Spiritual Wellness: understanding your beliefs, values, meaning and sense of purpose

 

Overview:  In this dimension, we explore what it means to understand the connection between our values and beliefs in relationship to our purpose in the world. Spiritual wellness is about the balance between seeking a higher power/connection to something outside of ourselves and our ability to engage in other world views and beliefs.

 

What it means to engage in your Spiritual Wellness according to the National Wellness Institute:

"Spiritual wellness follows these tenets:
• It is better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others than to close our minds and become intolerant.
• It is better to live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.¹"

When your spiritual wellness is balanced, you may experience:

• • increased resilience during times of distress
    
  • a sense of connection to the world around you
  • gratitude
  • increased motivation

Common misunderstandings associated with spiritual wellness:

Myth: If I am not associated with a religious group, I cannot engage in spiritual wellness.

Truth: Although it may be more difficult to get started, you can still review your sense of purpose as it aligns with your values.

How can I attend to my spiritual wellness?

• • Spend time in nature
  • Explore meditation
  • Attend religious services
    
  • Review your values and ask yourself, "Do my actions/behaviors align with what I believe?"

At Florida Southern College, we offer various Campus Resources to balance your spiritual wellness:

• • Direct: Campus Ministries Links to an external site., Engage Online Links to an external site.
  • Indirect:  Discover Florida Links to an external site.

References:
¹ National Wellness Institute (Accessed 2023). Developing Strong People. https://nationalwellness.org https://nationalwellness.org/resources/