EPISODE 2: SPIRITUAL SOUL PODCAST (ARTICLE, VIDEO & AUDIO)
What is Spirituality & Being Spiritual?
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Introduction
In this episode, I talk about what spirituality is and what it means to ‘be spiritual’, in an open way, from my own perspective.
Firstly may I preface by saying that of course it is important to acknowledge that spirituality means different things to different people, and that exactly as it should be. We can have a very specific, or a broad understanding, and each our own personal take, for spirituality is a very deeply personal and individual experience and journey.
Spirituality is very subjective according to our own human, or even soul’s experience, and it can be expressed in many diverse ways depending on your own individual belief, culture, experience and so much more. It can evolve and change throughout one's life, reflecting one’s unique experiences, perspectives, and growth.
What does it really mean to be spiritual? Let’s start with my understanding of what spirituality is, or could be. This is an open, holistic interpretation from my own thoughts, feelings and experiences, and not one based on religion. And a small side note on that – I do believe that spirituality exists in AND of religion – for our connection to Source is beyond it.
Firstly may I preface by saying that of course it is important to acknowledge that spirituality means different things to different people, and that exactly as it should be. We can have a very specific, or a broad understanding, and each our own personal take, for spirituality is a very deeply personal and individual experience and journey.
Spirituality is very subjective according to our own human, or even soul’s experience, and it can be expressed in many diverse ways depending on your own individual belief, culture, experience and so much more. It can evolve and change throughout one's life, reflecting one’s unique experiences, perspectives, and growth.
What does it really mean to be spiritual? Let’s start with my understanding of what spirituality is, or could be. This is an open, holistic interpretation from my own thoughts, feelings and experiences, and not one based on religion. And a small side note on that – I do believe that spirituality exists in AND of religion – for our connection to Source is beyond it.
What is Spirituality?For me, spirituality is multi faceted. It is about connecting with something higher, and a knowing there is an energy all around us and reason for our being – and spirituality for me is about carrying that energy through me and throughout my everyday life.
There is no perfect here, as it can fluctuate up and down, come and go and diminish over time, but overall, spirituality is natural and simple and is not just a part of me, it IS me, to the very core of myself, when you peel away everything else, and the more I progress along this journey, this more it is more evident and interwoven into the fabric of every aspect of my life on a daily level. |
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There is always a spiritual aspect to the way I be, think, feel and do, and I'm very aware and conscious of it… And that’s where consciousness comes into play.
Spirituality, or ‘being spiritual’ to me, is a profound feeling or sense that there is something so much more real, true and powerful – a force and an origin, a ‘Higher Power’ if you will, even another reality, as well as a feeling a profound personal truth and connection to that very Source. It is a knowing that there is a higher reality present beyond ordinary reality and beyond typical human, limited, five sense perception.
When you are really attuned to your own sense of spirituality, you have a kind of intuitive awareness. You can feel it in your heart and soul, that something higher exists and is the reason for your very being – and that this force guides your way.
Sometimes you may catch snippets of it in the breeze, at other times you feel like you have lost touch with it, or question its very presence and power, and at other times, it is strong, palpable and evident in the very air you breathe. It is an energy you cannot deny.
And spirituality, in a way, is a force of its own.
There is a quote that says:
"There is a force within us greater than money, greater than education, greater than circumstance, and that is the force of our spirituality." - Greg Anderson
And that is what carries us through. In that way, spirituality gives us a super human kind of strength that gets us through life, because of a deeply resounding faith, and higher understanding.
Spirituality, or ‘being spiritual’ to me, is a profound feeling or sense that there is something so much more real, true and powerful – a force and an origin, a ‘Higher Power’ if you will, even another reality, as well as a feeling a profound personal truth and connection to that very Source. It is a knowing that there is a higher reality present beyond ordinary reality and beyond typical human, limited, five sense perception.
When you are really attuned to your own sense of spirituality, you have a kind of intuitive awareness. You can feel it in your heart and soul, that something higher exists and is the reason for your very being – and that this force guides your way.
Sometimes you may catch snippets of it in the breeze, at other times you feel like you have lost touch with it, or question its very presence and power, and at other times, it is strong, palpable and evident in the very air you breathe. It is an energy you cannot deny.
And spirituality, in a way, is a force of its own.
There is a quote that says:
"There is a force within us greater than money, greater than education, greater than circumstance, and that is the force of our spirituality." - Greg Anderson
And that is what carries us through. In that way, spirituality gives us a super human kind of strength that gets us through life, because of a deeply resounding faith, and higher understanding.
