Health Center: Your Spiritual Health

Although illness is sometimes unavoidable regardless of an individual’s spiritual state, the condition of a person’s spirit frequently affects their overall health.  Research shows that people who pay attention to their spiritual wellbeing are, in general, healthier than those who do not.  And, when those who engage some spiritual practice do become ill, they occasionally heal more quickly than those who do not.  A person’s physical and mental health is often related to their spiritual health.

While there is no infallible method for measuring or assessing spiritual health, ongoing reflection on one’s own life, feelings and experience can help an individual relate to and understand the impact of the inner life.  This exercise may then help them discover ways to sustain overall health and a sense of wellbeing.  Whether a person takes a look at where hope is found and strength is renewed or contemplates the meaning and philosophical foundations of their own life, deliberate, ongoing reflection helps them along the way. For example, a person may find comfort in the midst of hardship or remain steady in a moment of stress because they have discovered and learned how to tap into their inner resources.

A healthy spirit can keep us grounded, energized and intact while helping our relationships at the same time.  The disciplined, reflective person notices that their interaction with others is influenced by their own sense of wellbeing, purpose, personal worth and integrity.  Along with us, those around us will likely reap some benefit, when we hone our skills and take care of our spiritual health.