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What does spiritual well-being look like?

What does spiritual well-being look like?

Amanda Lykins, DNP, RN-BC
 Apr 2, 2021
Blogs

Spiritual well-being is having a meaningful and purpose-filled life. Spirituality not only involves a belief and faith but also can offer hope and a will to live. What does spiritual well-being look like for you? This can be different for everyone.

Finding meaning and purpose is not something you find overnight, in a day, in a month, or even a year but may-be a lifelong process that evolves based on your unique circumstances and individual experiences.  Throughout life, an individual’s level of spiritual well-being may fluctuate.  

Experiencing emotions is a natural response as you navigate your individual journey to spiritual well-being. Those reactions may be both positive (hope and joy) and negative (fear, doubt, and disappointment).

Individuals who practice and are aware of their spiritual well-being are self-accepting, can find meaning and purpose in their lives, display a positive outlook, and have a strong sense of self-worth with feelings of harmony. Individuals who may need to reexamine their spiritual well-being may experience anxiety, a loss of meaning, self-judgment, apathy, and conflicting values. The individual may think they need to improve themselves.

How can you determine your level of spiritual well-being?

Take a moment to personally reflect on the following questions:

  • What gives my life meaning and purpose?
  • Do I have a well-defined sense of purpose and meaning?
  • What gives me hope?
  • How do I get through tough times? Where do I find comfort?
  • Am I accepting of other people’s views about life issues?
  • Do I make attempts to expand my awareness of different ethnic, racial, and religious groups?
  • Do I make time for relaxation in my day?
  • Do I make time for meditation and/or prayer?
  • Do my values guide my decisions and actions?

What are some techniques when developing Spiritual Wellness?

Each individual is different in how they approach, develop, and practice their spiritual wellness. There is not a “one size fits all” approach to this dimension of wellness.

Your journey to spiritual wellness may involve the following:

  • Practicing meditation or yoga
  • Praying or taking part in organized religion
  • Spending quiet time alone pondering the meaning of life
  • Building awareness through journaling
  • Serving your community, spending time in nature, appreciating music and the arts

University of Kentucky Resources for increasing your spiritual wellness.

UK HealthCare Integrative Medicine & Health:

Citations

Purdy, M., & Supey, P. (2005). Holistic flow model of spiritual wellness. Counseling & Values, 49(2), 95–106. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uky.edu/10.1002/j.2161-007X.2005.tb00256.x

Savolaine, J., & Granello, P. F. (2002). The function of meaning and purpose for individual wellness. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education & Development, 41(2), 178–189. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uky.edu/10.1002/j.2164-490X.2002.tb00141.x

Robert, T. E., Young, J. S., & Kelly, V. A. (2006). Relationships between adult workers’ spiritual well-being and job satisfaction: A preliminary study. Counseling & Values, 50(3), 165–175. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uky.edu/10.1002/j.2161-007X.2006.tb00053.x

 

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