Are you spiritual, religious, or neither? Most of us think spirituality is equal to religion, while others see it as a personal search for meaning and connection. Wherever you stand, one thing is clear, spirituality is a personal yet universal topic that goes beyond boundaries.
But what is spirituality? According to Merriam-Webster, it’s “sensitivity or attachment to religious values” or “the quality or state of being concerned with religion or religious matters.” While this definition relates to religion, it doesn’t capture many people’s broader, non-religious pursuits today.
The Oxford English Dictionary expands on this as “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.”
For some, spirituality means faith and worship. For others, it’s about inner peace, purpose, or connection through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or philosophical inquiry.
But what if you don’t believe in religion? Is spirituality still for you? These questions lead us to the first key point of our discussion.
Is Spirituality Only Religious? What About Atheists?
The idea that spirituality is only for religious people is old-fashioned. Atheists and agnostics can—and do—be spiritual in their own way. Spirituality is seeking deeper meaning, connection, and self-awareness and there’s no one right way to do it.
William Bloom one of the UK’s leading educators in holistic wellbeing and spirituality says in his work that “Spirituality is for all faiths and none; it’s a diverse and holistic approach to inner peace and compassion.” For atheists, spirituality might look like seeking awe and wonder in nature, building strong communities, seeing the best in people, acts of kindness, or mindfulness.
The appeal of spirituality for non-believers lies in being able to feel grounded and have perspective without the need for religious doctrine. This kind of inclusive understanding makes spirituality available to all regardless of faith or no faith.
What Is Spirituality in Psychology?
Psychology has another way of looking at spirituality. Psychologically, spirituality is seen as personal growth and emotional resilience. It’s linked to well-being, less stress, and inner harmony.
The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health’s director, Dr. Christina Puchalski, says it’s about the human need for purpose and connection. “Spirituality is that part of us that seeks and expresses meaning and purpose and how we experience our connection to the moment, to self, to others, to nature and to the significant or sacred.”
Spirituality—whether religious or secular—can be a way to manage mental health. From meditation and yoga to journaling and gratitude practices, psychology likes to use these as tools for emotional well-being.
Examples of Spirituality
Spirituality can look like many things depending on your beliefs and experiences. Here are examples of how different groups experience spirituality in daily life:
1. Spirituality Among Believers ( Religious)
- Prayer and Worship: From formal prayers to jotting down three things you’re grateful for each day, these practices encourage appreciation and reflection.
Imagine waking up early, the air still cool, as you are on your knees in quiet prayer. Many find deep comfort in their daily prayers and worship services.
- Acts of Charity – Think back to a time when you helped someone in need. That warmth you felt? Believers experience spirituality through acts of kindness, like feeding the homeless or supporting a friend in trouble.
- Sacred Rituals – Whether it’s fasting during Ramadan, lighting a Sabbath candle, or reciting evening prayers, sacred rituals give believers a sense of connection and spiritual fulfillment.
2. Spirituality Among Non Believers (Atheists)
- Mindfulness and Meditation – A 10-minute meditation can help you reconnect with the present and build awareness of your breath, thoughts, and feelings.
Picture yourself sitting quietly, focusing on your breath. The moment feels infinite, and a deep awareness sets in. Most of us find spirituality in mindfulness and meditation.
- Connection with Nature— Have you ever stood on a mountaintop, taking in the sky, or walking through a forest, feeling part of something bigger? Hiking, gardening, or simply watching a sunset can bring you closer to the wonders of the natural world and can be deeply spiritual.
- Philosophical Exploration – Remember a conversation that left you thinking for days? Engaging in discussions about life’s purpose and morality is a spiritual practice for many non-believers.
3. Spirituality in Psychology
- Gratitude Practice – Think of a time when someone showed you kindness. How did it make you feel? Writing down what you are grateful for can build emotional resilience and happiness.
- Creative Expression – Do you remember a time when you lost yourself in a painting, a song, or a journal entry? Creative expression is a powerful spiritual outlet.
- Selfless Acts – Helping a neighbor, volunteering for a cause, or showing kindness reminds us of our shared humanity.
Think of a time when you helped someone without expecting anything in return. That deep sense of fulfillment is an example of spirituality in action.
We all experience spirituality in our own way and there is no right or wrong way.
What Is Spirituality in Christianity?
Christianity, one of the biggest religions in the world, has its take on spirituality. For Christians, spirituality is a tool to build a relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and worship.
In the Christian faith, spirituality is abiding in Christ and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. It’s a path of growth, humility, and service. Key biblical passages like John 15:5 highlight this connection, where Jesus says “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”
But Christian spirituality also explores themes of love, compassion, and helping others, bridging the gap with secular ideals. Many Christian leaders encourage contemplation and stillness as part of spiritual practice that’s similar to modern mindfulness in non-religious contexts.
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual warfare is a term often used in religious circles, especially in Christianity. It means the battle between good and evil forces in the invisible, spiritual realm. For practitioners, spiritual warfare is prayer, faith, and relying on God to resist temptation, overcome sin, or face life’s challenges.
Some aspects of spiritual warfare apply to secular interpretations of spirituality although they are traditionally religious. For example, fighting negativity or seeking inner clarity are the subjects of most secular interpretations of spirituality. Whatever your faith, spiritual warfare means overcoming hardship and being aligned to higher values.
People Also Asks about Spirituality
Q1. What is the simple definition of spirituality?
Spirituality is being connected to something bigger than yourself—a search for meaning, purpose, and understanding beyond the physical world. For example, I feel deep calm and clarity when I take a quiet walk in nature and I find these moments help me get in touch with myself. My friend Sarah finds her spirituality through daily acts of kindness and journaling which helps her see life from a bigger perspective.
Q2. What is spirituality in one word?
“Connection” is the word that fits spirituality, as it’s a bond with yourself, others, nature or a higher power.
Q3. What is spirituality best defined as?
Spirituality comes from the word “spirit” which means something beyond the physical world. It’s defined as a journey of letting go of attachments and expectations that cause stress, frustration, and suffering.
Attachments come from our expectations of people or things. For example, when you turn the key in your car you expect it to start. If it doesn’t you’ll feel frustrated because reality didn’t match your expectation. It applies to all areas of life—our struggles don’t come from what happens but from how we expect things to be.
Spirituality is about knowing that peace comes from within. It teaches us to shift our focus away from external circumstances and find meaning, purpose and connection beyond the physical world. It can be experienced through religion, mindfulness, self-reflection or a deep appreciation of life itself.
Q4. What are the three types of spirituality?
These are the three types of Spirituality:
- Religious Spirituality – Centers around faith and organized beliefs in a higher power.
- Secular Spirituality – Individual growth, mindfulness, and connection without a religious framework.
- Mystical Spirituality – Unity with the universe or a divine essence through intense personal experience.
Final Words
We’ve covered different aspects of spirituality—faith, psychology, personal growth, and appreciating the world. We’ve seen that spirituality is for everyone—believer or non-believer. Many people connect spirituality with faith, others through psychology, nature, or acts of kindness. Whatever your faith or no faith at all, spirituality is about finding meaning, purpose, and connection in life.
Now it’s your turn. Think about what we’ve covered and try some of what feels good for you, meditating, being outside, or being kind to others. Your spiritual journey is your own and every step you take will make your life more full. So, are you ready?