Spirituality is a broad concept that encompasses many different beliefs about the universe, your connection to others, and what it means to be alive. It often involves religious traditions that center around the belief in a higher power but can also incorporate ideas about your non-physical soul and a greater consciousness than just your physical body.
Depending on your personal beliefs and the tradition you practice, spirituality can involve listening to talks or reading religious texts as well as deep contemplation of those teachings and their implications. Some traditions call this lectio divina or swadhyaya, and it’s a key part of a number of spiritual practices.
For some people, spirituality is associated with New Age beliefs about healing and psychic powers, Astrology, the paranormal and all things that are not physically seen or experienced. Other people associate spirituality with meditation, yoga and the expansion of their consciousness. A number of researchers have linked spirituality to mental and physical well-being. For example, studies on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction have shown that meditators report improved life satisfaction and reduced instances of depression.
While there are benefits to a spiritual lifestyle, some people use it as a way to avoid dealing with problems or emotions in their lives. This is known as spiritual bypassing and can lead to negative outcomes in your health, relationships and life. This article offers some suggestions on how to avoid this trap and make your spirituality a positive force in your life.
