Resources: Quick guide to ... spirituality

The trouble is, things that are inexpressible can be very hard to talk about. Explore the deeply transcendental mysteries with the quick guide.

1. Our society seems rationalistic and materialistic. If there is a god, it is probably money. Talking of anything holy, apart from perhaps a football team, can be awkward and embarrassing. Yet many young people are spiritually aware and active. Some pray. Some have a conscious relationship with a god, perhaps through one of the established religions. Some do yoga or meditate. Others simply enjoy a sense of wonderment, or quietly pursue their own thoughts about what life is truly about.

2. Helping young people on their spiritual journey has always played a part in youth work. Early youth work often came from a religious background, and much still does. Even the modern and largely secular national occupational standards for youth work are explicit that youth workers should "assist young people in their exploration and development of their spiritual self".

Spiritual goals are legitimate outcomes to be recorded or accredited.

3. Spirituality comes in two broad flavours - with god or without. Youth work standards say that those working with young people need to know the difference between spirituality, religion and faith. If you are delivering youth work within a faith-based organisation, you will have access to the traditions of that faith. Within secular youth work, any activities that explore inner feelings, that look at who we really are, or touch on a deeper meaning of life can contribute to spiritual development.

4. Try to develop a repertoire of techniques to encourage spiritual enquiry. Building quiet, reflective times into the programme isn't always easy, but can be powerful. The natural world is a good source of tranquillity. Watching a sunset, or a sunrise, can nourish the spirit. Try not to be a weirdo though.

5. Young people are among the main customers of the mind, body and spirit trade, including tarot cards and witchcraft. Some people dismiss this as rip-off hocus-pocus. Others get alarmed at dabbling in the occult. Remember that youth work is about respecting young people and starting from where they are.

6. Do not neglect your own spiritual journey. You need time when you are not busy and a place to be still. Explore the purpose of life and the meaning of individual identity for yourself. By all means share your thinking with young people. But don't press it on them.

- The National Youth Agency is running a consultation on spirituality until July. Visit: www.nya.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=91495.