Cultivating Spirituality

Roger Perilstein, MD

Humanity has been cultivating spirituality for 50,000 years and that may be an underestimate. We have the time of 50,000 years through dating the age of cave paintings that depicted images of supernatural beings. For all we know, spiritual beliefs may have emerged even earlier than that and religious practices and interests certainly show no sign of vanishing from human society any time in the near future. In a way, this should not be surprising. Humans are meaning-seeking creatures: it is in our nature to seek explanations and relationships that give a deeper value and greater connectedness that is above and beyond our individual lives. In fact, newer brain research indicates that the capacity for spiritual experience is built into our neuronal pathways.

The debate about the reality of a transcendent being or higher consciousness will continue among theologians, scientists and philosophers probably until the end of time. Researchers in the field of health and well-being have sidestepped this debate and looked at the relationship between spirituality and health.. On the whole, a religious affiliation does seem to be helpful in reducing mood symptoms and anxiety and in giving support to people with chronic psychiatric problems. Treatments that include a spiritual orientation show increased efficacy for people with alcohol or other drug abuse. There is controversy over whether the health benefits are related to the social support of being part of a religious community or whether a spiritual orientation adds some perks beyond the social affiliation. The research seems to indicate that both the communal connection and a personal experience of spirituality seem to help. One study showed, for example, that high levels of social religiosity (worship in community) and a higher degree of thankfulness were correlated with reduced risk of major depression, anxiety disorders and bulimia. Other factors such as moral judgment and vengefulness were not associated with the same benefit.. At this point there is still much to learn about the relationship between spiritual orientation and health and certainly we cannot say that one causes another. But all indications point to the fact that a spiritual orientation does seem to promote more resilience and more of a sense of well-being.

So, the capacity for spirituality is present in most individuals and can be a force for the good. How can someone cultivate this potential. You can’t buy spirituality in a store or go online to get it from Amazon. You can’t force it either. But you can nurture and develop the spiritual inclinations that are already present. Several ingredients seem to be crucial for the development: time, attention, exploration and connection.

If you are busy all day basically checking off a “to-do list” related to job, family, errands and then shutting down at night, it is hard to tune in and remember the values that give spiritual nourishment. Taking a “time out” is crucial, but you probably will have to be creative in working out a rhythm that works for you. The breaks, however brief, can be used during the day for meditation, reading, reflection, appreciation of the world around you or simply taking a few breaths. Scheduling regular events through the week such as going to a worship service, Bible Study class, meditation class, nature walks, or listening to magnificent music is another way to clear space. This can be done individually or coordinated with family and friends.

Cultivation of one’s spiritual development also requires active attention and practice. To passively sit in a service is one thing, but to be open to your own questions and dreams creates opportunities for growth and more development. Spiritual “muscles,” like physical muscles, require strengthening through regular practice.

Cultivating spiritual leanings often requires exploration. You can learn through trying different approaches, through visiting new worship services, or by talking to friends or clergy. If you are uncertain about what direction to follow, you can use the philosopher William James’ pragmatic criteria for a valid religious experience: if a religious practice or experience helps you to feel more loving, open-hearted, connected to others, and seems reasonable, you can begin to trust it. If you have much confusion or anxiety about addressing spiritual issues, perhaps because of childhood messages, you could find a therapist open to discussing these problems.

Cultivation of spirituality also means connecting - connecting to your own deepest needs, connecting to a greater force than oneself, connecting to greater ideals than one’s own survival. All of this can more easily be done through connecting to a community. This could mean being actively involved with a church, synagogue, mosque or other organized worship group. Joining an organized religion like this connects you not just to the present group but to the long years, centuries or even millennia of history behind it. But if this does not appeal to you, it is not necessary. You could also be involved with other people with values similar to yours—perhaps people committed to social justice, to environmental issues, or to an informally organized meditation program. No one can tell you the right connection for you, you have to find it for yourself.