Have you ever wondered what the word spiritual actually means? If you ask two people there's a good chance you'll get two different answers. This is because spirituality and its expression are unique to each individual. Ever been a part of a conversation where someone says spirituality is how they define it and how they live it? Ultimately, these are personal choices.

While there are many ways to describe spirituality, one way has to do with how one relates to their thoughts and beliefs, value of self, and an allowance of grace into their life. Or put another way, it’s a sense of connection with something greater than the self. It's an experience that involves connecting with oneself (i.e. oneness) through reflection, meditation, yoga, or time in nature, etc. So in essence, spirituality is what's meaningful to you such that it seems to lighten or enrich your spirit.

For some, spirituality could include peace and harmony with nature and humanity. Others feel spirituality via their music, art, values and principles, meditation, loving kindness, or connection to faith in a higher power. If you are wondering what truly gives your life purpose and meaning, keep in mind that this can change over time. For instance, this can specifically change after a big life event, be it positive or negative.

There are helpful ways to consider the role of spirituality in your life. Give yourself some time for self-reflection as this is a great way to discover what truly matters to you. Try answering some of the following specific questions, paying attention to what strengthens your spirit:

• What am I thankful for?

• When do I feel fully alive?

• What gives my life meaning? What life experiences are meaningful to me?

• Is a relationship with a higher power important to me?

• What drives me to do the things that I do? Why?

• When I was a kid what were my hopes and dreams? Do they still apply?

• Do I have an inner burning desire in life to do or be something else in life? What's in my heart? Be honest with yourself.

So how does all this specifically affect the brain? One study mentions how it furthers a growing body of research about spirituality and its connection to brain processing. The study findings indicate that spiritual experiences shift perception, and can moderate the effects of stress on mental health.

The study saw decreased activation in the parts of the brain responsible for stress and increased activity in the parts of the brain responsible for connection with others. A sense of union with someone or something outside of oneself and community engagement has been found to support a robust recovery from substance use disorders as well as other behavioral health issues.

Is this a good time to think about adding something to your life to improve your spiritual wellness? Perhaps a spiritual practice can help you connect in a new way with what is meaningful to you.

Spiritually,

-Kevin