The science of spirituality and how it can boost mental health

Do you identify with the term "spiritual"? What does the concept evoke for you?

In some conversations with friends, colleagues, and clients, I've noticed a prevalent stigma attached to this word. For many, it carries connotations of esotericism or being merely about religion, seemingly at odds with scientific principles. There's a misconception that one must practice yoga or meditation to be deemed "spiritual." In reality, spirituality is a deeply personal and varied concept. Recent research even suggests its positive impact on mental health. So, why not take a moment to explore this often fuzzy idea together? ??

Subjective definitions of spirituality

To me, spirituality is finding meaning in life. It's about connecting the dots and recognizing that, in hindsight, everything unfolds with purpose, even the challenging moments. I reject the notion that we merely exist to be born, navigate life somehow, and then pass away. Instead, I believe in leveraging this life for meaningful growth. Others might perceive spirituality as the interconnectedness of everything and everyone, experiencing this unity instinctively when surrounded by nature or in life's intimate moments, e.g. when a child is born. Some find spirituality in a higher force—be it the universe, the divine, or God. Many speak of a connection to something within them, whether it's their soul or the divine essence dwelling within. Despite our diverse beliefs, the various definitions of spirituality seem to converge on injecting more purpose and depth into life—a universal longing, wouldn't you agree?

By the way - what's the difference between spirituality and religion?

The terms spirituality and religion are often used interchangeably, but they encompass distinct concepts. Spirituality is a deeply personal and individual journey, often defined by a sense of connection to something greater than oneself. It is inherently non-institutional and allows for a wide range of beliefs, encouraging a more flexible and evolving approach. Individuals on a spiritual path may draw inspiration from various sources, and their beliefs may transform over time based on personal experiences and reflections.

In contrast, religion involves an organized and institutionalized system of beliefs, practices, and rituals. It often provides a structured framework for understanding the divine or sacred and typically comes with established doctrines and moral codes. Religions are characterized by specific traditions, community practices, and organizational structures.

While spirituality and religion can be seen as distinct, there is often overlap. Some individuals identify as both spiritual and religious, finding meaning in organized practices while maintaining a personal connection to the divine. On the other hand, there are those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, preferring a more individualistic and eclectic approach to their beliefs. In this case, spirituality becomes a personal exploration rather than adherence to an organized system.

Spirituality is good for our mental health

Real-life narratives, like that of Viktor Frankl—an Austrian psychiatrist who found meaning during his harrowing years in Auschwitz—underscore how recognizing a sense of purpose can be life-saving (his remarkable book, "Man's Search for Meaning," is a testament to this).

Alongside compelling personal stories, emerging research on spirituality, reinforces its profound impact. In her groundbreaking book "The Awakened Brain," psychologist Lisa Miller delves into a paradigm-shifting exploration of the intersection between spirituality and mental health. Through bold assertions, she contends that embracing spiritual beliefs can significantly reduce rates of anxiety and depression, ultimately paving the way for a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Miller started this research after a poignant experience in her early career in a mental health facility. Facilitating a Yom Kippur ceremony (the day of atonement, considered the most significant of the Jewish religious holidays) for patients led to an unexpected and transformative moment, sparking Miller's curiosity about the profound impact of spirituality on mental well-being. She recounts:

As I looked around the table at the patients, whatever their symptoms had been yesterday, they were free in that moment. They were free of suffering. They were free of the characteristic patterns that had dragged them down in a way that was equal and opposite to their main symptoms. And so I thought a mental health system minus spirituality made no sense, and that became my life's work, to understand the place of spirituality in renewal, in recovery, in resilience, and to put this in the language of science.

Navigating through her research, Miller incorporates rigorous scientific methods, including MRI studies. One of the astonishing findings indicates that individuals who identify their spirituality as crucial enjoy an 80 % decreased relative risk for addiction and a 82 % lower risk of suicide.

Miller's journey into this realm wasn't met without skepticism from her scientific peers. Yet, she tenaciously pursued her investigation, employing nationally representative samples and gold standard methods. The results were nothing short of astonishing, revealing the tangible benefits of spirituality on mental health.

Spiritual re-framing can support with difficult experiences

A particularly fascinating aspect of Miller's work involves MRI studies that pinpoint a shared neuro seat of transcendent perception in individuals of various faith traditions. The bonding network lighted up in all brains when personal spiritual prompts were given:

Miller's research also shows that spiritual pondering lights up the same areas in the brain as when our parents held us as a child. She shares a beautiful example of the power of spiritual re-framing of experiences:

Iliana, deeply shattered by the tragic murder of her beloved father, struggled with overwhelming grief. However, a transformative moment occurred when, with a newfound joy, she shared an extraordinary experience in Miller's office. Having met a kind and polite boy at a party, she was struck by the remarkable coincidence that he shared the same uncommon name as her deceased father. Convinced that this encounter was a sign, Iliana believed her father was watching over her, leading to a profound shift in her mental health. Embracing the idea that such a rare connection was beyond mere chance, she found solace and maintained a transcendent relationship with her father, illustrating the profound impact of spirituality on personal healing.

The heart of Miller's message is that spirituality, far from being a subjective or cultural phenomenon, is a natural aspect of the human condition. By understanding and cultivating our spiritual nature, we can potentially unlock transformative resilience, offering new avenues for approaching mental health challenges. Miller's insights challenge preconceived notions and beckon skeptics to embrace a more inclusive and open-minded perspective on the multifaceted nature of human consciousness. No matter, if we believe in spirituality or not - the numbers of Miller's research are astonishing and can certainly makes us consider new options to improve well-being, mental health, and personal meaning.

?? Now, what do YOU think? I'm curious - what comes up for you when you hear the term spirituality, would you consider yourself a spiritual person or have you had spiritual experiences in your life? Let's start a conversation in the comments!