Spirituality

“Spirituality is that which gives

meaning to one's life and draws one
to transcend oneself. Spirituality is a
broader concept than religion,
although that is one expression of
spirituality. Other expressions include
prayer, meditation, interactions with
others or nature, and relationship
with God or a higher power.”
What is spirituality?
The innate and continual process of finding meaning and purpose in life,
while accepting and transcending one’s place in the complex and
interrelated universe

Shared connection or community with others, nature, the universe, and a

higher power.

The development of values and a personal belief system.

Worldview that gives unity and goals to thoughts and actions, as well as
the process of seeking meaning, purpose in existence, and understanding
of one’s place in the universe.

The appreciation of the depth and vastness of life and of the universe
along with the acceptance and recognition of the transcendence of the
unknown.

Inner and relational harmony with others and the universe, as well as the
search for a universal value system.
Spirituality is about

• Philosophy of life, death and religion

• A source of strength
• Connectedness
• Something not necessarily religious
• A belief, concept, purpose and meaning
• Forgiveness
• Inner peace
• Love and relationships
• Morality
• Searching, coping, hope
Peak Experience

"Think of the most wonderful

experience of your life: the happiest
moments, ecstatic moments,
moments of rapture, perhaps from
being in love, or from listening to
music or suddenly 'being hit' by a
book or painting, or from some
creative moment." (Maslow, Toward a
Psychology of Being, 1962)
Peak Experience

• What was your “peak experience?”

• What has been the most transcendent
or happy moment in your life so far?
• Describe a time when you experienced
a deepening awareness of oneness
with other people, the natural world,
and all living things.
• What do you want people to say about
your life when it is over?
Spiritual needs
Spirituality often becomes more important in
times of emotional stress, physical and mental
illness, loss, bereavement and the approach of
death.

However, questions about life and its meaning are

very complex.

Think about how you feel you fit into the world
and your personal values - it may be useful for
your mental health recovery. It may help you
figure out your feelings, beliefs and attitude
towards spirituality.
Spiritual needs

Consider the following questions:

• What are your sources of hope, strength,

comfort and peace?
• What keeps you going during difficult times?
• What do you want your life to be about?
• What role do your beliefs play in constructing
meaning in your life?
• What aspects of your spirituality or spiritual
practices do you find most helpful to you
personally? (e.g. prayer, meditation, reading
scripture, attending religious services, listening
to music, hiking, communing with nature)
Activity: Begin with the End in Mind

By knowing where you want

to go, you can take the right
action to live your live with
meaning.

Doing this will help you add

more purpose to your
everyday activities and how
you live your life.

(Adapted from: The 7 Habits

of Highly Effective People, by
S Covey)
Activity: Begin with the End in Mind
Imagine your future, X years from now. You are at an event that is celebrating
you.
 
There are three speakers at this event:
 
The first speaker is from your family or friends, someone who can give a sense
of who you are as a person.
 
The second speaker is someone who has seen you come through your
difficulties and challenges.
 
The third speaker is someone you have made a difference to their life for the
better.
 
Think deeply. What would you like each of these speakers to say about you and
your life? What would you like their words to reflect? What character would like
them to have seen in you? What contributions, achievements would you like
them to remember?
 
Look carefully at the people in your life. What difference would you like to have
made in their lives.
Activity: Begin with the End in Mind
First Speaker:

Second Speaker:

Third Speaker: