Spirituality, on the other hand, involves a ‘holistic' appreciation of a universe in which everyone and everything is connected seamlessly with everyone and everything else. Won't you choose him today? Spirituality means different things to different people. Peak experiences. There is therefore no absolute problem here. Thinking - in the sense of rational, cause and effect logic, doesn't help much. Research supports this idea: Those who report actively seeking meaning in life also report lower life satisfaction and happiness. (Cantab), M.R.C. The two Greek names for time, ‘chronos' and ‘kairos', represent two types of experience that also interpenetrate one-another like the white and dark parts of the yin-yang symbol. The secret to finding meaning in life may be not to look for it. However, he advised against actively searching for meaning, instead suggesting that meaning should ensue as a side effect of pursuing other goals. A concern for religion and God. As I say in my book 'The Psychology of Spirituality', "Spirituality is not a mere object for analysis or specimen for dissection and scrutiny. For some, it's primarily about a belief in God and active participation in organized religion. Many people are interested in becoming career spiritual psychologists, but what do they do and how can you become one? Self beyond the ego. Thegyansagar website is welcome to give you all the information. I like this analysis of the spiritual as it rises into the social and maybe even intellectual. Not least a growing reconnection to source and to grace, however you might choose to define that. spirituality definition the true inner meaning From an atheist perspective, there are also many 'non-religious' spiritual practices available, including contemplation and contemplative reading of philosophy, poetry and literature, engaging with and enjoying nature, maintaining physical health with a regular exercise routine, appreciation of the arts and engaging in creative activities, joining clubs and societies of like-minded people, joining in with group or team activities, sporting, recreational or other that involve a special quality of friendship, engaging in voluntary work and regular acts of kindness and compassion, also maintaining stable and loving family relationships and friendships. When people described times they felt oneness, infinity, or connection to a higher power, they had less activity in the inferior parietal lobe, usually active during representations of oneself in space or time, indicating people may temporarily lose their sense of self during spiritual experiences. Entry is free. I agree with much of what you have written, as you will see from my own book "The Psychology of Spirituality". Thanks Stewart, and good luck with your blog. I think humankind is still growing up, and still making many mistakes - hopefully learning and growing through them. This little point of nothingness… is so to speak His name written in us… It is like a pure diamond, blazing with the invisible light of heaven. Dear Ramon, It is better suited to a 'both/and' style of thinking. Two Sides of the Same Coin: Empathy and Schadenfreude, religious attachment is generally beneficial. Spiritual practices. Spiritual psychology is a 21st century approach to living - a blending of science and spirituality. Your face and your eyes speak to us.' I find it interesting to note that it seems to me the spiritual or religious experience evolved previous to the social experience, and the social is prior to the intellectual. Wisdom involves remembering that such pairs always relate to one-another and are inseparable. From a holistic perspective, of course, 'up' and 'down' are simply relative to one-another. This masters degree has been designed for educators, healthcare professionals, business leaders, organizational developers, therapists, alternative practitioners, entrepreneurs, and cultural creatives who wish to find more expansive ways to enhance their current profession. A loving relationship can be an oasis in uncertain times, but nurturing it requires attention, honesty, openness, vulnerability, and gratitude. Elliot put it. Many people identify as spiritual but not religious: With a few exceptions, the percentage of adults who identify as religious in many industrialized countries is declining, while remaining generally high in less developed nations. In this ‘self/non-self', ‘either/or', ‘right or wrong' vision of the universe, opposing features are emphasized: either young or old, for example, not both at the same time. All the religions have advice in their scriptures on how to develop some kind of spiritual awareness. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. It is correlated with better health habits such as less smoking and drinking, an enhanced ability to cope with stress, and increased social support. Research also finds some downsides, however, such as increased levels of guilt and shame in stricter religious communities. As human communities grew, a belief in gods who could punish wrongdoers or support agriculture also took hold, an idea that still holds great power today. It feels like a reminder and confirmation of something already known but forgotten. However, this is not entirely accurate: spirituality is more than psychology. Mystical experiences. Without one, there cannot be the other. This is the final route for the SOUL effort to merge back with SOURCE / GOD / THE LIGHT. So, if you are interested in psychology and want to see how this branch of science can be explored in combination with our spiritual journey’s, this article will answer any questions you may have. I have become very skeptical of scientists or professionals who have contributed to this lie, giving those less endowed with the tenets of reason and rational thinking a reason to holding on to these false ideas. You don't have to be like people who equate spirituality with a religion they decide is false, then abandon. It cannot be pinned down. Kairos was the name of the Greek god who symbolized chance, fortune and synchronicity. (Are Humans Truly Conscious? The spiritual psychologists whose work set the stage for future generations include William James, Carl Jung, Roberto Assagioli and Abraham Maslow. In this course you are tasked with uncovering the answers to the following three questions: 3) How can I make a meaningful contribution? It's good that you mention de Chardin. Kairos is in play when things happen unpredictably, but at just the right moment. It cannot completely be defined. Systemic trance. This program expands the perspective on psychology to describe a new range of mind operations in human, which connect spirituality with mind sciences. But once one knows oneself, one might find that one's spiritual capacity, which has a more eternal nature, is actually more stable and still than our more changeable earthly capacities, which are subject to aging and shifting social energies. Michelle P. Maidenberg Ph.D., MPH, LCSW-R, CGP on October 10, 2020 in Being Your Best Self, Ralph Lewis M.D. What is Spiritual Psychology? A concern for and sensitivity to the spirit and soul. That should soften any dualistic 'right vs wrong' views that creep in, risk setting people apart, and spoil everything! Finally, the intellectual was the most recent and most refined area developed mostly by northern europeans. How Is the Pandemic Affecting the Way People Date? Spiritual psychology has existed in some form for thousands of years though it has become its own branch of study in more recent times. Some of the rides may feel challenging, more intimidating than exhilarating at first. The new wisdom resonates powerfully with something already present, deep inside. The Yin *must* rise into its fullest aspect, and the Yang must descend into its fullest aspect. Others, such as the key role of the emotions, will be focused on in more detail in later entries. The only way to true enlightenment and to have a spiritual connection to life, is to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. (4). Years ago, when I first began to meditate, I learned a sitting practice for being mindful. Is There Still a Case for Teaching Fixed vs. Growth Mindset? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This course is designed to give you an introduction into spiritual psychology and is a good foundation for anyone who’s still not 100% certain whether to pursue as a career or just an interest.