The word “spiritual” is universal and is known in many different contexts. The word “spiritual” began around the year 1300. It originated from Medieval Latin ecclesiastical use of the Latin “spiritualis” meaning “of or pertaining to breath, breathing, wind, or air, pertaining to the spirit. (Harper, Online Etymology, 2014.) Merriam-Webster defines the literal meaning of the word as “of or relating to religion or religious beliefs.” Though these origins speak to the traditional religious definition of “spiritual,” nontraditional religions, philosophy, meditation, and even atheism all make use of the word.
Though it may seem to some people that the word “religion” and “spiritual” are at odds, many find their spirituality in religion. When the religion is found, a person strives to do better and to be a better person. The person strives to please his or her almighty, and even though he or she still have some problems along the way, he or she continues with the help of his or her faith in his or her religion. Often those who are involved in a religion lead more happy and productive lives. There is more social contact and, more likely than not, more support. The mental activity that comes with optimism and volunteering learned coping strategies that enhance one’s ability to deal with stress, and psychological factors such as “reason for being” lead to a happier life. It may also be that religious people engage in behaviors related to good health, such as less substance abuse. All religions have some form of contact with their spiritual creator. Mostly the common theme is prayer. Though different religions have different ways of doing this, it is a way for the person to keep in touch with his or her God. This is one...
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...ers of life are what make it so unique for each person. In this way, one could say that this is a part of one’s spirituality and one’s ongoing search for the meaning in life.
In conclusion, It is only natural that a human being questions where he or she belongs, and why he or she is here. Being spiritual brings one closer to that answer. When becoming spiritual a peace of mind is gained, and a sense of belonging. There are many different ways of being spiritual and they all allow one to handle burdens with a sense of comfort. So no matter what life throws at someone the faith that is chosen will help one make it through., whether that faith is traditional, nontraditional, philosophical, meditative, or essentially, only a personal experience.
Works Cited
Merriam,Webster , . N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr 2014
Haper, Online Etymology. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr 2014.
The idea of spirituality is realistically a difficult word to define, everyone perceives spirituality in their own way, and uses it in different ways. When reading the Christian bible, John the Baptist discusses the idea of spirituality and defines it as, “Spirituality is all about becoming more like God, who is spirit and having our character conformed to his image.”(John 4:24) (Romans12: 1-2). When the Natives were forced to convert to Christianity, this is what they were told to believe, that spirituality means that you must conform you’re character to be more like God. This truly shows you how much the Europ...
Spirituality is a connection to something much bigger than ourselves and involves one’s search for the meaning of life. It is something that can have a profound effect on all of us. When a person is searching for the meaning of life, most are surprised to find that the answer to that question lies deep down within ourselves. By allowing yourself to connect to higher consciousness we set a personal path for ourselves in finding our own truths.
A difficulty that has occurred commonly is that a definition of spirituality cannot be agreed on. In a broad explanation of both religion as well as spirituality, religion constitutes the organization of faith, implementing prayer, ministry and theology. Spirituality could be viewed as a more individualized experience with a higher being, creator or idea (Walker et al., 2004, p. 70). These expressions allow a vision of client diversity that is found in all counseling classifications. While defining religion and spirituality properly seems trivial, when training counselors to properly apply the use of such variables in their therapies, a concrete explanation is imperative.
With this one can see why people practice religions in general, because religion gives a sense of security through stressing that faith is the key to getting through suffering. Faith in the everlasting soul, faith in God, or faith that one will end in the right place. Faith is the common factor among religions, and suffering brings out the faith in people.
My spiritual wellness is what I believe in life. I believe in my religion which is Christianity and its beliefs. I keep myself motivated through faith by the morals and beliefs throughout the day. Spiritual wellness is your purpose in life and that is an important part that has to do with your
The phrase “spiritual but not religious” has become popular in recent American history for those who are trying to describe their religious identity (Masci, 2016). Back home in Australia, No Religion was the most popular choice in the 2016 census at 30.1%, with Catholicism behind at 22.6% (ABS, 2017). Furthermore, McCrindle , an Australian social research firm, found in 2012 that nearly a fifth of Australians identify as 'spiritual but not religious’ (Debien, 2016). As humanity changes its view on religion and society, it also changes its views on personal spiritual exploration. As a result, existential spirituality and our perception of it has developed over the years to fit our beliefs. While traditional existentialism is frequently seen as “harsh and depressing”, particularly when looking at works of Sartre and Nietzsche, the new existentialism is said to explicitly “[embrace] ones capacity for joy.” (Wachs, 2011) In saying this, this is not joy in spite of the existential truths one must confront, but because of
Spiritual formation is a process that morphs as we grow and change. There is no one singular correct path this type of journey takes because each journey is as individual as the person who is experiencing it. Most obvious, the journey will be different from those who identify as religious and those who do not and will diversify with in each category. For example, the spiritual journey a Buddhist takes will be different from that of a believer in Judaism or Christianity. In fact, the journey will continue to diversify between Christians, male and female, age groups, even by demographic location. Consequently, the spiritual formation process is as diverse as it is intricate and we may never be able to discover all the journey options. Although individuals may not actively recognize they are experiencing spiritual formation it is a process that affects all. Because it is in human nature to question, learn, grow, and act, everyone to a certain extent is exposed to a unique spiritual formation journey.
