Spirituality may help you and your family lead healthier lives – emotionally and physically. Studies show that people who identify as spiritual are less prone to self-destructive behaviors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, and drug use, and have lower rates of depression and higher life satisfaction. Spirituality may also support healthy physical habits such as good nutrition and regular exercise.
The term “spirituality” means different things to different people. For some it is associated with religion – a faith they practice. For others, it’s about seeking a deeper meaning in life and connecting with something bigger than themselves. For some it is about healing, psychic powers, astrology and all things paranormal. For others, it’s about mindfulness, meditation, yoga and consciously trying to live with a sense of wonder.
Intellectual Spirituality
Many people with a spiritual journey have a passion for learning, studying and analyzing all they can about their spiritual path. This can be a great way to get to know yourself better and to find your true purpose. However, be careful not to let intellectual spirituality become an obsession. It’s important to be able to distinguish between what’s useful and what isn’t.
Your heart, soul, or spirit, whatever you choose to call it, knows what’s best for you. So, don’t let second-hand descriptions of spirituality dictate what you do and how you live. If it doesn’t feel real in your gut, it probably isn’t. The key to living a spiritual life is finding what feels authentic and deeply personal.