Spirituality is that core of your being that helps you go through life with strength and hope, writes Sharika Muthu
Ever since we were children, we were told: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” In these times when an average person leads a stressful, overworked life, one could very well add: “A prayer a day keeps ill-health away.” Most religions, in fact, teach the importance of having a spiritual aspect in our lives, although they do not necessarily connect it with one’s physical and emotional health. A large number of studies have shown that there is a definite correlation between one’s spiritual health and one’s general well-being.
So what exactly is spiritualityIJ This question can be answered with a surprising variety of definitions, because the idea of spirituality is unique to each individual. Spirituality could be something that helps you connect with the world or lets you draw meaning out of your life. Your spirituality could be a strong sense of who you are, why you are here and what your purpose in life is. Or, it could be simply your way of relating to God and religion. Spirituality could be one of the above, all of the above, and something more, which is special to you.
For some, spirituality is a life led honestly and righteously. For others, it may mean growing as a human being and becoming a better person as one grows older. For yet others, spirituality may be simply being at peace with nature and all living beings. Whatever it is to different people, spirituality is that core of your being that helps you go through life with strength and hope.
Although the idea of spiritual wellness is as old as religion itself, yet over the last few decades it has become an intrinsic part of our lives. In an article published in September 2012, Robert J Hedaya, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University Hospital, says: “There is a difference in patients with a positive spiritual orientation and those without one. Studies show that a positive spiritual orientation helps people cope, and makes them resilient in the face of life’s challenges. Those patients who think their illness or condition is a punishment have a negative spiritual orientation, which only exacerbates their problems and symptoms.”
Nurturing the spiritual side
One of the essential steps in discovering your spirituality involves getting in touch with your inner self. When you discover a sense of meaningfulness in your life, and realise that you have a purpose to fulfil, both your health and your spirituality blossom. Having a positive spiritual orientation may not be something you think of as medicine for illness or a formula for perfect health, but it has a huge impact on both your physical and emotional health.
The lives of great people beautifully illustrate the principle of spiritual wellness. Mahatma Gandhi spent several hours each day in meditation, silent reflection and reading the scriptures. His entire life was based on the principles of truth, purity of thought and love for all creatures. He was deeply influenced, among other books, by leo Tolstoy’s The Kingdom of God is Within You. In his autobiography, Gandhi describes how, through constant introspection, he strove to learn from his mistakes and faced each day with renewed strength.
Instant remedy
The immense power of forgiveness over our total health cannot be overstated. Carrying a grudge is like dragging behind you a bagful of rocks at all times — can you imagine how fatiguing that isIJ What a crushing burden to carry! Do yourself a favour and throw it away, and you will feel lighter and healthier. Refusing to forgive, says US-based psychiatrist Harold G Koenig, “is like drinking a poison every day and hoping the other person gets sick”. Innumerable studies have proved that forgiveness has dramatic consequences in terms of both mental and physical health. Physical health changes include an immediate lowering of blood pressure, decreased stress and easier breathing. Mental health lets you expect a sense of freedom, greater happiness, a sense of warmth and joy, and a feeling of being cleansed from inside. A virtue associated with forgiveness is kindness. When you forgive, you become a kinder and gentler person, and that translates into better health for you. Whether you receive a kindness or show a kindness, its powerful effect is the same.
The importance of spirituality, in keeping our mind happy and our body healthy, cannot be underestimated. Recent medical studies indicate that people who have a spiritual side to their lives exhibit fewer self-destructive behaviours such as suicide, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, and report a greater satisfaction with their lives. Spirituality has been shown to reduce depression, improve heart functioning, and boost the immune system.
Here are some ways to help improve your spiritual health:
Take time out for yourself everyday. You could start with a few minutes and then gradually increase it. You could use this time to reflect on your day, the people you met, and the feelings you experienced.
Be open and tolerant. learn to listen patiently. Try to be non-judgmental and uncritical.
Practise forgiveness and kindness.
Pray, meditate or worship daily.
Think of the life you have led and whether it has given you happiness. Then think of the positive changes you would like to introduce in your life.
let yourself be guided by your inner voice.