SPIRITUALITY

Spirituality is the part of an individual that finds meaning, comfort and inner peace in life. We human beings have always craved a sense of security and a reason for being. Spirituality is an individual thing that may be found in many different ways and which we all need to seek for ourselves along whichever path suits us. In essence it’s about discovering our true selves and a belief in our purpose in life.

Being so globally connected and aware of everything happening in the world and living at such a speed, bombarded by negative images and news, makes it difficult for us to find the time and space to discover our true selves. Often we allow our true identity to be swamped by what surrounds us, our possessions, our work, and how others see us. We develop a false identity which, because it isn’t contained within ourselves, is unable to provide us with the meaning we need in our lives and also changes according to our circumstances and who we’re with. This leads to a deep underlying sense of insecurity and fear. That’s partly why there’s such a huge worldwide reliance on materialism, alcohol, illegal drugs, anti-depressants and so on.

If you follow a religion or have a strong belief in something outside our five limited senses, such as an after-life or pagan belief, you will find it relatively easy to develop your spiritual feelings. If you have a faith and a predictable path for that faith, whether based on the Bible or something else well-documented, for example, then you will have guidance and help. Where it becomes difficult is if you have no faith or belief in anything to keep you going when times are tough.

The thing is: you can develop your own spirituality based on what’s important in your life. What things bring you comfort, strength and a connection with the energy of being alive? It may be going to church, playing music, nature, meditation, yoga, sports, volunteering, helping others, climbing mountains or reading poetry.

Personally I gain huge pleasure and a sense of peace and well being when I absorb nature, whether it’s the dramatic markings of a butterfly, the ancient majesty of an oak tree, or the awesome sight of a rhino chomping peacefully in the grass. Not only are these things pleasing to the eye, but they help me appreciate the evolvement of life, the magnitude of the world and the goodness that can be found there, and I can relate that to my own small place in the order of it all. For me, it gives me a sense of purpose and a reason why I’m here.

Other people might get this same feeling from running a marathon, using every mental and physical part of themselves in order to achieve it, or from volunteering to work with poor children and making a difference to their lives. What I’m saying is: it’s up to you to discover what gives you this spiritual feeling.

Try to find some time, whenever you can, to delve into yourself and find out what beliefs suit you. What can you identify with and why? Explore different religions and philosophies. Read books about other people’s driving forces. If nothing else, you’ll learn some very interesting facts! Find your true self, your consciousness, your sense of ‘I’. Then you’ll have something constant to give you the inner strength, support and reason for how you live your life. This leads to you being happier, healthier and more able to love and care about others and, ultimately, it’ll be a step in the right direction to make your little part of the world a better place.