Spiritual self care is about connecting with your deepest self and finding your sense of purpose. There are several rituals, lessons, and guides that we can use as motivating factors, but it all comes down to self-love and compassion for ourselves and others. The idea of spiritual self care has been intertwined with scientific data and the teachings of Buddhism.
Through research published by the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, it states that “the occurrence of disease is closely related to one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health.” When any of these areas are neglected, it manifests itself in terms of stress and pain that lead to symptoms of illness. Many find spirituality through belief in a higher power, but the foundation of it isn’t associated with any singular religion. It can be honored through nature, art, or relationships with others.
Why Is Spiritual Self Care Valuable?
Spiritual self care is necessary to balance our physical, mental, and psychological health. You can go through the motions of getting regular exercise, following a proper diet, and practicing meditation, but without focusing on what fulfills you, this can still cause a drain on your energy, wellness and an incomplete sense of well-being.
There are many rewards you receive from practicing spiritual self care, such as clarity about your self-identity, increased inner peace and calm, improved communication and connection with others, and a feeling of purpose and serenity.
Ways to Honor My Spiritual Self
In order to find balance and harmony within the body and soul, it’s important to honor each of these aspects of our spiritual well-being. It starts with identifying your true self, forming connections, and being intentional in everything you do. Everyone’s spiritual awakening is unique since it’s a reflection of what’s important for the individual, which means you can turn to inspiration and guidance from others, but it’s your own unique path that will lead you to inner growth and enlightenment.
Identifying and Appreciating Your True Self
Understanding who are and what drives you can be a constant struggle. Goals and aspirations may change throughout the years, but there’s always a central focus that is the main motivation behind everything you do. The goal is to identify what this is and honor it with what you focus on in your daily life.
Identifying your true self starts with honesty about what you love and what gets you excited about life. So often these passions are buried beneath the responsibilities of day-to-day, but when you make time for your purpose, you give to your authentic self. A few ways to identify your core values is to journal your thoughts, practice visualization in your Meditation Practice, and/or meet with others who share similar values or ideals.
Forming Connections with Those That Inspire
Spiritual self care requires quiet time and meditation to reflect inward and unplug, but finding inspiration in others is a powerful tool in your own self care. Find a community of people that provide a safe space to share ideas and build off of the encouragement and actions of others. This could be a religious or culturally-focused gathering, but it can also be a volunteer experience or a book club about a specific topic that helps you to connect with friends on a more profound level.
Feeling the energy of other people and sharing your own thoughts can strengthen your self-esteem and understanding of what truly moves your soul. It can also diminish feelings of loneliness or anxiousness that can hinder your self care. It may be one specific group or several different organizations where you’re able to feed your purpose in various ways. Taking time to reflect on how you feel after you meet is a good way to know if it is soul-fulfilling and a meaningful contribution to your spiritual healing journey.
Being Intentional with How You Share Your Energy
Getting into a rhythm of life is natural and not necessarily a negative thing. However, taking time to reflect on the areas that make you happy and the areas that take away from your sense of balance is important. It’s an activity that many don’t make time for because they accept negativity as “just a part of life.” To truly honor your own spirit and mental health, it’s necessary to identify areas that are demanding your energy without giving anything in return. This could be a job, a person, or an environment.
Be intentional about who you choose to spend your time with and how often. For example, if it’s a job where you’re feeling unhappy, seek other opportunities. In the meantime, are there ways to avoid certain energy drainers? Scheduling time away from your desk or creating a community within your workplace to improve upon connections are ways you can practice self care, while also being mindful about your future.
Focusing on your spiritual self care helps in all aspects of life and allows you to approach situations calmer and with greater happiness. It requires a deeper dive into reaching your authentic self, which can bring a range of emotions with it. However, once you hone in on your purpose and internal power, you’ll understand how to better navigate through life and take control of your own destiny.
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