- How do you define “spirituality”?
For me spirituality means connecting with something outside the physical world that serves as a guidepost for how I live my life. My spirituality definitely has roots in the Jewish tradition in which I was raised but I don’t believe it is the same thing as religion (see question #2). These unseen but deeply felt guideposts are like an invisible border around my values and they make themselves known when I stray from them in either thought or action. They help me remember to be kind even when I don’t feel like it and to think carefully before judging others. They remind me to be open to what the world has to offer and to show up every day with gratitude.
2. Does spirituality differ from religion?
Yes, spirituality definitely differs from religion. I think religion in general or a specific religion (like Judaism) is defined as such because it has a specific framework with shared beliefs, common rituals, and sometimes strict rules about who is “in” the group and who is “out.” Religion is more about a particular community or group. I see spirituality as more of an individual thing that gets developed over time as someone grows, matures, and experiences life. However, I do think spirituality and religion are related. For example, I don’t think of myself as a religious person even though I was raised Jewish and believe deeply in many Jewish values and traditions. My spirituality is connected to these values, as well as others not unique to Judaism, but it is unique to me.
3.How do you define “creativity”?
I think there are many ways to demonstrate creativity including doing something outside established norms, breaking or bending rules, or approaching situations in ways previously unexplored. Acts of creativity can have huge impact such as Steve Jobs’ creation of the Mac or Pete Frates creation of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. But, I also think there are less well-known or even unknown acts of creativity that happen everyday because people take a different approach to something. I am reminded of my roommate Arianna when I filmed her for our unit on food as art. She is a fantastic baker and she tries new things all the time. So, creativity can be public or personal and have great influence or none at all.
4. What is the source of creativity?
I think the source of one’s creativity is as individual as the person doing the creating. For some it might be their passion for a particular endeavor like baking or painting. For others it might be something they physically experience, as Grey describes in our reading Deeply Seeing, and it drives them to paint, draw, or sculpt in a particular way. Still others are moved by existing works of art or music and get inspired to create their own. I think nature and the physical word also serves as inspiration for creativity.