I've been thinking today about spirituality. It's inspired many individuals and nations to reach their greatest achievements and arguably accelerated the development or "progress" of humanity. In fact, one might even claim that it's a defining characteristic of our species. Other kinds of organisms have sensation, impulses, and emotion, and some even have primitive rationality (e.g. planning). But do any other species have spirituality? How would we know? Is altruistic behavior evidence of spirituality? (Or at least what looks like it to us?) How do we define it? Is it, perhaps, the sense that we belong to a richer existence than just what we can see and sense and measure in the world around us?
Well, I just read the
wikipedia entry on spirituality and it opened my eyes a little. Still, I'm interested in what spirituality means to real people, both those who practice religions and those who don't. When do you feel most spiritual? What brings out your spirituality? Do you feel most spiritual when you're alone or as part of a group? Consider taking a minute to reply to this post or to email me with your thoughts. Thanks!
