We seem to be intimately aware that being spiritual, is good thing. But what is it and why? I define spirituality as a deep and intimate connection with yourself, others, and a higher power. Spirituality can also be described as being attentive to what is sacred. I just love the word sacred and use it often to emphasize the value and meaning of things, but we all think of spirituality differently. There are many ways in which people seek spiritual fulfillment and how you find it, is the right way. Some find peace in the ocean, the trees, in human connection, or in a religious church. I experience spirituality in the Akashic Records, through ascended beings, and in the eyes of the people I love; that's my religion. I recently read a study that claimed 96% of Americans believe in some sort of a God, so we all seem to be onto something, even if we can't touch it in our hands, fully define it, or all agree on it. Here are my top 8 reasons why spirituality makes people happy...
1. We seek meaning and purpose
Life can sometimes give you a whole heap of lemons, and if you can make sense of the lemons by sitting mindfully with them, you can derive the purpose and lessons they hold. Spiritual people believe in the power of opportunity. They intimately understand that everything happening is at the right time, to the right people, and for the highest and best good. It doesn't mean we don't have a human experience, we just also see the bigger picture.
2. Spirituality heals
Did you know that "two thirds of Americans prefer to collaborate with a mental health professional who maintains religious and spiritual beliefs and values when they are seeking services about a serious problem" (Lehman 1993)? There is something to be said about connecting with another person who understands spiritual concepts and who knows how to help make sense of difficult life situations. There is a reason why interest in spiritual themes has increased from 50% to 80% since 1990 among Americans; more and more people are seeking answers in the intangible world of spirituality, and they are finding it brings them relief.
3. Spiritual people just live longer
According to the National Institute of Health, spiritual engagement is associated with "lower causes of mortality with 25% to 30% in overall reduction in risk of death" (Plante 2008). In fact, people on average live 7 years longer than nonreligious or spiritual people. (Plante 2008). The theory behind this one is that having a sense of meaning and purpose affords people the support and coping skills they need to deal with life in a more easeful way. Stress is serious danger to physical health and when you believe that you are connected and supported, you take life in strides versus stumbles.
4. Spirituality promotes connection
Spirituality by definition requires a pathway of connection. A person has to engage in a practice of some sort, such as prayer or meditation, for example, in order to nurture their spiritual connection. I use my angel, ascended masters and fairy decks to sit with life questions and wait for answers. When a person practices connection over and over again in any way, he or she builds a language that can be transferred to many other types of connection- like with people, nature or animals. I have found the roadway to feeling deeply with myself and so I use the same bridge to connect with others. Connection not only feels good, but it's a necessary component of basic human needs. We are empty without a sensation of connection and feeling connected to something bigger, like a higher power, gives us safety.
5. Paying it forward is more likely
Volunteerism and charitable engagement are more present in people who actively identify as "spiritual" than people who aren't. Additionally, "volunteer activities result in mental and physical health benefits reducing mortality by 40%" (Oman and Thoresen 2003). Giving back enhances people's positive perception of meaning and purpose. When we are kind to another, we fulfill our greatest need to be of service in the world. So go head, share the love.
6. Community: the more the merrier
Spirituality is not usually practiced in a vacuum, or in isolation. In almost every spiritual or religious sect, you can find people in the company of others. Spirituality promotes the social experience and when people are within a group, they can engage with others consistently and interdependently. Friendships provide people with support, encouragement, and meaning. Isolation is just no fun, go where the people are, smile and share a hug.
7. Reflection Time
Engaging in a spiritual practice, no matter how you define it, usually results in quiet, and reflective space for the person involved. People are more likely to become aware of their emotions and thoughts when they dedicate time to themselves to not only listen, but to honor these insights. Happiness is not the result of being inadvertently joyful, it is the result of choosing to embrace all aspects of ourselves and taking good care of what we find.
8. Acceptance and Surrender
Few concepts in the universe teach more about surrender and acceptance than spiritual tenets. Forgiveness requires both of these, and faith is made of both as well. White-knuckling our lives with extreme control results in fist-clenching until we squeeze the life out of what we were holding. Few things create more stress in our lives than the perception that we can control our world. Only the fully trusting, know that control is an illusion. Shifting perspectives and releasing attachment make room for the joy to settle in. So yes, I am saying that letting go is the secret to happiness, and spirituality is a reliable taxi car that will take you there.
May you embrace the divinity within you, and collect all the gifts found in spirituality that offer you the happiness you deserve! Be. Your. Best. Self.
Jai!
