A Spiritually Rich Life 4/2027

Humans are spiritual beings by nature. However, this dimension is often overlooked in modern society, leaving people's spiritual development incomplete. Much of life's richness and joy is then missed. Happiness often turns self-centered and ultimately does not feel satisfying or sufficient. In humans, spirituality manifests as a need to find meanings greater than themselves in life. It strengthens various emotions and attitudes, such as gratitude, wonder, compassion, and forgiveness. It opens experiences of connection and unity with other people, nature, and the surrounding world. The spiritual dimension in humans asks what is ultimately good and evil, beautiful, true, and to what one's unique life should be dedicated. A spiritual person experiences love as greater than mere attachment. Art, philosophy, and various religions also express this human spirituality. The course specifically explores ideas and theories about the human spiritual dimension presented in philosophy, psychology, and theology. Participants will have the opportunity to pause and reflect on their own experience and themselves, to feel how spirituality manifests in their own lives and how it could enrich their lives. Through various tasks and shared interaction, there is an opportunity to outline what spiritual growth means specifically for me. This can also strengthen the direction of how I want to use my unique life. All interested individuals can participate in the course from the perspective of their own values and life situation. Each participant can share their own reflections with the group only to the extent that it feels natural. The most important thing is the ability to respect and value other people's different experiences and thoughts. In a warm and compassionate atmosphere, working together is the most inspiring. In this way, the group can also manifest the themes discussed in the course through its own actions. The course instructors are philosopher, theologian, and author Samuel Salovuori, and actor Petteri Lassila (Master of Theatre Arts). The language of instruction is Finnish.