The Spiritual Journey
Over the course of human history, philosophers, leaders, and thinkers alike have reflected on big questions:​
  • ​​What is the meaning of life?
  • Do I have a purpose?
  • Does everything happen for a reason?
  • Why do we suffer?
  • Is there a best way to live?
To answer those questions many of us turn to religion, science, or philosophy. Others turn to art or nature. Yet others create for themselves a personal paradigm which is absorbed into the vast and somewhat vague label we know as 'Spirituality'.

So, then, what exactly is spirituality?  A quick search on Google turns up the following definitions:
  • ​“The experience or expression of the sacred.”  (Random House Dictionary)​

  • ​“Certain kinds of activity through which a person seeks meaning, especially a search for the sacred." (Wikipedia)

  • “The search for transcendent meaning”  (Astrow)
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  • “The search for meaning in life events and a yearning for connectedness to the universe.” (Coles)​
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It is difficult to ignore the strong connection between spirituality and the quest for meaning. As human beings, we have an almost built-in need to search for meaning in our existence.  We long for a sense of connection and place within the vastness of the universe.  Spiritual practice is, in part, about embracing these human vulnerabilities and needs, immersing oneself in an exploration of the unknowable, and holding dear a sense of awe, mystery, and humility in one's day to day existence. 

How is this different from religion? A lot of people equate spirituality with religion, but they are not one and the same. The practices and beliefs of any given religion do indeed reflect the human need for meaning, however, religion meets that need by presenting a structured, prescribed way to experience it. Spirituality, in contrast, is not codified and tends to reflect individual experience more than a single set of teachings.

The world's great religions are also founded upon a deep belief in a Truth or set of Truths –  an essential certainty that is concrete and eternal. On a significant level, the world's primary religions have answers to each of the big life questions listed above. Rituals, sacred texts, practices, beliefs and rites are the vehicle by which followers can experience the Answers and the Truth directly for themselves.

While some people find meaning through religion, others experience it through loved ones, music, or art. Others might experience meaning through a sense of peace and harmony with nature and humanity. Like religion, spirituality often reflects a deeply held belief system – values, principles and ethics by which one can imbue life with significance. Spirituality is not bound by religion, however. ​Spirituality is unique to each individual and how one chooses to express it will therefore take on many different forms.​​
The Spirituality Coaching Pathway
Do you long for a deeper connection to something sacred within you and the world around you?

Are you curious about the 'inner peace' experienced by spiritual practitioners all over the world? ​
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​Are you interested in the health benefits of developing a spiritual practice?
The coaching relationship is the perfect place to ask the big questions and explore how your beliefs, experiences and ideas help you formulate your own answers. Learn about various types of spiritual practices according to your interest and begin to mindfully observe how your relationship to the world evolves as you cultivate a deeper sense of spirit. More experienced practitioners may choose to work on restructuring various aspects of life to center more harmoniously around their personal belief system and practices.  Choose to embark on one of the most rewarding explorations possible and start to experience the very real benefits in every area of your life.
Benefits of Spiritual Practice

According to recent studies, people who maintain a regular spiritual practice are more likely to:
  • Live longer
  • Report higher levels of happiness
  • Be more committed to their romantic partners
  • Promote the healthy development of their children
  • Cope better with the death of a loved one
  • Have lower risk of depression and suicide