What Is A Spiritual Dimension

Exploring the main concepts, beliefs, and values that give meaning and purpose to your life is part of the spiritual component. It's about living in a way that reflects your “world view” while still being accepting of people who have different ideas and values.

• If you've arrived at this page, you're probably wondering about your spiritual path. This website examines spiritual guidance from the perspectives of Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and other religious traditions.
• This life purpose exam will help you figure out what your higher spiritual and soul goals are. Take the Higher Awareness Purpose Quiz right now to learn more about your heart's desire and who you were born to be.
• This quiz, “Who am I Supposed to Be?” can assist you in determining what truly characterizes you. Based on the study of personality.

What are the 7 spiritual dimensions?

The SEVEN program encourages individuals to engage in the seven pillars of wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, and vocational. It is a free program for all Illinois State students, professors, and staff.

What are the 5 dimensions in spirituality?

The goal of this research was to find global, cross-cultural spiritual elements in India, China, and the United States. Love, as a sacred reality and a fabric of relationships; unifying interconnectedness, as a sense of energetic oneness with other beings in the universe; altruism, as a commitment beyond the self with care and service; a contemplative practice, such as meditation, prayer, yoga, or qigong; and religious and spiritual reflection and commitment, as a life well-examined were found across the three countries. We see these findings as a first step that will need to be replicated in a variety of nations with different religious and cultural traditions.

In China, India, and the United States, the researchers discovered a link between these five spiritual qualities and the risk of internalizing psychopathology. Decreased levels of despair, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and substance-related disorders were all linked to increased knowledge of love, connectivity, and compassion. In India and the United States, religious and spiritual thought and dedication, as well as contemplative practice, were all found to be negatively related to a variety of clinical diseases, but were found to be directly related to problems in China. In assessing the impact of demographics, we discovered that in India and China, a higher level of education was associated with a higher level of spirituality along the five dimensions; however, in the United States, education and the spiritual dimensions of love and unifying interconnectedness had inverse associations.

Dimensions of Spirituality across Cultures

Importantly, given the religious diversity of the sample, the statistical invariance of the dimensions across countries clearly shows that human spirituality experiences are universal across national and religious traditions (Greenwald and Harder, 2003; Wilson, 2012; Murdock, 1945). The emergence of a cross-cultural and multi-dimensional structure of spirituality does not negate the existence of real differences in the particularities of both traditional and non-traditional spiritual expressions and experiences; rather, it provides a skeletal framework for understanding important components of a potentially universal spirituality.

Relationship between Spiritual Dimensions and Psychopathology

These discoveries have crucial clinical implications in addition to adding to our understanding of spirituality in general. While spiritual aspects were found to be connected with a lower incidence of major depression, generalized anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance-related illnesses for the most part, altruism and love were the strongest and most consistent inversely related characteristics in all three nations. In comparison to the rest of the population, those in the top quartile of altruistic engagement had a 37–72 percent lower risk of major depressive disorder, a 47–62 percent lower risk of suicidal ideation, a 30–72 percent lower risk of generalized anxiety disorder, and a 47–79 percent lower risk of alcohol abuse. Those in the top quartile of love experience had a 19–60% lower risk of major depressive disorder, a 35–49% lower risk of suicide ideation, and a 23–62% lower risk of generalized anxiety disorder.

Religious and spiritual reflection and commitment, arguably the most complicated of the four spiritual aspects, entails an orientation of one's lived life toward a transcendent power. Whether or not in the context of a recognized religious tradition, such a commitment unavoidably bestows on an individual a sense of meaning beyond one's own existence (Cloninger, 2006), which lessens the risk of psychopathology and is especially helpful under tough life situations (Debats, 1996; Koenig, 2009). Religious and spiritual worldviews are also essentially positive, with a variety of resources for dealing with adversity and suffering (Koenig, 2009). Furthermore, regardless of economic or social resources, persons who join in religious and spiritual societies frequently receive favorable support from their community (Koenig, 2012).

