"Spirituality, in a narrow sense, concerns itself with matters of the spirit, a concept closely tied to religious belief and faith, a transcendent reality, or one or more deities. Spiritual matters are thus those matters regarding humankind's ultimate nature and meaning, not only as material biological organisms, but as beings with a unique relationship to that which is perceived to be beyond the bodily senses, time and the material world." [Wikipaedia]

How can I, an atheist, be spiritual?

I am an atheist, a member of the British Humanist Association - yes, the ones involved in running the infamous bus campaign (see The Guardian: Atheist bus campaign spreads the word of no God nationwide if you have been off on Mars or something). So why would I want to be spiritual?

All human societies no matter how remote and isolated, have spiritual aspects. Why have humans evolved this facet? I will err on the side of caution, and say that spirituality serves a purpose in the well being of the human being. The fact that it has been hijacked in many societies by religions and/or powerful and corrupt leaders does not take away from the fact that many people cannot find comfort in life without spirituality. I will go so much as to say that those who do not have it are less likely to be content individuals.

Many personal developers will tell you that you should make time for you. This 'me time' is important to your well being and so many people do take this time, only it has religious connotations in quiet prayer, contemplation time or meditation.

I made the mistake of thinking, for the atheist, it should be 'thinking time', a time to evaluate problems, review life plans and find solutions to your difficulties. That is a mistake, spiritual time should be a little like prayer and a little like meditation - contemplating your place in the universe, pushing your problems and issues into your sub-conscious (like leaving it in God's hands) and generally feeling at one with nature. It's like talking to yourself. And if you feel like a cry, knock yourself out! If you are religious but do not take time to spend time alone with your God, now may be a good time to consider a change of strategy, it will do you some good.

The spiritual aspect should not be mistaken with the emotional aspect of contentment. They are closely related but are separate. After spiritual time, you should feel like a human, you should feel alive - take time to find your spirituality - it is as important as that time spent at the gym!

May you find the balance.

[First published on my Talking2Myself blog on specified date]