As women working in the helping profession, we are used to living amongst chaos! This is what prompted me to write about the importance of holistic self care. Todays bog article focuses on the last of the five main components that (I believe) make up Holistic self care, and that is Spiritual self care.
Now, before you click out of this and think – ‘nope, not interested, I’m not religious, this isn’t for me’, I want to let you know this is NOT about religion. Sure, religious practices are one way of including spiritual self-care into your life. But it is not THE way – on its own.
I never used to understand the concept of Spiritual wellness. I thought it was a massive component that was missing from my life and I had to ‘find’ it. I was raised in a Catholic home, was Baptised, attended Catholic schooling and went to Church every Sunday when I was a kid. However, at the ripe old age of 10, I decided Catholicism wasn’t for me.
Whether that was due to the bible stories that didn’t make ‘logical sense’ to me or whether it was my mothers interpretation of what it meant to be a ‘good Christian’ (i.e. feeling guilty, never be proud of yourself, always do what you’re told – primarily in the form of following patriarchal rules and agreeing with the Bibles teachings whether or not your values are in alignment with them)….it just didn’t sit well with me.
Then, as the years went on – I became more and more aware of the secrets that were kept within the church and I actually started to hate the religion. So, because I thought Spirituality meant religion – I just shut off the concept in my mind and carried on with life.
Please know – I don’t hate religion anymore. I do not agree with things that have happened within the Catholic Church, the abuse, the cover ups and everything else. But, I don’t judge anyone for believing in God and cherishing their connection to their church and community. I know faith is very important to a lot of people and that in itself is not a bad thing, for some – it is an amazing thing and a vital part of life.
So then, what is spiritual self-care and why is it an important component of Holistic self-care?
Now that we have the whole ‘Spirituality means Religion’ misconception out of the way, lets focus on what Spiritual self-care actually means.
At its core, spiritual self-care involves nourishing the soul and connecting with the deeper aspects of one’s being. It transcends religious boundaries and embraces a broader understanding of spirituality, encompassing a sense of meaning and purpose in life, inner peace, and connection to something greater than oneself.
Spiritual self-care is an important component of holistic wellness because neglecting the soul can lead to an imbalance that impacts our health. By engaging in spiritual self-care, we can achieve a more comprehensive and resilient state of well-being.
Spiritual self-care provides a resilient foundation for coping with stress and adversity. It offers a source of strength and guidance, which helps us to navigate difficult times with greater ease and perspective.
It encourages introspection and self-awareness, fostering emotional intelligence, allows us to live a life that is in line with our values, and purpose. It also invites us to prioritise doing things that bring joy and happiness.
In my more recent blog posts, I spoke about the importance of physical, mental, social and emotional self care as they apply to a Holistic self-care strategy. I purposefully decided to write about Spiritual self-care last because I actually think it plays a major role in the ways in which we carry out self-care in the other domains. I will give examples of this throughout the blog, but for now – here are just a few ways you can think about what Spiritual self-care means to you.
Values
Here’s a question, what are your values? As Social Workers, you may be used to thinking about this in the professional capacity. Upholding values, ethics and morals is a crucial component of Social Work practice. But, have you actually thought about what YOUR values are, just as a person, in every day life, outside of your profession?
Understanding and living in alignment with our values can be likened to discovering the North Star that guides the course of a ship. The importance of knowing your values and living a life in alignment with them cannot be overstated—it is the key to a purposeful and fulfilling journey.
Knowing your values provides a clear framework for decision-making. When faced with choices, big or small, aligning them with your values offers a reliable guide. This clarity reduces the indecision and inner conflict that can arise when your actions deviate from your core beliefs. Each decision becomes a conscious step toward a life that resonates with your authentic self.
Knowing what your ‘authentic self’ requires introspection and an honest exploration of what truly matters to you. As you align your life with your values, you shed societal expectations and embrace your authentic self. Your values act as guide post for relationships and activities you engage in that provide you with fulfilment and purpose.
Values also act as an anchor during challenging times, they help you define your boundaries, give you answers in what direction to take….I could go on.
