Spirituality emerged as a fundamental guidepost in Wholeheartedness. Not religiosity but the deeply held belief that we are inextricably connected to one another by a force greater than ourselves--a force grounded in love and compassion. For some of us that's God, for others it's nature, art, or even human soulfulness.
Living a spiritual life means finding meaning, purpose, and joy in life without relying on traditional religious beliefs or practices. While many people find fulfillment through religion, others prefer a more secular approach to spirituality. Whether you’re an atheist, agnostic, or simply don’t identify with any particular religion, it’s possible to cultivate a deep sense of spirituality and connect with something greater than yourself.
Before exploring what it means to live a spiritual life, I want to layout the 3 different aspects of spirituality–the personal, the cosmological, and engagement.
Part One - Personal Spirituality
The definition of spiritual is something related to or concerned with the spirit or the soul. When you are more concerned with the state of your soul than with material things, this is an example of a situation where you would be described as a spiritual person.
This isn’t to say that a spiritual person isn’t concerned with material things at all or that they can’t be interested in material things, but they put their concern for the state of the soul above a monetary value. For example, they feel compelled to act with integrity rather than taking the easy way out–working for a company that pays less but demonstrates morality and fairness over a high paying job that sacrifices ethics and morals to make money.
Part Two - Cosmological Spirituality
The spiritual cosmology believes that all things in the Universe are connected on the soul and energetic level by a force greater than ourselves grounded in love and compassion. When we harm one person/ animal/ forest, we are actually harming the whole system and there will be ripple effects felt far and wide. Spiritualists often feel a sense of oneness with nature, a recognition of our shared humanity, and a feeling of belonging to something larger than ourselves.
The laws of spiritual cosmology work differently than we currently understand. Science and spirituality co-exist. Spirit, through consciousness, is an energy that connects all matter and energy in the universe.
Amit Goswami, is a theoretical physicist and professor of quantum physics who has written extensively about the relationship between consciousness and quantum physics. He is known for his views on quantum physics and consciousness, which he refers to as “quantum consciousness.”
According to Goswami, quantum physics suggests that consciousness plays a fundamental role in the universe. He argues that consciousness is not just a byproduct of brain activity but is a fundamental aspect of reality that is present at all levels of existence, from subatomic particles to the human mind.
Goswami also proposes that consciousness is non-local, meaning that it is not confined to the brain or to individual bodies, but is instead a universal field that connects all things. He suggests that this non-local aspect of consciousness can be explained by quantum entanglement, which is a phenomenon where two particles can become connected in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.
Part Three - Engagement
One of the key aspects of secular spirituality is a focus on the present moment. Rather than looking to an afterlife or relying on the guidance of a higher power, secular spiritualists seek to fully engage with the here and now. This can involve practices like mindfulness meditation, which helps us to become more aware of our thoughts and feelings and to develop a greater sense of presence.
Living as a spiritual person means living an examined life. What motivates my actions and behavior? Am I choosing these actions and behaviors because they are good for me and the world or am I playing out a program created earlier in life that was born in fear or trauma?
Spirituality is committing to becoming aware of your actions and choosing to live in alignment with your soul. It is learning what works for you through your intuition and mindfulness while making peace with the fact that some of what is right for you may be outside what our society considers normal or conventional. It is encouraging others to do the same and knowing even if their path, beliefs, and actions are different from yours, the universe holds their journey as sacred, as well. Not all journey’s look alike.
Practices for Living a Secular Spiritual Life
How can you practice a spiritual life? There are many practices and habits you can begin incorporating into your daily life. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Practice Mindfulness Meditation – Mindfulness meditation involves focusing your attention on the present moment and becoming more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. It can be a great way to develop greater self-awareness and to cultivate a sense of presence and peace.
- Spend Time in Nature – Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress and improved well-being. Whether you take a walk in the park, go for a hike in the woods, or simply sit outside and enjoy the beauty of the natural world, nature can be a powerful source of inspiration and connection.
- Cultivate Gratitude – Practicing gratitude involves intentionally focusing on the things in your life that you’re thankful for. This can help you to develop a more positive outlook and to appreciate the small things in life that often go unnoticed.
- Volunteer – Volunteering can be a powerful way to connect with others and to make a positive impact in your community. Whether you volunteer at a local shelter, food bank, or hospital, you can find meaning and purpose being in service to others.
- Explore Your Creativity – Engaging in creative activities like writing, painting, or music can be a powerful way to connect with your inner self and to express your emotions.
Final Thoughts of Society and Your Empowerment
Our Cultural Environment
Society-at-large handed us a script the day we were born, and for a while we are compelled to follow that script, despite the fact that it doesn’t honor our souls and in many ways lacks integrity. But when we realize the script isn’t one size fits all. That is many ways it’s harmful to people, we can begin to write our own script and find deep contentment and peace through honoring our soul.
Your Own Empowerment
When we follow your own script, you find your empowerment. Look deeper into your existence to find what truly satisfies your appetites. Learn how to discern your path from The Common Path by how it feels in your body. This is where confidence and faith come from and how you learn to feel safe in the world instead of confused and/or afraid.
Being a spiritual person isn’t about being nice or happy, it is a commitment to being honest and true to your soul. It’s a decision to unlearn what harms you and makes you feel shameful and guilty, in order to figure out what makes you feel proud and safe.
For those who want to expand into a way of life that feels satisfying and builds confidence in your life choices, The Vital Spirit offers spiritual mentoring. Learn more or schedule a 30-minute consultation.
Resources
Books by Amit Goswami about spirituality and science.
The Self-Aware Universe: How Consciousness Creates the Material World, by Amit Goswami, Penguin, Mar 21, 1995 – Science – 336 pages
Quantum Spirituality: The Pursuit of Wholeness by Amit Goswami & Valentina Onisor, Blue Rose Publishers, Nov 21, 2019 – Self-Help – 276 pages
