By Carol Young, Student Housing and Community Services
What is spirituality?
Spirituality can be defined in many ways. Broadly, it is seeking self-awareness, meaning and understanding of our experiences in the world. It is searching for a connection to something bigger than ourselves.
Often university is a time when you become more aware of what has formed and informed you as you connect with others who hold similar and different views. As your perspectives are affirmed and challenged, you sift through those exchanges to discover what it is that you value and what gives your life meaning.
Exploring your spirituality
No matter how you choose to explore spirituality, it is an opportunity for self-reflection about yourself and how you connect to the world. Some questions to consider include:
- What influenced how I was formed and how does that impact the way in which I see and engage others?
- Do things happen for a reason?
- How do I extend gratitude to the world?
- How am I called to improve the lives of others?
- How have my experiences from the past couple of years changed me? And what learnings will I carry forward from this time to help navigate future challenges and circumstances that come my way?
Ways to explore spirituality
At UBC, you have many options for exploring your spirituality, if you choose to. How you practice is entirely up to you. Here are some ideas:
Connect with nature
Take a walk in Pacific Spirit Park, Nitobe Memorial Garden or on Tower Beach.
Connect with people
Engage people in discussions that deepen or challenge your ideas. Seek out spiritual resources and amenities on campus.
Volunteer
Take part in a service learning or volunteer opportunity to experience the joy of giving back.
Start a journal
Record thoughts and feelings, express gratitude and reflect on big decisions and everyday encounters.
Reflect
Meditate, pray or worship—alone or with others. Exploring spirituality for some students may come through an association with a church, temple, mosque or synagogue. Other students may choose to pray, meditate or find comfort in a personal relationship with God or a higher power. Every student’s spiritual journey is unique.
Chaplains at UBC
Another way some students explore their spirituality is with Chaplains at UBC, which helps members of the UBC community engage with their spirituality and faith.
The word chaplain was originally associated with the Christian faith, but is now a widely used and accepted term to refer to men and women who represent many religions or philosophical traditions.
The current membership includes Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Bahá’í representation. Among Christian denominations you will find representatives from the Anglican, Baptist, Brethren Tradition, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and United Churches.
Most chaplains offer one-on-one pastoral or spiritual counselling and other opportunities to explore the faith that they represent, like fellowship groups, meals, worship, faith exploration and training, or study. These groups are a good way to have fun, make friends and explore some of the big questions of life.