Spirituality is a personal journey where you connect with yourself, others, and God on a deeper level. Biblically, “spirituality” refers to an intimate relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and daily walk through obedience to the Holy Spirit, intentionally reading God’s word and applying its principles to daily life. We experience a deeper relationship with God through prayer, worship, and serving our communities.
But the important question is, how do spirituality and mental health intertwine? In the simplest words possible, spiritual growth leads to emotional freedom. You are able to manage and process your emotions in a calm and composed manner without experiencing any kind of fear.
How Spirituality Supports Mental Health
Having a sense of connection with diligently reading the Bible makes you feel less lonely and isolated. You automatically become more accepting, calm, and patient – attributes that help in overcoming fear, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
How to Use Spirituality to Promote Positive Mindset Habits
If you’re new to the concept of spirituality, below are some simple ways you can incorporate it into your life to achieve emotional freedom:
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great entry point into spirituality. It’s all about being present in the moment, fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Even five minutes a day of focused breathing can make a difference. Mindfulness calms the mind and helps you approach life with clarity and composure.
2. Meditate
Meditation is one of the most effective tools for emotional freedom. You don’t need to be an expert to start. Guided Biblical meditations, available through apps or online videos, can help you focus your thoughts and let go of stress and negativity.
3. Seek a Community
When you have people with the same beliefs or objectives as you, it becomes much easier to form a connection and improve mental health, which is what spirituality is all about. For instance, the biblical perspective on fear is about reassurance. It teaches that if you belong to Christ, no harm can truly touch you because a higher power is watching over you. The belief in divine protection creates a sense of peace and helps ease your fears.
4. Connect With Nature
Nature has a way of grounding and healing the spirit. Spending time outdoors can clear your mind and boost your mood. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and let nature remind you of life’s simplicity, beauty, and the love of God, who creates all things.
Let Go of Perfection
Spirituality is not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself as you explore what works for you. Emotional freedom comes from accepting yourself as you are while staying open to growth.
Learn more about mental health strategies and the importance of spirituality in From Fear to Fearless, a practical guide for letting go of fears and becoming emotionally independent by Christine Jones-Barclay.