Spirituality is a human quest for meaning, reverence, awe, and purpose. It involves the belief in a higher form of intelligence or Consciousness running the universe and that there is life after death. Many people think that spirituality is a religion, but it’s more than that. It’s also about finding a way to live in harmony with nature, connecting the body, mind, and spirit, and finding inner peace.
There is no universal definition for spirituality, and even within the same tradition, different paths can be considered spiritual in their own right. For example, some Hindus believe that manifestations of God are everywhere: in the sky, in a cow, in an enlightened person, or simply in everyday activities such as cooking or walking. Goddess religions invest nature and the body with spiritual value, and some Native Americans look for signs of Spirit while in the woods or during community gatherings. Other religions focus on the lives and teachings of a holy or highly evolved figure, such as Christ, Buddha, or Muhammad.
Regardless of their differences, most spiritual traditions share the idea that all humans are one, and that love is at the core of everyone’s existence. In addition, they often stress the importance of putting love into action and treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion. Some spiritual paths also promote the concept of karma, or a belief in cause and effect: that your actions and intentions will have an impact on your future, either good or bad.