What Is Spiritual Health? - Definition & Examples

Defining Spiritual Health

One specific definition does not completely summarize spiritual health . While organized religion and prayer - two concepts familiar to most in Western societies - can certainly be part of spiritual health, they are not all that should be considered. Spiritual health can also consist of more broad concepts, such as hope, purpose, and peace.

Some common criteria that fall within the category of spiritual health include belief in a supreme being, unity with a greater force, a guiding sense of meaning and value, an organized religion, balance, introspection, and meaning. While all of these aspects are not necessary to be spiritually healthy, addressing the main concepts can provide a foundational understanding to this way of approaching one’s health.

Overall health can be positively impacted by high levels of spiritual health. For example, people experiencing a life-changing event may deal with their situation in a more positive manner if their levels of spiritual health are high. In other words, people can become more resilient by properly addressing their spiritual health.

Prayer and Meditation

Two practices often associated with spiritual health are prayer and meditation. While these concepts have many common characteristics, they can also be considered separately.

Prayer can be formal or informal, may take place individually or in groups, can be silent or spoken aloud, and is most often directed toward some type of deity. Prayer can serve many purposes, from asking for forgiveness to seeking guidance for the individual or others.

Meditation is most often practiced in a quiet setting by an individual. To properly meditate, an individual should sit relatively motionless while thinking or chanting about a particular subject or idea, often known as a mantra . A mantra may be repeated silently or aloud. One of the most common mantras is the term ‘Om,’ which can be repeated every five to ten seconds during the meditation session. The typical purposes of meditation are to focus the mind, become mindful of the present, to think clearer, and be more centered.

Signs of Spiritual Health

While spiritual health does not have a clear-cut definition, there are various signs that can indicate that someone has achieved an ideal level of spiritual health. These include reflecting on the meaning of life and developing a purpose in life. Spiritually healthy people can explain their beliefs clearly, and they follow a set of morals. They are compassionate for other people, animals, and the environment. They also practice self-acceptance and forgiveness. Overall, spiritually healthy people are hopeful, positive, and peaceful.

Lesson Summary

Spiritual health can be complicated to define, and it may be better described by its common characteristics, which include organized religion, prayer, hope, purpose, and peace. People with high spiritual health often have their ideas clearly defined, like their purpose in life, their beliefs, and their morals, and they practice compassion for other beings and the Earth.

Two major practices often involved in spiritual health are prayer , often to a deity, and meditation , which usually involves repeating a mantra , such as ‘Om.’ People with high spiritual health are often more resilient and healthier in other aspects of life, as well, like physical, social, and emotional health.