Dimensions Associated with Greater Risk in China

It's possible that the disparities in findings are linked to differing national policies on religious freedom of expression. Though there is still a lack of research in this field in China, these findings show that the greater society's religious atmosphere throughout time may play a significant moderating impact. Some government initiatives in China have dissuaded religious practitioners from diverse traditions, which may have contributed to the link between higher degrees of devotion and contemplation and higher levels of psychopathology (Grim and Finke, 2007). Indeed, the two depressogenic phenotypes are the two that are the most openly religious of the five. To put it another way, failing to develop these natural phenotypes might be disheartening and discouraging.

Clinical Implications

Because a person's spiritual life has a direct link to mental health, as this study reveals, mental health practitioners, regardless of therapeutic orientation, should be more curious and aware of a patient's spiritual orientation and practice. In fact, rigorous spiritual evaluations were created particularly for this purpose (Hall and Edwards, 2002).

How can I improve my spiritual dimension?

Religion brings spirituality to some people, but it does not bring spirituality to others. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to spiritual well-being. Here are a few ideas to get you started if you're not sure where to start.

According to a Gallup poll, 43% of Americans claim to be members of a church or other religious organization. These houses of worship provide a variety of opportunities for those living with mental illnesses to connect with others in their communities.

Reconnect with someone or an organization that shares your ideas and thoughts, whether online, over the phone, or in person. Find ways to connect with like-minded people in your religion community who can support and encourage you by reaching out to a pastor or spiritual leader.

“Many people's support mechanisms were taken away from them during the pandemic—church, volunteering, support groups,” Wester added. “It was especially difficult for individuals who were already dealing with mental health concerns.” I advise people to reconnect with their religion group as soon as they are physically secure to do so.”

It's fine if you don't have a faith community. Finding a cause that resonates to you and giving back is another way to feel connected to your spirituality and faith. Working in a food pantry, becoming a mentor or tutor, or fostering an animal are all options. As a result, your community will develop and you will be able to meet individuals who share your interests. It will offer you a sense of purpose and thankfulness to serve others.

You don't have to be a yogi to benefit from the practice's spiritual benefits. Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. It can improve your mind and spirit, as well as strengthen and stretch your body, by lowering stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

You don't have to be an expert meditator like you don't have to be an experienced yoga practitioner. Because it takes so little time, meditation is one of the easiest disciplines to keep. “Some people believe you must sit and be silent, but this is not the case,” Wester explained. “You can walk while meditating, paying attention to the sensations of your feet on the ground and the intricacies of your surroundings. Simply slowing down your body can help you calm down your mind.”

Even five minutes of meditation can help you reduce stress, despair, and worry while also increasing your mindfulness. There are numerous fantastic guided meditation applications, such as Calm or Balance, if you need help.

Writing can help you process your emotions, raise your awareness, and provide a nonjudgmental space for you to express your feelings in the present. Start a daily thankfulness notebook with prompts or write down your anxieties and fears.

Spending time in nature, whether you live in the mountains, the desert, or near the ocean, can improve your spiritual health. You can't seem to get away from your phone, your day, and your problems. Even a few minutes spent watching the birds, trees swinging in the breeze, or crashing waves on the shoreline can be relaxing.

Find activities that you enjoy, such as knitting, coloring, cooking, sports, or working out. Focusing on things you enjoy might help you regain a feeling of purpose and stay present in the moment, even if only for a short time.

If you're having trouble connecting with your spiritual side or your mental health, get help from someone who is specially trained or someone you trust.

“Chaplains are specifically equipped to deal with religious issues in a clinical setting,” Wester added. They can assist validate your feelings without sweeping them under the rug. They can help you get back on track spiritually.”

What happens in the 5th Dimension?

In physics and mathematics, the fifth dimension is a micro-dimension that is accepted. It's here to create a pleasant and seamless connection between gravity and electromagnetism, or the two main fundamental forces, which appear to be unrelated in ordinary four-dimensional spacetime.

