Embracing the Power Beyond Ourselves: Spirituality and Wellbeing

The idea of a higher power might seem strange to someone who doesn't have a spiritual belief. Recognising a force greater than ourselves, whether that's a divine presence, nature, or universal energy can significantly enhance our wellbeing. However, there's a caveat: who or what your higher power is doesn't matter, as long as it isn't simply you!

In this post, I'll talk about how spirituality plays a vital role in our wellbeing and how being open to cultivating a connection with something larger than ourselves can lead to a profound sense of fulfilment and wellbeing.

The Essence of Spirituality

Spirituality is a deeply personal journey and looks different for everyone. It may or may not take the form of organised religion, but it needn't require following rigid doctrines (unless you want it to!). Regardless of the form it takes, it's about recognising that a power greater than our own weaves through our lives in ways that are often far beyond our comprehension.

Spirituality invites us to embrace life’s mysteries, to seek meaning and purpose beyond our individual experiences. It may be found in meditation sessions, a tranquil moment in a garden or that sense of awe we feel when reaching the top of a mountain. In fact any experience that creates a deep sense of connection to something outside of ourselves, can be described as a spiritual experience.

Why Do We Need a Power Beyond The Self

Society often places a strong emphasis on self-reliance. The dominant message is one of winning, taking charge, being ahead of your competitors and shaping our own destiny. These messages can have value, but they also create heavy burdens, leading to feelings of isolation and stress.

It's often exhausting to believe that we must handle everything alone. This is where our connection to a higher power brings meaning. When we recognise we are part of a larger whole and interconnected universe, there is relief in letting go of the need to control every little detail of our lives.

There's often a misconception that letting go and trusting in a higher power is somehow absolving ourselves of any responsibility. But this isn't true, spirituality is an active not passive practice. We know from research that individuals who practice spirituality report lower levels of anxiety and 60% higher levels of satisfaction, than those who don't engage in spiritual practice. Which leaves the question, if there are so many benefits to spirituality, why do so many people seem to be put off by the very mention of the 'S' word?

I believe the hypocrisy we often see in organised religion and those that purport to be conduits between God and Man have left many people disillusioned and mistrusting of spirituality. The result is a world that is increasingly spiritually devoid, and the people within it, yearning for connection.

Cultivating Wellbeing through Spiritual Practices

My spiritual practice varies, most days it involves mindfulness and meditation. But even spending just 10 minutes each day in stillness allows me to reconnect with my higher power, with nature and my inner self.

During stressful times, I often seek solace in nature. Just sitting by a tree helps me re-centre and trigger my parasympathetic nervous system. This practice is backed up by research which shows that spending time in nature can improve our overall mood, reduce stress by over 40% and reinforce our sense of connection to the earth.

Another routine practice is gratitude. Each day I take a few moments to jot down three things I’m thankful for. This simple routine makes a significant difference in my mood and mindset, it has allowed my mindset to remain focussed and positive even during my toughest times. Research shows that regularly practicing gratitude releases the 'feel-good' hormones, which also have life enhancing and life-extending benefits such as dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. It also leads to a significant increase in our overall happiness.

The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth

Community plays an instrumental role in our spiritual development. Interacting with individuals who share similar beliefs and values facilitates a deeper sense of healing and connection, making the spiritual journey feel a lot less solitary.

Whether online or offline, joining spiritual groups can enrich our experience in unforeseen ways. These communities create spaces where we can openly discuss our thoughts and feelings. Many of the encounters I have had in spiritual communities over the years have led to deep friendships, that continue to support my spiritual path sometimes decades later.

Finding Your Path to Spirituality

If you're interested in exploring spirituality and connecting with a higher power, consider starting with self-discovery and reflect on a few simple questions:

• What brings me joy and comfort?

• Where do I feel a sense of connection?

• Which practices inspire me to grow?

  
  

Spirituality is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It requires exploration and patience and your spiritual journey will be unique to you which is absolutely fine.

I recommend trying different approaches to find what works for you—such as meditation, journaling, or even volunteering can be beneficial. Pay attention to what resonates with you and allow your spiritual journey to evolve naturally.

Final Reflections

The essence of spirituality is its personal nature; it doesn't have to follow a single path. Instead, it encourages us to explore our connections to the universe. By letting go of the urge for total control and accepting a greater power, we can cultivate deeper peace and fulfilment in our lives.

Recognising a higher power—whatever that may be—has transformed my life. Understanding that I'm part of the vast cosmos allows me to loosen my grip on control and trust the unfolding journey.

This exploration can be a rewarding journey, guiding you toward healing and personal growth. Remember, the key is not who or what your higher power is; what matters is that it transcends you.

So, I encourage you to embracing the interconnectedness of life and nurture your wellbeing through spirituality.

What does spirituality mean for you?