Lately, I’ve found myself revisiting what spirituality means—beyond titles, traditions, and timelines. We’re living in an era of spiritual awakening, but also one of immense confusion. Everyone is searching, naming, defining, and categorizing. But in all the noise, perhaps we’ve forgotten something simple and profound: spirituality is universal.

We Are All Divine Beings

Every one of us comes into this world with a unique combination of gifts, a mission, and a life purpose. These are not the same things, though they are often confused.

Your mission is what your soul came here to accomplish—perhaps to teach, to heal, to uplift. Your life purpose is broader—it includes your roles as a daughter, a parent, a partner, a professional. These roles help shape and stretch your soul toward its highest evolution.

This is why not everyone has to quit their job and become a spiritual healer. You might be fulfilling your mission right now—just by listening to someone at work, helping them feel seen and supported. In that moment, you are healing. Mission accomplished.

Purpose Doesn’t Always Look Grand

There’s so much pressure these days to “find your purpose.” It’s a buzzword that has become burdensome. But what if you’re already living your purpose, right here, right now?

Your unique mission is expressed through your gifts and the context of your life. For some, that looks like full-time spiritual work. For others, it’s parenting with compassion, creating art, or leading with integrity in boardrooms. It is not one-size-fits-all.

Culture Is a Vehicle, Not a Cage

Culture is man-made—it creates belonging, language, rituals. But we must be careful not to mistake cultural expressions for spiritual absolutes.

Across the world, one thing is consistent: music. Every spiritual tradition incorporates sound—clapping, drumming, singing, chanting. Why? Because sound is the language of the universe. Whether you’re calling on your ancestors, meditating with a mantra, or praising through gospel, you are tuning into the same divine frequency.

We are all what the Nguni people call abantwana abengoma—children of song.

Spirituality Is Bigger Than Labels

The moment we begin to label and box spirituality, we limit its expression and stunt our evolution. Your ancestors may have walked a different path than the one you now walk—but that does not make your path any less valid. Elevation comes when we release judgment and allow ourselves to learn from different traditions.

Spirituality is not meant to be a battleground of who is “more African,” “more woke,” or “more correct.” It’s a journey of remembering who you are—without fear, without shame, and without borders.

Reflection Questions:

What is your soul’s mission?

Where are you already fulfilling your purpose in quiet, uncelebrated ways?

What spiritual sounds or music speak to your soul?

Affirmation:

I am a divine being, walking in purpose, guided by love, and connected through song.

Let’s keep the conversation going. What does spirituality mean to you beyond religion or tradition? Share your truth with #ChildrenOfSong or tag me on X on @NomaDzino.