Spiritual Wellness is taking the time to simply be. It is to stop doing and just be. For some, this means engaging in a religious event. For others, it is to engage in reflective moments while taking a walk in nature. If you aren’t sure about your spiritual wellness, it’s fine. Just follow through.
Spiritual wellness is having a sense of connection with something or some “being” higher than one’s self. As a result, you develop a certain set of values, principles, morals, and beliefs that give a sense of direction and meaning to life in general.
Finding one’s life purpose and meaning, sometimes, can be a lifelong adventure that keeps evolving based on one’s unique experiences and even global events. In addition, a person’s level of spiritual wellness most likely fluctuates along with the other dimensions of wellness.
It is normal, therefore, to experience a myriad of emotions along this path to spiritual wellness. This could be positive (hope, forgiveness, acceptance, joy) or negative (doubt, fear, disappointment, conflict).
Why is Spiritual Wellness Important?
Spiritual wellness, most likely, is not something you think much of, yet its importance to your life’s journey is unmistakable. Basically, the essence is to derive meaning in one’s life, and coming to understand there is a purpose to accomplish.
Some gain spirituality by building their interpersonal relationships with others, or by being at peace with nature. No matter your beliefs or where you are on your spiritual path, spirituality lets you journey into that inner place of peace and otherworldly calmness needed to get through whatever life brings.
Spiritual wellness helps us make easier decisions and choices. It keeps us firm during periods of change and provides us with the resilience to survive with inner peace in the face of adversity.
Personal Assessment
Take a moment to assess your own spiritual wellness by asking the following questions.
- What gives my life meaning and purpose?
- What gives me hope?
- How do I get through tough times? Where do I find comfort?
- Am I tolerant of other people’s views about life issues?
- Do I make attempts to expand my awareness of different ethnic, racial, and religious groups?
- How often do I make time for ‘me’ time?
- Do my values guide my decisions and actions?
How do you Practice Spiritual Wellness?
When looking to increase your spiritual wellness, it is crucial to find the technique that works for you. Even with other dimensions of wellness, there is no “one size fits all”. Your journey to spiritual wellness may involve the below:
- Practising meditation or yoga
- Praying or taking part in organized religion
- Spending quiet time alone pondering the meaning of life
- Building awareness through journaling
- Serving your community, spending time in nature, appreciating music and arts
What are the Signs of Spiritual Wellness?
- Developing a purpose in life
- Having the ability to spend reflective time alone
- Reflecting on the meaning of events in life
- Having a clear sense of right and wrong, and acting accordingly
- Having the ability to explain why you believe what you believe
- Caring and acting for the welfare of others and the environment
- Being able to practice forgiveness and compassion in life
7 Questions to Check-in with your Spiritual Wellness
- Do you allow yourself time alone?
- Do you pray? Or reach out to a higher power?
- Do you think about the meaning of life?
- Do you take walks in nature? Appreciate the transformation of each season?
- Do you pause to remind yourself that life isn’t all about you?
- Do you put down your phone to just be?
- Do you practice activities that allow you to slow down?
Sadly, the human spirit is the most neglected part of our selves and a healthy spirit is nurtured by purposeful practice. The same way we exercise to power up our bodies, our spirit needs the same focus to carry us through anything. When we take care of our spirit, we are able to have and maintain a sense of peace even when life deals us a severe blow.
Can you say you are spiritually well?