What Is Meant By An Individual’s Spiritual Side

How we are in our inner life – our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and desires – determines how happy we are. Finding inner peace – both mental and emotional tranquility – is what having a spiritual dimension entails.

What is meant by being a spiritual individual?

Being spiritual entails prioritizing self- and other-love as a top priority. Spiritual individuals are concerned about people, animals, and the environment. A spiritual person recognizes that we are all One and makes conscious efforts to honor that unity. A spiritual person is kind.

How do you know your spiritual side?

‘What does your heart say?' ‘Listen to your gut.' – Who hasn't been on the verge of answering one of Life's Big Questions and wondered what it all meant?

Whether it's making a risky new move, leaving the security but never-ending dullness of your career, or deciding what to do about a failing relationship, these decisions can't be made with an honest and authentic outcome by overthinking the situation. Even the tried-and-true ‘benefits and drawbacks' list has its limitations.

At moments like these, we need our mind, body, and soul tag team to operate together. We interrogated psychic Emma Kinsey, one of the UK's finest psychic mediums, to help you develop the most ignored member of the three.

Look away now, cynics. ‘I often tell people that if I were in their shoes, I wouldn't believe me,' Kinsey laughs. ‘However, if you're curious, opening yourself up to what's going on on a spiritual level can help you become calmer, stronger, and more in tune with yourself,' she continues. Intrigued? This is how you do it.

1. Take some time to meditate.

‘Many people find that meditation helps them relax. Your intuition is clearer when your mind is quiet. One of the most difficult things you can do is calm your thoughts, yet it's essential for allowing your instinct to shine through. Choose a specialised meditation if you want to connect with your spiritual guide.'

2. Or you can discover your own peace.

‘What makes you feel peaceful is quite individualized. I listen to music and light a candle to set the mood before readings. Alternatively, I go for a walk and sit by the sea; the ocean has a calming effect on me. There are no rules; it's just about taking your time and following your instincts.'

3. Trust your instincts.

‘Do you have that inner voice that tells you the same thing again and over? That, I feel, is your spirit guide speaking to you, guiding you to your own conclusions. Others refer to it as your ‘gut.' Pay attention, whatever you name it.'

4. Don't ignore warning indicators.

‘Signs are really essential, yet many people dismiss them as chance. It could be a song that keeps playing in your head, or someone's name that occurs in your dreams. Look for them all throughout the place.'

5. Seek assistance if you require it.

‘The most important thing to do if you're having trouble making a decision is to seek assistance.' If you don't want to speak it out loud, ask it in your brain. It takes time and effort, but I believe that everyone has a listener.'

6. Take control of the situation.

‘If you're having trouble making a decision, pick up a deck of angel or oracle cards. You can shuffle them and interrogate them. Just make sure you get the pack that appeals to you.'

7. Take ownership of all you do.

‘It's fine if you ignore your inner voice at times. Listening to what's going on on a spiritual level can help, but the decision is ultimately ours. And remember, if you make a mistake, it's the only way you'll learn.'

What are the characteristics of a spiritual person?

The Latin words “spiritus” (meaning breath, courage, strength, or soul) and “spirare” (meaning to breathe) are combined to get the term “spirit” (1). Meaning, worth, transcendence, connecting (with oneself, others, God/supreme power, and the environment), and becoming (life's growth and progress) are five qualities of spirituality (2).

Since the inception of spiritual health and its different definitions, it has been five decades. Spiritual health is concerned with one's relationship with one's own self (personal dimension), people (social dimension), nature (environment), and God (transcendental dimension) (3). The following are the main qualities of spiritual health: a healthy lifestyle, social connections, inquiring about the meaning and purpose of life, and transcendence (4). For many academics, spiritual health is so crucial that it is considered one of the most significant components of health (5). Spiritual health leads to improved mental health (6) and is favorably associated to physical health, for example, it may assist patients experience less pain, according to multiple research conducted on diverse patients (7).

Scientists and academics have looked at spiritual health from numerous perspectives and presented several definitions, but they have yet to come up with a comprehensive description. Providing a complete definition for spiritual health, identifying the components and markers of spiritual health, and its impact on other areas of health are all major obstacles in treating spiritual health issues. Despite the fact that a number of studies have been undertaken in Iran on the subject of spiritual health (5, 7), experts believe there are not enough studies on the definition of the term. Because of the relevance of the topic, the paucity of literature, and the necessity to include multiple perspectives on spiritual health, this study was undertaken in Iran to investigate the definition, components, and indicators of spiritual health from the perspective of specialists.

How do you work on your spiritual side?

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 those who were already dealing with mental health issues.” 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 is spirituality in your own words?

Spirituality is defined as the awareness of a feeling, sense, or belief that there is something more to being human than sensory experience, and that the greater total of which we are a part is cosmic or divine in nature.

Is there a connection between the individual's spirit and nature?

