Demystifying Spirituality: What It Really Means

Someone recently asked me to explain the meaning of spirituality. It has become a massive buzzword lately, with everyone claiming to be involved in it. Yet, despite this trend, most people are not actually Zen at all.

We need to demystify this topic and put it into simple terms without any fluff.

You Are Not Your Labels

The first step in this process is getting to know your spirit. Throughout life, the world places layers upon us through parenting, schooling, and societal norms. To find your true self, you have to peel back those layers to see who you were before the world changed you.

You are not what you do. You are not who you were born to. You are not your education, wealth, fame, friends, home, or your car. When you strip away all the expectations of the material world, what remains is your spirit.

What Spirituality is NOT

There are many misconceptions about what makes someone spiritual. Here is what it is not:

* It is not a checklist of activities: Reading books, walking in nature, occasionally doing yoga, or attending a retreat are great tools, but they are not the end goal. They are simply scenic routes.

* It is not a temporary feeling: It does not count if you feel good during meditation but spend the rest of the day angry at your neighbors or annoyed by your coworkers.

* It is not an emotional roller coaster: Swinging between super high highs and crashing lows depletes your energy. True spirituality energizes you.

The Reason You Attract Difficult People

True growth requires serious introspection and the ability to be challenged without getting defensive. Every experience is designed to lead us toward our core purpose.