inner self to honor the immaterial dimensions of life. This can involve things such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga and time spent in nature. It can also be a daily practice of examining one’s conscience, a process of reflecting on the day-to-day ethical and moral dilemmas that people face.

But there are many ways to be spiritual – it’s very personal and depends on what brings you comfort, solace and awe. Some people find solace through the arts, while others find it in music or poetry. Others might spend time with a spiritual or religious figure in their lives, such as a mentor or friend. Some people find spirituality in a place of worship, but it can also be found in places that make you feel connected to the natural world or your community.

Regardless of what practices you engage in, try to be kind and compassionate toward yourself, and be mindful of other people. If you’re feeling a spiritual connection to something, explore it in more detail, but don’t force yourself into any activities that aren’t right for you.