Spirituality can be defined in a wide variety of ways. Some people define it as beliefs in a transcendent power, while others see it as a feeling of connection to something larger than themselves. Still other definitions use the term to describe practices such as meditation, yoga, or prayer. People also find a spiritual meaning in their work or hobbies, such as helping others or caring for animals. In addition, some forms of psychology and counseling draw on religious or transcendent experiences to understand behavior and opportunities for healing.
Most Americans who are spiritual include a sense of connectedness to their communities, their families and friends, and the world at large in their understanding of what is important in life. Some of these individuals view organized religion as part of their spirituality, while others consider themselves to be spiritual without a specific religion. And still others believe that they can be spiritual in nonreligious settings such as nature or their own inner explorations.
For those who define their spirituality as a part of their religion, Evangelical Protestants and members of historically Black Protestant churches are most likely to say that a relationship with God is essential in their understanding of what it means to be spiritual. The rest of the groups analyzed in this report are similarly inclined to think that being open-minded and connecting with nature are essential elements in their spirituality.
When thinking about your own spirituality, you might wish to explore the various traditions that have been developed over millennia in order to discover what speaks most to you. At the same time, don’t be afraid to question what you’re hearing and decide if there is a need to adapt some of the teachings to fit your own circumstances.