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.

Other differences between a spiritual and religious experience involve belief systems, format and structure. For example, individuals identifying as religious are most likely going to be avid churchgoers. Whereas, those identifying as spiritual can often be found at meetings or rituals put on by a number of non-profit organizations. In either case, those attending church services, meetings or rituals are most likely going to have some aspect of a spiritual or religious experience.

A number of individuals find it difficult to define religion versus spirituality. One of the best definitions is that spirituality is something that can be felt and not seen. Whereas, religion is often something that can be seen like the bible or other biblical text, or shared like hymns during a traditional church service.

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.

One of the best definitions of spirituality is that of Gendlin's. Being a theory that pays attention to the process of experience rather than the content, it is one of a kind. The feeling while emotionally moving also creates a physical response. As such, it is these implicit and vague emotional conditions which then merge with physical issues to create an overall release.

Another way to describe this feeling or sensation is akin to energies felt during transcendental meditation. Guided meditation is often a great way to help clients find a calm and peaceful place to begin. During this and other styles of meditation, individuals work to clear any negative energy and thoughts from body, mind and spirit through a variety of guided imagery. After which, there is often a sense of newness and overall well being.

It should also be recognized that these experiences can be joyful or sorrowful. For example, it is often a joyous occasion when a friend or relative gets engaged. Whereas, when a friend or relative goes through a break-up, moves away or crosses over to the other side, it can often be a rather sad time. As such, it is important as we travel through life to learn how to handle these positive and negative emotional experiences and responses.

While some therapists and others have chosen to use spirituality during treatment, others have rejected the idea as an invalid approach. For those who do use religion and spirituality, its important to remember and adhere to client provider privilege when it comes to religious identity as well as others. Otherwise, should the religious or spiritual identity of a client be released without permission, the provider, client and others may be seeing one another in a courtroom rather than an office.




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