The 'Spirit' in Spirituality
Spirituality is recognizing Spirit, knowing there is a Spirit with a capital 'S', meaning the universal or transcendent force – that higher power or Divine essence that creates, animates and connects all living beings, otherwise referred to as consciousness, life force, or universal energy, there are so many different names.
But what it really comes down to, what we are coming to understand, is that there is something mysterious and enigmatic about the arcane workings of the universe, and moreover what we are coming to know is a multiverse far more expanse than we could ever imagine. So many realities beyond ours.
Spirit is the real, true, pure source of creative energy. It has a POWER, and you can feel this energy, and align yourself with this energy into the core of your being. You recognize it because it is in your DNA, embedded in the fibers of your very being – you are in it, of it, and you are that, and that is the secret sauce.
But what it really comes down to, what we are coming to understand, is that there is something mysterious and enigmatic about the arcane workings of the universe, and moreover what we are coming to know is a multiverse far more expanse than we could ever imagine. So many realities beyond ours.
Spirit is the real, true, pure source of creative energy. It has a POWER, and you can feel this energy, and align yourself with this energy into the core of your being. You recognize it because it is in your DNA, embedded in the fibers of your very being – you are in it, of it, and you are that, and that is the secret sauce.
Key Points about Spirituality
Here are some key points that I believe are some core qualities, about what spirituality is all about:
- Spirituality is about connecting with a Higher Source
- Spirituality is sacred.
- True spirituality is simple, natural and pure.
- At its finest, it is a state of transcendence, at one with the sublime.
- Spirituality holds a power and acknowledges that there is a powerful force running through the very premise of life
- Spirituality is about a higher understanding.
- It values loving service, compassion without judgement, empathy and kindness, as well as peace, patience, acceptance, serenity and calm.
- Balance, tolerance, acceptance and the freeing of the constraints of limitation and divide.
- It is vehemently experienced in nature. It can be felt in the stillness of a lake, as well as the raging winds of the wild.
- And Spirituality is an acknowledgement of an interconnectedness of all - the all that is. And that is where you get the term ‘unity consciousness’.
- Though Spirituality can be collectively shared and experienced, which is a very important also, it is also so profoundly personal and individual to each person, for we are each our own soul.
- Spirituality is about not just connecting with a higher force, but also connecting with our inner selves.
- Spirituality bridges these two worlds, by bringing the upper to the lower, the inner to the outer, and vice versa (as goes the sayings: as above so below, so as within, so without). It is internal and external all at once.
What Does it Mean to be Spiritual?
So what does it mean to be spiritual? I can break it down into some main categories, with different aspects in each:
Personal Belief
Spirituality is all about your own personal beliefs, or for some, belief system. It can encompass a wide range of perspectives, including but not limited to religious, philosophical, or metaphysical. It may involve living in alignment with one's values and principles which may guide one's actions and decisions. But it does not need to be disciplined and regimented. It can be open, expansive, and all encompassing.
You can allow it to be whatever it is for you, so it is about trusting what resonates with you. And your beliefs can change during the course of your life as you learn, grow and evolve.
You can allow it to be whatever it is for you, so it is about trusting what resonates with you. And your beliefs can change during the course of your life as you learn, grow and evolve.
Connection with Spirit & Self
At the very heart and core of spirituality is the idea that we are all incredibly connected to something greater than ourselves, that higher power, and it is all about connecting with that energy in whatever way, shape or form is true to you. But it is also about bringing in that higher awareness and connecting with self, cultivating a very personal connection with that higher power and the Greater Universe.
And in that Spirit and self-exploration, there is a kind of opening up of one’s consciousness, each at their own pace. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and personal growth. It is all intertwined, a vast connection that can bring us such a greater sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives. And in this way it nourishes your sense of wellbeing in a much more holistic way.
There is no perfect here of course, and each to their own, but these are the pure tenets of what spirituality can provide. It really takes a willingness to explore and understand one's inner self, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, and to engage in self-reflection and introspection, which is powerful, because it brings about a greater self-awareness that is born through all the different areas that spirituality can provide, and in return for this, it really opens up your own awareness of not just yourself, but also the outside world and everything beyond that.
And in that Spirit and self-exploration, there is a kind of opening up of one’s consciousness, each at their own pace. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and personal growth. It is all intertwined, a vast connection that can bring us such a greater sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives. And in this way it nourishes your sense of wellbeing in a much more holistic way.
There is no perfect here of course, and each to their own, but these are the pure tenets of what spirituality can provide. It really takes a willingness to explore and understand one's inner self, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, and to engage in self-reflection and introspection, which is powerful, because it brings about a greater self-awareness that is born through all the different areas that spirituality can provide, and in return for this, it really opens up your own awareness of not just yourself, but also the outside world and everything beyond that.
