Letter from the President December 2019

“The Season to Rejoice”

Spirituality is a term that encompasses faith and religion, yet many today say, “I am spiritual but not religious.” So, it seems we need to think about this, especially during a season of the year during which many will attend services for Hanukkah (if Jewish) or Christmas (if Christian).

When people say, “I am spiritual but not religious,” they usually mean they do not participate in organized religion. They may consider themselves spiritual because they practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, or mindfulness. Or, because they love nature – sunrises and sunsets -- friends, pets, their partner, and their children. Someone who is spiritual but not religious may not be a member of a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple, yet may still believe in a higher power -- God, Allah, or Krishna. Or, perhaps they do not name that power but prefer to stand in awe of the Mystery of the Universe.

On special occasions – such as at Hanukkah, Christmas, Easter, or during the month of Ramadan even those who are spiritual but not religious will often attend a worship service or join people of faith in their home, perhaps to gather around the piano to sing Christmas carols. They will give packages to those they love. They will give to non-profit organizations that help the sick, the hungry, and the homeless.

Religions – whether Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, or an indigenous tradition, give us a reason to rejoice. December brings a season to rejoice whether we are people held by a particular religious tradition or not.

Like Tiny Tim said in Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol: “God bless us, everyone!”

John K. Graham, MD, DMin President & CEO
Institute for Spirituality and Health