Naturalistic spiritual experiences involve the interruption of our regular everyday thoughts such as when we feel awe and wonder, when we feel empathy, at the moment we have an epiphany or solve a difficult problem, when we meditate, and through practicing metawareness. Another type of Naturalistic Spirituality occurs when we ask “How do we humans fit into the bigger, cosmological picture?” From the perspective of Naturalistic Humanism, the answer is momentous — humans are the only life form that can ensure that life and intelligence continue, even after our earth becomes uninhabitable. We might regard this purpose as self-determined and subjective, or, by taking poetic license, consider it to be an objective endeavor, providing life, and possibly even the universe with the permanence it “wants.”
To carry out the preservation of life and intelligence humankind must avoid succumbing to the existential threats it faces and cease harming non-human life, and the environment. Accomplishing these changes necessitates creating a new non-dominator culture — a goal which naturalistic humanism is well suited to support. Fortunately, many people are committed to repairing the harm that humans have done to the environment and to non-human life, and progress is being made.
All living things provide the universe with a way to experience itself, and in humans, the universe contemplates its own existence. Technology is making possible new ways to augment and expand sensory experience. Biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics are likely to result in a variety of new intelligent life, possibly even merging with humankind.
In the context of naturalistic spirituality, the import of the moment we occupy it is filled with cosmological significance — a time where the future of life and intelligence rests in the balance.