Above all, we must be able to experience our world with an open and stress-free mind, and from there, we must devise ways to safeguard our lovely planet Earth. Human consciousness must rise above selfishness and exploitation for this to happen. Spirituality, or the profound inner awareness of one's own nature, is the key to this crucial relationship with oneself, others, and the environment. This connection to our own core nature removes negative emotions, raises consciousness, and fosters an attitude of concern and devotion for the entire earth.

How do you tap into your inner power?

Every ounce of squandered energy depletes your inner power. Why waste time and effort doing things inefficiently and redundantly? Control what you can so you may concentrate your energies and mental energy on the things you can't. Take a notepad with you. Divide your everyday duties into two categories: repetitive and thinking. Then, for the repetitious jobs, build processes and routines. You'll be ecstatic with the extra time and mental space you've gained.

Who is a spiritual man?

Watchman Nee, a Chinese preacher, theologian, and author who wrote significantly in the subjects of psychology and spirituality, lived from 1903 to 1972. The Spiritual Man1 is a book on human nature and the psychology of spiritual experience, and it is considered his greatest literary achievement. Nee emphasizes mankind's physical, intellectual, and spiritual abilities, implying that humans are a oneness of body, soul, and spirit as an organizing principle.

The body is the organ of “world-consciousness,” according to Nee. Through its bodily senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, it informs the individual of pleasures found in the external world. Nee thought that corporeal sensation is the lowest kind of consciousness and should be submissive to the desires of the spirit. In unstable humans, this order is disrupted: the body persuades the higher faculties to accept to satisfaction of its urges. The body may eventually imprison the soul if conscience is not questioned.

The soul is defined as the organ of “self-consciousness.” It is the site of the individual's personality and identity. Mind, will, and emotion are the soul's faculties. The mind is defined as the psychological entity derived from the brain. The instrument of cognition manifests the individual's intellectual powers within the mind. The soul is organized thus that the intellectual and emotional powers compete for influence over the will-the decision-making entity. Behavior is ultimately determined by the will. The will of a “soulical” man is tuned to self-satisfaction. The will of a “spiritual” man is tailored to the spirit's satisfaction.

The organ of “God-consciousness” is characterized as the spirit. It has three primary functions: discernment through conscience (i.e., a spontaneous judgment of right and wrong); intuition (i.e., sensing divine revelation); and communion (relating to God directly-posited as the highest form of consciousness). The spiritual man is one who is controlled by the spirit in his thoughts, feelings, and actions. One of the supposed benefits of genuine spirituality is mental peace. Spiritual errors, on the other hand, may be accompanied by mental distress, such as racing thoughts, bewilderment, and “disturbance to the point of agony.” Theoretically, recovery from such a situation entails resolving spiritual distortions by realigning with divine truth.

In the realm of psychiatry, Nee's idea of a possible relationship between spirituality and mental health is no longer controversial. Spiritual beliefs, according to recent research, may have a favorable impact on mental health. 2 New practice guidelines have been released in response, encouraging health care practitioners to include a patient's spiritual/religious aspirations during normal psychiatric exams. 3 Psychiatric trainees are now required to be capable of recognizing and treating spiritual, social, and cultural concerns that may affect treatment. 4

The fact that there is no universally accepted method for taking a spiritual history is still a problem. Furthermore, determining what is clinically meaningful in a patient's experience might be difficult (eg, church attendance versus private meditation). It has been argued that therapists should at the very least inquire about a patient's religious affiliation. 5

Nee might advise asking patients open-ended questions on the importance of God/spirituality in their lives when taking a spiritual history. Toward the end of an intake interview, I usually question about a patient's spiritual history. “Do you have any spiritual or religious beliefs that are important to you?” I might ask. This is an open-ended question that tends to include persons who do not identify with a certain religion but respect spiritual values anyway. And, it does not seem to alienate those who have no connection with either spirituality or religion.

If a patient's response to my query is affirmative, I usually follow up with a question regarding whether or not his or her spiritual participation has had an impact on his or her symptoms. In response, many patients have felt safe revealing how their spirituality is a helpful coping strategy that decreases the burden of mental illness. Others have revealed that they are experiencing spiritual struggle, which is exacerbating their mental distress.

Understanding the level of spiritual discomfort in patients, particularly those with strong religious backgrounds, might aid therapy planning. Several measures have been developed to aid in the assessment of spirituality and, if necessary, intervention. 6 The RCOPE7 is a widely used self-assessment tool that can be used to estimate the psychological consequences of spiritual activity. It includes a seven-item negative religious coping subscale that can be used to estimate spiritual distress and is simple to use. Clinicians should also consider delivering a chaplaincy consultation to all patients who identify as religious or spiritual on a regular basis.

The clinical case for addressing spirituality in psychiatric settings may be strengthened by Nee's tri-partite description of human nature as a unity of body, mind, and spirit. Knowing how to engage patients in discussions about their spiritual views should no longer be a problem. Validated assessment tools are available to aid the clinician in this procedure.