Defining spirituality: key concepts and perspectives

Spirituality

Kessler defines spirituality as a phenomenon that takes human psychology beyond the level of physiological concerns. Importantly, he also defines religion as "one" form of spirituality, rather than equating it with spirituality. Indeed, he acknowledges that there are several ways in which to view the concept of spirituality, not only among cultures, but also among individuals. I believe that spirituality means a recognition, both in life and in dying, that there is more to life than physical form. Furthermore, I also believe that one does not necessarily need to be religious in order to be spiritual.

What is interesting to me is that Kessler acknowledges that spirituality is not necessarily only the adherence to some form of organized or collective belief system, whether this includes a central god figure or not, but that it can be anything that creates in human beings a sense of a reality beyond the physical that might be accessed by means of spiritual practice. Indeed, the author mentions that highly individual internal and external relationships such as creative energy and family love could serve as vehicles for spiritual awareness.

In my personal view, then, spirituality is a belief, idea, or sense that there is more than the physical in both life and death. The spirit survives the body, but before death, spiritual energies could also be use to enhance the experience an individual may have of his/her life. Meditation, for example, can create a sense of profound peace that might otherwise not be possible.

While I do not believe that any one religion is more important than another, I do feel that it is important to be aware of a life and universe beyond the physical. This understanding will not ony provide peace in death, but also in life itself. This could be because the human mind needs to understand that it is part of something beyond itself. From my personal viewpoint, then, I feel my own spirituality has enabled me to live better and more happily than I would have been able to without it.

In the light of the above, if someone I knew were dying and decided to become an adherent of a different belief system than I followed, the first thing I would do is ask questions. I would ask the person why she was interested in this specific religion and what she thought it could provide in the final days of her life.

Although my first urge might be to tell her that she should rather adopt my own belief system, I do not believe that this would be the correct course of action. As a spiritual person, I believe in the right of everyone to choose his or her own path. I have no right to interfere with these choices, since they are so highly individualized. According to Kessler's various definitions of spirituality, it seems that each person and religious group adopts the system that is most comfortable and comforting to them.

The same would be the case for my dying friend. Not being in her shoes, I do not know exactly how she feels or what she needs. Just like in every other case, I have no right to tell my friend how or what to believe, or when to adopt these beliefs.

With this in mind, my approach would therefore be one of as much understanding and support as possible. If she wants me to gather information about her new belief system, I will do so without questioning it. I will also bring any experts or advisers affiliated to the religion if she feels the need to consult with such people.