Is Spirituality For Sale?
Are we creating a society where spirituality is for sale?
If your town is anything like mine, you may have noticed that there is a yoga studio every 100 metres or so. It sometimes baffling how these businesses stay afloat with such saturation in the market, yet they do. Many are expanding. Events like Wanderlust are on the rise, where thousands flock to pay hundreds to spend time and take workshops with “spiritual gurus”.
Is our culture craving spirituality so badly that it is now readily available for consumption? And is that a bad thing?
Before we can answer that question we have to define spirituality. Wickipedia calls it the “a transcendent dimension within human experience…discovered in moments in which the individual questions the meaning of personal existence.” From that definition I think it’s clear that spirituality goes well beyond yoga and existed before meditation was mainstream. I can say some of my most spiritual moments have been found at times when I was surfing, snowboarding, skiing, biking – not necessarily stretching it out on mat.
Whether barreling down a wave, riding through a beautiful forest or floating through deep powder, it is these transcendent moments when everything just seems to make sense. It’s in these moments I feel the most connected with why I am on earth.
Photo – Dave Silver
It’s no coincidence that Last Frontier Heliskiing describes its operation as the ultimate experience. Guests have described feelings that are nothing short of life changing.
“Getting out of the heli and seeing the vast expanse of epic skiing and endless terrain that Ripley Creek has to offer was for sure one of the highlights to last year. It was inspiring and exciting, After 10 days I feel like I only got a taste and can’t wait for more,” quotes one guest.
So, in my opinion, spirituality is a feeling, not a commodity. It can be found everywhere and it is up to the individual as to where they connect and where they feel most alive. No one can sell you a spiritual epiphany. But what they can sell you is an opportunity to have a transcending experience. Whether it is on yoga mat, pair of ski’s or mt bike, spirituality is out there to be had and its definitely not a bad thing. Its a very very good thing.
