Spirituality is a concept often discussed but not always fully understood. Last year, I explored this theme in my audio program, Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice, for Sounds True. This topic became prominent during the data collection for Rising Strong. A great conversation emerged on Facebook, and I want to share it here. One question that arose was:
If rising strong is a spiritual practice, does that mean atheists can’t rise strong or be wholehearted?
If we can, does that mean you watered down the definition of spirituality to the point that it has no meaning?
Let’s delve into my perspective on this.
Defining Spirituality: A Data-Driven Approach
The definition of spirituality that emerged from my research, initially coded in 2009, is, in my view, far from “watered down.” However, it might differ from conventional understandings.
Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.
This definition was first presented in The Gifts of Imperfection.
The Many Faces of a Greater Power
For some individuals, this power transcends into the concept of God. For others, it can be an activity like fishing. The feeling of inextricable connection may stem from faith or expressions of shared humanity. Some find religion as the best expression of this connection, guided by love and compassion, while others feel organized religion has damaged this very connection. Exploring these various perspectives is critical to understanding what spirituality is on a personal level.
Enduring Relevance: Spirituality in Research
Despite its diverse interpretations, the core definition of spirituality and its significance to wholeheartedness and rising strong have consistently held true in subsequent research. In Grounded Theory, the strength of a theory lies in its ability to withstand new data. This definition has proven resilient and re-emerged as a key element in my research on true belonging, which I discuss in Braving the Wilderness. This enduring relevance highlights the profound and multifaceted nature of what spirituality is.
