Spirituality is an integral part of effective psychotherapy. This doesn’t mean that therapy has to involve religion — it’s more considering one’s place in the universe and the purpose of life — but for some, incorporating Christian principles into the therapeutic process is helpful and comforting. This specific type of…
It’s estimated that more than 50 million adults in America will experience some form of mental health condition in their lifetimes. That’s around 20% of the entire adult population of the United States. In addition, a recent Pew Research study found that, though self-reported religious affiliation rates have declined in…
To be fully present as a human being—that’s the goal of mindfulness. Though it sounds lofty, being mindful isn’t nearly as difficult or strenuous as it appears on the surface. Mindfulness is about coming to terms with reality and how our personal experiences truly make us feel. It’s about the…
For those of us in the West, yoga and meditation have never been more popular. It’s now commonplace to have a yoga studio membership, to spend the weekend at a mindfulness retreat, or to follow along as a YouTuber or TikToker guides you through a virtual session. In mental health…
Have you ever walked into a crowded room and sensed negative energy? Do you feel uncomfortable being around someone in a bad mood? Do you avoid certain people because they emit weird vibes? Do you ever cancel plans with friends because “the vibes are off”? What exactly are you picking…
Imagine that you have a two-year-old daughter. She’s happily playing with toy construction equipment in a sandbox. Then, out of left field, she says, “When I was a grownup I used to drive a forklift like this one. Except mine was orange and had the number five on it. Once…
Spiritual Purposes in Relationships: Life Blessings and Life Lessons What is a spiritual love? As with many questions about our spirituality, there isn’t one definition or example of a spiritual love. That said, spiritual love can refer to a love that is rooted in or supported by a deep spiritual…
Our mental wellbeing is affected by many different factors, but what role does spirituality play in mental health? Spirituality can serve as a guiding force: it provides us with a purpose, whether our spiritual practices are rooted in religion, nature, art, or something else. This guiding light benefits our mental…
Research supports that spirituality can help improve symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Engaging in spiritual practices changes the prefrontal region of the brain; additionally, it serves as a shield against stress. When we turn to our spiritual nature, or focus on a higher power, we become more…
While religion and spirituality are often viewed as synonymous, they involve different beliefs and practices. Religion involves subscribing oneself to a specific set of beliefs and often praising a higher power, while spirituality is connecting to something bigger than oneself. You can find greater meaning and fulfillment in religion by…
Spirituality often varies in definition and in practice—however, it’s ultimately about connecting to something greater than ourselves to live a happier life. Doing so can help us cope during difficult times, which means spirituality can prove important to addiction recovery. Those in addiction recovery (and others) can practice spirituality and…
Spirituality varies from person to person; however, it is essentially the practice of finding peace and purpose in life. It also involves evaluating and creating one’s identity—their purpose, experiences, and connections. Many benefits come with tapping into your spiritual self; first, it can help you to cope during stressful times,…
