by Cathy Duesterhoeft, Waushara County Elder Benefit Specialist
Spirituality is expressed in many ways, whether through religious beliefs, a moral philosophy, or a sense of connectedness with something greater than oneself. In whatever form it takes, spirituality is a key component of wellness, as important as physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And it’s something that often takes on greater significance with aging, even among those who haven’t had any kind of spiritual practice before.
Spiritual wellness is important for many reasons.
•It allows you to think about your purpose in life and really establish your “why”. We’re all put on this earth for a reason. Some of us discover that reason earlier than others, however, taking the time to explore your purpose and why you do the things you do is a strong foundation for living a meaningful life.
•It allows us to connect with a higher power through religion and faith. You can practice Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Spiritism, or many other forms of religion. All religions have similarities and differences that are worth exploring.
•Spiritual wellness is important because it allows us to clear our minds and accept the things that are out of your control. The reality is, we live in a fast-paced, crazy world that is only getting more complicated by the day. Having the ability to detach from the world and accept that what happens is often out of your control is a powerful life skill.
How can you improve spiritual wellness?
•Schedule time to think about your life and why you do the things you do. The amount of time doing so is irrelevant. Instead, it’s the simple act of slowing down and thinking about your life that helps you really connect with yourself. Doing so helps you appreciate who you are as a person and allows you to make better life decisions.
•Explore different faiths and religions. If you were raised with a certain religion, it’s OK to challenge those beliefs throughout life. On the other hand, if faith and religion is a foreign concept to you, take the time to learn about what faith aligns best with your core beliefs.
•Practice mindfulness. This can be as simple as meditating for five to ten minutes a day, or as complex as attending a mindfulness summit. Simply being conscious and aware of your thoughts and feelings is a powerful practice. Plus, giving your mind frequent breaks so you can live a less distracted life is a wonderful habit to get into.
•Travel and explore new places. Traveling allows you to meet new people and experience different cultures. Doing so gives you a broader perspective on life and helps you appreciate the little things
•Take the time to mentor and help others. For example, volunteer at a local nonprofit or find someone in your career field that could use your guidance. Helping others is a great way to open your heart and experience the benefits of giving back.
It is up to you to define who you are as a person. Take the time to explore your core morals, values, and beliefs. Doing so will help you optimize your spiritual wellness as you navigate this ever-changing world.
