In a simple sense, the spiritual is something that is beyond the physical (the meta-physical, which literally means ‘after the physical’); it's 'of the spirit'.
But that definition is obviously insufficient. Jealousy is a sensation; it's not physical. Is jealousy spiritual? How about satanism?
Here are a few thoughts about spirituality:
1. G-d created spirituality as a bridge between Himself and our reality. So spirituality is actually a means through which G-d makes G-dliness felt in our world. Think of the way electricity is best conducted through certain materials. Perhaps we can think of Spirituality as a Conductor for Divinity.
2. Spirituality makes me feel good. But if that's my goal, it's just another [high-minded] stop on my road to self-absorption; it's more ‘me’. Genuine Spirituality is a search for less ‘me’. It’s necessarily a bond with G-d, something Beyond (yet Deeper within) me. Spirituality is a path to losing 'me' in something Transcendent.
3. There are generally two reasons I may not be able to see what’s around me. It may be dark and/or I have my eyes closed.
By creating Spirituality, G-d 'turned on the lights' (to some extent) in the world; but I still need to 'open my eyes'. Self-indulgence, anger, ego all have a dulling, darkening effect on my sensitivity receptors. They shade my soul's eyes to a world illuminated by Divine light.
3. A spiritual perspective gives me depth of vision. When I'm in a spiritual mindset, I can see – in my mind's eye - beyond the shallow façade; I can view everyone as a Divine creation with some valuable potential for the world. With a spiritual attitude, I start to see the world from the inside out, and I can envision the world as it's supposed to be.
Life is like a puzzle, with all the pieces scattered about. A Torah/Spiritual perspective gives us a peek at the box top. We get a holistic perspective as to how this can all fit together symmetrically; how it can make sense.
In studying Jewish spirituality, we taste a world where G-dliness and meaning are fully ablaze, and where our eyes are wide open. A world of Moshiach.
Mendy wrote...
Tonight and tomorrow we celebrate 'Lag B'omer' (the 33rd day in the counting of the Omer).
This special day is the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (2nd century c.e.). Rabbi Shimon is in many ways the "Father of Jewish Spirituality'. While Jewish mysticism and spirituality are as old as the Torah itself, because they are part and parcel of the Torah, Rabbi Shimon dedicated his life to the pursuit of Mysticism, and its accesibility.
A mystic of the highest order, he authored the Zohar, which is considered the most basic text of the Kabbalah.
Lag B'Omer is thus a day for us to revisit - and enhance- our own spirituality.