The essence of SPIRITUALITY is based on an evolving conscious relationship with self, others and some awareness of how self and others are connected on multiple levels that somehow become integrated into one’s search for meaning and purpose in life. For some, this connection involves nature; for others this connection involves some energy or power that is greater than us; and for others this connection becomes more personalized into God, the Buddha within, or what words best mirror a faith tradition and cultural experiences. Spirituality is a consistently emerging phenomenon.

One way to understand spirituality is to view it as the evolving and emerging awareness over time about who a person truly is- their TRUE SELF-and how they relate to themselves (including the changes they experience in themselves) and the evolving and emerging awareness over time about how they are connected to, experience, and relate and to others and all else that has “being”, and ultimately, their universal connection to that “spirit” or “being” that we all share that is life.

One’s faith tradition, the practice of a specific religion and the way people are raised by their families, often influence their spiritual development.

One way to frame one’s life journey is to imagine there are three selves that accompany each person’s life journey. As one’s REGULAR SELF attempts to successfully navigate a life journey, it is important to listen to the guidance from TRUE SELF. One’s TRUE SELF is wise and all knowing, and serves as the authentic spiritual connection for each of us and, I believe, connects all of us to each other through love. It is through an awareness of true self that meaning and purpose is best discovered, mediated, and fully implemented. Thomas Keating’s (1997) writings on this topic are very inspiring and informative.  Full News