Life is for living. It’s more than the daily grind of solving problems or finding ways to reduce stress. We aren’t just physical bodies programmed to function according to some predetermined genetic code.
Author Wayne Dyer is often quoted as saying, “Begin to see yourself as a soul with a body rather than a body with a soul.” We’re deeply wired to have purpose and to find meaning in what we do and how we live. Discovering our purpose and meaning in our lives is a spiritual journey.
Spirituality has as many definitions as there are stars in the sky, but the unifying theme of all spiritual practices is understanding our place in a larger context. Spirituality is the practice of connecting with self, with others and with a higher purpose. On our unique spiritual journeys, we develop personal value systems, a sense of social responsibility and where we belong.
For many, spirituality is found in religious observance: a belief in a higher power, prayer, meditation or adherence to a religious text. But because our spirits are as unique as our fingerprints, one size does not fit all. Regardless of how you practice spirituality, caring for your spiritual self can help you become more resilient to life's stressors.
People with a strong sense of purpose deal more effectively with life’s disruptions because they see them as part of a greater plan. Personal difficulties or challenges become tests of character rather than insurmountable roadblocks. Spiritual people do not perceive themselves as simply a product of their environment; rather, they see themselves in the context of something more significant.
Because of this, they may find it easier to rise above their current circumstances. Spirituality can help us in several ways. A Sense of Purpose Cultivating your spirituality can help you recognize what is most meaningful in your life.
By clarifying what’s most important, you can focus less on the daily bumps in the road and thus reduce your stress. This process of prioritizing what is important in your life reduces the number of things you need to worry about. A Sense of Belonging When you feel you have a purpose in the world, you feel less alone and more connected with others who share your worldview.
This can give you inner peace during difficult times and provide perspective about what is truly important versus what is simply clutter and noise. Inner Focus When you feel part of something greater, you realize you aren’t responsible for everything that happens around you or to you. You can share the burden of tough times, knowing others have faced what you are facing and have found victory.