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Defining SpiritualityMinimize
Location: BlogsLeanne's Blog   
Posted by: Leanne1/1/2007 7:00 PM
One of the stumbling blocks in discussing spirituality and children is that there are so many definitions of spirituality. I would like to share my working definition here and get your responses and input. Perhaps together we can create a usable definition!

When I work with hurting children, I tell them that my job is to help them find their spiritual strength in times of hurt, grief and pain. Often they say, "What is my spirit?" And I respond with my own definition of spirituality which I must admit is not the most scholarly or theologically advanced.

My Definition: Your spirit is that part of you that is the real part of you--the part of you that is not your body or your brain, but the real you.

Almost 100% of the children say, "Oh--that part!!! Okay!" But as I share my definition with adults they often push me for a more precise, theologically worded definition or they ask things like, "So are you saying the soul is my subconscious?"

I am interested in hearing your definition of spirit, especially pertaining to children who have not yet been indoctrinated into a language of faith and theology?
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