The Modern Meaning of Spirituality

Nowadays, the meaning of spirituality has acquired an expanded significance, transcending the requirements of religious groups sharing a specific religious belief and following a set of rituals.

In our times we see a growing need for spiritual connection. People often travel to secluded places to search for natural sanctuaries where they can reconnect with a deeper part of themselves. We feel consciously or unconsciously attracted to places and people who resonate with us, who uplift us and support us in visible and invisible ways. We naturally respond to the intention of people, children, animals and to the energy flow of natural settings.

The Power Within

The search for spirituality expresses the essential need of human beings to know themselves and to connect deeply with everything that is around them, day by day. Spirituality is part and parcel of every activity, ingrained in the very structure of life. To find and follow the thread that connects all of life and to perceive the purpose hidden behind the apparent chaos and random events. This is an ambitious goal, and yet we are becoming more and more aware of the strength hidden at our core, of the power we hold within ourselves, as individuals and as a community, to influence reality.

Life is very unpredictable and we are often frustrated by our limited capacity to influence reality. Yet from experience we know that our thoughts and actions do have an impact, sooner or later, and we have a choice for how to respond to situations. We can choose to feel overwhelmed and fearful or we can step back and focus on our purpose and inner strength.

Einstein once said that “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” So when you find yourself in a conundrum, try to detach yourself and move to another level. This way, you allow yourself to be transformed and as a consequence new solutions and resources can appear and things around you can change.

That is an example of taking a spiritual stance and discover the meaning of spirituality. Being able to pause, detach, and offer empathy and compassion to ourselves and others, requires deep trust; a faith not in something outside ourselves, but within ourselves, in the wisdom of the heart.

How to Integrate Spirituality in Your Life

What supports us to integrate the spiritual dimension in our daily life? What supports us to stay centered and think, move and act as ‘spiritual beings’?

There is a broad choice of tools and methods that will support us to regain alignment with our purpose and creativity, such as energy healing, shamanic healing, meditation sessions, yoga retreats and so on.

From the dawn of times men have always searched for clarity, meaning, direction and vision in many different ways. Spirituality is a commitment to live consciously every moment of your life, using your skills to support the happiness and wellbeing of yourself and others. It takes an effort to let go of the wanderings of the mind  and be open to listen to the signs you receive and to the promptings of the heart. And to learn about cooperation from nature, from animals, from children. The modern meaning of spirituality is first and foremost to be open to introduce healing practices into our daily life. Being open to learn from the ancient wisdom of native peoples as well as from modern philosophers. And above all learn from the great sages who can teach us about the interconnectedness of all things.

The famous Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, a mystic poet whose wisdom transcended religious definitions, once said:

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.