I recently read an article from a February 3, 2007 article in The Daytona Beach News-Journal. I just happened to see this article when I was passing through Daytona. The title of the article is "The Science Behind Spirituality." How fascinating that Spirituality is becoming such a popular topic. In my attempt to define the term, I love that there is more and more information available.
This article discusses the research that is going on at the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania. Did you even know such a Center existed? I found that out recently. The Center is looking into how our "spiritual beliefs and secular beliefs affect our health and behavior." The emphasis is on the effect of beliefs that can be tested neurologically, from the brain. The Center studies both secular and spiritual beliefs. Dr. Newberg, director of the Center, says that "Spirituality and belief don't have to equate to religious faith." Art and watching a sunset can create a sense of well-being. The Center has studied such a variety as the brains of Buddhists in meditation and Pentacostal Christians speaking in tongues.
While this study is relatively new and the emphasis is on the effects of belief on health, I find it encouraging that Spirituality and belief are claiming more attention. Spirituality is more than just the effects that can be determined by testing the brain, yet this is certainly one aspect. Any and all information to add to our knowledge of the subject is welcome. The effects of our beliefs may not define our beliefs, but the studies certainly add credence to the importance of those beliefs.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Quality and Spirituality
The title of this blog is a little misleading. I actually don't have anything to say about the relationship between quality and spirituality. What I want to comment on is a quote in the novel Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. I mentioned in my March 25th post that I was rereading this novel after having enjoyed it in the 60s.
The narrator is discussing his search for the definition of the word "Quality." On page 334, the narrator thinks, "Ancient Greece. Strange that for them Quality should be everything while today it sounds odd to even say quality is real. What unseen changes could have taken place?" I'm reminded that this same statement could be said today regarding Spirituality. How strange that if not in Ancient Greece than certainly in some ancient cultures and especially in the Native American tradition, Spirituality was part of everything and related to the way of life. Today, too often, we don't acknowledge this aspect of our lives as real. A little too harsh? Maybe, but not too far-fetched for many as our lives are torn by all the daily demands, leaving little time for anything that isn't "real" or relevant to tomorrow's tasks. I realize that fundamental Christians would disagree with my statement, but I am referring to the millions who find the organized religions a little too constraining.
"What unseen changes could have taken place?" Perhaps we all know that answer or maybe we don't. But in my quest to define Spirituality, I am reminded by the truth in that statement. Perhaps it is time to recognize those changes and bring Spirituality back into our lives as real. That is part of my quest in defining it. I realize I digress with this reference to the novel, but part of Spirituality is to honor our thoughts and feelings and digressions. Thank you for letting me do that.
The narrator is discussing his search for the definition of the word "Quality." On page 334, the narrator thinks, "Ancient Greece. Strange that for them Quality should be everything while today it sounds odd to even say quality is real. What unseen changes could have taken place?" I'm reminded that this same statement could be said today regarding Spirituality. How strange that if not in Ancient Greece than certainly in some ancient cultures and especially in the Native American tradition, Spirituality was part of everything and related to the way of life. Today, too often, we don't acknowledge this aspect of our lives as real. A little too harsh? Maybe, but not too far-fetched for many as our lives are torn by all the daily demands, leaving little time for anything that isn't "real" or relevant to tomorrow's tasks. I realize that fundamental Christians would disagree with my statement, but I am referring to the millions who find the organized religions a little too constraining.
"What unseen changes could have taken place?" Perhaps we all know that answer or maybe we don't. But in my quest to define Spirituality, I am reminded by the truth in that statement. Perhaps it is time to recognize those changes and bring Spirituality back into our lives as real. That is part of my quest in defining it. I realize I digress with this reference to the novel, but part of Spirituality is to honor our thoughts and feelings and digressions. Thank you for letting me do that.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Closer to a definition of Practical Spirituality
I am getting closer to a definition of Practical Spirituality - an attempt that has kept me occupied specifically in at least four other posts but in reality in most of my previous posts. I must admit that my greatest influence in even realizing the need for a definition is Ken Wilber in his Integral Spiritual, which I discussed in my March 12, 2007 post, I gave my reaction to his basic points of trying to incorporate Spirituality with other aspects of life and accepting its significant new role. I agree.
