Spiritual tourism
Spiritual tourism has been becoming a genuine concern in the global tourism industry and spirituality has become a major driver for tourism in some contexts (Timothy 2006, Attix 2015). More and more forms of tourism are recognised as part of spiritual tourism (Timothy and Olsen 2006, Timothy 2006, Collins-Kreiner 2010, Norman 2011). The value of spiritual tourism is prominent, namely an antidote to new and longstanding geopolitical, historical and cultural aggravations and apprehensions; a soothing balm against religious intolerance (Cheer, Belhassen et al. 2017); a vehicle for global understanding among peoples (UNWTO 2013); a potentially potent force for the promotion of global peace and understanding (D'Amore 1998); a leverage for sustainable development through respect for nature, overcoming of cultural stereotypes and providing the locals with new economic flows (Nguyen 2013) and among others. UNWTO (2013) states that: “the cultural exchange and dialogue evoked by spiritual tourism are the very cornerstones of mutual understanding, tolerance and respect, the fundamental building blocks of sustainability”.
Every human is a spiritual being (Hardy 1979, Benjamin and Looby 1998, Marra 2000, Timothy 2006), but not all human being are religious. Oldnall (1996) claims that every person has spiritual needs- the search for meaning, purpose, connection and transcendence within life (Butts 1999, Emmons 2000, Piedmont 2001, Tanyi 2002, Schulz 2005) - regardless of
Spirituality gives meaning and purposes to their belief (51). In Reconnecting science and spirituality, Walach defines spirituality as “a way to understand the natural makeup of the world by means of rational methods of inquiry”. This quotes allows the world to have faith in their own beliefs (425). The happenings in Hydesville involving the Fox sisters started to increase the rate of mediums around the world (Walliss 129). Spiritualism started to have a greater influence of people’s lives. People started to go to mediums to communicate with lost love ones. Spiritualism was given closures to people in the world (Walliss
According to Mussell (2005) spirituality is a “state that reflects inner peace, personal harmony and balance” (p.122). I believe that I have found inner peace, harmony, and balance. I found it through constant questioning of my purpose on earth and have concluded that I was placed here to help others. Thus, I believe that bettering myself in all these needs is essential before I can help others. Mussell (2005) suggests that intuitiveness should be used to guide us in our everyday lives (p.122). Through trial and error, I have learned that my intuition is usually right and is something that should not be second guessed. Mussell (2005) also suggests that spirituality is valuing “the Great Spirit” (p.122), which is the First Nations God. I do believe that there is a supreme being who choses our destiny, but I am not certain of who it is or what his or her full capabilities are. I was brought up in a Lutheran family, but as I have grown up I more believe in Evolution Theories rather than Creation Theories. Furthermore, I do believe in reincarnation. I feel as though there has to be something more than just this one life. I struggle to understand my spiritual needs and beliefs, but I know through time it will become more
What purpose does religion serve? Why does religion continue to play an important role in human life? Koenig (2009) declared that atheism is rare, and rather, 90% of the world’s population practices religion or spirituality. Religion and spirituality have ambiguous meanings and are not universally defined. Although difficult to adequately define, Koenig (2009) inferred that “religion is rooted in an established tradition that arises out of a group of people with common beliefs and practices concerning the sacred” (p. 284). Spirituality, however, is often defined on an individual basis and not necessarily connected to religious beliefs (Koenig, 2009). Researchers often relate spirituality to personal interaction with spiritual entities
Hope Haslam Straughan Within the social work profession, there is a growing movement affirming that spirituality and religious beliefs are integral to the nature of the person and have a vital influence on human behavior (Hugen, 1998). Canda (1988) identifies spirituality as a basic aspect of human experience, both within and outside the context of religious institutions. If a social worker is going to approach a person in a holistic manner, he or she must be willing to consider each person as a wondrous compilation of bio-psycho-social-spiritual elements. In this way, workers will have an extremely broad base from which to approach the strength and resiliency in the people with whom they interact.
