Redefining Spirituality: Because Caring is Cool

Somewhere along the line the word "spiritual" got lumped in with images of hippies, tie dye, flowing scarves, strange esoteric language and people who appear to be living on another planet.

The basis of spirituality is not much different than philosophy: asking questions and finding meaning to life. Spiritual thinkers of the past applied certain habits (pun intended, nuns) to mind, body and spirit. They may have called it living a holy life. We modern spiritual thinkers refer to it as living a holistic lifestyle. Both viewpoints believe in living a mindful life. Mindful of how our actions affect others, and how mental and physical junk affects our mind and body.

So how did a new age movement that was meant to bring in a higher realm of thought create such a negative reputation that it hasn't been taken seriously?

Many new agers are not grounded in the material world which makes them appear to be unfocused, cultish, incomprehensible, too "out there" which can be a real turn off for people who are intent on living with two feet on the ground.

I'm in my '30's and I am a very spiritual person, but I've never related to the "new age." The music, the language, the style, the energy, it hasn't ever been inviting to me and has felt like a throw back to my parents era of free love and trippy hippy.

I wondered where is spirituality for the rest of us? Why can't it be modernized?

When I started thinking about the people who have said to me they're not spiritual or stepped away from me when I've mentioned that I am, as if I had a contagious virus, I realized that the majority of people on this planet are spiritual. They just don't know it.

I did a little research to see how dictionaries define the word "spirituality" and noted the problem. The definitions basically said "one who is concerned with matters of the soul not with the mundane material or physical..."

Right. So it's basically saying that spirituality means that you're only into soul matters. You could care less about say, getting a promotion at work, having a beautiful home, driving a fantastic car, owning nice clothes, what's happening in politics/the world, etc.

How absurd. You can't divide heaven and earth.

So I'm here to re-define it's meaning. Just like a fashionista has a flare for fashion, as a spiritualista, I have a passion for making the most of my life and making a difference in this world. Being spiritual is as simple as that.

Here are some questions to discover if you have a spiritual bone in your body:

• Have you ever helped someone out and expected nothing in return?
  
• Do you care about the environment?
• Do you feel compassion when you hear of someone's misfortune?
• Do you pull together to support others when there is a tragedy?
• Have you said a prayer, thanked or questioned God at some point in your life?
• Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
• Have you ever pondered why you're here, what your purpose is?
• Have you ever donated to charity, ran a marathon or volunteered for a cause?
• Have you ever donated your old stuff to those in need?
• Do you believe in the idea of karma, destiny and that we learn things throughout our life?
  
• Do you believe that no matter what race, religion or gender that we all experience the same feelings for better or for worse, that we're all connected in some way?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then guess what, you're spiritual. That doesn't mean you're religious. It doesn't mean that you don't like to hang out with friends for a drink after work or that you have to know what downward dog is. It doesn't mean that you don't want that amazing job or to make a ton of money or wear designer clothes. Heck, I do! It means that the material life isn't all that defines you. Your life, your thoughts, your beliefs go deeper than only thinking about you and your bottom line. Spiritual thinking provides an opportunity to grow as a human being, to understand yourself and your life, to become a better person.

There's so much more to life than the basics of eat, drink, work, sleep. Spirituality allows us to use our brains in a higher capacity and reveals how interesting life really is. Spirituality makes us smarter. When we think smarter, we have the opportunity to act smarter. Part of being a spiritual person is integrating the material and physical by learning how to work through your challenges in a healthy way, and using your inspiration and faith to actively pursue your dreams instead of settling for a life unfulfilled. Success is spiritual. In fact, I believe it's the highest spiritual state we can achieve on earth. It's the balance between material (financial), physical (health) and spiritual (love for self and others) success that creates the ultimate happiness we all long for.

Success is, of course, in the eye of the beholder. Just keep in mind that most of the great spiritual teachers like Jesus and Buddha, unlike common belief, came from middle to upper class families and it was their material support that helped provide education and travel so that they could learn more and teach others.

So, embrace your inner spiritual self. Don't be ashamed. Come out of the closet. You'll be joined by other people, like me, who are part of the new generation of visionaries, thinkers and do-gooders who are helping to make this world a cooler place to live.

HeavenHealingArts.com and Spiritualista.com (coming soon): spirituality for the rest of us. Subscribe. Watch. Listen. Feel Good.

photo: Lauralyn visiting Stonehenge