It is common for people to confuse the concepts of spirituality and religion, but although sometimes these two terms are intertwined, each has its meaning.
Both religion and spirituality seek to work on the individual with philosophical questions, answer the reason for human existence, what our role in the world is, where we came from, where we are going, etc.
The difference is that religion brings these answers within a doctrine, with a single belief, compliance with rules, rites, truths already built, without questions or doubts. Spirituality, on the other hand, is related to people's spiritual development, their connectivity and understanding with the non-physical world.
However, a religious person may be spiritual or a spiritual person may not follow any religion.
There are several religions and each one preaches a different doctrine, there is usually a supreme being to be praised and feared, rites and rules to be followed, an ethical and moral model of conduct within the religious precepts.
And because of that religion segregates people, because each one preaches their truth as being absolute, even those who use the same books, make different interpretations. Thus, not only are ideologies divergent, but there is also a lack of respect and acceptance for the other's faith.
Spirituality it is something more abstract than religion, it may or may not be related to one or more than one god, or even have different understandings for different people. It can be developed in different ways: meditating, praying, doing good, through related readings; each person seeks this within himself, according to his belief.
It is important to work on spirituality to better understand issues that have no technical and/or scientific explanation, things that are not within our reach or power of control, such as dealing with death, for example.
When you just exercise your spirituality, without following any religion, it is possible to seek knowledge and make your own interpretation of the truth about life, which paths you should or should not follow, there is no need for periodicity, compliance with rules or teachings, only you know the best way to connect to the non-physical world.
When we have our spiritual side well resolved, we can manage problems better in general, as we are calm in mind and soul, stronger and safer to face any challenge.
Starting from the precept that we all have a physical and a spiritual body, it is understood that in the same way that we must take care of our health to avoid getting sick, we need to take care of our spirit to feel good, whether alone or with the support of some religion.
- Written by Carolina Peixoto from Team Eu Sem Fronteiras.
