Spiritual Health
Spirituality is unique to each individual. Your “spirit” usually refers to the deepest part of
you, the part that lets you make meaning of your world. Your spirit provides you with
the revealing sense of who you are, why you are here and what your purpose for living
is. It is that innermost part of you that allows you to gain strength and hope.
Spiritual health may not be something that you think much of, yet its impact on your life
is unavoidable. The basis of spirituality is discovering a sense of meaningfulness in
your life and coming to know that you have a purpose to fulfill.
No one really knows for sure how spirituality is related to health. However, it seems the
body, mind and spirit are connected. The health of any one of these elements seems to
affect the health of the others. Some research shows that things such as positive
beliefs, comfort and strength gained from religion, meditation and prayer can contribute
to healing and a sense of well-being. Improving your spiritual health may not cure an
illness, but it may help you feel better, prevent some health problems and help you cope
with illness, stress or death.
If you want to improve your spiritual health, you may want to try the following ideas.
However, remember that everyone is different, so what works for others may not work
for you. Do what is comfortable for you.
Here are some ways to help improve your spiritual health:
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Be quiet. Take time for yourself every day, even if it's just before you go to sleep,
or when you're driving home.
Be open. Spiritual experiences can happen anywhere at any time.
Practice being non-judgmental and having an open mind.
Be receptive to pain or times of sorrow. It is often in these times when we
discover how spirituality can help us cope.
Practice forgiveness.
Pray, meditate or worship.
Live joyfully.
Allow yourself to believe in things, that aren't easily explainable.