What Does It Really Mean to Be Spiritual?

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The purpose of this article is to bring clarity to the term “Spirituality,” based on my personal experience, studies, and research on the subject.

The concept of spirituality has evolved deeply over time. Today, it’s a term that embraces a wide spectrum of ideas and practices — from traditional religious devotion to more personal and secular paths focused on the meaning of life, the sense of connection, and self-awareness.

But here’s a key point: being spiritual doesn’t necessarily mean being religious.

Over the years, through my work with yoga and Reiki, I’ve met more and more people who describe themselves as “spiritual”. However, I’ve also noticed a certain confusion around what spirituality really means. So let’s try to shed some light on this concept — so deep, yet often misunderstood.

The Roots of Spirituality

The word spirituality comes from the Latin spiritualitas, which means “the state of being spiritual” or “concerning the spirit.” This reminds us that spirituality is not about dogmas or doctrines, but about spirit.

It acknowledges that, beyond the physical body and the material world, there is something more subtle and eternal.

Our physical body has a beginning and an end. But our spirit does not.

When we talk about spirituality, we are referring to the awareness that life does not end with death — that we existed before incarnating into this life and that we will continue to exist in spiritual form afterward.

Spiritual Awakening: An Inner Journey

There are no fixed rules to becoming spiritual. It is a deeply personal path. Often, it begins with what is called a spiritual awakening — a moment, or a process, in which we begin to perceive life through new eyes. It is a calling toward a higher consciousness, greater clarity, and deep inner awareness.

For some, this awakening is sudden, triggered by major life events like a loss, a trauma, or an unexpected experience. For others, it is a gradual change that unfolds through spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, Reiki, prayer, or shamanism.

However it unfolds, a spiritual awakening brings a profound transformation. It invites us to observe and question the beliefs and behavioral patterns that guide our lives — many of which have been unconsciously absorbed from culture, family, or society.

Through this inner exploration, we begin to shed what we are not, and reconnect with our authentic self.

Remembering Who We Truly Are

In my personal journey, I define spiritual awakening as that moment when we begin to remember that we are light, and we slowly become aware that we are part of something greater — something many call God, Source, Universe, Love, or Consciousness.

Whatever name you choose to give it, this “energy” is at the center of everything; and from this awareness naturally arises the desire to live in alignment with it.

Spirituality is not a final destination, but a continuous journey — a rhythm of remembering and forgetting, of expansion and integration.

It is possible to go through several spiritual awakenings over the course of one’s life, each one helping us to release another layer of illusion and come closer to our deepest truth.

Beware of False Gurus: Discernment on the Spiritual Path

On the spiritual path, it is essential to cultivate discernment. In a world where spirituality has also become a trend, it’s not uncommon to encounter people or communities that, while calling themselves “spiritual,” operate from a space of ego, control, or personal gain.

It’s important to remember that not everything that appears to be “light” truly is.
A genuine spiritual path brings with it qualities like humility, integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for free will.

Be cautious of those who promise instant awakenings, make you feel “less than” or dependent, or use spiritual language to manipulate, judge, or divide.

A true spiritual guide does not impose, does not create hierarchies, does not place themselves on a pedestal, and does not pretend to have all the answers. On the contrary, they encourage you to rediscover your own inner guidance, with unconditional love and deep respect for your timing and uniqueness.

Likewise, it’s important to emphasize that authentic spirituality does not require substances, drugs, or artificially induced altered states of consciousness.

True awakening is born from daily practice, presence, listening, and sincere connection with oneself and with the Whole.

Spirituality is not an escape — it is grounding.

It is a path of awareness, not of dependency.
Remember: your intuition is your greatest teacher. If something doesn’t resonate in your heart, even if it’s “dressed” as spirituality, it’s your spirit speaking to you. Listen to it.

True spirituality is simple, respectful, and liberating.
It has no hierarchies, and it doesn’t ask you to follow — it asks you to return to yourself.

In Conclusion

Being spiritual does not mean following a set of rules.
It means recognizing the spirit within us.
It means becoming aware of our infinite nature, questioning our beliefs, and striving to live a life that resonates with who we truly are.

Spirituality is a process of coming home — to the heart, to essence, to the connection with all that is.
And it’s a journey I’ve been walking for the past seven years with deep honor — through the practices of Reiki, yoga, shamanism, and my ongoing exploration of what it means to live in harmony with Spirit.

Are You Ready to Deepen Your Spiritual Path?

If you feel something inside you is shifting, if you’re going through a time of transformation, or if you simply want to reconnect with your deepest essence: I would be honored to walk beside you on this journey through practices such as yoga, Reiki, meditation, and personalized paths.

Feel Free to Contact me for a free individual online session: info@alessandracolace.it

Your journey home begins within. I’m here to support you.

Namaskar,
Alessandra

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