Spirituality is not always the easiest term to define, but perhaps the simplest way to describe it is a belief in something beyond ourselves. This encompasses religion, as well as a relationship with the universe or communing with nature. Being spiritual is not limited to certain denominations or belief systems; rather, it’s a way to understand our connection to forces that may be outside our scope of understanding.
It is commonly believed that there are three main facets to human spirituality: our values, relationships, and life purpose. Gaining a deeper knowledge and appreciation for each of these aspects can help us to be more enlightened, mindful, and even happier.
Research has shown that spirituality helps us to cope with life’s difficulties, including stress, depression, and grief. It helps us to better understand the realities of living, persevere through difficult times, and accept loss and sadness when they arise. What’s more, a spiritual practice often comes with a component of community, bringing the added benefit of social support.
Whether you are just starting out on your spiritual journey or have made it a long-standing practice, these 16 quotes can help you tap into your spiritual self.
Awakening is not changing who you are, but discarding who you are not.
It isn’t until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are — not necessarily a religious feeling, but deep down, the spirit within — that you can begin to take control.
At any moment, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it.
You are never alone. You are eternally connected with everyone.
Amit Ray, spiritual teacher
Religion is for people who’re afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for those who’ve already been there.
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.
Physical strength can never permanently withstand the impact of spiritual force.
You do not need to work to become spiritual. You are spiritual; you need only to remember that fact. Spirit is within you. God is within you.
Julia Cameron, teacher and author
The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now.
Make your own Bible. Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been to you like the blast of a trumpet.
Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.
Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.
We do not need more intellectual power, we need more spiritual power. We do not need more of the things that are seen, we need more of the things that are unseen.
Yes, you must live life beautifully and not allow the spirit of the world that makes gods out of power, riches, and pleasure make you forget that you have been created for greater things: to love and to be loved.
Featured Image Credit: Nabilah Khalil/ Shutterstock
Joyce Chen
Joyce Chen is a writer, editor, and community builder based in Seattle, Washington.
