Healing and holistic wellness: the intersection of spirituality and holistic health

True wellness focuses on far more than just the physical. Holistic wellness considers the entire individual, including emotional, social, vocational, intellectual, and environmental factors – along with physical well-being.

In many categories that constitute the holistic wellness concept as a whole, spirituality plays an important role. For some people, spirituality can mean religion – but it can also take the shape of personal growth that includes finding meaning in life, living by a code of personal ethics, and creating joy for oneself and even others. Spiritual wellness can help to enhance the connection between the body and the mind. 

Working toward spiritual wellness

How do you know if you’re successfully achieved a state of spiritual wellness – or that you are working toward it? Spiritually well people may: 

• Spend time in solitude simply contemplating or writing in a journal

• Have clear ideas of their values and beliefs

• Act in advocacy of the welfare of others

• Have forgiveness for others and show compassion

Even if you don’t spend time thinking about spirituality, it likely has an impact on your life. Most people seek a sense of meaning and the knowledge that they themselves have a purpose, and individuals who don’t feel they have the answers will often seek spiritual wellness, even unknowingly. This can be something like looking up at the sky and wondering what does this moon phase mean spiritually? or even what their birth month signifies in terms of their personality.

By seeking wellness, many people overlook the importance of nurturing the spirit, in some cases because they simply don’t know how. Just as the physical body requires movements to thrive, so the spirit requires practice and activity to give in a sense of purpose.

If you’re looking for guidance in terms of discovering your spirituality, there are a few resources you can consider: 

The JdR podcast, hosted by John de Ruiter, a Canadian spiritual teacher, offers a fresh perspective on spirituality and personal growth. John engages in both face-to-face and online discussions, exploring a wide range of subjects including relationships, self-discovery, and spiritual exploration. With his profound knowledge and experience as a renowned author, with notable works like “Unveiling Reality,” John imparts his profound wisdom and unique insights to listeners, empowering them to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Dr. Tara Brach, a respected meditation teacher, psychologist, and author, has authored a collection of influential books, including “Radical Acceptance,” “Radical Compassion,” and “Trusting the Gold.” Through her teachings, she skillfully combines Western psychology with practices rooted in Eastern spirituality, creating a harmonious blend.

How is spirituality good for you?

In addition to enhancing your overall sense of well-being and your understanding of your own place in the world, spiritual wellness may contribute to your physical health too. Research has found that contemplative practices, such as meditation, can help promote calmness and can boost concentration. Mindfulness practices also have been found to impact the physical body in a multitude of ways: 

• Relieving stress

• Reducing pain

•  Reducing anxiety and depression.

Meditation, prayer, yoga, and other contemplative practices also promote feelings of compassion, and hope, along with relaxation, which can affect overall well-being.

Research also suggests that people who engage in spiritual traditions may treat their bodies better and engage in healthier practices. Spiritual people are usually less likely to smoke, or drink, for example, and they’re likely to care for their bodies.

How can you practice spiritual wellness?

If you’re a religious person, you can follow your personal religious customs to promote your spiritual life. However, there are many additional ways to engage in spiritual wellness practices. For example, if you are looking at broadening your knowledge on the subject of Wicca, then it would be beneficial to take online classes through sites such as Wicca Academy. Online resources such as this one are a brilliant and interactive way to practice spiritual wellness and explore alternative spiritual paths.

Simply spending time during quiet contemplation or writing in a journal can promote your individual spirituality. You can also practice with others by engaging in discussion groups, yoga classes, and group meditation sessions together. Also, many people find spiritual meaning through volunteering.

However you decide to pursue your spiritual wellness, your mind and body are sure to benefit from it.