To ask what spirituality means?

[Rainydayblues]

I was grew up within a Catholic environment, I didn't know any non Catholics till I went to University, however I never felt any connection with a God. I went through the motions - not always silently, I was forced to attend church and faith school by my parents, it was never a choice and when I turned 18 I told them I would no longer attend church. Ever since, I have been trying to get as far away from religion as I possibly can - it makes me feel almost claustrophobic.
However I've heard people mention the need for spirituality and people talk about this whether they are religious or not, I've heard atheists speak of it and I've never really understood what they meant - so help me please, help me understand what it means because I don't think I've been drawn to it? What am I missing?

Great question, op!

I've been told I'm not spiritual. I think I'm trying to be more so.
Its not about religion. Its about being at peace, about tuning in to what's around you.

I was brought up in a strict religious environment but am not religious. I do think spirituality is different from being religious.

It about learning and accepting yourself and others. Gosh, I sound wet, but its true! After dd2 born I don't feel so young any more, physically or mentally. My spirit feels timeless though I know its not.

I'm religious, I consider myself spiritual as well. For me it's the element of religion that impacts on the heart, so I suppose the less ritualistic and more reflective side of having a relationship with God. I believe that both are required for a complete faith, but many people do just one or the other.

I think spirituality is accepting your own deeply held beliefs rather than going along with what you have been told to believe.

I think spirituality is about believing you are a small part of a greater something. That there is something more to life than pleasing yourself or living for today. That you have an emotional connection with nature and life and always strive to do good or help others. Now this can be within a religious context or not. Just my idea.
Am interested to hear other's view.

Dh told me he has felt it a couple of times - when he feels he is part of everything - not an observer, connected to his surroundings but he feels that's just a personal interpretation.
I can enjoy nature, I can enjoy stillness, small things make me happy but I slot these things into the file "things I like" rather than "spiritual" I struggle to see the difference - I think I am missing the gene!