Spiritual Sparks: What is Spirituality?

Nurturing your essence within. We yearn for a spiritually vibrant life, yet often struggle to know how to reach it.

What do we really mean when we talk about spirituality? It’s a word often used to evoke comfort or inspiration, yet its true depth can be overlooked. Spirituality is more than a feel-good slogan; it’s a dynamic reality that gives life profound meaning. To understand spirituality, we first need to understand what makes us uniquely human.

3 IDEAS

1. What Makes Us Human: Beyond Super-Intelligent Apes

Recognizing the spark beyond biology

Science calls us Homo sapiens, the ‘wise humans.’ While we share many traits with animals--they can crack coconuts; we can launch satellites--if the difference is only brainpower, perhaps we’re just apes with upgraded software.

Yet almost everyone senses there’s something more.

Spirituality assumes a truism: we’re not merely clever animals, but souls infused with a spark of transcendence. That inner life is the spiritual essence of being human.

2. The Three Unique Capacities of the Soul

Hunger for meaning, purpose, and virtue

Our soul expresses itself in three capacities:

• The hunger for meaning: asking “Why am I here?”

• The ability to choose purpose over passing pleasure

• The freedom to choose virtue over vice

These capacities shape how we listen, love, and decide what matters most.

3. Creating a Spiritually Vibrant Life

Growing spiritual depth through choice

A spiritually vibrant life begins with seeking meaning--asking the great existential question, ‘What’s it all about?’ and actively searching for answers.

Pursue purpose through decisions that foster growth and change. Unlike animals, we ponder legacy and wrestle with moral dilemmas--that’s the gift of being human.

Finally, choose virtue over vice by using our free will. Our spiritual identity is shaped by the choices we make.

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2 Quotes

“God formed the human from the dust of the earth, and He blew into his nostrils the breath of life …” --Genesis 2:7

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” --Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (Philosopher)

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1 Question

A spiritually rich life doesn’t require a mountaintop retreat or sudden reinvention. It begins with quiet introspection: ‘Am I living with meaning?’ ‘Where am I going?’ ‘Can I release some of the distractions that fill my days?’ Each honest question opens space for deeper connection to our spiritual selves.

Until next time,
May spiritual sparks light your soul and guide your way.
Rabbi Ze'ev Smason

P.S. Whether it’s sunrise, a song, or a shared silence — what stirs your soul? Reply with your spark, or forward this message to someone who lights yours.

P.P.S. Next week’s Spiritual Sparks will arrive in your inbox on Tuesday