Welcome

Learning is a never-ending journey. I've learned much from my mentors, from the wise sages in my life. I feel it is important to share and pass along some of what I have learned – and continue to learn. I believe we are all responsible for smoothing the path for those who come after us. And I know that we are all connected and here to support one another.

My purpose is to:

  • Improve organizational effectiveness through individual development
  • Improve individual effectiveness through organizational development



« What Will I Remember | Main | Wisdom »

What is Spirituality?

For several years, I have been interested in spirit at work.  But the word spirituality can make some people uncomfortable.  One of the best definitions of the word that I have found comes from the book Sou at Work:  Spirituality Leadership in Organizations by Margaret Benefiel. 

She says that spirituality is "the human spirit, fully engaged."  She believes this includes the "intellectual, emotional, and relational depth of human character, as well as the continuing capability and yearning for personal development and evolution."  While this definition can include religion, but it is not limited to that.  

Benefiel continues to explain that she likes the word "soul" which is the "lived manifestation of spirituality in an individual, a family, or an organization.  It is the way the emotional or relational depth is honored and the way that yearnings for development or evolution are given space."

One of my favorite quotes from her book is this: 

"Profit is to business what breathing is to humans.  Both are essential to survival, but just as breathing is not the purpose of life, so profit is not the purpose of business." 

What does soul at work look like?  How can people bring soul to work?


TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00e3932f160f8834010535833672970b

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference What is Spirituality?:

Comments

Post a comment

View Jann Freed's profile on LinkedIn

Subscribe to RSS Feed