During a class on religion and spirituality, the nurse is asked to define spirituality. Which statement by the nurse best describes spirituality?

A) "Is a personal search to discover a supreme being."
B) "Is an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe."
C) "Is a belief that each person exists forever in some form, such as a belief in reincarnation or the afterlife."
D) "Focuses on a connection with something bigger than oneself and a belief in transcendence."

Spirituality is a broad term focused on a connection with something bigger than oneself and a belief in transcendence. It arises out of each person's unique life experience and his or her personal effort to find purpose and meaning in life. The other definitions reflect the concept of religion. Searching to discover a supreme being; an organized system of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe; and believing that each person exists forever in some form all refer to religion rather than spirituality. Spirituality is a broader term focused on a connection with something bigger than oneself and a belief in transcendence.