People often associate spirituality with religion or other spiritual belief systems and alternative spiritual practices. But spirituality is broader than this and can include atheists (known as ‘secular spirituality’). Spirituality has been a foundational part of what it means to be human for thousands of years, helping people understand themselves, their relationships with others, and their place in the world. A good definition of spirituality comes from Meaningful Ageing Australia and says "Spirituality refers to the way we seek and express meaning and purpose. To the way we experience connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature and to the sacred." Spirituality is usually influenced by our cultural context. For some people religion can be foundational to their spirituality, and others may feel like it is a closed door.  Spirituality is deeply personal and can be experienced in countless ways, making it impossible to confine it to a single set of beliefs.

No. Spirituality is unique to each person and reflects individual experiences, beliefs, practices, values, and sources of meaning. Spirituality is about how each person uniquely chooses to engage with the adventure of life, finding meaning, connection, peace, and purpose in their own way.

Some people have only heard the word ‘God’ in religious contexts and may have negative associations with organised religion, religious dogma, and cults. But the idea of God or a ‘greater whole’ extends beyond religion. Professor Mia Leijssen suggests a personal experience of belonging to a greater whole is the most important spiritual experience. When considering the ‘greater whole’ you may feel more comfortable with other terms like Universe, Soul, Spirit, Tao, Buddha, Allah, Brahman, Yahweh, Goddess, Divine Essence, Higher Self, Unity Consciousness, Love, Nature, or Energy.

Yes. Spirituality is not dependent on believing in God, an afterlife or anything supernatural. A person can experience meaning, purpose, connection, wonder, and ethical living while also identifying as an atheist. Humanists live meaningful and ethical lives that consider the wellbeing of a greater whole without believing in a deity. The Harvard Chaplains Organisation chose an atheist leader. Einstein could be considered a Deist - someone who sees the divine revealed through nature and the laws of the universe rather than through a personal God. For many people, nature serves as a source of wisdom, connection, meaning, and spiritual experience, helping them feel connected to something larger than themselves. Britt Hartley from No Nonsense Spirituality is an atheist and leader in secular spirituality and a great resource if you want to know more.

Common values include love, compassion, kindness, goodness, selflessness, forgiveness, gratitude, discipline, truth, justice, creativity, beauty, mindfulness, and contemplation.

Spiritual experiences may occur while gazing at the stars, spending time in nature, meeting a newborn child, meditating, dancing, helping others, attending church, working to improve society, or even developing a mathematical proof.