The Meaning-Maker
Spirituality
Connecting to purpose and larger meaning
Spirituality is the capacity to hold coherent beliefs about the deeper purpose and meaning of life, and to live according to those beliefs.
Within Peterson and Seligman's 2004 taxonomy, spirituality is one of five strengths of Transcendence. This includes both religious faith and secular sense of purpose—philosophy, social purpose, connection to nature, or any worldview that provides meaning and direction. People with this strength feel anchored to something larger than themselves, and that foundation shapes how they make decisions and face challenges.
Strengths
- Finding or creating meaning in experience and challenge
- Living according to deeply held values and beliefs
- Connecting to something larger than oneself
- Providing comfort and direction during uncertainty
- Inspiring others through authentic sense of purpose
Growth Edges
- Can become dogmatic or judgmental of different meaning-systems
- Might dismiss others' views as less valid or profound
- Could use meaning-making to avoid practical responsibility
- Risk of using meaning-making to bypass real problems instead of solving them
- May seem disconnected from material reality or immediate concerns
Career Matches
Read More
- What Are Character Strengths? The 24-Strength, 6-Virtue Framework Explained
- The 6 Virtues Behind the 24 Character Strengths, Explained
- Character Strengths vs Personality Traits: What's the Difference?
- Signature Strengths: Why Your Top 5 Matter More Than Your Bottom 5
- The Research Behind Character Strengths: What the Evidence Actually Shows
- How to Use Your Signature Strengths in a New Way Each Week
- Building a Lower-Ranked Character Strength: A Practical Guide
- A 7-Day Character Strengths Practice Plan
- Best Jobs for High Leadership and Teamwork Strengths
- How to Talk About Your Character Strengths in a Job Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spirituality as a character strength?
It's having a coherent framework of meaning and purpose—whether through religion, philosophy, social commitment, or connection to nature. You feel anchored to something beyond yourself, and that gives your life direction.
Is spirituality the same as religion?
Religion is one path to spirituality, but not the only one. Some people find deep meaning through organized faith; others through philosophy, nature, art, social justice, or family. Both are valid forms of spirituality.
How can spirituality be secular?
You can find ultimate meaning without belief in God—through commitment to a cause, wonder at the natural world, philosophical inquiry, connection to humanity, or dedication to beauty, knowledge, or justice.
Can spirituality be developed or deepened?
Yes. You can explore different traditions, meditate or reflect, engage in service, spend time in nature, read philosophy or poetry, or simply ask yourself what gives your life meaning and purpose.
What is spiritual bypassing and how do you avoid it?
It's using spirituality to avoid dealing with real problems—insisting everything happens for a reason when someone needs practical help, or telling someone to let go when they need to grieve. Real spirituality includes compassionate action and honest acknowledgment of suffering.
How does a sense of meaning and purpose support well-being?
Purpose gives life direction and resilience. When you're anchored to something meaningful, you're better able to handle setbacks, make aligned decisions, and feel that your life matters—all linked to greater well-being and longevity.
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