What does spirituality mean to you?

How do you define spirituality for yourself and what does it ultimately mean to you in your life? How you define spirituality for yourself has a big impact on your experience. Cecilia Kapalamula finds out from people what spirituality really means to them.

Alice Kamwendo of Ndirande Assemblies of God said, “Religion and spirituality are not interchangeable terms, even though they are often used together. Where religion is typically more strict and organised, spirituality tends to be defined by each individual on a personal level. It can mean an appreciation for understanding of various religions.”

 “We all have spiritual experiences all the time. Spirituality is not just about recognising these spiritual experiences, but consciously seeking these experiences and developing a greater sensitivity to the spiritual life. It’s about growing this tiny spark that’s inside each and every one of us.”

Mike O’neil in his book Power to Choose says the transforming truth about spirituality is that the solutions to our external conditions lie inside.

“The outer world flows from the inner world. When you are connected to your own spirituality, you are connected to the very source of everything in the world. You uplift your world by first transforming and uplifting your own inner world and your inner visions.”

O’neil  goes further to note that the greatest challenge is that many people define spirituality by religious connotations and religion is almost exclusively based on outward experience and conformity to someone else’s rules.

“Spirituality is not so much about external observation, but more only you can truly define for yourself since these inner experiences are often very hard to fully express in words and explanations.”

Joseph Banda in his words said: “Spirituality is predominantly based on someone else’s beliefs and experiences rather the personal experience of God within. It’s  a bit like wearing someone’s shoes-even if it is the right size it feels  ncomfortable, but if you wear it enough, it becomes your very own.”

O’neil adds that one of the most and powerful and useful ways to define spirituality for yourself is to recognise and nurture that divine spark deep within you.  Ultimately, spirituality is about enriching our experiences of life. Regardless of how you define spirituality, it is that still silent voice deep within. It is our spirit and it is our constant companion on life’s journey. It is your own personal connection to the higher intelligence that is present in all of life.