What is spirituality? How do you define it in your own life? What does it mean for you? How do you find direction in life through spirituality?
Direction
The word “spirituality” has multiple meanings and is unique to each person. During my graduate studies, I took an elective course called, “The Spirituality of AA” (Alcoholics Anonymous). In this class, I heard the best definition of spirituality that stays with me to this day. The teachers of this course defined spirituality as “having all one’s energy move in the same direction.” This definition is similar to the one of spirituality in AA, “GOD as Good Orderly Direction.”
Energy
Think about it. Spirituality is about all your energy moving in the same direction. This energy is flowing within you and in harmony with your understanding of God, or your Higher Power, or however you name the Power greater than you (God, Universe, Creator, Mystery, Love, the Holy, the Sacred, Great Spirit, Energy, etc.). Spirituality is palpable energy. You do not have to be religious to be spiritual. Spirituality is about connecting with your understanding of your Higher Power in all aspects of your life.
Think about it again. Spirituality is having all your energy move in the same direction. This energy is moving toward the One who created you, who fashioned you into being, who breathed love into the very soul of who you are. Spirituality is discovering this energy within and around you, while connecting and seeking meaning along the journey of life.
“What do I want for my life? Why am I not there?” – Thomas Merton
Desire
I consider myself a seeker of the Spirit, hungry for meaning in life. There is a desire within me to be attentive and connect with the deeper meaning behind ordinary living, spirituality in everyday life. I also want to connect with other spiritual seekers, with those who long for something more profound in the life adventure.
How do you define spirituality in your own life? What does it mean for you?
Note: Thanks to Sr. Mary Louise Edwards, OP and the Reverend Joe Merkt for teaching this course and introducing me to a definition of spirituality that drives my quest for understanding.
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