SBNR is a catchphrase for those who self-identify as spiritual but do not consider organized religion as the only or most valid means of furthering spiritual growth. They have a spiritual ideology, something that pulls them outward to connect them to something greater than themselves without advocating for a specific religion.

But what does spiritual mean?

Spirituality, not religion, is the focal point for People House’s personal and spiritual growth endeavors. Quoting from People House’s website, “Spirituality is less about doing and more about being our truest, most authentic self everywhere we go.”

Historically, spirituality has been used interchangeably as a synonym for religion. The religion, the creed, or the path a person followed determined their spirituality. This path had an institutionalized and a structured system of beliefs, practices, and morals within a given religious framework, along with spiritual disciplines for its practitioner to adhere to.

In my own life, meditating on the interconnectedness of humanity and our natural environment has given me an awareness of sacred immanence, along with greater compassion and love for self and for others.