You’ve probably heard someone say, I’m spiritual but not religious.
They’re on to something there. It’s true, spirituality and religion don’t always go together. So what do they mean when they say they’re spiritual? What is that?
One simple way to understand 'spirituality' is as a dimension of life related to how people experience meaning and connection. When a person describes themself as spiritual, perhaps what they’re saying is, I’m aware of this dimension of my person that is seeking meaning and connection.
You’ll notice there’s nothing in that definition describing how a person ought to seek or experience those things. We each experience meaning and connection differently. One person might connect to nature through bird watching. Another might connect to themselves and to others through metal music. Another might experience meaning through absurdity and an absence of meaning. One person’s spirituality might be expressed through their religious and cultural tradition, while another’s might be expressed through a rigorous gym schedule and a healthy diet.
Are you aware of the dimension of yourself seeking meaning and connection? Where, with whom, or through what do you experience moments of connection or do you become aware of a sense of purpose? What language do you use to describe these moments?
And what does any of this have to do with creativity?
For many people, the creative process can be a spiritual experience. Some individuals feel connected to something beyond themselves, experiencing insight and inspiration. Some feel a connection to their deepest self, or to truth, beauty or mystery. For some, creativity is the meaning and purpose of their life.
Creative processes can bring a person into a state psychologist Abraham Maslow called a Peak Experience. This is a moment of intense fulfillment. During peak experiences, individuals feel a heightened sense of awareness and connection to the world around them. They can experience a sense of oneness, meaning and purpose, and can feel fully alive, awed or euphoric.
Peak experiences can be transformative, if they are integrated through reflection and self-awareness. When a person doesn't integrate peak experiences, they might struggle to apply the insights gained from those moments to their life or practice, which can lead to a sense of disconnection and dissatisfaction. A creativity coach can assist in the integration of peak experiences by providing a supportive structure for reflection, goal-setting, and further creative exploration of the experience.