Can you be spiritual without being religious?

Since the beginning of time, people have been asking themselves about the meaning of the universe and other existential questions.

Where do I come from? What am I here for? How does life work? Where do I go when it’s over?

Religion and spirituality are connected to these questions in many ways.

There are many people who believe that spirituality is more important than religion. Of course, this is a matter of opinion and can depend on various external factors. This also includes how you grew up and what experiences you have had in your life so far.

It is quite possible to be spiritual and not religious. Religion has more to do with ethics and rules, while spirituality has to do with connecting to the universe and finding meaning. Some people find meaning in their religion, but that’s not the way for everyone.

Many people find religion too rigid for their taste. There are often many rules to follow and the judgments that go with them. That is why many people who grew up in a religious household grow out of religion as they get older and vice versa.

Spiritual People are often mistaken for moody or fanatical. In most cases, the opposite is true, because people who believe in spirituality often try to change the world for the better by developing their natural talents.

I am not sure how to explain it, but for me, religion is reaching outward toward a god or superhuman, while spirituality is reaching inside of us.

For me, spirituality is an experience of connection with something bigger than just one person, one group, or one god. It’s about living life in a meaningful way. It’s about finding a purpose and connection and a relationship with myself as well.

One of the main differences between religion and spirituality is objective experiences as opposed to subjective experiences. Religion focuses on scriptures and rituals, while spirituality relies more on self-awareness. But…of course, spirituality can be directed at a higher being or at a higher self.

Religion is also very structured in its way of working. There are codes and guidelines that must be clung to at all times. Spirituality detaches itself from these structures and relies on its own ambition. This sometimes means not sticking to certain external rules.

People often describe spirituality as a transcendent experience associated with the feeling of being alive – feeling alive and in balance with every other life form. To be spiritual, you don’t necessarily have to go to a place of worship like a temple or church and it doesn’t happen on a special day, or during a special ceremony. It can be achieved through the connection with art or literature, at a walk outside, or during meditation, or just stillness anytime.

In quiet moments, when something has happened or when we are in nature, then we suddenly come into contact with our own spirituality and these are often the greatest moments.

Most of us have a spiritual side. Often hidden. I think spirituality is built into us, it is probably a basic human need.

I, for example, am actually quite a spiritual person. Even if you probably don’t notice it in everyday life because I don’t talk much about it -other than today. In my eyes, there is little to talk about. I am a spiritual person what’ do you want to know?

Without having a name for it – or an explanation – I just have the feeling that there is somehow more. Things that I can’t explain, things that are around us, that are interwoven with the world. Things that affect our lives and make our lives sometimes harder and sometimes easier.

I trust myself and the flow of life. I turn off my mind and act according to what I feel in my heart and I follow my intuition. I sometimes even allow myself to think very carefully that something might be guiding me. Something bigger than you and me. But I don’t know — how could I?

The spirit of the ancestors? The universe? Mother nature? Instinct? Experience? Grandma’s voice that she somehow planted inside me?

I can’t explain these things in the slightest. I don’t think I should even try.

For me, spirituality means acknowledging the spiritual, the invisible, and allowing its existence without me having to knit strange explanatory models around it.

Spirituality is important to me. I believe that it is what it means to be human.

Who am I? What am I here for? Why am I here? Do I have a task here in this world? What can I contribute? How can I grow beyond myself? How can I exceed my own limits? How can I become the best possible version of myself?

These are all deeply important, intellectual, spiritual questions for me.

I think we all can find the answers within ourselves when it’s quiet around us. Often after a severe crisis that has cracked our own shell, or in conversation with a real and truthful person.

Spirituality is a basic human need for most of us. Some notice it earlier, others only when their own lives are coming to an end.

If at some point you feel an emptiness inside you, then it may be that you have just come into contact with your spirituality. Then it may be the right time to start doing some reflection and perhaps it’s the perfect moment to ask yourself a few questions.

 Who am I? And why am I in this world? And what now?

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Daily writing prompt

How important is spirituality in your life?

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