When you google “spirituality” you’ll see the word defined as “something that in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church or to a cleric” or “sensitivity or attachment to religious values.”
Although these definitions are true for many people, the concept of “spirituality” often goes far beyond religious practice. It often refers to a person’s sense of connection to something bigger than themselves.
According to Christina Puchalski, MD, Director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, “spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.”
In essence, it provides meaning and purpose to one’s life.
Although the expression of spirituality can vary greatly depending on a person’s religious, philosophical, or ideological belief systems, the concept that we as human beings have a natural longing to live a meaningful life is considered by many to be a universal human experience.
Why is spirituality important?
Our individual spirituality helps dictate our perceived worth, value, and purpose. Consequently, it plays a significant role in our actions, decision-making, thought patterns, relationships, ability to cope with stress…the list goes on.
It’s through the lens of spirituality that we all tackle life’s bigger questions. Things like:
- What are my greatest sources of comfort and hope?
- How can I make sense of suffering?
- What is the purpose or impact of my life?
- Where is my greatest source of community and support?
Our spirituality truly does influence and impact just about every aspect of our lives. For this reason, it’s important to make nourishing your spiritual health a priority.
Research shows that making an intentional effort to foster a healthy spiritual life has numerous positive effects on both mental and physical health. Here are a few examples:
- Individuals who mediate experience more activity in the happiness centers of the brain.
- Those with strong religious beliefs recover more quickly from heart surgery than those without.
- Religious or spiritual openness is often associated with positive post-traumatic recovery outcomes.
- Yoga and meditation are associated with decreased rates of anxiety.
- Utilizing a spiritual phrase or mantra has been shown to decrease stress levels for those experiencing post-traumatic stress.
- People who attend weekly religious services often live longer than those who don’t.
Alright, so you’re ready to begin intentionally nourishing your spiritual health…but what does that look like?
Honestly, there isn’t one set definition for good spiritual health practice. Just as the belief systems that dictate a person’s individual spirituality can vary greatly, so can the practices that foster a sense of spiritual well-being.
That being said, there are some common practices that many individuals find helpful sources of spiritual nourishment. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Organized Religion
While spirituality and religion aren’t synonymous, organized religion is one form of spiritual expression favored by many individuals. Research shows that those who choose to regularly attend a house of worship are often happier and healthier than those who don’t. Organized religion provides a sense of community, belonging, and purpose that many long for.
- Prayer
To put it very simply, prayer is the act of talking to and honoring your higher power. Different religions often have structured prayers or rituals that you can use, or prayer can simply be a conversation from the heart.
- Meditation
Meditation comes in many forms and has often been associated with lower levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental and physical health struggles. Meditation can look like deep breathing, practicing mindfulness, meditative journaling, or visualization (just to give a few examples.)
- Reading Inspirational Books
Not all books are created equal. When it comes to spiritual nourishment, the goal is to find texts that feed your personal sense of purpose and meaning. These could be religious texts, philosophical books, or really anything you find inspiring.
- Immerse Yourself in Nature
Many individuals find that being in nature is good for the soul. Whether you’re climbing a mountain, taking a trip to the beach, or simply walking around your neighborhood, you may find that the time you spend taking in the outside world can provide the restoration your spirit needs.
- Yoga
Yoga brings to light the connection between body and spirit. The physical movements of the body can have a significant impact on reducing stress and calming the mind.
- Music
Music has been an important instrument of spiritual care for generations. It’s the reason that nearly all major world religions have developed their own distinct musical genres and hymns that are intended to help the listener connect with spiritual practices and truths. Music helps to stimulate our creativity and can draw us into a place of inner peace.
Wondering where to begin your spiritual nourishment journey?
If the concept of spiritual nourishment is new to you, here are a few suggestions:
- Don’t think of spiritual nourishment as a “have to do,” but rather a “get to do.”
- Keep it simple. Choose one of the suggestions above or rediscover one of your previous practices.
- Choose a time to incorporate the practice into this upcoming week.
- Set a timer and limit yourself to 10 minutes or less if you’re just starting. You can always add more time.
- Practice. You’ll begin to notice subtle changes over time.
Again, remember to keep it simple. Whether it’s reading a few pages in an inspirational book, a daily walk in nature, or simply sitting quietly and becoming aware of your breath. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just intentional.
Interested in learning more about how you can truly nourish yourself as a whole person? Check out the rest of this month’s series on whole-body nourishment HERE!
RESOURCES:
https://www.webmd.com/balance/how-spirituality-affects-mental-health
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-spirituality
https://www.umms.org/ummc/patients-visitors/for-patients/pastoral-care/what-is-spiritual-care
https://www.mhanational.org/take-care-your-spirit
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/impact-spirituality.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30258553/
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
