Spirituality and Well being

The humans have a long history with spirituality. From the early times up to
the present age, spirituality is a topic that people love to talk about and discuss with
each other because in a way, this word is both simple and vague. When people talk
about spirituality, it almost seems like the word itself is very personal to them. Each
definition coming from different people is unique from each other but at the same
time have themes that are similar too. In a study conducted by Gall, Malette &
Guirguis-Younger (2011) wherein they asked various people the definition of
spirituality and several themes came up which are the core self, life perspective,
relationship with God or Higher power, connection with mystery, connection with
the world, religion, and spirituality as meaningless.
Spirituality is also an important aspect of life. It helps in the persons
wellbeing as well as in the other areas of a persons life that would keep him/her
happy. In one of the themes that surfaced which is life perspective, the participants
talked about spirituality as being a way of living and guide to living life and
understanding ones self, the world and the others. This means that a person who
describes himself or herself as spiritual would lead a life of understanding and being
at peace with himself/herself and the world he or she lives in (Gall et al, 2011). Also
favorable spirituality, believing that ones body should be respected, that God or a
higher power was the one who created her body and that God or a Higher power
helps her in times of stress, is positively correlated with having a good body image
(Busser & Parkins, 2013). Another good thing that can be reaped from being
spiritual is improved health (Leonard & Carlson, n.d.).
Spirituality and Religion
Spirituality and religion are two terms which are very similar with each other
but are referring to two different things. These two can exist separate from each
other. One can describe himself/herself as being spiritual but not religious and vice
versa. Having said that though, spirituality and religion are more often than not very
much intertwined. The word spirituality is leaning more towards the essence and
purpose of life or a positive and healthy condition of the person as a whole while the
word religion is more associated with a common belief and devotion and worship to
a God (Gall et al, 2011).
For some people, they consider religion as being a way to achieving
spirituality or a way of expressing their spirituality (Gall et al, 2011). For the
researchers this may be the reason why a lot of people choose to go through and
participate in organized religions. If their spiritual lives are being satisfied by the
beliefs and teachings in their religion and through worshipping God, it is easy to
understand why people especially in the Philippines will happily submit to their
religions belief, what with all the good things which are the manifestations of a
positive and high spirituality in an individuals life. Also the researchers think that

being a good member of a religion will make a person believe or feel that his or her
spiritual life is being well nourished, which is a rewarding and satisfying feeling
since spirituality is related to having inner peace. In most cases and in the context
of religion, being a good member means being a submissive and obedient member,
following the commandments of God and believing in the word and teachings in
their religion. Having said that, it means that obedience can facilitate in developing
a spiritual life. This in itself is not a bad thing however, the researchers want to
know whether the obedience of the members of a religion is of proper awareness or
is misplaced. Can obedience be corrupt or is it all of good things?

Bibliography
Barbara Leonard, D. C. (n.d.). Retrieved from Touro Institution:
http://www.touroinstitute.com
Juleen K. Busser, R. A. (2013). "Made This Way for a Reason": Body Satisfaction and
Spirituality. Adultspan Journal.
Terry Lynn Gall, J. M.-Y. (2011). Spirituality and Religiousness: A Diversity of
Definitions. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health.