Important concepts about Spirituality

What kinds of notions and experiences does Spirituality address?

• Mystery; the unknown and unknowable
• Connection; to one's community and to the rest of one's environment.
• Lightheartedness - Cast your cares upon the lord, and lay your burdens down. Take no thought for your future, but trust in the Lord. In God's pasture we can run free.
• Perspective - I am small, but my choices matter.

What is Spirituality?

What's it made of? What does a human being DO in pursuing or expressing a spiritual connection?

• Contemplation - A context in which to meditate; an orientation by which to evaluate anything
• Dialog - Exploring concepts, directly with God (oneself) or with brethren.
• Exploring, creating, or reinforcing (unassailable) narratives about real life in which the self is an incomplete subject
• Mnemonic practices - rituals, procedures, commitments are mnemonic disciplines for oneself, and displays for the social front

Traits of those of a healthy Spirit

• Gracious - A relation to life which includes gratitude and generosity.
• Compassionate - Able to see and relate with other selves as respected as oneself
• Flourishing - Positive relationships, self-esteem, optimism, purpose, victories
• Self-actualized - Empowered to succeed
• Paced - Able to relax and enjoy / savor life experiences deeply
• Peaceful - Knowing that, even in a personal calamity, something bigger will persist and succeed, removes anxiety and worry.
• Unafraid - Loved by life itself or god, perhaps, and willingly subject to its whims