What is a Belief?
Here at The PATH, you'll see us write a lot about beliefs, values, and practices. After all, we define spirituality as 'the constellation of beliefs, values, and practices that give one's life a Deeper Meaning'—so building spiritual health requires working with each of those three components.
However, this begs the question, 'what are beliefs, values, and practices?' In this post, we'll dive into our understanding of beliefs.
Beliefs: The Two Definitions
Beliefs underlie our understanding of the world and our place within it. We agree with the dictionary definition that a belief is either 'an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists,' as well as, 'trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something.' This dual perspective reflects the fact that beliefs can be absolute ("I accept that that is true") or relative ("I am confident this will happen"). These convictions form the core through which we perceive and interact with the world, guiding our decisions and coloring our experiences.
The Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions of Beliefs
Research indicates that our beliefs can significantly influence our wellbeing. Positive beliefs, such as a strong sense of personal meaning or faith in a higher power, are linked with enhanced mental health, resilience, and overall happiness. Conversely, negative or limiting beliefs can lead to a reduction in our sense of life satisfaction and emotional wellbeing.
In the psychological context, beliefs form part of our cognitive framework, affecting our emotional responses and behaviors. From a spiritual perspective, beliefs are often intertwined with our understanding of the universe, our place within it, and our relationships with others and the divine.
Changing Beliefs: A Journey, Not a Destination
Changing deeply held beliefs is not about coercion or dramatic shifts—moving from atheism to fundamentalism (or vice versa) is neither likely nor wise. Instead, positive change will come from a non-judgmental exploration of one’s beliefs. For instance, instead of holding onto a punishing image of divinity ("God will punish me for what I just did"), we might try shifting towards a more forgiving and expansive understanding ("Maybe that action will lead to a negative consequence - but in the meantime I don't need to punish myself, and I can grow from this experience").
This evolution in belief is supported by positive psychology, which suggests that we can reframe our beliefs to enhance our psychological and spiritual health. By adopting more compassionate and empowering beliefs, we can improve our overall wellbeing and deepen our spiritual lives.
“Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny”
Practical Steps for Engaging with Beliefs
Reflection and Acknowledgment: Begin by identifying and acknowledging your current beliefs. An outside perspective may be helpful, which is why we offer spiritual health reports. These packages will guide you through reflective exercises that you practice alone and then with the assistance of our Spiritual Companions, each of whom holds a Master’s in Divinity. The process culminates in a report that identifies your current beliefs and suggests ways to transform those that are life-limiting.
Seek Alternative Perspectives: Engage with different viewpoints and teachings. This can provide a broader context and help soften rigid beliefs. Our Spiritual Companions are conversant with many different wisdom traditions and can guide you to resources that answer your deepest questions and concerns.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help you observe your thoughts and beliefs impartially, providing space to choose which beliefs you want to strengthen or modify.
Community Interaction: Being part of a community that supports exploration and growth can reinforce positive changes in belief systems.
Conclusion
Beliefs are not static; they are dynamic and evolve as we grow and learn.
Engaging with our beliefs is not just about altering our thoughts; it's about transforming our entire approach to life. It's about moving from a place of restriction to a place of expansive potential. Embrace this journey with openness and curiosity, and discover the deeper meanings and truths that await.
