MODULE 6. UNFOLDING THE SPIRITUAL SELF

MODULE 6. UNFOLDING THE SPIRITUAL SELF

Having the “whole person” is more like having physical and psychological aspects. Both aspects cover human development such as growth and maturation for physical, and focusing on consciousness for psychological. Beside to these two aspects, there is another aspect that is very important just like having these two; the spiritual aspect of the self. In Spiritual self, the connection of our mind, body, and spirit is the main highlight. Also, it is the phase where we take our own life journey, contextualizing that there is a higher being, and discovering the meaning of one’s life.

There was lot of researches that was formulated in order to define the meaning of spirituality. The aspect of our self is linked to an individual’s process of seeking and expressing the meaning. For Beauregaard and O’Leary, spirituality is like any experience that is thought to the experiencer in contact with the divine. Another researcher defined spirituality as a personal relationship of an individual and the sacred or transcendent. Spirituality was also defined as personal and private beliefs on the transcended material aspects of life, also gives a deep understanding on wholeness, connectedness and openness to the infinite”.

Spirituality actually talks about meaning and purpose beyond the physical realities we see every day or in our lives. Everything that happens in the environment such as phenomena or even personal experiences is observed. As individual grows, he/she must consider the question “what meaning do I put in my life?” because the meaning and rationalizations makes an influence on the way life is being assessed. One thing that a person should consider on spirituality is being concentrated on the individual’s connection to different aspect of his/her existence. Spirituality can be connected in different forms; other people, nature, sacredness and divinity. Spirituality also talks about sacred and transcendent. It is a universal belief in this world, saying that there is a higher being than our self. Spirituality is a natural part of one’s developmental process.

Religiosity is the adherence of a belief system and practices/traditions. It is also a formal connection in setting beliefs, values and practices of specific religious sectors. Religiosity can also be defined as an individual belongs to a specific religious group that contains commitment in the religious beliefs. 

Spirituality brings sacredness and transcendence to one’s life. It brings positive consequences such positive physical, and mental health, and well-being. Contentment and serenity is found in a spiritual person’s life circumstances. Spirituality is a natural aspect in one’s self-development. Spirituality is enhanced in different places. It can start with the parents and can be followed by the school and peer groups. Yet, the best way for a person to enhance or develop his/her spirituality is through his/her self.