"My impression is that this person would be inclined to: Take part in some sort of meditative practice, be relatively peaceful/non-violent in nature, probably hold some interesting beliefs about crystals/sage/etc, generally be positive (though everyone is an individual), be more likely to practice some sort of vegetarianism, hold a WIDE variety of beliefs on how the universe/soul operates, perhaps be a nomad/averse to settling down."
I'm not going to say you're wrong, but want to point out that's a list of your beliefs, your bias, not actually an objective list of things that are universally considered to be 'spiritual'.
At the end of your post you include a picture of a fox, which absolutely is not a vegetarian. Snow foxes, in particular, are more likely to be completely carnivorous, because of the scarcity of nutritious veggies during arctic winters. I also think upon reflection you should be able to conceive of reasons that spiritual traditions promote opposite views to those you hold, if you are able to overcome bias.
If you're not, you have learned something about yourself.
I will note that I am aware of such opposing traditions, and could list them if you want.
Thanks!
Hey, I essentially agree that those traits I listed are my own perceptions and bias. I say that before I even start listing things. And upon a second review, some of them aren't even really beliefs so much as behaviors.
Anyways the whole reason why I'm talking about it is to learn about myself, and I thank you for your input.
If you've got some spiritual traditions to share that could change my perception, I'd be happy to hear them! This is the point of discussion, is it not? To interact and learn?
I'll take the quoted paragraph item by item then.
Regarding meditative practice, that is a way to separate spiritual practice from everyday life. Another idea is to live every moment as an act of prayer, to consider every step, every breath, every act one commits as literally a sacred practice.
Regarding pacificism/non-violence, that can be considered to be contrary to the creator's intention to create an omnivorous species, to facilitate the harm evil persons commit by failing to effectively oppose it, and to fail to impose the spiritual beliefs of the perpetrator on infidels.
Regarding crystals/sage (or any similar items) that can be considered worshiping idols, putting mere rocks and plants above living and conscious persons, or even the creator.
Regarding positivity, that can be considered 'joy-popping', failing to be pragmatic, or even to be contrary to apocalyptic cults, or Luciferian/Satanic (and similar pursuit of negative spiritual traditions that aren't Abrahamic).
Regarding vegetarianism, that can be considered contrary to the intention of the creator that crafted an omnivorous being, to traditions that actually consider consumption of living beings as means of gaining their powers, such as some cannibal cults, or abandoning our purpose as managers of terrestrial life.
Regarding nomadism, various spiritual traditions involve holy land, ground, or sacred spaces, that leaving undefended or unoccupied would desecrate.
Only the wide variety of conceptions of the soul or spirit can really be expected of spirituality, IMHO. I wish to note that I am not endorsing any of the concepts above, nor do I intend to disparage any of those you listed in that paragraph. I hope to enable grasping that one's own biases aren't reflected in all cultures.
I read once about someone that described the Empire State Building to a Native American of the Navajo. They said how tall it was, how strong, and etc. The Navajo asked them a question that reflected their own understanding of the structures they were familiar with. How many sheep does it hold?