Seeking Meaning, Purpose & Fulfilment
Spirituality is about discovering and connecting with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in your life, and what that means for you. There is a feeling of there is truly a reason for your existence here on earth, you are not here by mistake. There is a sense of seeking deep fulfilment on a soul level, it is just something that you feel within you. Sometimes you lose that feeling, and it returns back again, but it is at the core of every being.
And that whole sense of soul purpose does not need to be clearly evident, as in fully known, you do not need to know exactly what that is. It is juts a feeling that you are here for a reason and there is so much more.
It can be also about love, unity, community, humanitarianism and being or service, all pure attributes that connect rather than divide, and surpass the ego’s drive for things like materialism, division and artificial success.
And that whole sense of soul purpose does not need to be clearly evident, as in fully known, you do not need to know exactly what that is. It is juts a feeling that you are here for a reason and there is so much more.
It can be also about love, unity, community, humanitarianism and being or service, all pure attributes that connect rather than divide, and surpass the ego’s drive for things like materialism, division and artificial success.
A Sense of a Higher Reality & the Non Physical
At its core, spirituality is about seeking a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it. This can include seeking truth, wisdom and enlightenment, contemplating deep metaphysical questions, exploring the deeper aspects of our existence and the nature of reality.
It can be a deeply personal and individual journey, involving self-reflection, self-discovery, and a search for deeper truths or insights about the nature of existence and the human experience. Sometimes you can go down a really long rabbit hole with all of this. Sometimes you receive an instant insight, and at other times it is a long journey. Really, it is about a deeper 'Questioning' and not taking life on its 'outer appearances', and rather realizing that there is so much than meets the mortal human eye.
It encourages you to look beyond the physical world, tap into the depths of one’s consciousness, and explore altered or higher states of awareness – an awareness or connection that truly brings you closer to God, or whatever you refer to as the Creator, Source energy, that higher power.
It is about the non-physical, the quality or state of being concerned with the human spirit or soul, rather than material or physical things, which is why it often seeks that meaning, purpose, and fulfillment beyond the material world. It is why so many people feel so unfulfilled with those things. It is also about experiencing the world from a mystic’s point of view, connecting with our inner self and the world around us, and seeking a sense of magic, mystery and interconnectedness that transcends the material and more mundane aspects of life.
There is a higher understanding of the power of our imagination and instinctual forces that magically run through our veins and guide the light within us. It is a knowing you are a mystic not a muggle, a seer or knower of the beyond, of something that exists beyond the confines of the outside 3D world.
An Appreciation & Awe with Nature
Being spiritual can also involve a sense of connection to nature and the natural world. It may involve a sense of wonder and awe at the universe, enjoying the beauty of a flower or view, and a desire to live in harmony with others, animals and the planet as a whole.
Spending time in nature is extremely rewarding, nourishing and spiritually satisfying for the spiritual soul, whether it’s a simple walk, moment in a garden, watering a plant, hiking in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, or simply sitting in a park and listening to the harmonic chirping of the insects and birds.
That's when you know that you are connected to so much more. The angels are saying now that it's like an energy signature or imprint within nature, and there are many imprints within each thing within nature, as in the naturescape. That can be anything from a little ant, to a blade of grass, to the leaves of a tree. There is so much out there both visible and hidden, in this mysterious, natural world and beyond. There is a spiritual energy running through it and of it, and you can feel that.
When you are an empath or sensitive person, when you have that spiritual eye, you can feel and see and sense that, and it is not to say that we are like this all the time, we all have our moments and it comes in and out, but the more that you focus on your spirituality and your spiritual connection, the more that it is evident and that you sense it, and the more that you sense it, the more it expands.
Being in nature can help you feel connected to something greater than yourself and remind you of the beauty and mystery of the universe, and Gods workings in it.
Spiritual Practices
Spirituality can incorporate a vast range of practices, but can also exist without it. It can involve discipline, but not be limited or pinned down to it. I'm personally not a lover of discipline, but I do see the value in having some kind of discipline in keeping at something, so that you stay within it, rather than lose it. So it is a bit of both, or whatever you prefer.
Spiritual practices encompass so many different things, such as meditation, mindfulness, prayer, ritual, and other methods that help individuals connect with their inner selves as well as the universe or higher power, such as music, chanting, healing, grounding, energy or chakra clearing, reading spiritual text, contemplation, reflection, journaling, channeling, working with energy, communicating with angels and using spiritual tools to seek connection, guidance, or transcendence beyond the ordinary human experience, such as crystals, singing bowls and oracle cards, should that be something the person resonates with and is drawn to.
