Who is Spiritual?

When I was thinking about this post, I looked for some images to accompany it.

When I searched “spiritual” I was bombarded by pictures of youngish women in tight clothing bending their bodies into yoga poses that would be impossible for me without years of practice.

Thinking I want this blog to be relatable, part of me cringed at these images. How many of my readers are youngish women who do yoga? I have no idea.

But, as a middle aged man who has struggled with weight problems most of his adult life, I definitely could not relate to these stereotypical images of spirituality.

What was this all about?

Too often the word “spirituality” has been associated with practices or rituals we in the western world consider exotic: yoga, Buddhism, or indigenous ceremonies.

We in the western world (so we understand) do religion. Typically, religion is associated with some form of Christianity. That spirituality stuff is for others–definitely not Christians!

“People in the western world typically use ‘religion’ to describe things resembling protestant Christianity.”

Scholars have, in fact studied the term “religion”. When doing so, they discovered people in the western world typically use “religion” to describe things resembling protestant Christianity.

Roman Catholics or Eastern Orthodox Christians need not apply–to say nothing of people belonging to other faiths!

But as I’ve researched and written about spirituality, I’ve come to understand all people are spiritual, no matter their faith. Even atheists and agnostics have a spirituality!

Though I’ll explore concepts of spirituality in future posts, there is one thing worth remembering: spirituality includes more than you think and less than you know.

Everyone is spiritual, so there is much to be learned here, especially for those who don’t think they need it.

So, come again to discover more!

References

Lasair, S. (2019). A Narrative Approach Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Health Care. Journal of Religion and Health [Online First]. https://rdcu.be/bSZY3

Nongbri, B. (2012). Before religion: The history of a modern concept. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions offered on this site are not substitutes for consultation with qualified mental or spiritual health professionals. The perspectives offered here are those of the author, not of those professionals with whom readers might have relationships as clients or patients. In crisis situations, readers are encouraged to contact these professionals for appropriate support and treatment if needed.