Spiritual well-being is sometimes misinterpreted. It refers to the human yearning for meaning, purpose, and connection to something higher than ourselves, not to any particular religious or spiritual practice or belief. This part of our well-being can be addressed by following a religious faith, having a strong emotional connection to nature, or having a strong interest in our career. It is a very diverse and often individualized element of health, but some would say that it is the most essential, providing context and meaning to all other aspects of ourselves and our lives. We will provide some advise on the following themes in this section.
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What does it mean spiritual well being?
Spiritual well-being is linked to our feeling of purpose and meaning in life. It can encompass our views, values, mental models, and ethics, as well as our connection to culture, community, spirituality, and/or religion.
Why spiritual well being is important?
Our yearning for higher significance in life is acknowledged by spiritual wellness. We feel more connected to not only a higher power, but also to individuals around us, when we are spiritually healthy. When it comes to making daily decisions, we have more clarity, and our actions are more aligned with our beliefs and values.
We think that your overall health necessitates not only physical but also mental and spiritual treatment. Spiritual well-being has several advantages, ranging from more empathetic relationships to a greater sense of inner calm, but how do we achieve it?
How do you have good spiritual well being?
Religion brings spirituality to some people, but it does not bring spirituality to others. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to spiritual well-being. Here are a few ideas to get you started if you're not sure where to start.
According to a Gallup poll, 43% of Americans claim to be members of a church or other religious organization. These houses of worship provide a variety of opportunities for those living with mental illnesses to connect with others in their communities.
Reconnect with someone or an organization that shares your ideas and thoughts, whether online, over the phone, or in person. Find ways to connect with like-minded people in your religion community who can support and encourage you by reaching out to a pastor or spiritual leader.
“Many people's support mechanisms were taken away from them during the pandemicchurch, volunteering, support groups,” Wester added. “It was especially difficult for individuals who were already dealing with mental health concerns.” I advise people to reconnect with their religion group as soon as they are physically secure to do so.”
It's fine if you don't have a faith community. Finding a cause that resonates to you and giving back is another way to feel connected to your spirituality and faith. Working in a food pantry, becoming a mentor or tutor, or fostering an animal are all options. As a result, your community will develop and you will be able to meet individuals who share your interests. It will offer you a sense of purpose and thankfulness to serve others.
You don't have to be a yogi to benefit from the practice's spiritual benefits. Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It can improve your mind and spirit, as well as strengthen and stretch your body, by lowering stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.
You don't have to be an expert meditator like you don't have to be an experienced yoga practitioner. Because it takes so little time, meditation is one of the easiest disciplines to keep. “Some people believe you must sit and be silent, but this is not the case,” Wester explained. “You can walk while meditating, paying attention to the sensations of your feet on the ground and the intricacies of your surroundings. Simply slowing down your body can help you calm down your mind.”
Even five minutes of meditation can help you reduce stress, despair, and worry while also increasing your mindfulness. There are numerous fantastic guided meditation applications, such as Calm or Balance, if you need help.
Writing can help you process your emotions, raise your awareness, and provide a nonjudgmental space for you to express your feelings in the present. Start a daily thankfulness notebook with prompts or write down your anxieties and fears.
Spending time in nature, whether you live in the mountains, the desert, or near the ocean, can improve your spiritual health. You can't seem to get away from your phone, your day, and your problems. Even a few minutes spent watching the birds, trees swinging in the breeze, or crashing waves on the shoreline can be relaxing.
Find activities that you enjoy, such as knitting, coloring, cooking, sports, or working out. Focusing on things you enjoy might help you regain a feeling of purpose and stay present in the moment, even if only for a short time.
If you're having trouble connecting with your spiritual side or your mental health, get help from someone who is specially trained or someone you trust.
“Chaplains are specifically equipped to deal with religious issues in a clinical setting,” Wester added. They can assist validate your feelings without sweeping them under the rug. They can help you get back on track spiritually.”
What does the Bible say about being spiritually healthy?
You will not be healthy if you eat well and exercise every day. It may make you look and feel better, but eating and exercise, according to Dr. Bill Hettler (co-founder of the National Wellness Institute) and his six aspects of wellness, barely scratch the surface of what comprehensive health entails.
Let's start with the two dimensions we're most familiar with: physical and spiritual well-being. These aspects are frequently linked, which is understandable given how intertwined they are. According to Romans 12:1, “…present your bodies to God as a holy and acceptable living sacrifice, which is your spiritual worship.” Then, according to 1 Corinthians 6:20, “Because you were purchased with a price, praise God in your body and spirit, which are God's. These and other passages remind us that our physical experience is linked to our spiritual testimony. Investing in your physical health, or not, has a direct impact on your spiritual health, and vice versa.
What are the five areas of spiritual well being?
The Latin words “spiritus” (meaning breath, courage, strength, or soul) and “spirare” (meaning to breathe) are combined to get the term “spirit” (1). Meaning, worth, transcendence, connecting (with oneself, others, God/supreme power, and the environment), and becoming (life's growth and progress) are five qualities of spirituality (2).