What is a 5th dimension?

In the 1920s, physicists Oskar Klein and Theodor Kaluza independently hypothesized such a dimension. Einstein's theory of gravity, which demonstrated that mass distorted four-dimensional space-time, inspired them.

Because humans can't see these four dimensions, we attribute motion in the presence of a big body, such as a planet, to a ‘force' of gravity rather than the curvature. Could the curvature of an extra dimension of space explain the other force known at the time (the electromagnetic force)?

In what dimension is heaven?

The Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts, pastor of New York's illustrious Abyssinian Baptist Church, tells Walters that he has had numerous visions of paradise over the years. He characterizes heaven as “There are no tears, sadness, or pain. Because you are at one with God, you have eternal joy and satisfaction.”

Butts claims to be confident that heaven exists, but that it exists in an ineffable level. “Heaven exists in an other realm. So you don't have to look up to see paradise, but you can look out and see it. Heaven, if you will, is a fourth dimension “He informs Walters.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the founder of the American Society for Muslim Advancement, tells Walters that he believes paradise is a real place, but that getting there is contingent on how you live this life. “The true life is the one after that…and where we are in this life decides where we will be in the next. We're told we'll be in comfortable homes, sitting on silk sofas… so we're given the pleasures of sex, wine, and food, with all of their great elements but none of their negatives.”

Pastor Ted Haggard, head of the National Association of Evangelicals, and his congregation place a high value on the promise of heaven. According to Haggard, who is an evangelical, if you are not a born again Christian, you have no guarantee of going to heaven. You will be assured of a place in Heaven if you are “born again” in the idea that Jesus Christ is your personal savior. He also believes that this existence serves as a checkpoint on the route to an everlasting home. “Anyone who follows Jesus Christ is guaranteed eternal life…. Because heaven is our home, the objective of life is to honor God and go to heaven.”

Rabbi Neil Gillman, a philosophy professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, articulated Judaism's view on the afterlife. “For the past 2,000 years, most Jews thought that when you die, your body and soul separate, the body is interred and disintegrates in the Earth, and your soul travels to be with God,” he tells Walters. But the story doesn't end there. “At the end of the age, God will raise bodies, reunite body and soul, and the individual will stand before God to answer for his or her life,” Gillman added.

Walters also visited India, where she met the Dalai Lama, who Buddhists believe is the reborn Buddha. According to the Dalai Lama, the goal of life is to be joyful, which can be achieved through “warm-heartedness.” He tells Walters that paradise exists “is the finest place to further deepen spiritual practice… for Buddhists, the ultimate goal is to become Buddha, not merely to get there. This is not the end.”

He believes in reincarnation as a Buddhist and tells Walters that humans can have second lives as animals. “If someone does something extremely evil, like as murder or theft, they may be born in an animal body.” Walters also speaks with actor Richard Gere, who is a long-time Buddhist. Walters is told by Gere, “I don't believe that paradise and hell exist in another life. I believe it is now.”

The Skeptics and Non-Believers

Walters also talks to scientists, who claim they're starting to see why so many people believe in heaven. Despite this, they have yet to produce proof that it exists.

Most individuals do not require confirmation of Heaven's existence. All they require is faith. Dr. Dean Hamer, a geneticist at the National Institutes of Health, believes he's found out why some people have faith and others don't. “It is not always a matter of will whether or not a person is spiritual. It's possible that their personality is innate in some way “Walters is informed by Hamer.

Spirituality, according to Hamer, may be a psychological attribute imprinted in our DNA.

He began his investigation by asking over 1,000 respondents to respond to a series of faith and spirituality-related questions. He then checked the DNA of the research participants and discovered that those who scored the highest on his survey had a mutation in at least one gene that appeared to influence their spirituality. “The God gene,” he dubbed it.

“VMAT2 is the name of the gene, and we can isolate it and analyze it in detail. This gene is in charge of regulating specific substances in the brain. And those substances have an impact on how we think. They have an impact on how we react to events in our environment “He informs Walters.

