Discovering The Elements Of A Spiritual Experience

By Stephanie Reed


One, if not the most important element when looking to create a spiritual or religious experience is that of focus. Religion often requires continued study of the bible and other biblical texts. Spirituality, being content and process, often requires the individual be focused on body, mind and spirit. Once the individual is focused, it can be much easier to achieve and maintain a spiritual experience.

There are similarities and differences between individuals who identify as spiritual and those whom identify as religious. For example, individuals claiming a spiritual though not religious identity are often Agnostic, Atheist or Pagan. Whereas, those who identify more as religious are most often born again Christians.

While some people may find it hard to separate spirituality from religion, it can be done. Theorists and philosophers have found a way of explaining the difference by the fact that spirituality is both content and process. Whereas, the individual must take action in order to create a religious experience by actively choosing to attend church, join a choir, or become active in some other way.

In some cases, there are churches in which religion and spirituality can be seen, felt and heard at every service. While, there are other churches which simply go through the same ritualistic process each time people gather. Yet, it is often those who celebrate outside the church and church walls who often proclaim having had the most magical, mystical or spiritual of these experiences overall.

Gendlin has provided one of the best definitions for spirituality to date. In this definition, it is believed that spirituality is content and process. As such, there is a physical and emotional aspect to the overall experience. When the physical body reacts to the emotional response, then the body creates an overall release of negative emotions, energies and thoughts.

Spirituality can be viewed as the overall belief system of the individual with or without religious ideology. While some believe spirituality can be felt, others believe it is more a way of life. Emotional or physical, the overall well being which comes from this type experience can often be beneficial to good health and well being throughout life.

An emotional response can be brought about due to happiness and joy, sadness or sorrow. Some of the deepest of these experiences have often been felt due to the loss of a loved one, the loss of a pet or having to move away from friends at an early age. Others, when children are born, graduate, get married or move away. Whether a new couple, a new home, a new baby or a lost loved one, all can be considered spiritual or religious experiences.

When used in generalized counseling sessions, psychotherapy or psychiatry, it is important to always remember client and provider privilege. If not, then the provider could be held liable for any damages which may occur due to such knowledge being released. As such, it is always better to be protective of client information rather than facing a lawsuit.




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