The memories and moments we hold dear, our values, a sense of connectedness, purpose and what we believe what gives life it's meaning (or, more accurately, how we create meaning)... our spiritual wellness is the final dimension of overall wellbeing that we'll look at.
Spiritual wellness acknowledges our search for deeper meaning in life. When we're spiritually healthy, we feel more connected to those around us, we possibly have more clarity when it comes to making decisions, and our actions become more consistent with our beliefs and values.
There are a number of ways to cultivate spiritual wellness, some of which overlap with other wellness areas as well.
The first is mindfulness, defined as active, open attention to the present... being aware of and observing thoughts without judging them to be good or bad. You could try walking in your neighborhood, an art gallery or a park mindfully: what are you aware of? What do you hear, feel, smell? Make a point of noticing to enhance this area of wellbeing. The more you practise, the better you'll get. Really 🤗
Transcendence
which refers to various aspects that create meaning in our lives. Examples include being hopeful, showing gratitude [download your own gratitude journal], being playful and appreciative.
Faith and spiritual practices.
This can include using our religious / spiritual beliefs in counselling. I have volunteered and currently volunteer at a church and offer biblical counselling. This involves seeking what Jesus and the Bible have to say on matters we're facing, and trusting the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom. After all, "in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
A spiritual wellness article would not be complete without a Viktor Frankl reference- "Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
(which is maybe a bit oversimplified out of context 🤗 but...) May your life be enriched as you seek beauty, meaning and purpose 💛.
And, as always, if you're finding this area challenging or are seeking Biblical counselling specifically, please reach out- send me an email here.
P.S.
This is a good / hard conversion I listened to days before writing this post and which is also relevant to this topic. Listen to this episode of the wonderfully named podcast, Everything Happens, here.