Spirituality, for the purposes of this post refers to the sense of connection with and search for something meaningful and greater than one’s self. Spirituality is associated with deeply held values that can guide you. The connection you seek may be to a sense of holiness or the sacred, with a Higher Power or to a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Spirituality is what provides motivation. It is the foundation for feeling you’re spending your time, money and energy meaningfully.
Being a chiropractor or nurse, you may have started with a robust sense of purpose but overtime that may have worn away. Dealing with physical issues you may also be more inclined to leave the spiritual outside you practice, even if you engage in this aspect of your life outside of work. If you’re feeling burnt-out, consider reconnecting with your sense of purpose and why you’re doing what you do. Keep reading and take the next couple of weeks to experiment with spiritual aspects of your life.
Religious practice is not the only route to connection and purpose. Though, studies have shown that “religious people are happier, healthier and recover better after traumas than nonreligious people.” (Lyubomirsky, p.228). In addition to the spiritual connection, many religious people are part of a supportive community that nurtures relationships. Having faith often includes having a sense of purpose. When challenges arise, as they inevitably do, they are more easily seen in a broader context of a divine plan that offers hope. Even when your days and lives are ordinary, spirituality allows for sanctifying what is mundane.
Meditation may have a similar impact for you, whether it is within a religious practice or independent. Often meditation connects the meditator to something bigger as well as to self. Here is an article about the effects of loving kindness meditation. Though it does not mention spiritual life directly, clearly some of the benefits are the same. The positive effects of meditation were also reported in Scientific American November issue, “The Neuroscience of Meditation.” The conclusion of the article states “the ability to cultivate compassion and other positive human qualities lays the foundation for an ethical framework unattached to any philosophy or religion….”
As with the other happiness enhancing activities, Person-Activity Fit matters. Religion and spiritual practices provide the most benefit to those who are open to them and motivated to engage with effort and commitment. Here are some ideas of how you can connect to something bigger:
- Seek Meaning and Purpose
- Pray, meditate, and/or dedicate time each day to read something inspiring, to connect with the Divine
- Find the sacred in ordinary life – Open your eyes, your heart and your spirit to what else is present in your day–to-day life.Gratitude practices may be helpful here.
To explore your spiritual connections and develop your sense of purpose, contact me. You’ll be moving toward your own well being.
Revitalize your life, Dina
203 744-YOU3 (9683)
