ABSTRACT
What is spirituality? When I hear the word, the phrase “spiritual life” comes to mind. From my Catholic Christian tradition, spirituality immediately causes me to reflect on my prayer life and my relationship with God. As I hear the word, I ask myself, “What is presently happening in my prayer life? Am I taking time to be with Christ? Is my spiritual life progressing?” For me, spirituality is equated with spiritual formation. For others, it may bring a much different feeling and picture. Indeed, there are probably as many reactions and descriptions of spirituality as there are people. Perhaps we should use the plural “spiritualities.” Regardless, spirituality is a word weighted with multiple contemporary meanings. “It is a term whose meaning is at once evident and elusive . . . referring to many aspects of a person’s or group’s way of being” (Thayer, 1985, p. 31).
