Spiritual Care: A High Determinant of Health and Mental Well-Being
Spirituality and Why It Matters
Spirituality is the part of us that seeks meaning, purpose, and connection. It’s not limited to religion or faith traditions though it may include them. Spirituality can also be found in nature, relationships, creativity, music, or even in small moments of quiet reflection. It’s about discovering what gives life depth and direction and what helps us feel connected to something greater than ourselves.
Nurturing spirituality has been shown to improve mental health, emotional resilience, and even physical well-being. It helps people navigate grief, stress, and life transitions with a stronger sense of grounding and hope. A recent Health Affairs article notes that spirituality is increasingly being recognized as a social determinant of health. According to multiple sources cited in the article, spirituality is a factor that has repeatedly been shown to significantly impact health outcomes and quality of life (Health Affairs, 2023).
What Is Spiritual Care?
If spirituality is the search for meaning and connection, then spiritual care is the practice of supporting that search.
At The Lotus Center, we recognize the significant impact that spirituality has on mental health and wellness, which is why we view spiritual care as a vital part of integrated mental health care. Weaving spiritual care in with psychotherapy, mindfulness, medical support, and other holistic practices connects our method of whole-person care all together and creates a much more meaningful experience for our clients. Spiritual care helps individuals explore their beliefs, values, and sources of comfort, whether that’s through conversation, ritual, meditation, or guided reflection.
The Benefits of Spiritual Care
Research highlights powerful benefits of spiritual care, including:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Spiritual practices calm the nervous system and provide perspective.
- Improved emotional health: Spiritual connection has been linked to lower rates of depression and greater resilience after trauma.
- A sense of purpose and meaning: Exploring values and beliefs helps people feel more grounded in daily life.
- Stronger community and belonging: Many spiritual practices (including our Sonic Drum Journeys and Bereavement Groups) create opportunities for connection, which is protective for mental health.
But What If I’m Not Religious?
Spirituality is not the same as religious belief, and spiritual care is not the same as religion. Spirituality doesn’t require belief in a specific tradition, set of rituals, higher power, or anything mystical. Because it really is just about finding meaning, purpose, and connection, many people find spirituality in journaling, being in nature, practicing mindfulness, or creating art. You might even find a sense of spirituality when you engage in your favorite hobby or your work. Developing your spirituality is very personal and unique to who you are. To develop your own spirituality is to discover what is meaningful to you.
The spiritual care we offer at The Lotus Center is inclusive, affirming, and culturally competent care for people of all identities, backgrounds, and beliefs. We have built an environment and a culture where each client feels fully seen, heard, and respected. Spiritual care here is about helping you connect with what matters most to you.
Take a Gentle First Step: Journaling or Thought Prompt
Spiritual care often begins with small practices of reflection. Journaling is one of the simplest ways to nurture spirituality and mental health together. We invite you to take a moment to yourself to respond to this prompt either in writing or even in thought:
When have I felt most at peace or deeply connected to myself, to others, or to something greater?
What did that moment reveal to me about what I need right now?
This short practice can help build awareness around what is meaningful to you and can provide a practice for you to start nurturing your own spirituality. Discovering what makes you feel at peace or what makes you feel a deep sense of connection can provide you with a resource for rejuvenation and for gaining strength and resilience.
Would You Like to Explore Spiritual Care at The Lotus Center?
Spirituality is a vital part of well-being, and spiritual care is one of the ways we can help it flourish. Whether you’re facing grief, stress, transitions, or simply seeking deeper meaning, The Lotus Center offers compassionate support for your journey. We have an in-house clinical non-denominational chaplain on our team, Jude O’Higgins. You can read more about Jude here. Jude offers individual spiritual care and counseling while also hosting many groups and workshops and co-hosting our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Group Retreats.
Special Offer: Begin Your Spiritual Care Journey with Jude
For a limited time, The Lotus Center is offering 6 sessions of Spiritual Care Counseling with Jude for just $399 (normally $600). This is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of compassionate, integrative support at a reduced cost. If you’d like to learn more or if this is something you are interested in, we invite you to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation with Jude to explore how spiritual care can support your healing journey.
