Exploring the connection between mind, body, and spirit
An important aspect of the human experience is our connection with one another. We are not only how we think, act, and feel but also how we interact with those around us. Our culture dictates that we talk, laugh, work hard, and share emotions for the sake of humanity as a whole. In order to have a healthy mind and body you must be in touch with your spiritual being; it is that connection which allows us to live in harmony as a society without borders.
The spiritual aspect of human experience can be directly linked to the idea of mind, body, and spirit. Mind is our thoughts and feelings. The body is our physical existence made up of flesh and bone, while spirit is often defined as a non-corporeal and/or immaterial part of a person that functions as the point of origin for an individual's thoughts or actions. In terms of religious beliefs, this may be considered to be the soul or essence that makes us who we are (Wikipedia).
In order to explore spirituality in America we must begin by first looking at how spirituality manifests itself among the various cultural groups throughout the country. This task may seem daunting at first, but it is a relatively simple inquiry into a deeply personal experience.
The population of the United States varies greatly due to its cultural diversity, with over 250 different ethnicities represented. This makes it challenging to generalize any group's spiritual beliefs, but there are still some distinct trends that can be found throughout America's population.
Indigenous People:
The nation's indigenous people stand out from other national groups by their firm belief in human spirituality and connection with ancestral spirits. Many indigenous people also believe that they have the duty to preserve their culture and that it is their responsibility to teach others about the importance of the earth (Reed).
Asian Americans:
According to the Pew Research Center, Asian Americans are among the least religious racial or ethnic group in the United States. Asian Americans report a lower level of importance placed on religion while living in a highly developed and competitive society (Pew).
African American Christians:
The African American community has been deeply influenced by Christianity (Kambon). From slaves brought over from Africa and forced to practice Catholicism, Islam, or another form of Christianity to those converted by Christian colonists, black church culture has been integral to both the survival of slaves and America's foundation as a whole.
Native American Religions:
Most Native Americans belong to a traditional tribal group, who are generally characterized by their regular contact with or belief in supernatural entities. Some of these entities include manitous, medicine men, ancestors, and other figures of importance to the tribe or clan (Hill).
There is a broad range of spiritual diversity that exists among America's people. We are unique as individuals but also share a common bond that allows us to live together as a society. How each individual chooses to express their spirituality is unique and dependent on numerous factors including upbringing and culture. The simple act of speaking about religion or beliefs can help maintain our connection and understanding of one another's culture. It may be as simple as making friends with someone from a different background or sharing thoughts on your daily life.
In the same way our connection with one another helps define who we are as individuals, our relationship with the earth ties us to each other. Earth is an important component in all indigenous beliefs and American culture is no exception. In America, Native Americans are considered "people of the land." As the most ancient inhabitants of North America, indigenous people regard the land almost as a deity and it plays a strong role in their spiritual beliefs (Reed).
While indigenous people do not worship one person or thing, they do believe in a number of gods that have a direct connection to the earth and spirituality. These include manitous, some of which are believed to be ancestral spirits bound to the land (Hill). Native Americans have many different beliefs and customs related to the earth, but those who choose a more spiritual lifestyle often find more comfort in connecting with the land and nature than with other people.
"These spiritual concepts are deeply entwined with belief systems from other cultures around the world. As historian William J. Dobak explains, "Plants and animals are used as metaphors for ideas about humans and nature. . . . They are considered the sources of life. The land is seen as the source of all life, and the plants and animals as its 'guardians' or 'rulers.'" (Dobak)
Native Americans also believe in a connection with nature through their land, which is in direct contrast to the industrialization of America. Climate change has been a major issue for many Americans who continue to make modifications to natural resources without considering how it may affect those who will have no choice but to live on it. Native Americans are raising this same concern about the future of America's water and soil resources. Most indigenous people are against desecration of Mother Earth and point to the destruction of the ozone as a sign that we need to change our ways.
As a society, we must embrace spiritual practices such as prayer in addition to social responsibility such as recycling and green energy. The belief that everything is connected through nature gives us another way to look at the world around us and realize that it is not an object but rather a home for all living things (Reed).
One of the most influential spiritual practices for America's population is prayer. Whether it be in times of national tragedy or personal turmoil, Americans look toward prayer as a source of comfort and strength (Booker).
Americans value prayer as an important component of their personal spirituality, but for some, religious affiliation is a determining factor in whether they believe prayer can help them. Many Americans are affiliated with a religion whose practices include prayer. The most popular religions in America are Hinduism, Catholicism, and Judaism (Bell). Prayer is an important part of many religions but may also act as a form of escapism for some Americans. When the reality of life becomes too much to bear, prayers grant those who pray the ability to distance themselves from their troubles and remember that there is always another meaning to their lives (Wright).
Conclusion
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, there are more religiously unaffiliated Americans than members of any faith community (Pew).
This major shift in America's religious affiliation is largely due to changing demographics. As America becomes increasingly diverse through immigration, the population has become more spiritual diversity as well. While the number of those who do not affiliate with a religion continues to increase, spirituality remains an important aspect of American life (Pew).