Spirituality is defined as whatever or whoever gives ultimate meaning and purpose to a person’s life. Spirituality involves the particular ways of being present in the world that forms a relationship with others, oneself, and the universe (Kazanowski, 2013). On the other hand, religion is an affiliation or
Richard Savel, MD, and Cindy Munro, RN, PHD, ANP, (2014) said it best when they said, “Spirituality can also be defined as the
For the purpose of this paper, the term spirituality will include the specific adherence to a religious movement as well as broader forms of beliefs (i.e. meaning making, hope and faith, prayer). Spirituality is being considered because of the large role it plays in the lives of some individuals. There isWe see an increase in this number when
As defined by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), tourism comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes. Key concepts of sustainable development and sustainable tourism, values and ethics of sustainable tourism and the needs of sustainability in all form of tourism shall be discussed in this essay.
Spirituality can have a variety of different meanings to different people. To some it means to be one with nature, to others it is the search for the meaning of life or a person’s concept of God/a higher being. However, spirituality is best understood as “looking beyond the individual to family, community, and support networks” (Maloof, n.d.).
In the article Collaborating with Chaplains to Meet Spiritual Needs spirituality was defined as a broad concept that signifies a person’s sense of purpose in life and connectedness to something greater themselves. It can include, but is not limited to, religious expressions (Meisenhelder, 2006 as cited in McClung, Grossoehme, Jacobson, 2006). Religion is often referred to as a set of communally held beliefs that are expressed publicly. Not everyone is religious, all people are spiritual (Koenig, McCullough, & Larson 2001 as cited in
“I’m spiritual but not religious.” In today’s society, it is a trendy phrase that many people often use to describe their belief that they do not need to be affiliated with an organized religion in order to live a faithful and fulfilling life. As life becomes more frenzied and chaotic, people assert that they do not have the time to engage in organized religious activity and turn to a different alternative, one that can be less limiting and narrow minded. While spirituality means something different to everyone, at its core, spirituality provides our lives with context. It arrises from the connection one has with themselves and one’s search for meaning in life. Spirituality can take many different forms, such as meditation and yoga,
Our experiences have taught us to accept what is our reality based on the interpretation of information from our five senses which most of us, end up living as the fullness of our existence. There are those of us who at some point throughout our lives, do question our purpose on this earth but manage however, to distract ourselves with a continuous barrage of external stimuli therefore, do not summon the courage or determination to explore the inner reality of our unseen existence. Believe it or not, most of us go through our lives on automation, like robots really reacting to situations in predictable ways as a result of, information we have accepted in our subconscious minds as the truth about
A spiritual person understands that we are all One, and consciously attempts to honor this Oneness. A spiritual person is a kind person, cares and has loving heart for self and for others. On the other hand, religion is a container in which spiritual practices are preserved and passed on. You may have a fruitful spiritual life without necessarily following institutional religion. Therefore, being spiritual without religious practices is possible, yes, but, there are some aspects of life that might be missed out. Matt Appling, a pastor to a home church, explains that being spiritual without religion might mean missing out on what is to come out of the society. Tim O'Donnell, who is at the centre stage of the discussion, admits that indeed he does miss the community, having been brought up in a catholic religious setting. He further argues that parents rely so much on the church to show their children the
“Spirituality is derived from the Latin word spiritus, spirit, the essential part of the person which controls the mind and the mind controls the body. Thus the spirit is the vital life force which motivate people and influence ones life, health behavior and relationships” (Baldacchino & Draper, 2001). She also stated that spirituality is the mainstream of life which unifies all aspects of the human being. Spirituality applies to both believers and non believers, including the presence of diverse cultural beliefs (Baldacchino & Draper, 2001). Culliford stated that : “In times of emotional stress, physical illness, loss, bereavement and death human beings tend to find comfort, peace, inspiration, reverence and meaning by focusing on their spirituality whether they believe in God or not” (Culliford, 2002). In a study conducted by Tuck and Thingajana the meaning of spirituality was voiced by person living with HIV disease and healthy adults. The definitions voiced by the HIV patients were that “Spirituality is relating and believing in God, who is always present. It is perceived as being guided or helped or being inspired or giving unto. Spirituality includes the process of journeying, discovering and centering and is outwardly expressed” (Tuck & Thinganjana, 2007). The definitions of Spirituality expressed by the healthy individuals were that:
Religion and spirituality reach into the depths of the human psyche and strongly influence a nation’s way of life.