Our definitions of spirituality usually revolve around some element of seeking purpose and meaning, a sense of peace or positive connections with the world, and feeling connected to a larger life force or power greater than oneself. People often turn to spirituality for support with the things that most challenge them. There may be distinct benefits from actively engaging in spiritual practices, using one’s spirituality to cope with life’s difficulties, and being affiliated with a religious institution.

How can we define presence? On one level, we can think about presence as the awareness of the moment as it unfolds. What we’re feeling, noticing, and thinking, and what’s happening around us—it’s awareness of these things that constitutes presence. Presence to our own experience is sometimes simple and straightforward, but it’s often effortful, requiring intentionality and deliberate focus.

Serenity is a sense of inner peace that is not subject to the whims of the outside world. For people who describe themselves as having had or are currently experiencing a sense of serenity, this state of being usually follows from having had a spiritual awakening of some kind. Active prayer and meditation, use of other mindfulness skills, coping mechanisms, and in particular the ability to accept life as it comes, letting go of and detaching from one’s negative emotions, are all key components of reaching a state of serenity.

Mindfulness is a mental state characterized by focused attention, heightened awareness, and an open and non-judgmental disposition toward your thoughts and experiences in the present moment. The practice of mindfulness encourages you to observe your thoughts and feelings without attachment or judgment, fostering a greater sense of clarity, calmness, and overall well-being.

Equanimity is a state of mental and emotional stability, calmness, and composure, especially in challenging situations. It’s maintaining a balanced and nonreactive mindset, regardless of external circumstances or internal thoughts and feelings. People who possess equanimity can face adversity with clarity, focus, and resilience, without being overwhelmed by emotions like fear, anger, or anxiety.

Wisdom isn’t so easy to define. Researchers still debate its meaning and haven’t agreed on a universal definition. But most would agree that wisdom goes beyond knowledge or information. It involves a grasp of life's complexities, nuances, and interconnectedness. It's the ability to see the bigger picture, the underlying patterns, and the consequences of choices.