Since the inception of spiritual health and its different definitions, it has been five decades. Spiritual health is concerned with one's relationship with one's own self (personal dimension), people (social dimension), nature (environment), and God (transcendental dimension) (3). The following are the main qualities of spiritual health: a healthy lifestyle, social connections, inquiring about the meaning and purpose of life, and transcendence (4). For many academics, spiritual health is so crucial that it is considered one of the most significant components of health (5). Spiritual health leads to improved mental health (6) and is favorably associated to physical health, for example, it may assist patients experience less pain, according to multiple research conducted on diverse patients (7).
Scientists and academics have looked at spiritual health from numerous perspectives and presented several definitions, but they have yet to come up with a comprehensive description. Providing a complete definition for spiritual health, identifying the components and markers of spiritual health, and its impact on other areas of health are all major obstacles in treating spiritual health issues. Despite the fact that a number of studies have been undertaken in Iran on the subject of spiritual health (5, 7), experts believe there are not enough studies on the definition of the term. Because of the relevance of the topic, the paucity of literature, and the necessity to include multiple perspectives on spiritual health, this study was undertaken in Iran to investigate the definition, components, and indicators of spiritual health from the perspective of specialists.
What are examples of spiritual wellness?
Finding meaning and purpose in life may be a lifelong process that changes over time as a result of unique circumstances, personal experiences, and global events. A person's level of spiritual wellness, like the other dimensions of wellness, varies throughout their life. It's common to feel a range of emotions on the route to spiritual healing, both positive and negative (hope, forgiveness, acceptance, joy) (doubt, fear, disappointment, conflict).
Spiritual wellbeing has the power to make our decisions and choices easier, to center us during times of change, and to provide us with the resiliency to face hardship with grace and inner peace. Having a spiritual component in our lives may even assist us in healing whether we are afflicted with a physical or mental ailment.
Personal Reflection
Take a moment to measure your spiritual well-being by answering the following questions.
- Do I make an effort to broaden my understanding of various ethnic, racial, and religious groups?
Practice Spiritual Wellness
When it comes to spiritual wellness, it's vital to identify the strategy and approach that works best for you; unlike the other dimensions of wellness, there is no “one size fits all” solution.
- Volunteering in your community, spending time in nature, and appreciating music and the arts are all good things to do.
In future articles regarding spiritual wellness, we'll look at ways to figure out what your meaning or purpose is, as well as activities that can help you maintain or improve your spiritual wellness.
How do you connect with someone spiritually?
It's not about indoctrinating your partner to believe what you believe or enjoy what you like when it comes to spirituality. It's also not about making the other person more “spiritual” to form a spiritual relationship. Both of these methods are immature and detrimental to your relationship.
Rather, expanding the Soul contact between the two of you is the goal of developing a spiritual connection. Vulnerability, engagement, attentiveness, openness, and receptivity to the other person are all aspects of spiritual connection.
Give more eye contact
Couples who no longer make eye contact with each other are one of the saddest things I observe. These couples communicate with each other by having long discussions without even looking at each other.
Eye contact is a very personal experience. When you make eye contact with your partner, you're basically expressing your interest in and commitment to what they're saying. Eye contact is not only a sign of respect, but it is also the most effective approach to connect with the Soul of another person. Have you heard of the term “soul gazing”? Soul gazing is based on the idea that gazing into another person's eyes allows you to bathe in the waters of their Soul.
Set aside “us time each day
Sometimes life is simply too hectic to devote the time and effort necessary to maintain a relationship. Setting out time each day from your busy schedule to sit with your partner solely is one of the simplest things you can do. Even watching a movie on the couch in each other's arms is a terrific approach to start building your spiritual connection.
Explore what spiritual lessons your partner is teaching you
Your partner's actions, words, and ideas can teach you a lot, even if it isn't done knowingly. Learning how to spiritually grow spiritually in your relationship is the key to having a spiritual connection. What are you learning from your partner? Remember that our partners are often aware of our “blind spots” and can thus disclose a lot about us, even if unintentionally.
Touch more
The importance of physical touch in establishing a spiritual connection cannot be overstated. The delicate energy communicated through touch is extremely binding, since it aids in the development of a stronger bond with your partner. Physical touch is relaxing and comforting, and it may often say more than words can.
Have meaningful conversations
What's on your mind? What is something that means a lot to you and that you'd like to share with someone? What kind of revelations have you had? Begin a conversation with your partner. During our morning walks, I prefer to have meaningful chats with Luna. Share whatever is on your mind and make it a habit to do so at a regular time and place.
Find ways to laugh together
Laughter instantly expands the heart and strengthens your spiritual connection. Learn to laugh lightheartedly at yourself, your partner, and together with each other. Even just watching humorous movies together can strengthen your relationship.
Openly communicate your feelings
The majority of estranged relationships are characterised by a lack of open communication. The capacity to share your opinions and feelings honestly while respecting the other person is known as open communication. Marshall Rosenberg, a psychologist, refers to this as “nonviolent communication” (I recommend that you read his book for more guidance). Express your feelings to them when you are wounded, angry, lonely, or any other emotion. Make no assumptions about your partner's ability to read your thinking. An honest relationship built on mutual caring, respect, and love requires open communication about how you feel.
What is a spiritual person?
Being spiritual entails prioritizing self- and other-love as a top priority. Spiritual individuals are concerned about people, animals, and the environment. A spiritual person recognizes that we are all One and makes conscious efforts to honor that unity.