“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit.” – B.K.S Iyengar
There are many components to our overall health and well-being, including physical, mental and emotional. However, one important aspect that can often be overlooked is spiritual wellness. The general definition of spiritual wellness is the search for your life’s meaning and purpose, as well as striving for consistency in your values and actions. A spiritually healthy person has a clear purpose in life and is able to reflect on the meaning of events. They also have clearly defined ideas of right and wrong and are able to act accordingly. Some people follow specific religious practices, while others may pursue a general sense of harmony and self-awareness.
Spirituality is a topic that is frequently debated and widely misunderstood. According to the University of Minnesota (2017), religion and spirituality are not the same things. Many people associate performing spiritual activities with religion. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes performing spiritual activities is considered a selfcare practice to help a person improve their mental and emotional health. Moreover, while spirituality may incorporate elements of religion, it is generally a broader concept.
Those with good spiritual health typically display hope, a positive outlook, forgiveness/self-acceptance, commitment, meaning and purpose, a sense of self-worth, clear values, and feelings of peace. Emptiness, anxiety, loss of meaning, self-judgment, apathy, and conflicting values are common symptoms of people who need to re-evaluate their spiritual health. Because everyone’s path to spiritual wellness is unique, it is important to investigate your beliefs as well as your own sense of meaning and purpose.
Signs of Spiritual Health
· Insightful and nurturing relationship with self and others
· Strong personal value system
· Cultivation and fulfilment of purpose in life
· Hope
· Having a positive outlook
· Forgiveness
· Self-acceptance
· Sense of worth
· Inner peace
Developing our sense of spiritual well-being can help us feel happier, and more in control and helps us deal with stress more effectively. Developing your sense of spiritual well-being is about asking yourself what is important to you and how this influences how you live your life.
Here are 10 ways to improve your spiritual wellness
1. Contemplate the meaning of your life
2. Spend time appreciating the natural world around you
3. Develop a non-judgmental attitude
4. Practice regular acts of compassion and kindness
5. Practice silence and solitude
6. Take time to meditate
7. Look for deeper meanings in life
8. Take an electronic detox day
9. Think positively
10. Reading uplifting books
Along with the other dimensions of wellness, a person’s level of spiritual wellness often fluctuates throughout their life. It is natural to feel a range of emotions on the path to spiritual wellness, including positive hope, forgiveness, acceptance, and joy, as well as negative doubt, fear, disappointment, and conflict. As you embark, re-embark, or continue on your emotional journey, take the time to pause and reflect on what is important to you and the values that guide your life. However, you decide to pursue your personal spiritual wellness, your mind and body are sure to benefit.
Next, we will examine Intellectual Wellness
Sources
Gorman, G. (2017, November 03). 10 Simple Spiritual Activities for Self-Care That You Can Begin Today. Retrieved from https://spiritualfitclub.com/spiritual-activities-self-care-begin-today/
Northern Territory Governement of Australia. (n.d.). Spiritual Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.teachintheterritory.nt.gov.au/educator-support/principal-wellbeing/spiritual-wellbeing
Rolling Green Village. (2019, October 21). Benefits of Spirituality for Senior Citizens. Retrieved from https://www.rollinggreenvillage.com/blog/spiritual-wellness-is-an-important-part-of-your-overall-wellness/
Smith, E. (2016). Spiritual Wellness: What Is Your Meaning and Purpose? Retrieved from https://www.lhsfna.org/index.cfm/lifelines/september-2016/spiritual-wellness-what-is-your-meaning-and-purpose/
University of Minnesota. (2017). What Is Spirituality? Retrieved July 19, 2017, from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-spirituality
University of California. (n.d.). Social Wellness. Retrieved from https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/wellness/social