By Angela Mutiso
Seeking a Higher Purpose
“It is not how much of the Spirit we have, but how much the Spirit has of us.”
Billy Graham
Spirituality is the idea of seeking a connection to something greater than yourself. It is about determination, inner peace, and understanding life’s meaning and mysteries. Piety can be expressed in several ways, like meditation, prayer, reflection, and acts of compassion and kindness. It is deeply personal and can be shaped by cultural, religious, and individual beliefs. For some, Spirituality is meticulously linked to Religion, while others regard it as a separate, more personal exploration of the self and the universe.
In an article titled The Healing Power of Faith– (Why Doctors Now Believe Faith Heals) Readers Digest tells the story of a patient who had been stabbed in the heart, stomach, and spleen during a domestic dispute…the wound had not healed a year later, so he went for another surgery which finally closed his stomach (it had initially been covered by skin graft). During an interview, a first-year student asked him, “How did you find your source of strength?”…he said there was something beyond the excellent medical care he received that he credits for his life. It’s God. The student further noted that “Religion and medicine are inextricably related. …” We are seeing time and again it is not just organized Religion giving some people strength, though. “Everyone has some spirituality….it gives your life meaning,” RD notes that the connection between spirit and body may be age-old. Still, as healing became a science, Western practitioners moved away from Spirituality and religious faith. Patient demand and several scientific studies correlating faith with good health are slowly changing a sceptical medical community.
Why is Spirituality important to some of us? Spirituality gives us peace and hope as we live this life. It revolves around finding meaning, Purpose, and a deep connection with oneself, others, and our environment.
Talking of Purpose, in his popular book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren asks what drives your life. He explains that everyone’s life is driven by something. Whether you are driving a car, a nail or a golf ball, you are guiding, controlling, and directing it at that moment. What is the driving force in your life? You may be driven by a painful memory, a haunting fear, or an unconscious belief. Hundreds of circumstances, values, and emotions can drive your life.
Warren explains four aspects of what can derail us. He says that many people are driven by guilt. They spend their entire lives running from regrets and hiding shame. Guilt-driven people allow their past to control their future. They often unconsciously punish themselves by sabotaging their own success.
On the other hand, people driven by Resentment and anger hold on to hurts and never get over them. Instead of releasing their pain through forgiveness, they rehearse it over and over in their minds. He notes that Resentment always hurts you more than it does the person you resent. Meanwhile, many people are driven by fear, probably due to a traumatic experience, unrealistic expectations, growing up in a high-control home, or even genetic disposition. Regardless, fear-driven people lose many opportunities because they fear to venture out. Finally, many people are driven by materialism. Their desire to acquire more becomes the whole Purpose of their lives. They have the misconception that having more will make me happy, more important and more secure, which is untrue. Warren concludes by pointing out that self-worth and net worth are different. Your valuables do not determine your value.
Spirituality boosts our general well-being, guides us through life’s challenges, nurtures inner peace, and aids personal growth.
Spirituality helps us seek and find meaning in life as we search for fulfilment. It inspires us to look beyond the material world, recognize our values, and link our actions with our central beliefs. This search for meaning gives Purpose to our lives, often leading to deeper satisfaction and satisfaction.
Through meditation, prayer, and mindfulness, individuals can find a sense of calm amid the disorder. These spiritual practices help us stay grounded, reduce stress, and maintain emotional equilibrium.
Engaging in spiritual practices often leads to momentous personal growth. Individuals who regularly reflect on their beliefs and actions are likelier to change and transform. Spirituality encourages us to confront our fears, accept our imperfections, and strive to become the best versions of ourselves.
Ordinary acts of mindfulness, gratitude, or spending time in nature can be intensely spiritual. By integrating Spirituality into our daily routines, we develop a more profound awareness and appreciation for the present moment.
What makes Spirituality extraordinary is its universality. Regardless of religious connection or belief system, the spiritual journey is inherent to human experience. It surpasses cultural, geographical, and social boundaries, uniting people through a shared quest for meaning and connection.
What do others say about Spirituality?
Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican Bishop, stated: “I think that most of our fundamental human problems arise because we are afraid of one another. And to overcome that fear, we need to engage in a bit of a spiritual journey.”
Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel laureate, said, “In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.”
Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, reflected: “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies. By embracing forgiveness and Spirituality, we find peace within ourselves and heal the world.”
David Oman and Stephen Syme, authors of “Why Religion and Spirituality Matter for Public Health”, argue that spiritual beliefs are not just about personal faith but have far-reaching implications for public health, supporting mental well-being, resilience, and coping strategies during adversity.
Dr. Cassandra Vieten, a clinical professor at the University of California: “Most people in the United States find Religion either very important or somewhat important in their lives. This is a foundational part of how people view the world.” Dr. Vieten emphasizes that spiritual and religious involvement improves mental health and can be a source of strength during challenging times
Dr. Kenneth I. Pargament, author and professor emeritus at Bowling Green State University, stresses the significance of Spirituality in providing a sense of Purpose and meaning. He explains, “Spirituality helps individuals find direction and Purpose, especially during challenging times. It offers a framework for understanding life’s experiences and fostering emotional stability.” His research indicates that Spirituality contributes to greater emotional resilience and life satisfaction.
Dr. Deepak Chopra, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, emphasizes the transformative power of Spirituality on mental health. He says, “Spirituality can reshape your sense of identity and purpose, promoting inner peace and emotional well-being.” Dr. Chopra’s teachings highlight that Spirituality can lead to profound personal transformation and a more meaningful life.
By including Spirituality into your daily routine, whether through meditation, prayer, or mindful activities, you can develop a sense of inner peace, resilience, and Purpose. These practices enhance mental well-being and provide a deeper connection to the world around you, making life more meaningful and fulfilling.
Research shows that Spirituality can positively impact our mental and physical health. Regular spiritual practice has been associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, improved immune function, and more happiness. Spirituality encourages self-reflection and personal growth and enables you to cope with life’s adversities.
The writer is the Editorial Consultant of the Accountant Journal.
