Frasch Ideas—Examine, Inquire, Explore

What is Spirituality?

• Posted by on January 9th, 2007 filed in Anything Goes

One of the comments that has puzzled me of late is, “I’m not religious, but I am spiritual.” What does that mean? Any answers?

The dictionary definition is:

1. Of, relating to, consisting of, or having the nature of spirit; not tangible or material. See synonyms at immaterial.
2. Of, concerned with, or affecting the soul.
3. Of, from, or relating to God; deific.
4. Of or belonging to a church or religion; sacred.
5. Relating to or having the nature of spirits or a spirit; supernatural.

It is a word that is no longer in my vocabulary, except in regards to my job. “What?” you say. “Spirituality comes up at work?”

Part of the FranklinCovey system involves identifying your roles in life (mom, manager, employee, Toastmaster, etc.) and choosing one important thing to do each week with regards to that role. One of the given roles is that of yourself - which they refer to as “sharpening the saw.” Each week we should try to do something for ourselves so we stay “sharp.”

FranklinCovey divides the role of self into four categories - Physical, Social/Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual. In one of the workbooks I have they describe the four categories as Body, Heart, Mind and Soul which I like better because although I don’t believe we have a soul I can use that would to describe my inner being, my self. A quote from the book says, “You develop spirituality by reading inspirational literature, meditating, performing service, and spending time in nature.” In another spot they refer to is as “connection” and in another “creativity.”

I agree with the principle, I just don’t like the word they chose (that is pre-printed on my weekly compass cards). To me spirit, spiritual and spirituality all denote a belief in the supernatural. To me “inspirational” would be a better word. Maybe I could get them to change it or more probable - I could just use whiteout if it bugs me that much!

When I fill out that portion of my weekly planning I substitute the word “inspirational” in my mind. I come up with things like scrap-booking or making jewelry because creativity in an inspiration to me. I put things like go to the park, look up at the stars, enjoy the snow because those things are an inspiration to me. I put things like going to the 5th Avenue Theater for a musical, going to the symphony, going to the movies (like Rocky Balboa, not Texas Chainsaw Massacre) because those things inspire me.

Being at a baseball game inspires me, going to the Sing-a-long Sound of Music inspires me, having a great discussion with my friends inspires me. A nice long walk in the sunshine inspires me (unfortunately a nice long walk in the rain does not - which is why I haven’t been walking in awhile!).

What inspires you?