What is Spirituality?

What is spirituality? White lady looking up, index finger on side of chin with multicoloured thought bubbles above head. company logo

Here is the thing, I was reading a post the other day that really got me thinking, and after reading through the entire post, I went back to re-read a passage. While searching for the passage, my eyes stopped on the word SPIRITUALITY, and for the first time ever I saw the root word "ritual" in it. Immediately I asked myself, so what does "Spi" means? Immediately I took to google in search of the prefix and what I found out actually was astounding! It states...

1. 1. In a computer, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) is an interface that enables the serial (one bit at a time) exchange of data between two devices, one called a master and the other called a slave . An SPI operates in full duplex mode. This means that data can be transferred in both directions at the same time.

   2. What is serial peripheral interface (SPI)? - Definition from ...

      whatis.techtarget.com/definition/serial-peripheral-interface-SPI

Amazing uh?! Serial peripheral interface. Wow! Well, my mind went off! Here is AggieStrong interpretation:

First, lets look at the "master and the slave" part—this was my first revelation. For me, translated as God and man. God the master or creator and us humans, the slaves, to the universe. We are the universal property of He who dominated the earth, seas, winds, and sky. Our purpose here is of a spiritual nature to obey the universal laws and to live in peace and harmony with each other; as well as, to protect and care for the environment.

Now, we'll look at the phrase "one bit at a time - exchange of data between two devices" and translated it as we human/slaves must communicate one information or situation at a time to God, the creator/master. Therefore, the second aspect of SPI-RITUALITY is to talk to our master and seek His guidance, direction, and protection for every situation we encounter singularly. Not to wait until our backs are against the wall, but to be proactive and deal with one situation at a time before they pile up on us.

How about looking at the actual meaning for "interface", according to google, it means:

Little girl kneeling and praying: Everything to Christ in prayer

1. a device or program enabling a user to communicate with a computer
2. to interact with (another system, person, organization, etc.).

In other words, a program or platform for interaction. In spiritually, this could mean prayer, meditation, songs, praise, or contemplative writing. Simply put, whatever method, program, or platform you choose to communicate with God, or the creator, or the source, is totally up to you. For me, it is all of the above.

Which brings us to the phrase, "full duplex mode", meaning bi-directional communication, for me, that is prayer and meditation. When we speak to God, we pray. When He speak to us, we listen in silence and meditate upon His words for the answers. We use the spirit of discernment to interpret signs and wonders. On bended knees, I talk to God and He hears and answers me. The serial or sequence of prayer and meditation will determine whether the information is received or blocked. So, if you are always talking and never stop to listen, you will miss the answers. Also, if you ask and don't wait to receive, you will lose it. Patience is indeed a virtue. Between asking and receiving, there is creating. So don't run out and go get something superficial because you can't be bothered to wait.

Finally, let's look at the word "periphenial".  According to google, it is a device used to put information into or get information out of a computer, such as a mouse or keyboard or printer or scanner. Whala! The key component in all of this spi-rituality, is to habitually communicate with God using our God-given peripherals: mouth, hands, and knees. As in dancing, singing and praising; not just in our hearts (CPU).

But wait, let's query the word ritual: It is to do something a certain way, over and over again; However, according to Wikipedia...

A "ritual" is a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, and objects, performed in a sequestered place, and performed according to set sequence.

clasp hands on bible, burning candle on surface

Therefore a spi-ritual would include, but not limited, to going to church or place of worship every sunday or saturday, or whenever or however often you go. It would also includes the act of kneeling, bowing, clasping and/or raising hands to worship. Also the rolling of the rosary between your fingers, burning a candle,  or reading the bible, and so forth. 

Therefore, SPI-RITUAL-ITY is to become in-sync with God. To recognize that there is something bigger than you and connect with it on a regular basis. It is to communicate with the Source, the giver, and sustainer of life. For me, that is to have a personal relationship with my creator; as in prayer and supplication—a form of meditative prayer where you read the words of God and meditate upon them and seek God's guidance and protection our my life. As well as to give thanks and praise for my life and the blessings I have. Spirituality is a personal thing. There are no intercessors. You must make that connection yourself, and when you do, your life will feel more enriched and fulfilled.

With that said, you may choose whatever ritual or platform that brings you closer to the Master (God) and allow it to develop into full duplex mode.

image by thelifester.com: sunrise, spirituality is a personal thing.

The question is, how are you developing your spirituality? Please feel free to share with us.

Have and Spiritually uplifting week!

Until next time,
This is AggieStrong
Be blessed, be bold, be strong, be you!!
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Andrene Gregory is a life coach with certification in LifeSkills training and Personality Dimensions. She helps empower adults to live a strength-based life, regain their confidence and find the courage to get through life's challenging situations. Her unique approach to getting desired results includes personality assessment, self-knowledge, goal setting, and action planning.

Andrene provides one-on-one coaching and group workshops. Find out more at www.aggiestrongulc.com.