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109 views

Blog 4

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api-397123153
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Contemporary Spirituality

In my experience, religion can be seen as a taboo conversation or practice in public


places. At school, work, the grocery store, at a restaurant, if the topic of religious practice or
beliefs comes up, many people would feel an aversion or discomfort towards the topic.
Millennials, as an age demographic, are connected to organized religion far less than any
generation preceding them (Apler, B. 2015). Only 27% of millennials (born after 1980) attend a
weekly religious service as compared to 51% of the greatest generation (born 1914-24) or the
silent generation (born 1925-45). Approximately 38% of baby boomers (born 1946-64) and 34%
of Gen X’ers attend weekly religious services (Apler, B. 2015) While the waning of interest in
organized religion seems obvious, I can’t help but wonder if spirituality is on the decline as well.
A cliché I often hear is “I’m not religious, but I’m spiritual.” What is spirituality? Is spirituality
alive and well? What is contemporary spirituality? What does a modern spiritual experience
look and feel like?
A working definition of spirituality that resonates with me is the capacity and tendency
present in all human beings to find and construct meaning about life and existence and to move
forward towards personal growth, responsibility, and relationship to others (Myers and Williard
2003). According to this definition and research done by the Pew Research Group, it seems
that there hasn’t been a decline in spirituality between generations. Millennials identify as
spiritual at almost the same rate as older generations (Apler, B 2015). Millennials are just as
likely to feel a sense of gratitude or thankfulness and are just as likely to contemplate the
meaning and purpose in life. Millennials are more likely to feel a sense of wonder about the
universe (Apler, B. 2015) Spirituality appears to be alive and well! If religion is in decline, what
is sparking this continued interest and dedication to spirituality? Modern environmental issues
such as climate change, concentrated animal feeding operations, destruction of rainforests, and
oil spills have motivated young people to act with integrity regarding the way they live their life.
Economic issues such as income inequality, gender and racial inequalities, exploitation of
resources, and under funded public systems such as healthcare and education are issues that
millennials are standing up for and voting for. Bringing awareness to these issues and working
towards a better tomorrow is a spiritual contemporary statement. Educating others about
oppressive systems and creating new systems is living into spiritual values. Younger
generations are finding ways to contribute to their communities and their culture. They are
taking responsibility and are creating new ways to build relationships to others. This is
contemporary spirituality!
Speaking of contemporary spirituality, I had the privilege of attending a challenge day
held for 100 students at Cunha Middle School. Challenge day is an organization that facilitates
activities designed to “break down walls of separation and isolation and replace them with
compassion” (challengeday.org). The facilitators crafted a day of sharing and reflection that
truly strengthened relationships, the school culture, and the community. Students got an
opportunity to hear the facilitators difficult life experiences. They were attentive for such long
periods of time it made ADHD feel like a non-issue. The students got an opportunity to share
their stories in small groups and, in a powerful activity called cross the line, got to see that
many other students and faculty members are dealing with some difficult life circumstances as
well. Hugs, love, compassion, and sharing were abounding as new friendships were formed, old
friendships were rekindled, and past beefs were squashed. While it was a magical day, it is only
one day. Barriers and self defense mechanisms come back quickly. Monthly, weekly, and daily
practice is what our youth need, and our adults too. In the wake of the most recent school
shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and after participation
in challenge day, it seems clear to me that deep and serious healing is needed. While I agree
that something needs to be done, I find a walk out to be an empty demonstration. What is
needed for change and healing is a walk-in. A community wide challenge day where everyone
shows up for each other. A forum to see and hear people in our communities for who they
really are. People that want to be loved and cared for just like us. People that want safe
communities and access food and healthcare. People that are struggling everyday physically,
emotionally, and spiritually. Without a walk-in, with out us challenging ourselves every day to
be vulnerable, I worry that fear will continue to the pervasive force and love and compassion
will just be a dream and an ideal. Educators and counselors, let us walk in to each other with
openness and compassion – for that is what will heal the world. That is contemporary
spirituality!

References

Myers, J. Williard, K. (2003). Integrating Spirituality Into Counselor Preparation: A


Developmental Wellness Approach. Counseling and Values. Volume 47.

www.challengeday.org

Apler, B. (2015). Millennials Are Less Religious Than Older Americans, But Just As Spiritual.
Pew Research Center. Retrieved From http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-
tank/2015/11/23/millennials-are-less-religious-than-older-americans-but-just-as-spiritual/

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