In the last few years there’s been a huge wave of increasing our attention on mental and physical health, but there is a third pillar of wellbeing that is not receiving enough attention — spiritual health. But what does spiritual health entail, and how is it different from mental health? Let’s dive in!

What is Spiritual Health?

Spiritual health is how well one’s spirituality - their beliefs, values, and practices - build and sustain their sense that life is good and has deeper meaning. Spirituality and meaningfulness have been shown to protect from general mental distress, increases resilience, and reduces anxiety and depression. But not all spirituality is good, or good for you. So, how do you know if your spirituality is healthy?

The Universal Nature of Spirituality

We’ve already covered what spirituality is, and how you don’t need to be a religious person to have a spiritual life. Unfortunately, not all spirituality is healthy. Contrary to common perceptions, spirituality is not confined to the religious sphere. It is a universal aspect of human experience. Everyone has beliefs, values, and practices that shape their actions and outlook on life, and these elements collectively constitute their spirituality.

The Challenge of Seeing the Deeper Meaning

In our fast-paced, modern world, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of spiritual connection and see the deeper meaning in everyday life. Many people struggle to “feel spiritual” or find it difficult to connect their day-to-day experiences with a greater purpose. This is where the concept of spiritual health becomes crucial. Like physical or mental health, spiritual health requires attention and care.

Building a Healthy Spiritual Life

Achieving spiritual health is synonymous with building a meaningful and fulfilling life. If you are new to the idea of spiritual health, here are some ways to begin your journey:

1. Identify Your Core Beliefs and Values

Start by taking time to reflect on what you truly believe and value. What principles guide your decisions? What stories do you believe about yourself, your community, the world around you, or the beyond? We all have beliefs about these aspects of our lives - even “there is nothing beyond” is a belief! We don’t ascribe to the idea that there is any “right” belief - but your beliefs should fuel your joy, hope, resilience, and keep you going forward through the hardest parts of life. If your beliefs cause you rage, fear, shame, or guilt, then those are limiting beliefs that are holding you back from making the most of this life.

2. Evaluate Your Daily Practices

Consider what actions and practices are a part of your daily life, like working out, reading, meditation, or even your morning coffee. What do the practices that are a regular part of your day say about what’s important to you in life? What is missing, or what do you wish to do less? Aligning your daily life with your core values is key to enhancing your spiritual health.

3. Engage with Diverse Wisdom Traditions

Exploring the teachings and practices from various wisdom traditions can provide valuable insights and tools to deepen your spiritual practice. Whether it's meditation from Buddhist traditions, the contemplative practices of Christian mystics, or the philosophical inquiries of Stoicism, each tradition offers unique perspectives and methods that can enrich your spiritual journey.

4. Implement Regular Spiritual Check-ups

Just like physical or mental health, maintaining spiritual health requires regular check-ups and adjustments. Use personal reflections or journaling to regularly assess and refine your spiritual practices. At the PATH, we offer spiritual health reports that serve as check-ups for your existing spiritual framework. These reports help you evaluate how your beliefs, values, and practices align with your pursuit of a deeper life meaning. They are not about prescribing what to believe but rather about helping you reflect on and refine your spiritual dimensions.

Conclusion

Spiritual health is about more than just avoiding spiritual distress; it's about fostering a life imbued with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. By developing your spirituality through thoughtful reflection, consistent practice, and community engagement, you can achieve a healthier, more balanced, and deeply satisfying life. In the pursuit of spiritual health, the journey is as meaningful as the destination.