Spirituality & the Business of Life

Do what you love and the Spirit will follow! In today’s world there is a growing trend toward applying spiritual principles in everyday life. That includes not only your personal life, but your business life as well.

Millions of individuals are no longer willing to compromise their ethics for their paycheck.  Large portions of corporate Americans are leaving, either by choice or lay off.  Many are choosing to simplify their lifestyle, oftentimes choosing to follow a dream and become entrepreneurs. Greed and corruption have broken the backs of many corporations.

There is a countering ground swell of people who practice applied spirituality. They care, take appropriate action, and actively work to make this world a better place. They have always been there. Now, however, the are becoming more visible.

What is practical spirituality? I refer to spiritual as that which expresses the highest part of our nature, and religion as a container through which we express this nature. Spirituality can be expressed apart from religion, although religion is not really separate from spirituality.

Practical spirituality is the application of spiritual principles to life. Love, faith, integrity, trust, gratitude, acceptance, cooperation, curiosity, joy, service, and creativity represent facets in the fabric of spiritual expression. When these attributes are applied in the business world they foster good will, loyalty, and a host of other benefits to employees and customers alike.

In the four years between 1994 and 1998, the Gallup organization found that the number of people who said they needed spiritual growth jumped from 56 to 82 percent. Today, workshops and books integrating spirituality and business are common. 

Fifteen years ago, the separation between spiritual practice and business was distinct. Boundary crossing was an illicit journey.  As a national karate champion, I had the luxury of sharing my spiritual perspectives with the language of the martial arts. The paradox is that the martial arts are spiritual arts.

Commitment to something you love will eventually blossom into the language of spirituality.  To love life is to live fully.  To live fully requires discipline, or discipleship towards something. Martial arts, a business, a loved hobby, service to others, caring for those you love, and commitment to a cause are all aspects of a spiritual life in action.

Retired Americans  are looking for second or third careers. While some do so out of necessity, others express a heartfelt desire to make a difference in the world – spirituality in action.

Young people have embraced social entrepreneurship and social media as avenues to create change.  It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to donate 10% of their income to charities of their choice. Young and old alike are actively reaching out to build bridges of opportunity for those they have chosen to serve.  The gifts they bring gives me hope that, “The best is yet to come.”

If you would like more information about integrating practical spirituality in the business world, register now in the box below for a complimentary tele-seminar on June 18th, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. PST.  The call will be hosted byTom Martin of Martin Media.  Learn how to build your bottom line while lifting your Spirit.

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