Exploring the connection between spirituality and social consciousness, the study found that most Americans (73%) have been directly aware of or individually influenced by the presence of God or a higher consciousness. More than half (55%) say they have experienced a sense of the sacred in everything around them or perceived everything as being spiritually connected.

This sense of the sacred, recognition of the presence of divinity, and profound connection of oneness, give validity to the perception that religion does not have the same meaning as spirituality, as was once believed. IOOW confirmed that religion is but a subset of the larger connection of spirituality - that while two-thirds of Americans attend church, synagogue or mosque, there is nevertheless a deeper spiritual bond that transcends religious cultures. And while a majority of Americans practice meditation and prayer, not all of them do so in church. More than a third have changed their denominations and just as many felt their spiritual needs are not being met.

Though 85% of respondents feel the need to experience spiritual growth in their lives, clearly Americans are seeking spiritual enlightenment and a more positive outlook in day-to-day life. For example, tired of constant exposure to life's downside, an overwhelming majority (90%) of respondents wished there were more uplifting news stories. Nearly as many people felt there were too many negative or dark themes on television shows, and said they preferred watching programs and films that have positive or uplifting themes.

Well over half (57%) of those we spoke with believe there is a "global awakening" to higher consciousness taking place these days. This emerging movement toward a new awareness of a greater consciousness that we all may share and not be aware of, was further demonstrated by the significant majority that believes that consciousness or some kind of life force existed before the universe came into being.

Clearly the study shows our basic need for love and acceptance. Of those interviewed, 94% recognized that we all want to experience inner peace. But the bottom line for 85% of all respondents is that we are all just looking to be loved and accepted as human beings.

The survey suggested that Americans are, by and large, a reflective and compassionate society, wanting to do what is right as they examine their own life journey. Almost all who responded (93%) believe that every person has a purpose in life. These same respondents said self-reflection and self-knowledge were crucial for them, to become conscious of and connected to all aspects of their own selves.

At the personal level, 91% said they would like to be involved more personally in creating a better world at whatever local or global level they can. The In Our Own Words data suggests that Americans are indeed working to create a better world. More than half (56%) of all respondents volunteer personal time for purposes outside of the family, such as charitable causes. More than three quarters (80%) of those interviewed make charitable contributions, giving most often to religious and spiritual organizations and to charities that serve the hungry and needy.

An important component of the study was to address forgiveness in our culture, and how it defines a creative energy and clarity that can be applied to our personal lives, our work, and even how we govern ourselves as a society. All the people we interviewed acknowledged that forgiveness and reconciliation allow us to accomplish so much more in our lives. Indeed the majority says they do forgive others, even if doing so is not always simple. Forgiving others, they say, is freeing; it's as if they had let go of an uncomfortable burden. Also indicative of a heart-connected nation is the fact that almost 89% reported that they were touched when they read or heard about the hardship of others.

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