The essence of spirituality is the search to know our true selves, to discover the real nature of consciousness. This quest has been the foundation of all the great spiritual teachings, and the goal of all the great mystics. ~Peter Russell
Spirituality concerns matters pertaining to the spirit and is based on the idea that there exists something, be it a state of mind, a being, or a place, that is outside the experience of our five limited senses. Spirituality is the personal relationship of the individual to this state of mind, being or place and often emphasizes the notion of a path, that spirituality is a goal in achieving understanding, or an improved relationship with the sacred.
Spirituality can be either a part of a particular religion or independent of religion, in a self directed and personal inner path. As part of a larger religious journey, spirituality is usually descript and predictable, relating to one's personal relationship to god or the divine goal. For a Christian, for example, spirituality involves developing a personal relationship and experience with Jesus Christ, likely through prayer, meditation or through selected activities (such as reading the Bible) in opposition to material gains and experiences. For the unaffiliated seeker, spirituality may be adapted and modeled after the sacred practices of a number of different religions or none at all. In either case spiritual matters are contrasted to the world of the senses and the needs of the human corporeal body and often involve an effort to reject, limit or transcend these senses and needs.
Spirituality knows there is a reason that everything can’t be explained, and it is fine with that. In fact it knows that God can’t be explained. God can only really be experienced. For instance oneness with God can be experienced through a practice such as meditation. Spirituality also believes in enlightenment, which means that oneness with God can be attained permanently, and that in essence God and man is the same being. But until one realizes that oneness with God, one is on a spiritual journey. And this journey is fun, exciting, natural and worth while. It is the only journey to be on. In fact we are all on this journey, and we are all at various stages of this journey.
