Can spirituality increase happiness?!

The title of today's blog really says it all. I decided to write on this today after reviewing this website:
http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/articles/id/spiritualresearch/spiritualscience/spirituallevel_saints/index.php

The definition of spirituality can be defined as :
 an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality;^[1] an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of their being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.”^[2] Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop an individual's inner life; such practices are alleged to lead to an experience of connectedness with a larger reality, yielding a more comprehensive self; with other individuals or the human community; with nature or the cosmos; or with the divine realm.^[3] For some, spirituality is experienced as a source of inspiration or orientation in life.^[4] It can encompass belief in immaterial realities or experiences of the immanent or transcendent nature of the world.

Personally, I don't view spirituality necessarily as "God" or going to church every Sunday (depending on your beliefs, it may be another day of the week). For me it is more about being in tune with yourself and as noted above, your deepest values and meanings.

Spirituality for me alone makes me feel empowered and motivated, it is like a fire burning inside telling me to grab the bull by the horns and take life for a ride. This is the feeling all of us should embrace and go forward with. By achieving spirituality and moving forward we can only become more content and satisfied in life, right?! I would hope so!!!! Of course this doesn't mean go rob a bank because you suddenly feel empowered,what this means is if you have a dream, go for it!

So jump off your computer and learn how to become "in tune" with yourself, your spirituality and feel free. Stop being materialistic and learn about the "things" in life that really mean something more than having that awesome "coach bag", or the expensive make up. I'm a strong believer (speaking from experience here) that the more materialistic "items" we have, the less happy we become because our lives suddenly become cluttered with "things" and we suddenly feel like we must always be working to "keep up with the Jones' ".  In an attempt to become less materialistic, I keep what I call a "Value Village bin" in my home.  Nearly every day, I find one item, I toss in there. My home is now less cluttered with "things" and more cluttered with love, hope and faith and I'm smiling more.  I'm finding less items = more freedom to breathe and think rather than being "attached" to the newest novelty in my home.

Be happy, be healthy and be you! Become inspired, empowered..... go ahead and Live, Laugh, Love and Dream!