Spirituality, which is defined as a “quality that goes beyond religious affiliation, and strives for inspiration, reverence, awe and meaning” (Murray and Zentner, 1989), has emerged in response to the need to find more depth and meaning in life than can be provided by materialistic approaches. It is a dimension that can be found in all religions, but also in individuals who are not religious. It often comes into focus during times of stress and physical or mental illness, loss or bereavement.
There is much debate over what exactly is meant by spirituality, and people interpret it in very different ways based on their beliefs and viewpoints. Many believe that it is the same as religiosity, but some people feel that they can be spiritual without following a specific religion. For others, it refers to a sense of awe and transcendence, or the belief in a higher power or universal energy.
It can also be seen as a way of connecting to a higher purpose or being, whether through volunteering or by doing things that make one feel good. The mind, body and soul concept is also often used to describe spirituality, as it implies that the personal and professional lives of a person interconnect. This is particularly important when working with clients who are dealing with a variety of challenging issues such as mental illness or substance use disorders. The broad and ambiguous nature of the definition of spirituality makes it difficult to define or assess, which in turn complicates efforts to incorporate it into practice.