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Nurturing the Soul: How does Spiritual Practice Promote Good Mental Health

Nurturing the Soul: How does Spiritual Practice Promote Good Mental Health

Last updated on: October 9, 2023 at 8:05 am by Susan P Lax

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Nurturing the Soul: How does Spiritual Practice Promote Good Mental Health 2023-10-09T08:05:42-04:00 Susan P Lax

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Spiritual practice, regardless of one’s religious or philosophical beliefs, plays a pivotal role in promoting good mental health.

There is an essential link between spiritual practice and mental health.

In our chaotic world, the pursuit for good mental health has become a dominant concern.

An abundance of advice on stress reduction, self- awareness and emotional well-being surrounds us.

However, the topic of spiritual practice is often thought of as only belonging to the religious

or observant.

Ignoring the important fact that we are all spirits.

Bringing the practice of spirituality to our moments enhances and awakens our spirit.

Nurturing our soul and therefore an important avenue towards mental health wellbeing.

Spiritual practice, regardless of one’s religious or philosophical beliefs, plays a pivotal role in promoting good mental health.

Rocky Beach

Photo-Susan P. Lax-Calm waters

So, what exactly is spiritual practice?

So, what exactlty is spiritual practice?

In my soul dictionary it is anything that lifts the soul.

A ritual or routine that invites feel good moments.

An invitation to return to a place of intention and awareness.

A more conventional dictionary Wikipedia describes it “A spiritual practice or spiritual discipline (often including spiritual exercises) is the regular or full-time performance of actions and activities undertaken for the purpose of inducing spiritual experiences .”

Religions offer various takes on the explanation of spiritual practice.

. In Spiritual Practices An introduction to Christian Practices the definition is as follows:

“A spiritual practice is any regular and intentional activity that establishes, develops and nourishes a personal relationship with the divine.”

The Institute For Jewish Spirituality describes the learning of spiritual practices as”…a way to help each person cultivate awareness, attention and mindfulness – enabling you to find greater meaning by accessing the sacred in your everyday life.”

In Approaching the Buddhist Path by The Dalai Lama, Thubten Chodron the explanation of spiritual practice is as follows:” Spiritual practice involves transforming our mind.”

What does spiritual practice offer for those that seek a mental health wellbeing?

Life is filled with challenges, setbacks, and uncertainty.

Spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and mindfulness help individuals develop inner resilience.

These practices teach us to navigate the inevitable storms of life with greater calm and focus.

Spiritual practices often involve the exploration of our inner selves.

Treating ourselves with gentle understanding rather than with harsh judgement.

By acknowledging and addressing emotional issues, individuals can reduce the risk of mental health problems.

Letting go of what occupies the space of joy.

Stress is a pervasive issue in our society.

Its negative impact on mental health cannot be overstated.

Practices like Yoga, visiting with nature and gratitude can elevate our spiritual awareness.

In this place we touch hope and hope touches us.

The magic of hope is that it is born each morning anew.

Hope reduces the number of moments in our day that we dedicate to stress.

Spiritual practice creates a home for self -care and self -love.

A place where healthy wellbeing can bloom.

Trees hovering over a river in Portugal

Photo-Susan P. Lax-Nature’s Calm

With emphasis on gratitude and the present moment one can cultivate a more positive outlook on life.

As a spiritual counselor I accompany individuals on their journeys at challenging times. By introducing various spiritual practices, they find more of a sense of purpose and inner strength.

With emphasis on gratitude and the present moment one can cultivate a more positive outlook on life.

Understanding that our moment is only here for a moment.

It is in our power to decide how to embrace it.

I find that one positive moment invites other positive moments to find us.

We bring that positivity to others and in exchange not only offer ourselves a well-being moment, but we pass it along.

Knowing that we shared good enhances the health of our mental state.

A man fishing in Jaffa , Israel

photo-Susan P. Lax

In the quest for mental health and well-being, let us not forget the profound wisdom that spiritual practices offer.

Regardless of our beliefs, taking time to nurture our souls through spiritual practice can be a powerful step towards achieving lasting mental health.

A difficult task in an increasingly challenging world.

While spirituality is a deeply personal journey, its benefits extend far beyond the individual.

It not only provides tools for self-improvement but also contributes to the well-being of our communities and society as a whole.

By contributing to make the world a better place, we know our existence has meaning.

Planting another flower in the garden of our moments.

Morning Inspiration is a free newsletter that offers the spiritual practice of awareness.

If you feel the calling to receive it you can do so here

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About Susan P. Lax

When one of Susan’s closest friends was fighting cancer and had to focus on trying to heal, they didn’t speak as often as they once did. To make sure Stephanie knew that Susan was always thinking of her each day, Susan emailed her friend a healing, positive thought first thing in the morning. Slowly, Susan discovered an ability to translate her heart words into written ones and more and more people began to receive Susan’s “Morning Inspiration” which is from where her book, A HEART’S LANDSCAPE, derived. Right now, especially with all happening in the world, Susan offers deep reminders with words and warm visuals – to take a moment and just pause – get away from the inundation and put the chaos away. Susan’s heart words and inspiring visuals guide readers to take a moment and escape all adversity and focus on carving out one joyful moment with the hope that it will lead to other good moments. You can read more about the author here.

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