Finding and Celebrating Spirituality in the Mundane

While spirituality is typically attributed to an "otherworldly" realm that exists beyond the natural, physical world, various modern ideologies accept and promote the concept of spirituality in a less ineffable manner. In short, such concepts of spirituality exist beyond the context of the supernatural and focus instead on the human emotional response to certain events, places or sentiments. In this sense, spirituality deals more with the human notions of significance, awe, joy and wonder, to name just a few, than with faith-based notions that have been contributed by religion.

And, while spirituality has often been described as transcending religion, rarely has it been moved, via discussion or practice, into the realm of the physical world. Yet with modern humanism gaining ground, especially among neo-intellectuals, it is only natural - pardon the expression - that spirituality be applied to the real world. Taken one step further, spirituality can delve even into the daily, mundane elements of life that are often largely ignored.

It should be noted that those who would adhere entirely to a view of the world as interpreted by the rational mind will naturally be disinclined to venture into any way of thinking that negates that rationality, so that any notion of spirituality would be, for such individuals, mere folly. Nonetheless, when considered deeply, there is no disconnect between rationality and a version of spirituality that is grounded in the natural world.

The connection, however, rests in one's fundamental beliefs or understanding of the world, who we are as humans, and our place in the greater context of the universe. Once established - or at least thoroughly considered - spirituality becomes a natural extension of that understanding. For instance, prior to the existence of the world's major religions, humans were faced with what have sometimes been referred to as "The Great Questions." These are the questions that humans have had since well prior to recorded history and that still exist to this day.

While science has gone a long way in explaining some of the questions about the universe, the earth, the sun and other questions that can be readily addressed by physical study and experimentation, other questions remain. For instance, the meaning of life itself, notions of truth, the existence of God and what happens to us after death are all questions that have never been truly explained, nor have religion or science provided an adequate answer.

Those that extend spirituality to the world will generally acknowledge that they do not have the answers to these questions, but will nonetheless continue to consider the questions themselves, and examine everyday items and events in a manner that moves them beyond the mundane and into the realm of spirituality. For some, this may be as simple as a sunset, a shooting star or a waterfall - very typical, natural occurrences that can inspire awe. For others, the sense of transcendence achieved via exercise or some activity that they enjoy immensely can offer an exhibition of spirituality.

Regardless of the venue or event that is associated with spirituality - and there is a very real movement among various groups for a sort of "earth worship" that is based upon modern concepts of the religion of indigenous people - the important point is that spirituality is no longer merely thought of as a concept associated with specific religions or places of worship. Rather, spirituality has entered everyday life and can range from something as simple as a job well done to a life-defining experience.