How important is spirituality in your life?

“Spirituality involves the recognition of a feeling, sense, or belief that there is something greater than oneself, something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater whole of which we are part is cosmic or divine in nature.”

Dr. Maya Spencer

This is an amazing definition, in my opinion, of spirituality. Very often, spirituality is seen as an alternative choice over organized religion, when, in retrospect, it is another form of religion that offers a broader perspective. But society is moving away from these binary definitions and practices toward an even broader perspective of our connection to the cosmic universe.

This concept also changes how we define ourselves in relation to spirituality and religion, which keep us looking for somewhere to go beyond the earth. Most don’t understand that we are stationed on Earth, but we are citizens of the universe with all the rights and privileges.

So asking me, “How important is spirituality in my life?” is no different than asking, “How important is my religious practice?” I don’t practice religion or spirituality because I am not one who is looking for something that is not a part of who I am or beyond my grasp.

Spiritual and religious practices are social constructs for people who don’t know who they are. It’s for people on a journey of self-discovery. You cannot discover a self; you can only construct a persona or story that you believe about yourself so you can tell it to others.

When we consider the broader perspective of our existence as cosmic citizens, we are invited to transcend the limitations imposed by binary concepts of self, spirituality, and religion. These traditional frameworks often confine our understanding of identity to predefined roles and narratives, restricting the vast potential of who we truly are. By recognizing ourselves as part of the cosmos, we open up to the infinite possibilities and dimensions of our being.

As cosmic citizens, we possess inherent rights and privileges that go beyond earthly definitions. This perspective encourages us to see ourselves not just as individuals navigating a spiritual or religious journey but as integral parts of a vast, interconnected universe. This shift in viewpoint allows us to embrace a more expansive and liberated sense of self, free from the constraints of societal labels and narratives.

The personas and stories we have been told about ourselves, while influential, do not define the totality of our existence. These narratives can often be limiting, shaping our identity in ways that align with external expectations rather than our true nature. To move beyond these constraints, we must look inward and recognize the inherent cosmic nature of our being. We are not merely binary human beings defined by simple dualities; we are complex, multifaceted entities with a deep connection to the universe.

This broader understanding invites us to explore our identity in a more profound and meaningful way. It encourages us to question the conventional stories and roles we have been assigned and to seek a deeper, more authentic sense of self. By embracing our cosmic citizenship, we can tap into the vast potential within us, discovering new aspects of our identity that transcend traditional boundaries.

In this context, spirituality and religion are seen not as ultimate destinations but as tools that can aid in our journey of self-exploration. They are not endpoints but rather pathways that can guide us towards a deeper understanding of our place in the universe. However, the true essence of our being lies beyond these pathways, in the recognition of our cosmic interconnectedness and the realization of our inherent potential.

Therefore, the call is to look beyond the binary definitions and to embrace a more cosmic and expansive view of ourselves. To understand that we are not confined by the stories and personas constructed by societal norms but are much more than that. We are cosmic beings with the ability to shape our destiny and create new narratives that reflect our true nature. By doing so, we can live more authentically, embracing the full spectrum of our existence and the infinite possibilities that come with being citizens of the cosmos.

I would encourage you to read

“The Superhumanities” by Jeffrey J. Kripal, to start you on your journery to a new perspective of what it means to be human.