Spiritual awakening
Spirituality
FOCUS ON THE THINGS AROUND YOU.
At this moment…
At the time you are reading this…
At yourself…
At the people and things around you…
At the view outside your window…
Observe…
Think…
Surely, there has to be someone or something more than just the external façade of this earthly dwelling.
There has to be something bigger than ourselves.
There has to be something more than just some sensory experience.
There has to be something that lies beyond.
This is a spiritual kind of thinking.
Though spirituality dates back thousands, if not, millions of years in the past, it still is present up to this time. As in an article by Amy R. Krentzman entitled What Is Spirituality? She mentioned that, “Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than us, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human experience—something that touches us all. People may describe a spiritual experience as sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness.”
True enough, spirituality is such a broad concept to tackle. It is used by an individual, a group of people, a religion, and so on. As said by Remez Sasson in his article entitled What Is Spirituality? – Meaning and Definition, “There are people who would say that for them; spirituality means religion, being religious, and following the laws and tradition of religion, probably their own religion.
For some, this word means belief in God and the power that created life and the Universe.
Another answer you might get is that spirituality means anything to do with the soul and the spirit.
Some people associate spirituality with the new age movement, with healing, psychic powers, Astrology, the paranormal and everything that is not physical.
For a few, spirituality could mean meditation, yoga, the expansion of consciousness and spiritual awakening.
As you see, spirituality means different things to different people. All these definitions and meanings share the idea that spirituality is something beyond the physical world. People consider it as something mysterious, exotic or rigorous, depending on their point of view.”
This definition is very clear in its sense. Spirituality can mean different from people who associate it to religion and spirituality can also mean different from those who do not even have religion.
But is spirituality really important?
For Giovanni (writer of What is Spirituality — A Guide To Spiritual Paths and Practices), YES. Spirituality is significant in our lives. Spirituality gives us a sense of purpose or direction. You are looking for meaning in your life which will fulfill the foundation of living. CONNECTION OR LOVE, GROWTH, ANSWERS/TRUTH, HAPPINESS / PEACE / OVERCOME SUFFERING, TRANSCENDENCE / ENLIGHTENMENT, EXPLORATION/MYSTERY, and SERVING are the most important effects of spirituality.
As meditation is different from different kinds of people, spirituality is said to have been different for each one also. There are numerous types of spirituality known to this day and each one has their own specific purpose. Giovanni mentioned Buddhism, yoga, Vedanta, Sufism, Christian Mysticism, Taoism, Kabbalah, Jainism, and Shamanism.
Regardless of our differences of views about spirituality, we all head to the same direction of looking at the things that are beyond, seeking for things out of the external realm, moving beyond our personal shell, and so on.
“There is a light in this world. A healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, and too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways.”
– Richard Attenborough
