What does “spirituality” really mean beyond religion or belief?
For many, spirituality immediately brings to mind ritual practices or doctrinal faith. However, spirituality is much broader, more human, and more universal than any single tradition. It is a process of creating meaning, forming connections, and personal growth. Its a way of exploring the deeper aspects of life. For general readers, interfaith audiences, and educators, viewing spirituality as a human experience helps explain why it matters not only for personal well-being but also for the health of our communities and institutions.
A spiritual experience can move a person beyond the limits of ego and immediate concerns, opening them to new forms of insight (Walach, 2017). Spirituality is different from religion, yet it often rests at the core of religion. Florczak (2010) describes spirituality as the human process of finding meaning in life’s events, building connections with others, and experiencing moments of transcendence. These themes (meaning, connection, peace, and purpose) appear across cultures and faiths, and even among those without religious identity. Spirituality also influences motivation, commitment, and adaptability in individuals and organizations (Jurkiewicz & Giacalone, 2004). It links people to purpose, others, and a deeper understanding of themselves (Wachholtz & Rogoff, 2013). Spiritual growth can increase peace, self-awareness, and emotional clarity (Strawn & Hammer, 2013). Although scholars recognize that spirituality resists strict definition (Ul-Haq, 2020), it consistently points to an inner journey rooted in meaning and connection.
Understanding how spirituality develops helps clarify its role in well-being and community. Spirituality unfolds gradually as individuals explore themselves and their context, discovering pathways to healing and interconnection (Fenwick & Lange, 1998). Conn (1999) describes spiritual formation as a lifelong process supported by guidance, discernment, and practices tailored to a person’s health and developmental stage. Because psychological health and spiritual development intertwine closely (Barnby, et al., 2015), nurturing spirituality often benefits emotional life as well. McSherry (2000) and Walach (2017) highlight that spirituality can be taught—cultivated through intention, discipline, and support—just as much as it can arise spontaneously. Goldstein (2007) demonstrates that individuals who learn to cultivate sacred moments experience increased peace, positive emotion, and improved relationships.
Spirituality deepens in community. It takes time to develop within oneself and then radiate outward (Burkhart & Hogan, 2008). In groups or dyads, one person may initiate a spiritual encounter, creating a shared experience that reinforces meaning. Positive spirituality strengthens coping, as seen in women with gynecological cancer who reported stronger resilience when supported by spiritual meaning and connection (Boscaglia et al., 2005). Yet spirituality is not always comforting. When spirituality is marked by uncertainty or by an insecure attachment to the divine, it may correlate with anxiety and depression (Wuthnow, 2001). Conversely, a secure, meaning-centered spirituality correlates with reduced distress and stronger emotional well-being (Boscaglia et al., 2005). Spirituality thus functions as a purposeful, often guided experience of inner formation that can improve both mental and physical health (Burkhart & Hogan, 2008).
A growing body of research demonstrates spirituality’s relationship to mental health, connection, and community. Changes in spirituality and mindfulness correspond with improved mental health outcomes (Greeson et al., 2011). When workplaces recognize and support employees’ inner lives, teams strengthen their connections, leadership becomes more decisive, and productivity improves compared to control groups (Duchon & Plowman, 2005). Spirituality can also shape how individuals experience psychiatric treatment, often softening distress and enhancing healing (Vanderpot, 2014). There may even be an inverse relationship between spirituality and physical pain (Wachholtz, et al., 2007). Practices such as forgiveness, positive coping, and community connection can reduce depression in adolescents (Desrosiers & Miller, 2007). Overall, spirituality plays a powerful role in mental health, including in contexts of burnout and vicarious trauma, even though physical health effects remain mixed.
For those seeking deeper meaning, stronger well-being, and more connected communities, spirituality offers more than belief—it offers a path. By nurturing spiritual depth, individuals and groups cultivate peace, resilience, compassion, and a shared sense of purpose. In an increasingly fragmented world, spirituality reminds us of what holds us together. Where have you experienced moments of meaning, connection, or transcendence in your own life, and how have those moments shaped your well-being or relationships? If spirituality is fundamentally about meaning and connection, what might it look like for our communities or workplaces to intentionally nurture those dimensions?
Joshua David Kingsley 