The spirit at the core of spirituality is not a soul that is at odds with a hostile body or a spirit pining for release from the trials of the flesh. Spirit is the energy that springs from the breath-spirit (ruach) of the Jewish tradition and the vitality-spirit (ch'i) of the Chinese tradition. The spirit is the source of our liveliness and a link to our passionate Creator.
— James D. Whitehead, Evelyn E. Whitehead, Shadows of the Heart