The Many Faces of Spirituality: 7 Unique Ways People Connect to the Sacred
Spirituality isn’t one-size-fits-all. In fact, it might be more personal and diverse than you ever imagined.
At Walk With Me Counseling Center in Chicago, Illinois, we believe that mental health is deeply intertwined with your sense of purpose, connection, and inner peace. For many, that includes spiritual wellness. But what does it actually mean to be "spiritual"?
As researchers have explored this question, one thing has become clear: there isn’t a single path to the sacred. Instead, people experience spirituality in at least seven distinct ways. Whether or not you consider yourself religious, these dimensions of spirituality can help you reflect on how you find meaning, feel grounded, or experience awe.
What Is Spirituality, Really?
Dr. Ken Pargament, a leading psychologist of religion, defines spirituality as "the search for the sacred." But what counts as sacred? Is it God? Nature? Community? Yourself?
Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren’s work offers fresh insight into this mystery. In his book Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion, he outlines seven key forms of spiritual experience that go beyond traditional definitions. These seven dimensions don’t point to a single belief system. Instead, they highlight the diverse ways people seek and relate to the sacred.
Let’s explore each of these seven forms—and see which ones resonate with you.
1. Theistic Spirituality
This is the most familiar form of spirituality, grounded in belief in a higher power or divine presence. For people with theistic spirituality, the sacred is God (or gods), and spirituality often involves prayer, worship, or religious rituals. It may also come with feelings of comfort, hope, and trust in something greater than oneself.
If you feel close to God or find strength in religious community and tradition, this form of spirituality may play a central role in your life.
2. Nature Spirituality
Some people feel spiritually connected not to a deity, but to the earth itself. Nature spirituality involves reverence for the natural world—trees, oceans, animals, seasons—and often sparks feelings of awe, peace, and wholeness.
A long walk through the woods, watching the sunrise, or hearing waves crash might evoke this sense of connection. For many, caring for the environment or practicing sustainability is a sacred responsibility.
3. Human Spirituality
This form of spirituality emerges from deep connection to other people. It shows up in acts of empathy, kindness, and justice. You may experience it when supporting a loved one, joining a protest, or simply witnessing human goodness.
If you find your spiritual energy through relationships, community service, or fighting for human rights, you might strongly identify with this type of spirituality.
4. Transcendent Spirituality
Some spiritual moments defy explanation. Transcendent spirituality refers to those indescribable experiences of vastness, mystery, or timelessness. It might happen during meditation, gazing at the stars, or during a moment of intense stillness.
It’s not tied to a particular religion or even belief. It’s a felt sense of being connected to something beyond words—a sense of the infinite.
5. Self Spirituality
Sometimes, the sacred is found within. Self spirituality is about tuning inward and aligning with your authentic self. It's about being whole, grounded, and true to who you are.
If you find peace in self-reflection, journaling, personal rituals, or setting boundaries that protect your well-being, your spiritual path may begin with you.
6. Religious Quest
Rather than searching for a single, fixed answer, some people embrace spiritual questioning as a way of life. This journey is defined by curiosity, doubt, and growth.
If you see value in asking hard questions, exploring different traditions, or evolving your beliefs over time, you may be on a religious quest. As author Anne Lamott said, "The opposite of faith isn’t doubt; it’s certainty."
7. Spiritual Yearning
This final dimension isn’t about what you believe, but about your longing. Spiritual yearning reflects a deep emotional pull toward something more—a craving for connection, meaning, or transcendence.
It often shows up in those who don’t feel at home in organized religion but still feel that something sacred is missing from their lives. If you resonate with David Brooks’ idea that "faith is more about longing and thirsting than knowing and possessing," then this form may feel familiar.
Spirituality Is Personal—And Expansive
Many people relate to more than one of these spiritual dimensions. Some may feel connected to all seven. Others may gravitate toward just one or two.
Importantly, none of these forms is "better" than another. They simply reflect the diverse ways human beings search for meaning and connection. They also remind us that spirituality doesn’t always require religion. It can be found in relationships, routines, silence, or even struggle.
At Walk With Me Counseling Center, we honor every path. We know that mental health and spiritual well-being often go hand in hand—and that therapy can be a safe place to explore both.
Whether you’re wrestling with existential questions, feeling disconnected from your beliefs, or simply yearning for deeper peace, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Take the Next Step Toward Mental and Spiritual Wellness
Walk With Me Counseling Center is here to help if you're overwhelmed by election stress, spiritual disconnection, or cultural exhaustion. We offer virtual therapy sessions across Illinois, so support is just a click away no matter where you are—whether in Chicago or another part of the state.
Complete our Intake Form today and take the first step toward protecting your mental and spiritual health during this intense election season.
Your well-being should be your top priority, especially now. Don't let stress, spiritual questions, or emotional burnout go unaddressed. Whether you're in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, we're here to help you explore these deeper dimensions before they take a bigger toll on your mental health.