Researchers have been able to identify changes in the brain when people are engaged in deep prayer or meditation, according to Hamer.

One of those researchers is Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroradiologist from the University of Pennsylvania. According to Newberg's findings, there is a significant increase in brain activity in the frontal lobes of the brain. “At the same time, the areas of the brain that monitor our sense of time and distance became less active,” he continues.

According to Newberg, this adds to a person's sensation of “losing their sense of self.” He described the sensation as “For instance, something attributed to God. Then they have the impression that God is providing them with that energy, that sensation.”

But, according to Ellen Johnson, president of the American Atheists, heaven is a myth, whether it is based on science or not.

“There is no such thing as heaven or hell. We didn't exist before we were born, and we won't exist after we pass away. I'm not thrilled with the fact that that's the end of life, but I can accept it and use this opportunity to make my life more rewarding “She tells Walters about it.

‘Death Trips' to Heaven

Walters also speaks with people who, despite their beliefs, are convinced of heaven's reality because they believe they've seen it in near-death experiences.

According to a report published by U.S. News & World Report in the late 1990s, up to 18 million Americans believe they have experienced near-death experiences that allowed them to see the hereafter.

When Dianne Morrissey was electrocuted, she claims she saw the “white light of God.” “My near-death experience changed my life forever. There is no sensation on Earth that compares to the feeling of being dead “she stated

“When the oxygen levels in the brain fall…you get huge over-activity in the brain…I think there is a profound shift, but not because you've been to heaven,” says British psychologist Susan Blackmore, who has spent decades looking for a scientific explanation.

Family, Children and Heaven

Walters speaks with Maria Shriver, the first lady of California, whose early losses as a member of the Kennedy family inspired her to write a book about heaven for children. “I had a lot of questions about these deaths that happened in my family when I was a kid, and no one to actually talk to about it,” she says Walters.

“My daughter, who was approximately 6 or 7 years old at the time, began asking me the same fundamental questions that I had as a child: ‘Why do you put someone in a coffin?' What will she do now? Is she frightened within the box? Is she able to breathe in the box?' And, Barbara, what was fascinating was that she began to answer the questions for herself. So I began jotting down her responses “she stated

Walters also speaks with Mitch Albom, author of “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” about his personal perspective on death and the afterlife.

Albom says to Walters, “One thing I'd want to say about heaven. If you believe in a higher power, your existence on Earth will be different. You may believe that you will be reunited with your loved ones. As a result, the pain you felt after they died isn't as intense. You might believe that you will be held accountable for your conduct. As a result, your behavior on Earth has changed. So, in a manner, simply believing in the concept of heaven is heavenly in and of itself “he stated

What is the 7th dimension like?

We'd see a plane of alternative worlds in the sixth, where we'd be able to compare and place all the universes that start with the identical basic conditions as this one (i.e. the Big Bang). You could theoretically travel back in time or to different futures if you mastered the fifth and sixth dimensions.

In the seventh dimension, you have access to all of the conceivable worlds, each of which begins with a different set of circumstances. Whereas in the fifth and sixth, the initial conditions were the same but the subsequent acts were different, everything is different here from the start. The eighth dimension provides us with a plane of such alternative universe histories, each of which starts with a different set of initial conditions and branches out eternally (hence why they are called infinities).

We may compare all conceivable universe histories in the ninth dimension, starting with all possible laws of physics and initial conditions. We arrive at the eleventh and ultimate dimension, when everything possible and imaginable has been covered. Nothing beyond this is imaginable to us mere mortals, which is why it is the natural limit of what we can imagine in terms of dimensions.

String Theory requires the presence of these additional six dimensions that we cannot see in order for nature to be consistent. The fact that we can only perceive four dimensions of space can be explained by one of two mechanisms: either the extra dimensions are compactified on a very small scale, or our world may exist on a three-dimensional submanifold corresponding to a brane, on which all known particles except gravity are restricted (aka. brane theory).