Spirituality

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings with human experience."

- Teilhard De Chardin

What is spirituality ? A question I'm sure many of us have often wondered about in between attempts at identifying its role in our lives. While perception differs individually, the broad meaning usually associates itself with religion, but of course that is not always the case.

Approaching the subject with a focus on integrating spiritual thinking that we experience in our daily lives, spirituality can essentially convert itself into an attitude, leading us towards self-awareness and often resulting in a meaningful and prosperous future.

In the book, The Power of Spiritual Intelligence, author Tony Bozan says, "When you are spiritually intelligent, you become more aware of the big picture - for yourself and the universe, and your place and purpose in it." He continues, "Spiritual intelligence is considered by many to be the most important of our many intelligence's, and has the power to transform your life, civilization, the planet and the course of history."

Everyday Spirituality

We usually tend to isolate ourselves from thinking and living spiritually. With Bozan's definition in mind, let us take the business environment as an example and learn to apply it to our daily lives.

It has been thought that spirituality doesn't have much to do with running a business or making a profit. The truth is that this is the result of a misconception on our part, because spirituality can also mean the following:

- Accepting and appreciating ourselves and others.

- Being inspired, empowered and energized.

- Leading with a mission and vision.

- Setting the right goals.

- Doing meaningful work.

- Creating a life of abundance.

- Being aware of our innate giftedness and talents.

- Being aware of our core needs and values.

- Building communication based on understanding rather than on judgement.

- Being at peace with who we are.

- Listening to our inner wisdom.

- Being more understanding and compassionate.

- Being in constant growth, learning and development through creative self- expression and contribution.

In business or otherwise, it can become a pulpit for us to contribute, help and share our life knowledge and experiences.

The more I think about spirituality, the more I relate it to the essence of our existence and our life choices. A choice of inward or outward focus makes all the difference in life. It is a constant discovery of our own natural design and personal and spiritual powers that puts us on our spiritual path.

Time for an identity check

As we grow our sense of identity changes. While we move towards full realization of who we are, we become aware that the jobs and roles we take in life do not really define us. They are simply convenient avenues for self- discovery, our sense of identity becomes more than any role we occupy. We also become restless because we do not want to accept a reduced and diminished identity. With a spiritual sense of being-ness we seek answers to questions such as "Who am I?" and "What am I here to do?"

With a spiritual consciousness, life becomes a journey of transformation and transcendence. We are eager to reach more of our infinite potential. When I look back at my own life eight to 10 years ago, I am awed at the whole transformation that has taken place. I truly believe that life will amaze me even more with an ongoing transformation. Such transformation has been fueled by choice that we make to see the life as a journey of growth and expansion, spiritually, mentally and materially.

Earning money is no more a pursuit in itself or for the same old reasons. As individuals we all have the right to create and live the life of abundance, beauty, quality and joy. Creating wealth and financial freedom become a part of our urge to fully express ourselves. "You desire true expression of your hidden talents, true place in life, beauty and the joy of contributing to the welfare and success of others", says Joseph Murphy in his book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

Unearthing our true values

In order to figure out our contribution and what we are here to do, we need to start understanding our core needs and values.

Feeling worthwhile and useful, being recognized for making a difference, having a sense of personal uniqueness and being loved and appreciated all top the list of what we want in life.

Unearthing what we intrinsically value most in life is worthy of our inward attention in order for us as human beings to move towards reaching our great potential.