Tuesday, July 24, 2007

The Meaning Of Life Explored

It is usual for people of all ages to try and find the true meaning of their lives and seek salvation through spirituality as a means to bring hope into their lives. Spirituality is far greater in its scope than religion, though these two terms are often used interchangeably. Aging and spirituality are quite complementary and according to studies, spirituality goes beyond the material and self so is something that is easier to grasp when one has achieved a certain age, both mentally and physically.

Certain Losses And Life Changes Take Place

It has also been seen that with advancing years, people generally tend to gravitate towards religion, though the church may not always be as accommodating to the elderly. They may thus be more influenced by the thinking of various philosophers and thinkers that deal with the different practices of spirituality to find meaning in life. When one considers aging and spirituality, one will no doubt realize that with advancing age, there are certain losses as well as life changes that require having more hope in order to survive.

Spirituality Can Be Therapeutic

Aging and spirituality can take the form of therapeutic interventions found in prayers, meditation and expressions of art, all of which may lead to spiritual healing as well as renewal. With better understanding of spirituality through various resources, there may come about a more pleasant aging process.

Aging and spirituality also raises questions about the true meaning and value of day-to-day life. In fact, aging and spirituality is related to a period in life when a person is closer to the end of life. This is where a person’s spirituality can expand and help them share their feelings with others. It allows a person some space in which to grow, even in times of difficulty.

Even caregivers will need to provide positive support and acceptance of their patient’s spiritual beliefs. Giving spiritual support to an aged person will provide them with much needed companionship and ease them through the later years of life when they are most in need of solace and support.

Spirituality Is Unique To Each Of Us

Just as our bodies age differently, spirituality is different for each of us also. Some people attending the same church or synagogue their entire life and have their spiritual beliefs well reconciled. Other people search for spirituality only in later life in order to deal with aging and death.