Last night, during our bi-weekly Create & Chill virtual drop-in studio session, a participant asked what I meant when I said that any therapy is inherently spiritual. The conversation began when someone referred to her own artwork as "woo woo." I reassured her that there was no need to apologize, as we were sharing in an open and safe space. I then explained my belief that any therapeutic process is spiritual, and vice versa.This question prompted me to delve deeper into definitions, meanings, and ultimately, my own understanding, as I wanted to provide a comprehensive answer.
Spirituality: A Definition
Spirituality is a broad and multifaceted concept involving beliefs and practices that transcend the material world.
Traditionally, it referred to religious processes aimed at aligning with the image of God and the Holy Spirit.
Historically, spirituality was used within early Christianity and expanded during the Late Middle Ages to include mental aspects of life. In modern times, it has spread to other religious traditions and encompasses a wider range of experiences, such as personal growth and the search for meaning.
Right away, we see that spirituality is not defined by any particular practice but rather by an individual's search for meaning.
Spirituality and Therapy
In my view, spirituality is intrinsically linked to therapy.
We are more than just flesh and bones; there is an essence within us—whether you call it the Soul, Consciousness, or Spirit. Just as we can't treat the body without addressing the mind, we can't discuss mental health without acknowledging the Spirit, at least our own.
Seeing the Spirit in things beyond ourselves, like Nature, fosters a sense of connectedness to all that surrounds us. It encourages care and conscientiousness toward the entire network of Life, promoting health and well-being in all our relationships.
Recognizing a Divine Spirit, such as God, the Universe, or the Great Spirit, enhances well-being by providing a sense of connection and purpose. This belief offers comfort and reduces stress, especially during challenging times, by fostering hope and resilience. It also contributes to mental health by encouraging positive emotions and acceptance.
A connection to a Divine Spirit provides a sense of belonging and meaning, helping individuals navigate life's challenges with greater inner peace and strength. Overall, acknowledging a Divine Spirit promotes holistic well-being by aligning one's life with a greater purpose.
Ignoring the spiritual side of well-being when addressing mental health means overlooking a crucial aspect of human experience. It misses the opportunity to help individuals foster a connection to their True Self, which is ultimately the goal of any healing process—to recognize one's own feelings and emotions, establish true convictions and beliefs, and fully embrace who you are, free from intergenerational or childhood trauma.
Overcoming Resistance to Spirituality
When I encounter resistance to "anything spiritual," it often stems from associations with certain popular spiritual practices, which can sometimes be questionable in intent or integrity. However, the same concerns can arise in the office of a coach, counselor, or psychotherapist.
This is why it's important to evaluate your practitioner based on their values, beliefs, code of ethics, and ability to form a safe relationship, rather than focusing solely on the modality they use.
Personally, I've had more profound experiences with palm readings—often considered a "woo woo" modality—than some conventional psychotherapy sessions. I've also felt a deep connection to my own soul and spirit during therapy sessions or lectures, even when the subject wasn't explicitly spiritual.
Art as a Therapeutic Tool
The ability to address mental health holistically—engaging body, mind, and spirit—is what led me to choose creative expression as one of my main therapeutic tools. Art offers transcendental experiences without being tied to any religion or specific spiritual practice. Activities like moving, sounding, or mindfully collecting objects in the forest can provide a sense of acceptance, belonging, and connection that heals, bypassing our cognitive defenses.
We dont need to use specific practices or words to bring spirituality into therapy, it is already present with any practitioner worth their salt.
This is how I see spirituality, and this is why I believe that any therapeutic process is spiritual.
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