Spirituality is the sense of a connection with something larger than oneself. Some people believe this is God, or Spirit, or a higher power, while others feel it’s inside of them. Whatever it is, it can be a source of comfort and strength in times of crisis. It can also be a way of living life more purposefully and intentionally.
Spiritual pursuits renovate the inner self and animate it with an awareness of God’s presence in our lives. They develop inward qualities, such as a deep inner peace, love and compassion, which influence outward behaviors like service to others, care for the environment, and a commitment to ethical principles.
Most of the people who participated in our research on spiritual health have some form of spirituality, and many find that it affects their overall wellness. They reported that spirituality improves health by promoting hope, moral virtues, peace of mind, responsibility for others, pacifism and the ability to balance work and life.
Defining what is spiritual for you and walking your own spiritual path is a personal thing. It’s important to get clarity on this before you decide which practices and paths to explore. You can start by asking yourself the following questions: