Saturday, February 13, 2016

The Primary Element Of A Spiritual Experience

By Stephanie Reed


Focus is the primary aspect when it comes to recognizing a spiritual or religious experience. Whether an individual identifies as religious or spiritual does not automatically identify the person as a Christian. For, while most individuals who identify as religious are often born again Christians, there are other sects in which this is not the case. Whereas, most individuals who identify as spiritual though not religious are generally Pagan, Agnostic, Atheist or still searching for the ultimate 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.

Some psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists now use spirituality as part of treatment. While others, many having tried, have now turned away from the idea. Whether using religion and spirituality or otherwise, it is always important that client and provider always respect and protect any privileged information provided in the process.

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.

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.

While a number of experiences associated with religion, spirituality or the divine can be happy and joyful, others can be quite painful. For example, the death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, or a child moving away to college are all experiences that will create a sad emotional response. Whereas, a graduation, marriage, new home, new baby or other joyous life event can create a very different though still emotional response.

While there have been attempts by mental health professionals to use spirituality and religion in treatment, most have now moved away from the idea. For some, recalling religious childhood memories has been known to create more psychological issues. While in others, it just seems less than ethical to question an individual about religious or spiritual identity unless directly associated with an on-going mental or physical issue.




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