In a world that is constantly moving and never seems to slow down, it is easy to feel like you are simply going through the motions.
You may find yourself wondering what this is all about and longing for some type of truth or understanding.
At times, it can feel like you are alive but not actually living.
If you find yourself searching for connection and struggling to find it or feeling like something is missing in your life, you are not alone.
As humans, we are designed to look for purpose and meaning around us. If we are consistently unable to discover any of this meaning for ourselves, we feel discontent and unsatisfied.
For most of us, this disconnection to our own spirituality also means a disruption in our mental health.
What Is Spirituality? Is It the Same as Religion?
Spirituality by definition means relating to or having the nature of spirit. In practice, spirituality guides us toward the idea that there is more to life than just ourselves and that bigger and more important forces are at work.
Spirituality allows us to connect with our inner selves and to find individual purpose and meaning in our lives. This means we regularly connect with our souls and with our spirits and seek this support to help us in the world around us.
While spirituality can also mean relating to religion, spirituality and religion are not the same. Anyone, regardless or even in spite of their religious beliefs, can be in touch with their spirituality but everyone who is spiritual does not consider themselves religious.
Both spirituality and religion have a place in helping us to make meaning out of our lives and because of this, most people at some point or several points in their lifetimes find themselves in the exploration of spirituality and it’s role in their life.
What Does Spirituality Have to Do With Mental Health?
Our connection to our spirituality plays a huge role in our overall wellbeing and mental health.
People who are not in touch with their spirituality may feel unsettled and experience emotions such as emptiness, longing, loneliness or angst. Over time these feeling can lead to anxiety and depression, or other mental health conditions.
If a person is constantly feeling like something in their life is missing or that their relationships are void of meaning, it makes sense that their mental wellness would also be suffering. Similarly, if someone thinks the world around them is unstable and unfair or that their life does not have a purpose, they likely will not feel mentally well.
If you are struggling with your mental health, one important step is to consider your spiritual life. A mentally-fit mind can only exist alongside some level of peace and purpose—and this peace and purpose comes from being in tune with our spiritual selves.
Spiritual Counseling to Improve Mental Health
When we understand the connection between our spirituality and our minds, we can also learn how the two work together to provide opportunities for healing.
Much of our mental wellness is based in our perceptions and experience of the world and they are ever changing. Spiritual growth can give new, more compassionate and peaceful stories and the ability to build new connections in the mind to support increased resilience and contentment.
Whether you have been neglecting your mental health or have simply felt unbalanced or unhappy lately, spiritual counseling can help you get back on track. It can help you understand mental health struggles as messengers and teach you to live your life with greater intention and clarity.
When working with a spiritual counselor, you will learn to connect with what is available in the world around you that supports your energy and spirit. Spiritual counseling can guide you in uncovering truths about yourself and tapping into your passions, beliefs, strengths and callings.
Those who invest time in spiritual growth typically experience greater feelings of peace and life satisfaction while lessening feelings of anxiety, depression, and unhappiness.
If you are ready to begin your journey toward becoming more spiritually-minded, my Denver, CO, counseling office can assist. Contact me today at (720) 984-9575 to learn more about my approach to spiritual counseling.