What Does it Mean to Be “Spiritual”?

What Does it Mean to Be "Spiritual"?

Spiritual wellness encompasses being connected to something greater than oneself and cultivating a set of values, principles, morals, and beliefs that provide a profound sense of purpose and meaning in life. It involves using these principles to guide one’s actions and choices. While spiritual wellness can be fostered through various avenues, including religious practices, it is important to note that being spiritual doesn’t necessarily equate to being religious.

Many of the behaviors associated with overall wellness, including those promoting spiritual well-being, can be supported through counselling therapy. For instance, engaging in counselling therapy can help individuals explore their inner selves, develop a deeper understanding of their values, and build a stronger sense of connection with something greater. This process can contribute to the development of spiritual wellness, irrespective of religious affiliations.

Counsellor New Westminster, BC

Do you want to enhance personal and spiritual growth, increase personal effectiveness, improve interpersonal relations, strengthen coping styles and adjust to life transitions? The change begins here.

Keith Norris, RTC, MTC is a Counsellor in New Westminster, BC specializing in Therapy for Depression and Anxiety and Couples Counselling. He maintains a Client Centered method to his therapy but will combine other systems to custom fit each Client’s needs.

Finding meaning and purpose is a personal and evolving journey influenced by unique circumstances, individual experiences, and global events. Similar to other dimensions of wellness, spiritual wellness may fluctuate throughout one’s life. Embracing this journey may involve experiencing a range of emotions, both positive (such as hope, forgiveness, acceptance, and joy) and negative (including doubt, fear, disappointment, and conflict).

Spiritual wellness offers the power and capacity to ease decision-making, provide grounding during times of change, and cultivate resilience, grace, and inner peace in the face of adversity. It can be a valuable resource for individuals, regardless of their religious or non-religious backgrounds, supporting healing and well-being in the face of physical or mental challenges.

Engaging in personal reflection is an important step in assessing and enhancing spiritual wellness. Consider asking yourself questions such as:

What brings deep meaning and purpose to my life?
Where do I find hope and inspiration?
How do I navigate and find solace during difficult times?
Am I open-minded and accepting of different perspectives on life issues?
Do I actively seek to expand my understanding of diverse ethnic, racial, and religious groups?
Do I prioritize moments of relaxation and self-care in my daily routine?
Do my values serve as a guiding compass for my decisions and actions?
As you embark on the journey to cultivate and enhance your spiritual wellness, counselling therapy can be a valuable support. It can assist you in exploring your beliefs, values, and sense of purpose, and provide a safe space to reflect on and discuss your spiritual experiences. Remember, spiritual wellness is a personal endeavor, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Your path towards spiritual wellness may include practices such as meditation, yoga, prayer, spending quiet time in self-reflection, journaling to deepen self-awareness, engaging in acts of service to the community, connecting with nature, and appreciating various forms of art and music.

Counselling therapy can facilitate spiritual well-being and provide guidance on how to develop and enrich your spiritual wellness, emphasizing that spirituality goes beyond religious boundaries.