For me, a few of my values are Freedom, Love and Autonomy. I feel a sense of freedom in life, freedom to travel overseas or around Australia, freedom to live in different parts of the world, freedom to decide what I spend money on/and don’t, freedom to create a business that suits my needs and I can decide my own times to work.
By prioritising my relationships with my husband and close friends, putting energy into these, and putting them first before anything else (aside from my own health) I feel I am able to live a life that is in alignment with my value of love. The feeling of being loved by my husband is THE most important feeling for me. It makes me feel safe, secure and like I have a greater purpose outside of myself.
It might sound like a conflict that another value of mine is Autonomy, but I see Autonomy as very different to being alone or lonely. Autonomy for me means having full decisions in my choices in life, working by myself rather than an organisation, not being micromanaged and managing my own time.
For a lot of my friends, Family is one of their biggest values in the form of being a mother to their children. They live in alignment with this value by altering their work schedule to allow for pick-ups and drop-offs at school, asking for school holidays off or even being a full time stay at home mum (where available). For others, it may look like spending all their spare time outside of work hours with their children, teaching them, reading to them at night, taking them to their sports on weekends.
If you haven’t thought about what your values are, I strongly encourage you to start thinking about them. Write them down and put them in a place where you can look at them frequently – then ask yourself, is this (insert whatever thing you are doing, job you are working in, etc) in alignment with my value of…?
Keep in mind that Values are not necessarily static; they can evolve as you grow and gain new insights. Living in alignment with your values fosters a mindset of continual growth. It encourages you to reassess and adjust your values as needed, ensuring that your actions remain congruent with your evolving understanding of a meaningful life.
Connection with nature
Spending time in nature is a potent way to nurture the spirit. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or a day at the beach, we can reconnect with the natural world to find solace, inspiration, and a sense of wonder.
This is especially important for us in the helping professions. Most of us are stuck indoors, in a cubicle, with fluorescent lights, no fresh air, bright lights of our computer, white walls, loud noises of stressed people talking on the phone and with one another. All the while, there is an entire world of ‘outside’ around us.
The deep and intrinsic connection between humans and nature is more than a scientific or ecological interdependence; it is a spiritual communion that has been acknowledged across cultures and centuries. The profound sense of connection with nature is, at its core, a spiritual experience that transcends the physical and taps into the very essence of our being. In Japan, researchers have studied the effects of ‘Shinrin-yoku‘ (forest bathing) on peoples mental health.
Feeling connected with nature allows us to tap into universal unity, fostering a sense of oneness with the entire web of life. It helps us to let go of our ego, as we take in all the beauty around us, the massive ocean, vast mountain ranges, the rhythmic motion of swaying trees in the forest…it makes you feel pretty insignificant in the scheme of things.
Nature possesses an inherent ability to heal and rejuvenate our soul, whether it’s a stroll in a garden or a hike in wilderness, the sights, sounds, and scents of nature all have a therapeutic effect. It provides a sacred space for reflection and contemplation where we can engage in introspection and connect with the deeper aspects of our inner selves.
The spiritual connection with nature also invites a harmonious alignment with the rhythms of life, encouraging acceptance and a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of existence. Have you ever just noticed the phases of the moon? Or the way the tide of the ocean shifts each day? Or the timing of the sunrise and sunset, or where the sunlight shines through your home at different times of the year?
Having access to nature is one of the most important aspects of my life. It always has been, it just feels ‘right’ to be outside, amongst the trees, in the grass, near the ocean or lakes. I need to feel the sun on my skin, watch the colours of the sky change as the sun goes down, feel the leaves between my fingers, smell the roses (literally)….again, I could go on and on about this, but I wont. I think you get it 😉 Basically, nature is good! Ha ha
Religious or non-religious community connection
Building and participating in a supportive community can be a spiritually enriching experience. Whether through a religious congregation, a women’s group, or an online community, connecting with others on a spiritual journey provides a sense of belonging and shared wisdom.
Let’s focus on Religion for the time being. For some of us, the fabric of spiritual well-being is often woven with threads of religious beliefs. Faith serves as a guiding light, offering solace, purpose, and a profound connection to something greater than oneself. The interplay between religious beliefs and spiritual well-being is complex and is a deeply personal journey, encompassing a range of experiences that contribute to a sense of inner harmony, purpose, and peace.
