Spirituality is a worldview and a way of life based on the belief that there is more to life than what meets the senses. It usually involves the belief in a higher form of inteligence or Consciousness running the universe, as well as life after death. It exists to satisfy the deeper human thirst for meaning, peace, mystery, and truth.
Definitions vary widely, sometimes contradictory, and often include abstractions without obvious meaning. This variety of working definitions has led to a number of indices that attempt to quantify spirituality in ways that are meaningful to researchers and provide a basis for comparison between studies.
Belief in God(s): Many measures of spirituality ask if a person believes in a god or gods. If a person does not believe in god(s), this will result in a “penalty” on their score.
Feeling Connected to All People: The most consistent factor in people’s lives is their connection to other humans, especially family members. This is the most important predictor of health, authentic happiness and longevity.
Study & Contemplation: A regular practice of listening to talks or reading texts from a spiritual tradition can help a person deepen their understanding of spiritual teachings. Some traditions also offer spiritual practices that can be used in a secular manner, such as yoga or meditation.
Meditation: A practice of sitting in silence and focussing on breathing or other mental activities can help people cope with stress and lead to improved physical and emotional health. It is the most common practice among spiritual people.
