Spiritual wellness is 1) the ability to align our core values and beliefs with our daily decisions, and purpose of life and 2) the practice of transcending our set of circumstances, physical, emotional and mental limitations, with a view to becoming a better person.
For instance, someone who valued forgiveness would not spend a lifetime seeking revenge; someone who valued altruism, would not work hard to build a business without spending a good portion of their income on giving to worthy causes or setting up organizations, trusts or funds that would better those less fortunate; someone who believed that it was unhealthy to smoke, might find it hard to work at a corner shop selling tobacco products, etc.
When core values and beliefs vs daily decisions are at a discord (also referred to as “pricking of the conscience”) we feel a sense of dis-ease. And sometimes, if left unchecked this uneasy feeling can actually have a detrimental effect on our health. Spiritual wellness, therefore, is crucial in holistic medicine. In fact, yoga and meditation to achieve transcendence originate with eastern medicine and spirituality.
To make sure that you achieve the best health possible, check your core beliefs and values by asking yourself questions such as: Who am I? What is my purpose? What do I value most? What daily actions do I take that embody those values? Where is the discord in my life? What can I do to resolve it?
Everyone has different beliefs, values, a core program of being and thinking that has led them to where they are now in life. There is an expression, “You can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” When you consider other people, before you make any judgement on them, ask yourself this question – If you had been this person, with this set of circumstances, what is to say that you would make different decisions in life? How can you know that for sure? So, tolerance of other people is important, just as you would have them tolerate you. Openness to their opinions and views is the first step toward better communication and growth.
Being mindful of what you say and do and how it effects other people is one sure way to grow in life. Some people are naturally compassionate individuals, others may have to work on their personality types of logic versus feeling and closed mindedness versus openness. If you feel that your natural personality type needs a remedy, simply focus on learning more information about the particular area of weakness. Then immerse yourself in a situation, or go to a place where that value is needed or shown to a greater degree than anywhere else. For instance, if compassion is an area you struggle with, go to a hospital/shelter for your favorite abandoned or abused animal. By the time you come out, I guarantee you will be feeling more compassionate. Those that understand their need for spiritual wellness will find a deeper fulfillment in life.
Many people spend time each week in pursuit of their spiritual calling and with the desire to attain a transcended way of being. They might go to church, pray, meditate, do yoga, say affirmations, or engage in other activities which give them a deeper fulfillment. It is true that whatever you focus on can change the results you get in life. Focus on good qualities of faith, love, forgiveness, altruism, joy and love and you will likely experience a more harmonious life. Focus on hatred and fear and your results will be likely be unhappiness, pain and sickness.
On occasion, when undergoing some trial or tribulation, we may find it hard to act in a way that embodies the values we hold dear. Those that value peace, may find that they are angry and communicate in a harsh manner; those that value forgiveness, may find themselves hurt by an unjust situation and may be tempted to seek revenge. Our decisions, in that moment of test, give evidence of whether we have truly transcended or not…
Spiritual wellness, therefore, should be monitored by all. When was your last spiritual checkup? If you seek more fulfillment and happiness in life, then maybe this is the ingredient you are missing?
As a caregiver, you will be daily faced with problems of human sickness, disease, old age and suffering. Keeping a good faith is integral to your ability to function and remain positive in your role. Like others, you may question the purpose of life, why we suffer, and what happens at death? Nurturing your spiritual beliefs is important so that you can provide supportive comments to your care recipient who may need spiritual consolation.
Holistic Health for Caregivers
Emotional Wellness | Environmental Wellness
Financial Wellness | Intellectual Wellness
Occupational Wellness | Physical Wellness
Social Wellness | Spiritual Wellness
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