The world is a dumpster fire and with so many things to focus on, it may seem like spirituality and striving to express the fullness of our embodied being. You may be asking why spirituality matters. And I get it. Creating connection with our higher nature, however you may define it, might seem like the least of our worries. And yet, it could be the most important thing that you do.
Why Spirituality Matters
Again, I want to reiterate that I define spirituality as a connection to something larger than ourselves. This could be what we might term a higher self or soul; it can also be our communities, whether they’re local, online, cultural, or any other community we’re a part of. We may see nature more broadly, or finding fascination in the largeness of space. And, it could also mean connection with the universe or the divine, however we see it manifesting in our lives. Each of us defines spirituality in our own ways, which is what makes it so important.
It is easy–too easy really–for us to get caught up in the affairs of our daily lives. I do not mean to diminish putting food in bodies or shelter over our heads. For too many of us, especially in the neurodivergent and disability communities, those basic human rights are a struggle, if not denied completely. Let me be blunt here. Everyone has the human right to food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and support (among other things). It is incumbent upon each of us to make sure we’re doing what we can to help others get their needs met. This also doesn’t negate the need for spirituality and finding that connection and embodied being.
In fact, I would argue that it is during our most trying times that we need to find something to anchor us, to be our guiding north star. The concepts of justice, fairness, equity, liberation may seem far removed from a lot of religions these days; however, it is important to note that spirituality is not religion and we can find these things within our connection with ourselves and our communities. This doesn’t mean that you have to be a spiritual person in order to do good work. I certainly believe that the two are not connected and correlation is not causation. What I am saying is that spirituality, a connection to something larger than ourselves, can provide the light in the darkness.
I believe this is exceptionally true for those who are often neglected by society. Those who are neurodivergent and/or disabled/chronically ill are often seen in terms of the support they need. For those who lack supports through institutional or inter-personal failures, are left to struggle on their own. During this struggle we fold in on ourselves, retreat (especially if we’re dealing with burnout or mental health issues), and pull back on any connections. This leaves us even more vulnerable and disconnected.
I’m not saying spirituality will fix everything. It’s hardly a panacea and there are few things that really are. What I am saying is that when times are the toughest, when we feel like either collectively or individually we’re going through a dark night of the soul, finding the light by searching for our higher selves might actually help.