Now I want to use his argument on the necessity of having a definition of spirituality before attempting a serious discussion. Before reading his work, I just used the word as if we all knew what it meant. In reality, I didn't exactly know what it did mean. Webster's New World Dictionary's defines it as "of the spirit or the soul as distinguished from the body and the material matters." There are other definitions, but this one relates to the parameters I wish to discuss. Yes, when we discuss Spirituality, we are discussing things of the spirit or soul, not the body. These general words, however, point out the problem and need for clarification. What are those things? Let's look at Wilber's four possible definitions. He suggests Spirituality is one of the following:
1) the highest of any particular aspect of our lives, such as cognitive, emotional, or values;
2) a spiritual intelligence that is separate from intellect or emotions or any aspect of our
lives, but just as valuable as any other;
3) a peak experience, such as a meditative or religious experience;
4) a specific attitude that could be present at any time, such as love, wisdom, or compassion.
Like Wilber, I find the last definition too vague, although prevalent. It doesn't tell us anything and seems too much like the dictionary definition of relating to the soul or spirit. I agree that the other definitions are valid uses as I hear people discuss this topic.
For my discussion of Practical Spirituality, I find that the first definition works best. I want to discuss the highest aspect of our lives. The second definition seems to defeat the idea of integrating Spirituality into our lives. This second definition tends to separate Spirituality into its own category. I want my discussion related to everything, not a topic that exists in isolation.
The third definition is a valid one but not what related to what I am doing. I see this very specific event related to Spirituality but not encompassing its totality.
The highest aspect of our lives. That is getting me closer to a workable definition of the Spirituality part of my topic, "Practical Spirituality." Before completing my definition, or my attempt at a definition, however, there is at least one more step. I will discuss that in a later post.
Now I want to use his argument on the necessity of having a definition of spirituality before attempting a serious discussion. Before reading his work, I just used the word as if we all knew what it meant. In reality, I didn't exactly know what it did mean. Webster's New World Dictionary's defines it as "of the spirit or the soul as distinguished from the body and the material matters." There are other definitions, but this one relates to the parameters I wish to discuss. Yes, when we discuss Spirituality, we are discussing things of the spirit or soul, not the body. These general words, however, point out the problem and need for clarification. What are those things? Let's look at Wilber's four possible definitions. He suggests Spirituality is one of the following:
1) the highest of any particular aspect of our lives, such as cognitive, emotional, or values;
2) a spiritual intelligence that is separate from intellect or emotions or any aspect of our
lives, but just as valuable as any other;
3) a peak experience, such as a meditative or religious experience;
4) a specific attitude that could be present at any time, such as love, wisdom, or compassion.
Like Wilber, I find the last definition too vague, although prevalent. It doesn't tell us anything and seems too much like the dictionary definition of relating to the soul or spirit. I agree that the other definitions are valid uses as I hear people discuss this topic.
For my discussion of Practical Spirituality, I find that the first definition works best. I want to discuss the highest aspect of our lives. The second definition seems to defeat the idea of integrating Spirituality into our lives. This second definition tends to separate Spirituality into its own category. I want my discussion related to everything, not a topic that exists in isolation.
The third definition is a valid one but not what related to what I am doing. I see this very specific event related to Spirituality but not encompassing its totality.
The highest aspect of our lives. That is getting me closer to a workable definition of the Spirituality part of my topic, "Practical Spirituality." Before completing my definition, or my attempt at a definition, however, there is at least one more step. I will discuss that in a later post.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
What is Spirituality? - another discussion
I am continuing my effort to define Practical Spirituality. Today, I want to discuss the more general term of "Spirituality." Most of these comments are from my book, The Trust Factor: The Art of Doing Business in the 21st Century.
Spirituality is a belief in something greater than ourselves, a belief in a bigger picture. What we name this "greater than" is insignificant. What is important is that we each identify our beliefs, accept them, and use them as our standard for living. Whether those beliefs signify the highest good, right action, oneness with nature, oneness with others, or a combination of all of these, the similarities should be stressed. These similarities are the bond that allows us to tolerate and interact with one another.
There are some general principles that seem to be common in religious and spiritual paths worldwide. These include: compassion, unity, truthfulness, fairness, tolerance, responsibility, respect for life and service to all life. I wish we could learn to act on our common beliefs as opposed to dissecting and defending them. This would be a step toward an acceptable definition for Spirituality.
Spirituality is a belief in something greater than ourselves, a belief in a bigger picture. What we name this "greater than" is insignificant. What is important is that we each identify our beliefs, accept them, and use them as our standard for living. Whether those beliefs signify the highest good, right action, oneness with nature, oneness with others, or a combination of all of these, the similarities should be stressed. These similarities are the bond that allows us to tolerate and interact with one another.
There are some general principles that seem to be common in religious and spiritual paths worldwide. These include: compassion, unity, truthfulness, fairness, tolerance, responsibility, respect for life and service to all life. I wish we could learn to act on our common beliefs as opposed to dissecting and defending them. This would be a step toward an acceptable definition for Spirituality.
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