This I Believe by Susan Hixson
I believe we are all connected by Spirit - the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part (our Unitarian-Universalist 7th principle). This connection is to all living things, plants and animals possibly even earth and air. Sometimes I can come up with different ideas on the purpose of Spirit but they are pretty nebulous and can get really far out. I do believe social justice activities need to come from a spiritual place and not from a personal agenda.
I found a great article: What does it mean to be a spiritual person? by Margaret Paul, PhD
Here are a few excerpts:
People often confuse spirituality with religion. People can be both religious and spiritual, but it is also possible to be religious without being spiritual, or to be spiritual without being religious.
You go to church every Sunday and you say your prayers every day. Does this mean you are a spiritual person?
No.
You practice yoga and meditate every day. Does this mean you are a spiritual person?
No.
You belong to a spiritual group and are devoted to following the teachings of the group. Does this mean you are a spiritual person?
No.
What, then, does it mean to be a spiritual person?
Being a spiritual person is synonymous with being a person whose highest priority is to be loving to yourself and others. A spiritual person cares about people, animals, and the planet. A spiritual person knows that we are all One, and consciously attempts to honor this Oneness. A spiritual person is a kind person. These people naturally do caring things for others. They think about how they can help. Their thoughts are kind rather than judgmental toward themselves and toward others. When you look at them, you see kindness in their eyes.
If you want to be a spiritual person, then let kindness be your guiding light — kindness toward yourself, toward others, toward animals and toward this beautiful planet that is our home. Recognize that we all have the spark of love that is God within us, and learn to honor that love so that you can know and experience the Oneness of all that is.
It truly does matter what you believe.