Life can be so busy that we are constantly needing to check our priorities and make sure that we are giving time, attention, and resources to the things that really matter. Often, people move full speed ahead in their lives without taking the time to check in with their spiritual health.
Spirituality’s impact on our lives
Spiritual health is the glue that holds all other facets of wellness together – it gives us something to hold onto throughout life’s difficult and challenging times. Therefore, it is vital that we develop rich spirituality and cultivate and nourish spiritual roots.
Spiritual has been defined as relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to physical or material things. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as, “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of the disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization’s Preamble to Constitution). WHO later expanded their view, thereby including five dimensions of health: 1) physical, 2) mental, 3) emotional, 4) social and 5) spiritual. Spiritual health and wellness involve caring for ourselves, our whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Dr. Juaralyn Gaiter (ret.), once shared, “The context of health is spiritual; there is no health without hope.”
It is interesting that there is no common or universal definition for spirituality. However, at the core, spirituality is about relationships with the transcendent, sacred, self and others. It encompasses a connection to something greater than oneself as a means of discovering purpose and navigating life’s challenges. It is about meaning making and purpose, a sense of self-worth, and belonging to community.
Building upon these perspectives of spirituality, I define spirituality as humanity’s search for meaning and purpose as it relates to the divine, sacred, holy, self, and others. I believe that people who consider themselves spiritual lead healthier lives because they may be able to better cope with life’s challenges, foster resiliency, and experience health benefits. When we think about these aspects of spirituality, they provide a pathway to spiritual health and wellness. They give us insight into ways that we can make spiritual health a priority with just a few simple steps.
Ways to prioritize our spiritual well-being.
- Give time and attention to your spiritual health: You are probably saying, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” I get it. And at the same time, cultivating your spirituality may help you uncover what’s most meaningful in your life. By clarifying what is most important, you can focus less on unimportant things, eliminate unnecessary stress, affirm yourself and your value, and gain a sense of purpose and meaning that brings you acceptance, hope, joy and peace.
- Find simple and easy ways to cultivate spiritual wellness: This does not have to be time consuming. Try prayer, meditation, mindfulness, pausing to take deep breaths throughout the day, relaxation, communing with nature by taking a quick walk or sitting on your porch, unplugging from technology and social media, being still, and practicing solitude and silence .
- Join and/or create communities in which you feel a sense of belonging: We were created for relationships and community. Some people find a sense of belonging at church, synagogues, mosque, temples, communal meditation and mindfulness retreats. Some feel refreshed by spending time with family and friends. Some are active in their sororities, fraternities, and business and professional organizations. Others feel a sense of belonging at work because they find their work fulfilling and satisfying. Think about where you find a sense of belonging. If you cannot recall this place, find ways to create these opportunities for yourself.
- Spend time with people who celebrate and affirm you: We all need positive critique from time to time to help us grow. However, we do not need toxic relationships and people who are always pointing out our weaknesses and problems, taking their frustrations out on us, devaluing us, disrespecting us, sucking the life out of us, guilt tripping and shaming us. Surround yourself with people who will celebrate and affirm you. These are the people who give you energy when you are around them, make you want to grow and experience life in more meaningful ways, do not stress you out, and are kind and gracious towards you.
- Integrate spiritual health into your therapeutic relationship: If faith and spirituality are important to you, seek out a CHRIS 180 therapist and/or spiritual care responder who can help you or refer you to someone who can help you integrate your faith and spirituality into your spiritual health plan as you experience life’s difficulties and navigate life’s challenges.
Dr. Lisa B. Taylor, DMin, MDiv, MSSL, ACPE CEC is the Director of the Institute for Spiritual Health at CHRIS 180. Learn more about her work.