Candice S. Rasa, LCSW, IET
Rasa Healing, LLC
www.RasaHealingServices.com
Resources: What Do the Spiritual and Religious Traditions Offer the Practicing Psychologist? By Thomas Plante, 2008- Spiritual Modeling: A key to spiritual and religious growth By Oman and Thoresen, 2003- Faith Based Counseling Gains Favor by Lehman, 1993
1. We seek meaning and purpose
Life can sometimes give you a whole heap of lemons, and if you can make sense of the lemons by sitting mindfully with them, you can derive the purpose and lessons they hold. Spiritual people believe in the power of opportunity. They intimately understand that everything happening is at the right time, to the right people, and for the highest and best good. It doesn't mean we don't have a human experience, we just also see the bigger picture.
2. Spirituality heals
Did you know that "two thirds of Americans prefer to collaborate with a mental health professional who maintains religious and spiritual beliefs and values when they are seeking services about a serious problem" (Lehman 1993)? There is something to be said about connecting with another person who understands spiritual concepts and who knows how to help make sense of difficult life situations. There is a reason why interest in spiritual themes has increased from 50% to 80% since 1990 among Americans; more and more people are seeking answers in the intangible world of spirituality, and they are finding it brings them relief.
3. Spiritual people just live longer
According to the National Institute of Health, spiritual engagement is associated with "lower causes of mortality with 25% to 30% in overall reduction in risk of death" (Plante 2008). In fact, people on average live 7 years longer than nonreligious or spiritual people. (Plante 2008). The theory behind this one is that having a sense of meaning and purpose affords people the support and coping skills they need to deal with life in a more easeful way. Stress is serious danger to physical health and when you believe that you are connected and supported, you take life in strides versus stumbles.
4. Spirituality promotes connection
Spirituality by definition requires a pathway of connection. A person has to engage in a practice of some sort, such as prayer or meditation, for example, in order to nurture their spiritual connection. I use my angel, ascended masters and fairy decks to sit with life questions and wait for answers. When a person practices connection over and over again in any way, he or she builds a language that can be transferred to many other types of connection- like with people, nature or animals. I have found the roadway to feeling deeply with myself and so I use the same bridge to connect with others. Connection not only feels good, but it's a necessary component of basic human needs. We are empty without a sensation of connection and feeling connected to something bigger, like a higher power, gives us safety.
5. Paying it forward is more likely
Volunteerism and charitable engagement are more present in people who actively identify as "spiritual" than people who aren't. Additionally, "volunteer activities result in mental and physical health benefits reducing mortality by 40%" (Oman and Thoresen 2003). Giving back enhances people's positive perception of meaning and purpose. When we are kind to another, we fulfill our greatest need to be of service in the world. So go head, share the love.
6. Community: the more the merrier
Spirituality is not usually practiced in a vacuum, or in isolation. In almost every spiritual or religious sect, you can find people in the company of others. Spirituality promotes the social experience and when people are within a group, they can engage with others consistently and interdependently. Friendships provide people with support, encouragement, and meaning. Isolation is just no fun, go where the people are, smile and share a hug.
7. Reflection Time
Engaging in a spiritual practice, no matter how you define it, usually results in quiet, and reflective space for the person involved. People are more likely to become aware of their emotions and thoughts when they dedicate time to themselves to not only listen, but to honor these insights. Happiness is not the result of being inadvertently joyful, it is the result of choosing to embrace all aspects of ourselves and taking good care of what we find.
8. Acceptance and Surrender
Few concepts in the universe teach more about surrender and acceptance than spiritual tenets. Forgiveness requires both of these, and faith is made of both as well. White-knuckling our lives with extreme control results in fist-clenching until we squeeze the life out of what we were holding. Few things create more stress in our lives than the perception that we can control our world. Only the fully trusting, know that control is an illusion. Shifting perspectives and releasing attachment make room for the joy to settle in. So yes, I am saying that letting go is the secret to happiness, and spirituality is a reliable taxi car that will take you there.
May you embrace the divinity within you, and collect all the gifts found in spirituality that offer you the happiness you deserve! Be. Your. Best. Self.
Jai!
Candice S. Rasa, LCSW, IET
Rasa Healing, LLC
www.RasaHealingServices.com
Resources: What Do the Spiritual and Religious Traditions Offer the Practicing Psychologist? By Thomas Plante, 2008- Spiritual Modeling: A key to spiritual and religious growth By Oman and Thoresen, 2003- Faith Based Counseling Gains Favor by Lehman, 1993
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