Religious beliefs provide a framework for understanding the purpose and meaning of life. The foundational tenets of many religions offer answers to existential questions, addressing the fundamental aspects of human existence. The assurance of a higher purpose, a divine plan, or a moral compass outlined by religious teachings can contribute significantly to a person’s spiritual well-being.
Many religious practices emphasise communal worship and fellowship. Engaging with a religious community provides a sense of belonging and support. Shared beliefs and rituals create a bond among individuals, and can be a source of comfort and encouragement during challenging times.
Religious beliefs often provide a set of moral and ethical principles that guide people in their daily lives. The teachings of various faiths can offer a moral compass, helping people to navigate ethical dilemmas and make choices aligned with their values.
Religious rituals and practices can play a significant role in shaping spiritual well-being. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, sacraments, or other ceremonial acts, these rituals serve as a means of connecting with the divine, fostering a sense of transcendence and inner peace.
Many religious traditions value virtues such as compassion, forgiveness, humility, and gratitude. The practice of these virtues contributes not only to ethical living but also to spiritual well-being.
Having faith in a God including the existence of Heaven, forms a large part of some peoples existence. My mother, for example, is an avid believer in Heaven and the after-life. She believes that Heavan awaits her when she dies and this faith means she has no fear of death. This transcendental perspective can bring a sense of peace, acceptance, and purpose to others navigating the complexities of existence.
There are also many ways we can feel connected, live a life in accordance with our values and engage in practices that enrich our spiritual wellbeing, even when we are not religious.
Non-religious community groups have emerged as dynamic spaces fostering a sense of connection, purpose, and inner harmony. These secular gatherings, often centred around shared values and common interests, demonstrate that spiritual well-being can thrive outside the confines of religious belief.
Non-religious community groups often hold shared humanistic values. Embracing principles such as compassion, empathy, and the intrinsic value of every individual, these groups create an environment that nurtures spiritual well-being. The humanistic philosophy underlying these communities emphasises the potential for individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives through human connections and ethical living.
Community groups offer a sense of belonging and support akin to religious communities. Whether focused on philosophical discussions, volunteer work, or shared hobbies, these groups foster a network of solidarity. In times of joy or adversity, members find comfort in the shared journey, creating bonds that contribute significantly to emotional and spiritual well-being.
Yoga, mindfulness and meditation groups have gained popularity as platforms for spiritual exploration. These gatherings often draw inspiration from Eastern philosophies and practices, emphasising present-moment awareness and inner reflection.
Community groups can also combine with the power of nature, through conservation efforts, eco-friendly initiatives, or outdoor activities. They can also pair with intellectual socieities that offer a space for intellectual exploration and moral discussions. These groups engage in philosophical dialogues, exploring questions of ethics, morality, and the human experience.
Creative community groups can provide an avenue for spiritual well-being through art, music, literature, and other forms of self-expression.
Another type of community group comes to mind for me, is that of the Social Work community. I have felt a solid sense of connection and purpose in my profession through the Social Work community. This has shown up through my work teams in the past, team of external field education liaison professionals through various Universities, Facebook community groups that I am in through my coaching studies and more.
Can you think of any groups (religious or not) that you can join to help you feel more connected to your spirituality?
As I mentioned earlier, I believe that Spiritual wellness can actually serve as a guide post for the ways in which we engage in self care in other domains. For example, a big part of my spirituality is derived from my connection with nature. This guides me in other forms of self care such as physical (I prefer to go for a walk ‘in the green’ as opposed to going to the gym) or mental (practising mindfulness while sitting in a rainforest rather than inside my house). Looking back, I have always felt this connection, I still prefer to be outside and when I’m not – I am surrounded my by indoor house plants and (currently) have a beautiful view of the ever changing ocean and sky.
Can you think of what you do in your life that might be aligned with a deeper sense of purpose in your life? Is your personal and professional life in line with your values? Or do you feel you need to start noticing this and taking steps towards living a life that feels true to you and your needs?
If you want some support around this, I offer 1:1 online Holistic wellness coaching. Click here to book an online session and we can work together on this! I would love to hear from you 🙂
