Me & Spirituality| Yvonne Griffin

Spirituality means different things to different people. Everyone has their own understanding of the area. For some, spirituality conjures up a picture of something very religious such as churches, statues, saints and services to meditating hippies chanting barefoot in a monastery. Others believe that spirituality has nothing to do with religion but is an ongoing part of our every day life. Spending time trying to define exactly what spirituality meant to me while challenging, has proven to be a life changing process. Let me explain.

Like many others, I was under the illusion that spirituality in essence was religion. That one had to be ‘holy’ to be spiritual and it was an area reserved only for very ‘special’ or chosen people. My goodness how wrong I was. I grew up in Ireland at a time when the Catholic Church was very powerful and influential in people’s lives. My childhood was very much dominated by the need to conform, ‘fear’ of God and accept the teachings of the church. Looking outside of the church for answers would have been unheard of.

However, as I progressed on my journey through life, I was to be dealt many difficult experiences which would challenge my very being and have me seeking answers as to what life is actually all about. I found myself disengaging completely from my religious beliefs but yet drawn by a force stronger than myself to ask deeper questions about my faith. I found my answers in Spirituality.

I sought answers from spiritual books and by listening to others. I listened to those who were deeply absorbed in their perspectives of spirituality and religion. I listened to those who did not claim any religion at all. I read frantically like there was no tomorrow, comparing various theories and concepts which were put forward about life. I even listened to those who were scornful of the very concepts of religion and spirituality. Within a short time frame, I realised that the topic of spirituality delves far past the topic of religious differences. It is surrounded by all aspects of life and is deeply ingrained in everyone.

In this section, I am seeking to give people a basic understanding of spirituality and hopefully for many it will demystify the myths about what spirituality is and isn’t. What is important to point out is that, spirituality is a type of journey and every spiritual journey is different, just like every human being is unique. Personally, I found a sense of freedom when I found spirituality. I found a way of life that encouraged me to explore and be true to myself where I could free myself of demands, structures and limitations placed around me by religion.

Does that mean spirituality is distinct from religion?

First of all, Spirituality and religion are two different things. Understanding the difference is key to ensuring that one doesn’t endure the pain which goes along with denying and suppressing our own spiritual nature. People who have been hurt by religion can unconsciously suppress their personal spiritual growth & path when disconnect from religion

what is the difference between spirituality and religion?

Spirituality is part of our human nature. Religion is man made and focuses on having an individual look outside of themselves and adhere to a set of beliefs and practices. Religion however, is meant to help people express their spirituality and draw closer to their Creator, God, or the Universal Truth and in essence is a spiritual practice.

Spirituality can be either a part of a particular religion or independent of religion, by way of a self directed and personal inner path. As part of a larger religious journey, spirituality relates to one’s personal relationship to God or the divine goal. For example a Christian’s spirituality involves developing a personal relationship and experience with Jesus Christ without emphasis on material gain. This can be through prayer, meditation, attending church or maybe reading the bible.

For the person not connected with any particular religion, spirituality may be adapted and modelled after the sacred practices of a number of different religions or after no religion at all.

what is spirituality?

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