henkisyys

Henkisyys, or spirituality, is a concept used in Finnish discourse to denote the dimension of human life that concerns inner experience, meaning, values, and often the sense of something transcendent. It is broader than organised religion and can be expressed through religious belief, personal spirituality, ethics, art, nature, or relationships. In Finnish usage, henkisyys is commonly discussed alongside religion (uskonto) and worldview (elämänkatsomus), recognizing that individuals may be spiritual without belonging to a particular faith.

Scholars describe henkisyys as comprising beliefs, practices, experiences, and communities that give life purpose, moral orientation, and a sense of connectedness to others or something greater than oneself. It can be rooted in religious traditions, but it also appears in secular forms such as humanism, mindfulness, ecological or existential reflections, and cultural or artistic practices.

In research, spirituality is studied for its associations with well-being, coping, resilience, and meaning in life. Measurement varies; researchers often assess perceived meaning, connectedness, transcendence, or spiritual well-being. Debates focus on definitional boundaries, the relationship between spirituality and religion, and cultural differences in expressing and valuing spiritual life.

Practically, henkisyys influences sectors such as healthcare, education, and social policy, where respect for diverse beliefs and the availability of spaces for reflection or rituals are considered important. Overall, henkisyys denotes a central aspect of human experience that intersects with ethics, identity, and the search for significance in life.