While much of the population remains rooted in traditional religions, a growing number seem to be taking a different path. It is becoming increasingly commonplace for individuals to identify themselves as spiritual, not religious. In fact, it’s likely that one in every five Americans could describe themselves this way. Over time religion has come to be viewed as a public domain, and spirituality as a more private and internal approach. As society’s focus continues to shift inward, more and more people are looking to themselves for the answers and leaving standard religion behind.

The Difference Between Religion and Spirituality

Some may argue there is no difference between spirituality and religion. They do both acknowledge the belief in some sort of higher power, be it God, the universe, an unknown essence, etc. However, most people associate religion with the prominent organized religions of today, along with the various rituals and beliefs these institutions employ. Spirituality, on the other hand, allows for more experimentation. While traditional religions outline rules to live by, those interested in spirituality tend to explore a variety of spiritual practices and philosophies.

People yearn to become free from judgment and dogma. Some religions key on living in fear, instead of trying to live in peace and happiness. Spirituality is a method to balance one’s discipline and freedom.

Spirituality has become a more personal journey, though sometimes it involves a community. There is no one way to find the answers to peace and happiness. There is no preconceived book of laws to provide discipline. Spirituality allows us to define personal laws that ultimately serve us and the community. The roots of religion are based on such spiritual practices and thoughts, but have manifested in organized forms of practice and living. One often finds spirituality in their traditional religions.

Organized religions focus on a specific higher power, such as God, whereas spirituality acknowledges the existence of a guiding force, but does not give it a name. The definition of spirituality is different for everyone, yet it has a common thread of self discovery and investigation of the surrounding world and the many different spiritual paths it has to offer.

Why Is It Popular?

Why is the number of people who declare themselves spiritual continuing to grow? Is this genuine interest and dedication, or a passing trend? Only time will tell, however, a look at some of the current coinciding trends and ideas may help us to understand this sudden emergence of self exploration.

· Wellness- The term wellness is still relatively new, but is rapidly spreading. While health focuses on the body, wellness covers the mind, body, and spirit. Furthermore, wellness does not see these as separate entities, but rather views them as one interconnected system. Wellness promotes natural health and alternative thinking. Spirituality fosters this wellness, allowing the mind, body and soul to heal.

· Yoga- Although yoga has been in the U.S. for over 100 years, it has recently become the latest trend. Housewives, hippies, and everyone in between are flocking to yoga studios to stretch their bodies and expand their minds. With yoga comes a host of other Eastern practices and philosophies, such as meditation, that allow for free thinking and self-exploration. Benefits of these practices been seen in relationships, physical health, and personal happiness.

· Spiritual Movement- Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth and The Power of Now took the world by storm. With some help from Oprah, his books have been read by masses of those searching for inner peace. These books promote living in the present, listening to your inner voice, and making things happen for yourself. It remains a best seller, simply because the public finds value in spirituality. New books, movies, TV shows, and music have evolved with spiritual consciousness and eco-awareness.

Will the current spiritual movement be a permanent one? It’s difficult to say. However, it has opened minds and filled people with a sense of independence and curiosity. Whether you’re for it or against it, you can’t deny the power of knowledge. The more we know the more intelligent we will become as a community, a society, a country, and overall humanity.

The next step to human evolution requires a spiritual journey.