Discovering The Definition Of Spirituality Within Ourselves

"Wherever we may come alive, that is the area in which we are spiritual." - David Steindl-Rast

As our life experience continues to grow and we learn new ways of thinking and being, the question of spirituality often arises.

The definition of spirituality is commonly viewed as the process of finding and developing our own inner sense of power through introspect and contemplation. This power is commonly viewed as our true self or spirit.

The question of spiritual practice being associated with religion is highly debatable. There are many who claim to be spiritual rather than religious, choosing spirituality as a personal choice rather than an organized association. However, one may view religion as their form of spirituality.

When trying to understand the definition of spirituality, many use methods such as meditation and prayer. Others may adopt a mantra to live by. Still, others find spirituality to be a part of their creative lives, using art and music as their definition of spirituality.

What Is Spirituality?

The definition of spirituality varies greatly from one person to the next. Often called Source, God, Energy, Awareness, The Universe, or whatever feels true for each individual, the idea of an ultimate power gives new meaning and purpose to one adopting change for the better.

For some, as their journey unfolds, the wonder, amazement and appreciation for the world and all it holds begins to surface, and they may come to a realization there must be a Supreme Power, a Creator, someone or something greater than they. How else can they explain the unexplained? The unsolved? The unanswered?

It is this realization or belief of a Supreme Power that can hold an answer to those seeking to define spirituality. Each individual has the right to determine what that means for them.

This awareness also encompasses improving our lives by practicing fundamental and general acts of goodness, including:

• Kindness
• Generosity
• Gratitude
• Etiquette
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Compassion
• Humility
• Love
• Any action producing a happy state of being

Spiritual awareness encompasses light in any form, and doing good opens up new areas to be experienced. Are we here to simply trudge through life, wondering why anything matters? Or do we have the opportunity to seek and perhaps elevate each part of our existence.

Our Spiritual Path

For some, finding the definition of spirituality is more a journey of discovering inner peace and strength. Many who have never been spiritual change when there is a life altering event of some sort. All of a sudden, they find themselves interested in what lies beyond. Questions like "Why am I here?" and "What is life really about?" begin to surface.

Spirituality isn't just about what is out there, it is about who we truely are and who we ultimately will become. It's finding the light and passion within our souls.

There is a path for all of us. We are all on this earth for a specific reason. Our job is to find out what that reason is and follow it. Whether the experience is for us alone or as an example for many people, our unique purpose is undeniable.

Strengthening Our Spirituality

There are a variety of ways to improve and strengthen your unique definition of spirituality, including:

• Increasing your faith. This is at the root of improving oneself. If we develop our faith in humanity and the world, our definition of spirituality will automatically be strengthend. What is faith? It is believing in what you have not seen. It's knowing the end result of something before you experience it. It's accepting things as you want them to be instead of how they are. Faith knows no doubt. Developing this aspect is essential. It is also extremely powerful.
• Being willing to change. When we are faced with a problem, most of us automatically turn the blame to someone or something else, instead of looking within to find our answers. Are we willing to look at any situation with an honest heart and admit if we are wrong? And further, be willing to change our ways?
• Doing the work. Any amount of progress takes dedication and commitment. Are we willing to take on the work required to make significant changes? Are we ready to commit? Without action, there is no prize.
• Improving ourselves in temporal matters. We may think that a little white lie doesn't matter, but ultimately, if we are willing to let ourselves go down any path we ultimately know is wrong, even on a small level, it may lead to bigger and less desirable actions, and in turn bigger problems. It's important to just be honest, both with ourselves and everyone around us. Life flows much easier when we develop this attitude.
• Letting go of ego. This is a biggie. We all have that voice in our head that tells us of all the problems we'll encounter by taking on a new perspective. We worry about making the right choices for our lives. We fear the unknown and think about all the problems we could face embracing a new attitude. We worry, fret, fear, go back and forth with descisions... Enough!

  It is just our ego talking.

  Whenever we are unsure and out of sorts, rest assured that old part of us is visiting. When this happens it is wise to say to this voice "Thank you for sharing" and then go right ahead and do what you know in your heart is the right thing to do. Just stay in the moment. The ego has no control over us when we do. Don't give your power away to something that doesn't exist. We are always in control of every minute of our life.

• Setting aside time each day to develop your path. What is your goal? What do you want for yourself? What do you want to do for others? Decide how much time you would like to devote to this path and then go out and do it. You'll find yourself growing from each experience you give yourself to. You'll benefit even more if you can recognize and learn from the lesson in each situation.

It's important to live by your creed. Don't be a hypocrite. Decide what you believe in and then just go for it. People will respect who you are much more if what you say you believe and how you act are a rock solid match. If you aren't sure yet, at least set a standard for yourself and stick to that. There is nothing more annoying than a wishy-washy person. How can you count on them?

As you grow, your standards and views will change, and your definition of spirituality will too. Life has a way of teaching us the things we need to know, we just have to be willing to see it.

Be open in your journey and be willing to learn new things, always being aware of how you feel. Trust in your ability to make the right decisions. Finding the definition of spirituality is about discovering your own inner awareness. It is also about learning and applying the fundamentals of life: forgivness, being kind, having a giving heart, being honest, and overall just being a good person.

There is something greater out there than we are. We can choose to discover the meaning of spirituality for ourselves through our own self-development, which hopefully, will help us stand for light and truth wherever we find it. Spirituality is, and always will be, a personal journey.

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