The dynamic holistic view of the human individual as a biological, psychological, social, and spiritual being is the foundation of most nursing theories (Puchalski, 2006). Integral in these models of care is the recognition that the client is more than their physical being (Puchalski, 2006). To ensure the patient and family receive the most compassionate, comprehensive care, the consideration of spirituality is essential (Puchalski, 2006). According to Govier (2000), spirituality affects and embraces all that we are and do. Addressing spirituality is necessary to provide the experience of holistic care (Noto, 2006). It is imperative to attend to the spiritual dimension of the client in order to deliver nursing care that is compassionate and
Spirituality refers to the perspective of that which is valued in life, and that which must to be upheld and defended under any and all circumstances, regardless of the social environment and surrounding conditions.
A spirit is something that may be felt in the essence of the world but ultimately guides understanding into the meaning of life. Spirituality is often perceived in different ways by different cultures, religions, families, or even the individual. Often, the common theme that spirituality focuses on something greater than the physical world and allows people to feel connected to what it truly means to be a human on earth.
Most everyone has a worldview of spirituality. More often than not it is unspoken and held silently. Therefore, many individuals have questions and seek understanding through curiosity. Furthermore, there are some people who are strong in their beliefs and do not have a quavering devotion to the Lord, but have a complete faith. There are some that are strong prayer warriors or know at least someone that is. However, many claim to have faith yet they never stepped into a church. There are also many individuals that do not necessarily pray, yet others feel prayer is a false hope. Throughout the circumstances people generate positive thoughts and energy through the hardship of life. Nevertheless, they are equally important to me because they,
Spiritualism is the system of religious beliefs centered on the presumption that communication with the dead, or spirits, is possible (Grolier '97). Spiritualism challenged dominant cultural beliefs of the 19th century (Paul) and is still in practice today.
Spirituality can have many different definitions, depending on who is asked. It can be something as simple as looking for a higher meaning to life, or something so complex that one can base their beliefs, religion and overall life around it. There are several different ways to express one's spirituality; rituals, songs, dances, stories, and writings are all common methods of expression.
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” According to Buddha, everyone needs some form of spirituality to define his or her life and existence. Webster Dictionary defines spiritualism as “a system of beliefs or religious practices based on supposed communication with the spirits of the dead, often times through mediums.” Though this is one general definition of spiritualism, this concept is one that does not hold a conclusive meaning. Each and every single person has the ability and right to create and practice their own idea of spiritualism. From ancient times to present day, the term and practice of spirituality has transformed, particularly from region to region. Despite the discrepancies in practices and overall understanding of this idea, spirituality has had an effect and impact upon all of humanity since the creation of time. This religion that is believed to have been established in the early eighteen hundreds, after two little girls claimed to have the ability to talk to spirits, sparked interest in this spiritual movement, allowing it to spread rather rapidly over many geographical locations. Aside from being recognized as a religion, spiritualism is also believed to be a form of philosophy and a science in which spiritualists believe that there is life after death and try to demonstrate this through the ability of attempting to communicate with those that have passed on. Spiritualism was socially different from other religions in existence at the time because it presented followers with a more tolerant belief system that assimilated the principles and facts from a selection the world's religions. Spiritualism also made it acceptable for women to play a disti...
According to Hutchison (2015), “religion is symbolic patterns that consists of values, beliefs, behaviors and experiences” (p. 184). I personal conceptualize spirituality as a vital role in my life that helps me during a time of sickness, forgiveness, and needed guidance. Spirituality helps guide me throughout life during the difficult times I have encountered. Spirituality impacts my life in positive ways that influence and regulate my behavior and health. Health is very important to me; I believe the spirit can heal a person from their sickness. It seems that the spirit heals me every time I pray to be healed from sickness. The spirit gives me strength at a time of weakness. When I feel at my lowest point in life I call on the spirit to pick