Spirituality As Defined In Medical School
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A definition of spirituality used commonly to guide medical school teaching was provided in a report to the Association of American Medical Colleges in 1999. This is how spirituality was defined:
“Spirituality is recognized as a factor that contributes to health in many persons. The concept of spirituality is found in all cultures and societies. It is expressed in an individual’s search for ultimate meaning through participation in religion and/or belief in God, family, naturalism, rationalism, humanism and the arts. All these factors can influence how patients and health care professionals perceive health and illness and how they interact with one another.”
Another definition that is often cited was first used by Roger Walsh in his book Essential Spirituality, is that spirituality is “…a constellation of practices that awaken the heart and mind.”
Organized religion is not necessary for a person to be spiritual, organized religion however can certainly play a role in influencing a person’s spirituality if desired, yet it is but one of many influences.
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Very difficult to define–almost a I know when I see it kind of thing.
Hippa, thank you! I agree. that’s why I wrote a post shortly after titled: What is your definitionof spirituality. In this post I defined what spirituality is based on my experience and research. You can find it here:
http://www.wholenessblog.com/about/what-is-your-definition-of-spirituality