Spirituality in Marriageby Heather Long | More from this Blogger 07 Nov 2006 11:59 AM Spirituality is more than just a word. It's more than just a simple definition. We all see spirituality differently. We see spirituality as a form of holiness. For some of us that means we need to have a Rabbi, a Priest, a Minister, an Imam or other who represents the spiritual side of life for us. Spirituality is not about religion, it's about experience, it's about faith, and it's about being true to yourself and to your beliefs. So, to make it clear, I am not talking about religion or religious beliefs. I am not talking about going to Church or to Synagogue or anywhere else. I am talking about the spirituality that we are born with, the faith in the family, the community and the world around us. Our spirituality grows and develops as we mature and develops our way of life. Spirituality in Marriage When we marry, we mingle our spirituality and way of life with another. Together - we give birth to the spirituality of marriage. Our marriage becomes part of the definition of our lives and helps us define our way of life. Consider for a moment, the way of life you existed in before you married and the way of life you occupy after your marriage. Each religion offers suggestions, guidelines and structure for how faith should play a part in the marriage whether it's a Christian, Jewish, Muslim or other type of marriage. Our religious beliefs can help support our spiritual commitment to each other. A couple's spirituality can be found in:
Don't Make It Complicated Too often I hear people over-complicating the matter. They think that if you don't go to Church, if you aren't Christian enough, if you don't pray enough, if you don't fast on the high holy days and if you don't make a religious commitment to God before your marriage - that you aren't spiritual enough. Spirituality is an internal commitment, it's an internal way of being. How you live, the choices you make, the manner in which you embrace life with your spouse - these are more important to your spirituality than a social gathering. There is a very old saying that I have long embraced and enjoyed despite the fact that I do not define myself as a Christian. This saying is: You may be the only Gospel that others will ever read I believe in humanity. I believe in our flaws. I believe in our greatness. I believe that everyone is capable of great warmth, love and faithfulness, acceptance, commitment, respect and more. I think we're also capable of being deeply spiritual in our beliefs and faith. We demonstrate our spirituality each and every day and we have many opportunities to demonstrate that spirituality. How do you and your spouse demonstrate and share your spirituality? Related Articles: Learn more about Heather Long  Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago. Relevantmarriage tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags couple spirituality, guidelines, marriage tips, spirituality, spirituality vs religion Discuss this article
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