Spirituality has to do with a person’s feelings and beliefs about their life. It can include the practice of a religion and also things like quiet reflection, time in nature and meditation. People who are spiritual often believe that there is a higher power, god or something else out there that they are connected to. Spirituality can help people cope with difficult times and to develop a sense of hope and optimism.
The most common definition of spirituality is a person’s belief in a god or some other transcendent spiritual force that they are connected to. Other definitions of spirituality are more individualistic and focus on human connection with themselves. This can include self-scrutiny, examining the meaning of life, hope, and a desire to become the best version of yourself. It can also include moral virtues, peace, responsibility for oneself, balance, transcendence, values, mysticism and culture.
One potential pitfall of spirituality is if it becomes a way to avoid dealing with challenging emotions or situations in our lives. This is known as “spiritual bypassing”. Some people use their spiritual beliefs to excuse bad behavior or to act selfishly. It’s important to be aware of these pitfalls and to make sure that your spiritual beliefs and practices are not just a mask for your own needs and desires.