Our world is in a sad state of chaos.
Spirituality offers us a refuge.
A space where we can pause, breathe, and consider life beyond our daily grind.
But what exactly is the point of spirituality?
For many, it’s a powerful, transformative force.
Others though dismiss it as nonsensical or naïve.
In truth, spirituality is both misunderstood and underappreciated.
Often worshiped by some and ridiculed by others.
But perhaps, just perhaps, it’s worth exploring.
Not to validate or discredit.
But to understand its real impact.
The Meaning Behind Spirituality
Spirituality is not about chasing otherworldly experiences or lofty ideals.
It’s about perspective.
Imagine a time when you could truly step outside of your usual self.
Perhaps on a quiet morning walk or while gazing at a star-filled sky.
There, in that moment, the everyday pressures of life fell away.
You could see the world from a fresh vantage point.
It’s in these moments we experience what I call a “spiritual mood.”
The ordinary world fades, and we notice something greater than ourselves.
We’re no longer consumed by the constant demands of our ego.
I had a moment like this not too long ago.
Sitting on a club chair on the front porch, looking out through the trees after a stressful week.
The sun was setting, casting a golden-orange hue across the skyline.
Instead of thinking about deadlines, or to-do lists, I simply existed.
I allowed myself to be present in the moment.
Feeling the weight of the air and the rhythm of life around me.
It wasn’t about feeling “spiritual,” per se.
It was about releasing my attachment to ego and letting go of the need to control everything around me.
Looking Beyond the Ego
So, what does spirituality really give us? At its core, it provides the opportunity to look beyond the ego.
In our daily lives, we relentlessly focus on ourselves.
We protect our interests, seek approval, and chase after our desires.
It’s exhausting.
But in spiritual moments, the ego takes a backseat.
Our grip loosens.
We are free to explore other perspectives.
We’re no longer a prisoner to our own thoughts and feelings.
Rather, we become an open vessel, capable of experiencing life as it is.
But not as we wish it to be.
Have you ever experienced a moment where you were suddenly moved by the success of someone else?
Or felt empathy for a stranger’s pain?
These moments are often subtle.
But they show a shift in perspective.
Our usual patterns of self-interest dissolve.
Then we experience emotions that aren’t tied to our own identity.
This is the essence of spirituality.
It’s being able to open ourselves to the world.
In a way, it frees us from egoic attachment.
Even if it’s just for a moment.
I remember a time I stood in awe of a street artist painting a mural when I visited Argentina.
The intensity and passion in his strokes moved me deeply.
For a moment, I felt connected to him.
Not because we shared a particular bond.
But because I could feel his love for the work, the creation.
It was a spiritual connection, one that transcended personal ties and ego.
In that fleeting moment, I saw the world through his eyes.
Spirituality and Love: An Expanded View
Spirituality has a unique relationship with love.
We often think of love as a personal emotion, directed towards a specific person.
But spirituality teaches us to broaden that definition.
Love, in its spiritual form, extends beyond the persona.
It becomes a universal experience.
It’s not limited to the affection we feel for family members or partners.
Instead, it encompasses everything.
A love for nature, the universe, or even the smallest creatures.
When we experience spirituality, we care for things that may seem insignificant in our daily lives.
We appreciate the beauty in a falling leaf.
The simplicity of a morning breeze.
Or the quiet strength of a bird in flight.
Spirituality expands our hearts and minds.
It invites us to love not just those close to us, but all of existence.
Relinquishing Control: The Gift of Peace
One of the most profound gifts of spirituality is the peace it brings.
When caught up in the demands of life, we cling to control.
We worry about the future.
Obsess over what others think.
We constantly strive for more.
But spirituality offers a moment of release.
It helps us let go of the need for control and trust that things will unfold as they should.
I experienced this peace sailing between the island of Oahu en route to Maui a few years back.
It was an arduous journey, with a wild storm and challenging seas.
But when we finally saw the weather break, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm.
The view was breathtaking.
But more importantly, I felt free from the mental clutter that had been weighing me down.
At that moment, I realized that no external circumstance determined my peace.
It came from within.
Spirituality had allowed me to surrender to life’s uncertainties.
It helped me embrace the beauty of the present moment.
Spirituality in the Everyday
While it’s easy to view spirituality as an isolated or abstract experience, it doesn’t have to be.
It’s possible to bring spiritual moments into our everyday lives.
It might be as simple as taking a few deep breaths during the day.
Or appreciating the beauty of nature on your commute.
We can find spiritual depth in the mundane.
We just need to shift our perspective.
We need to open ourselves to the present moment.
There is no need for grandiose rituals or extreme experiences.
Spirituality is not about escaping the world.
It’s about engaging with it on a deeper level.
It’s about connecting with ourselves, with others, and with the universe in a way that transcends the ordinary.
Embracing Spirituality
We’ve been told to focus on material success and achievement.
Spirituality provides an alternative.
It offers us a path to deeper connections.
A path to inner peace and greater empathy for others.
It asks us to let go of the ego.
To embrace love for all things.
And to experience life with a sense of wonder.
Spirituality isn’t lofty ideal or a religious dogma.
It’s a deeply personal experience.
One that is available to everyone.
It doesn’t matter your background or beliefs.
It doesn’t demand perfection.
Rather, it’s about openness to the world and to ourselves.
Let me know in the comments what you think about the topic or what types of topics you would like me to cover.
Thank you for reading.