In this context i'm working with the phenomenological idea of lived experience.. of being embedded within time and space, perhaps with 'primordial sense perception' (a state of consciousness before and without cultural taxonomies) . So rather than having specifically (and potentially contentious) 'religious' connotations, it's about living and being within a time and space rather than being 'detached'. In simple terms it's about being conscious and part of the fabric of things.
So in relation to astronomy, for me it's the experience of going out and studying and browsing the quiet night sky, getting a thrill at finding faint galaxies, PNs or globulars, and trying to understand them ; all the time sitting on the surface of the planet which is an active and living part of the fabric of the universe above, below and all around me. And I'm connected to the planet and the universe through biology, chemistry and consciousness.
So science, optics, experience, nature, creativity and perception potentially co-exist; but by its very nature this is qualitative rather than quantative. (I can see the potential pitfalls of applying a 'religious' dimension to this approach, but in a way it's ok to do that too). I understand though, that those with a more pragmatic scientific outlook would and should query this approach.
Friends may ask if i've been out stargazing ("Yes"), and whether I saw any UFOs ("No"). My wife isn't interested in astronomy, but is happy for me to go out, and she knows where I am . Generally most people aren't interested. I just enjoy the experience, being part of things; it's a time to reflect and learn. It's a bit of time out, sitting in the frost listening to owls. So I don't mind what I'm called..