The word “spiritual” refers to that core dimension of you – your innermost self – that provides you with a profound sense of who you are, where you came from, where you’re going and how you might reach your goal. You may not think much about spiritual well-being and what role it plays in your life, but its significance is stronger than you may believe.
Spiritual wellness may mean different things to different people. For some, spirituality may be synonymous with traditional religion, while for others it relates primarily to the quality of personal relationships or love for nature. A foundation for spiritual wellness may be the sense that life is meaningful, and you have found your place in it. The search for meaning and purpose in human existence leads one to strive for a state of harmony with themselves and with others while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world.
To discover what spirituality means for you and how it can play an important role in your life, consider the questions below. Your answers may provide clues to enhance your own spiritual wellness.
- What gives your life meaning and purpose?
- What gives you hope?
- How do you get through tough times? Where have you found comfort?
- What are your 3 most memorable experiences?
- If you belong to a religious community, how are you connected to this group?
- If you have survived losses in your life, how have you done so?
- Describe a time or instance when you felt comfortable and that all was right with the world.
- Describe a time when your life was filled with a sense of meaning or when you experienced a sense of awe.
Looking for support in your spiritual wellness? The Student Wellness Centers, free, peer to peer Wellness Coaching service can help. You can meet with a coach to reflect on the questions above and set goals to enhance your spiritual wellness. Additionally, there are many student organizations focused on spiritual wellness. You can search and find these on the Student Activities website.