These practices and so many more, can nourish the soul and deepen your connection with your Self and the Divine. As they form a kind of bridge, or portal that connects them, providing in return a greater awareness of one’s own thoughts, emotions, and energy system and deeper sense of inner peace, presence and stillness, and sometimes even messages or downloads from the Divine.
Spiritual practices encompass so many different things, such as meditation, mindfulness, prayer, ritual, and other methods that help individuals connect with their inner selves as well as the universe or higher power, such as music, chanting, healing, grounding, energy or chakra clearing, reading spiritual text, contemplation, reflection, journaling, channeling, working with energy, communicating with angels and using spiritual tools to seek connection, guidance, or transcendence beyond the ordinary human experience, such as crystals, singing bowls and oracle cards, should that be something the person resonates with and is drawn to.
These practices and so many more, can nourish the soul and deepen your connection with your Self and the Divine. As they form a kind of bridge, or portal that connects them, providing in return a greater awareness of one’s own thoughts, emotions, and energy system and deeper sense of inner peace, presence and stillness, and sometimes even messages or downloads from the Divine.
Creative expression
Spirituality can also manifest through creative expression. Whether it's through painting, writing, or music, creative expression can help us tap into our inner selves and connect with higher states of consciousness. Thats why you see so many artists creating beautiful pieces of work. You can also see it through books that you read, wonderful movies that you watch and so on.
Through many kinds of creativity, we can instantly and powerfully access our intuition, channel through information, express our emotions, and cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual connection through that.
Through many kinds of creativity, we can instantly and powerfully access our intuition, channel through information, express our emotions, and cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual connection through that.
The Deeper Meaning of Spirituality
When you peel back all the layers, what is the higher meaning of spirituality?
At its core and very essence, the higher meaning of spirituality is the recognition and exploration of our interconnectedness with the Divine, the universe, and all living beings, realizing instinctually that we are all connected in the web of existence. And that invisible thread runs through ourselves and through our energy system, through our senses, and through our lives. Seeing the world through a spiritual lens deepens who we are and how we experience the world.
It involves transcending the limitations of the ego or lower density and the material world and connecting with something greater than ourselves. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-transcendence, where we seek to understand the nature of existence, our purpose in life, and our relationship with the Divine.
Open spirituality goes beyond religious or belief systems, and it encompasses a multifarious holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit. And it relies on the person themselves finding truth within themselves, and seeking that outwards.
It involves cultivating qualities such as love, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, and acceptance. It encourages us to align with our inner truth, live in alignment with our values, and contribute positively to the world around us.
It is a way of being and living in the world. It involves mindfulness, presence, and an openness to the present moment. And that is where all truth and magic lies. It is in the 'now' and acknowledging that and the spiritual force of it.
At its core and very essence, the higher meaning of spirituality is the recognition and exploration of our interconnectedness with the Divine, the universe, and all living beings, realizing instinctually that we are all connected in the web of existence. And that invisible thread runs through ourselves and through our energy system, through our senses, and through our lives. Seeing the world through a spiritual lens deepens who we are and how we experience the world.
It involves transcending the limitations of the ego or lower density and the material world and connecting with something greater than ourselves. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness, and self-transcendence, where we seek to understand the nature of existence, our purpose in life, and our relationship with the Divine.
Open spirituality goes beyond religious or belief systems, and it encompasses a multifarious holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit. And it relies on the person themselves finding truth within themselves, and seeking that outwards.
It involves cultivating qualities such as love, compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, and acceptance. It encourages us to align with our inner truth, live in alignment with our values, and contribute positively to the world around us.
It is a way of being and living in the world. It involves mindfulness, presence, and an openness to the present moment. And that is where all truth and magic lies. It is in the 'now' and acknowledging that and the spiritual force of it.
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It is a path of continuous growth, transformation, and evolution, as we strive to expand our consciousness and deepen our connection with the divine or higher power. It is a journey of awakening to the inherent divinity within ourselves and recognizing the divinity in all living beings, and living in alignment with this awareness. It is a path of love, light, compassion, unity, and service to others, as we strive to make a positive difference in the world and contribute to the greater good, which we feel is so true and right within us, and the key to that is within our hearts.
Before You Go....I hope that this episode has inspired you to take a look at your own spirituality and reflect upon what it means to you. And I also hope that it helps you connect back with that sacred part of you in a higher, deeper, more profound way.
Next episode is about Connecting Back with Your Spiritual Self and I provide a freebie resource also to help you with this connection. So stay tuned, and thank you so much for listening to Spiritual Soul. |
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