espiritual

Espiritual is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to refer to the spirit or soul, or to matters related to non-material or transcendent realms. In religious contexts it often denotes aspects connected with the divine, sacred beings, or the inner life of a person. In secular usage it can describe attitudes, experiences, or practices aimed at meaning, purpose, or personal growth beyond the material world.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from the Latin spiritualis, from spiritus meaning breath or spirit. In both languages, espitual or espirituality forms are used to describe phenomena tied to inner experience, values, and connection to something larger than oneself.

Spirituality vs religion: espirituality typically refers to personal belief, experience, or practice rather than organized doctrine. It can coexist with religion or stand apart from it. The focus is often on meaning, ethics, mindfulness, and a sense of connectedness, rather than on dogma or institutional structures.

Practices and expressions: common manifestations include prayer, meditation, contemplation, rituals, ethical living, gratitude, and a sense of sacredness in daily life. Connections with nature, art, music, or social care can also be described as spiritual experiences.

Cultural and regional variations: in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking contexts, spiritual ideas are intertwined with Catholic and Afro-Brazilian traditions, syncretic practices, and modern secular movements. Across regions, spirituality may emphasize personal experience, communal rituals, or philosophical inquiry, reflecting local beliefs and histories.

Academic and social perspectives: in psychology and religious studies, spirituality is studied for its relation to well-being, coping, resilience, and meaning-making. Critics warn against essentialist or commodified notions of spirituality, advocating clear distinctions from dogmatic or exploitative practices.