8 characteristics of people who are spiritual but not religious

There’s a significant gap between being spiritual and being religious.

Religion often points to a structured set of beliefs and practices, typically tied to an organization or institution.

Being spiritual, on the other hand, is more about personal growth and inner peace. It’s not about what you do in a church, temple, or mosque, but about how you live your life.

Today, many people identify as spiritual but not religious, and they share some common traits.

Here are 8 characteristics that define these folks who call themselves SBNR. This article is your guide to understanding the “spiritual but not religious” crowd better.

Identifying spiritual but not religious (SBNR) individuals

The term “spiritual but not religious” (SBNR) refers to individuals who identify as spiritual without affiliating with a particular religion.

This growing group navigates spirituality outside of traditional frameworks, seeking personal and transformative experiences.

SBNR individuals often prioritize personal growth and self-discovery.

They explore spirituality through meditation, contemplation, and other practices that foster inner peace and self-awareness.

What’s more, SBNR individuals often pursue spiritual insights through personal experiences rather than adhering strictly to religious texts or doctrines.

Let’s take a look at 8 specific characteristics that provide a glimpse into the mindset of SBNR individuals:

1. They prioritize self-discovery

The first key characteristic of those who identify as spiritual but not religious is the emphasis on personal growth and self-discovery.

These individuals are often engaged in a continuous process of self-improvement, seeking to understand themselves and the world around them in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Unlike traditional religious followers who may rely on external doctrines or teachings, SBNR individuals turn inward.

They take an introspective approach, using practices such as meditation, contemplation, and mindfulness to gain insights into their own thoughts and emotions.

This dedication to self-discovery often leads to a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

As a result, it’s not uncommon for SBNR individuals to report a heightened understanding of their own values, motivations, and aspirations.

2. They embrace inclusivity and openness

Inclusivity and openness are hallmarks of a spiritual but not religious mindset.

Unlike traditional religious structures, which can sometimes be exclusive, SBNR individuals often welcome a wide array of beliefs and practices.

These individuals tend to respect and accept different spiritual paths. They appreciate that spirituality is a deeply personal journey, varying from person to person.

This understanding fuels their acceptance of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Inclusivity, for them, extends beyond tolerance. It’s about recognizing the inherent value in different viewpoints and learning from them.

As a result of such openness, they develop a broader worldview, fostering empathy and understanding towards others.

3. They value direct spiritual experience

One of the defining characteristics of SBNR individuals is their preference for personal, direct spiritual experiences over religious doctrines.

Instead of strictly adhering to religious texts or principles, they seek spiritual insights through their own lived experiences.

In this pursuit, they often engage in practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. These practices provide them with opportunities for direct spiritual encounters.

Let’s consider meditation.

It’s a practice that allows SBNR individuals to tune into their inner selves, quiet the mind, and cultivate a deep sense of peace and tranquility.

Through meditation, they aim to attain a heightened state of awareness and spiritual enlightenment.

This focus on direct experience doesn’t mean they disregard religious scriptures or teachings entirely. Rather, they interpret them in a way that resonates with their personal experiences and understanding.

4. They deeply respect nature

Have you ever felt a sense of peace and tranquility while walking through a forest or sitting by a serene lake?

For many SBNR individuals, nature serves as a tangible connection to the divine.

They see the natural world as a powerful conduit for spiritual experiences.

The beauty, majesty, and intricacies of nature evoke a sense of wonder and spiritual connection.

The thing is that these people believe in the inherent sacredness of the natural world, viewing it as an expression of the divine.

Usually, this reverence for nature often translates into a deep sense of environmental responsibility. They understand that respecting nature means preserving it for future generations.

In this way, their spiritual beliefs directly influence their attitudes towards environmental conservation and sustainability.

Eye-opening insight: Many SBNR individuals consider time spent in nature as sacred moments, comparable to traditional religious practices such as prayer or worship.

5. They view spirituality as a lifelong journey

SBNR individuals often see spirituality as an ongoing journey rather than a destination.

They believe in continuous learning and growth, seeking new ways to deepen their spiritual understanding.

What’s more, they are aware that their beliefs and practices might evolve over time, and they are open to this change.

This perspective allows them to approach their spiritual growth with an open mind and heart. They are constantly on the lookout for opportunities to learn and grow, valuing the process as much as the outcome.

Some practices that support this ongoing spiritual journey can include:

• Meditation
• Journaling
• Nature walks
• Artistic expression
• Reading spiritual or philosophical texts

The key here is not in the specific practices but in the mindset of ongoing exploration and openness to new experiences.

6. They respect all aspects of life as inherently sacred

For SBNR individuals, the sacred isn’t confined to designated places of worship or specific religious rituals. Instead, they see the divine in all aspects of life, treating each moment as inherently sacred.

They recognize the presence of the divine in everyday experiences, whether it’s a conversation with a loved one, a moment of solitude, or the simple act of appreciating nature’s beauty.

This perspective encourages them to live intentionally, cherishing each moment and seeking a spiritual connection in their daily lives.

They aim to cultivate a sense of reverence and gratitude in their interactions with the world around them.

I find this perspective quite refreshing. It reminds us that spirituality isn’t limited to certain times or places but can be an integral part of our daily lives.

Yes, it challenges us, believers, to seek the sacred in the ordinary, enriching our experiences and deepening our spiritual connection.

7. They embrace a non-judgmental approach towards others

Picture this: you’re at a social gathering, and the topic of spirituality comes up.

As an SBNR individual, you’d likely respond with openness and curiosity, rather than judgment or criticism.

Well, this is because SBNR individuals typically adopt a non-judgmental approach toward others’ beliefs and practices.

Understanding that spirituality is deeply personal, they respect others’ spiritual paths, even if they differ from their own.

They appreciate the diversity of human experiences and perspectives and see this diversity as an opportunity for learning and growth.

This non-judgmental approach extends to their interactions with people of different faiths or those who don’t identify as spiritual or religious.

Rather than trying to convert others to their way of thinking, they engage in respectful dialogue, seeking mutual understanding.

8. They prioritize inner peace

Finally, for those who are spiritual but not religious, inner peace often takes precedence over external achievements.

They understand that no amount of success, wealth, or fame can replace the serenity that comes from within.

This doesn’t mean they shun worldly accomplishments, but rather, they don’t let them dictate their self-worth or happiness.

They seek tranquility through various practices such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, journaling, or spending time in nature.

In simple terms, these people believe in cultivating a calm and balanced mind as the foundation for a fulfilling life.

Their quest for inner peace isn’t a destination, but an ongoing journey – one that requires patience, commitment, and self-compassion.

Essence: It’s about the journey

At the heart of every spiritual but not religious individual, there lies an indomitable spirit of exploration.

Their journey is one of self-discovery, personal growth and an unending quest for inner peace. They embrace uncertainty, value personal experiences, and see the beauty in diversity.

What truly defines them is not a set of beliefs or practices, but their pursuit of authenticity, their connection with nature, and their respect for all paths leading to spiritual fulfillment.

Whether they find solace in the silence of meditation, the rhythm of a drum circle, or the majesty of a mountain hike, it’s about living authentically and being true to themselves.

In essence, being spiritual but not religious is not a destination but a journey – a deeply personal journey that reflects the uniqueness of every individual who embarks on it.