This week I’ve been diving deep into researching and writing my book (yes, this is really happening – more later!) and came across some great research looking at the impact of spirituality on our nervous system and specifically on our limbic system.
And not spirituality just in the sense of organized religion, but in the sense or belief that there is something greater than ourself, greater than just our physical being.
I love Brene Brown’s definition of spirituality:
Spirituality is a deeply personal part of our overall wellness and differs from person to person. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it’s definitely not a destination that we arrive at. But rather, it’s a journey of exploration and curiosity.
We’re wired for spiritual connection, but in our busy world especially when we’re working through health challenges, it’s all too easy to lose sight of its significance in our overall health and wellness. This journey often ends up on the back burner, even though it profoundly affects our limbic system.
Navigating life’s challenges frequently results in sidelining our spirituality to tackle pressing needs. Or we’ve focused on the soothing aspects of spirituality, avoiding the less comfortable but equally important growth and curiosity parts. Either way, this can lead to feelings of disconnection from our core selves, our relationships, and our life purpose.
Our nervous system inherently seeks safety and belonging, and losing these connections can activate our stress response. Spirituality significantly influences our limbic system by promoting a sense of connection. This involves fostering connection with ourselves, those around us, and a higher purpose. These connections can offer comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance our sense of purpose, thereby relaxing the stress response and increasing feel-good neurotransmitters. This connection can look different for each of us. Depending on what feels right for you, it could be setting aside some special time for meditation, prayer, or journaling; a meaningful conversation with a friend; or a quiet walk in the woods.
Spirituality also provides meaning and purpose in our lives. When we connect with our inner selves, we’re able to see our values, those things that matter most to us. Living according to these values brings meaning to our daily lives. And meaning absolutely doesn’t mean something huge. It can be as simple as prioritizing calm and connection. When I first began exploring my meaning and purpose, I recognized my need for more connection with my family. I made a decision that any time someone walked into the room, I’d look up from whatever I was doing and smile. It was such a small thing, but it made a huge impact in my life and in theirs.
And finally, spirituality fosters growth and adventure. As much as we strive for comfort in our lives, we still crave growth. As hard as it is to admit, sitting on a beach in Hawaii for weeks on end, no matter how gorgeous, would soon get boring. Spirituality encourages a sense of curiosity and exploration in the world around us that brings feelings of awe, gratitude and deeper connection with ourselves, others, and our world.
Spirituality is a deeply personal part of our overall wellness and differs from person to person. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it’s definitely not a destination that we arrive at. But rather, it’s a journey of exploration and curiosity.
We’re wired for spiritual connection, but in our busy world especially when we’re working through health challenges, it’s all too easy to lose sight of its significance in our overall health and wellness. This journey often ends up on the back burner, even though it profoundly affects our limbic system.
Navigating life’s challenges frequently results in sidelining our spirituality to tackle pressing needs. Or we’ve focused on the soothing aspects of spirituality, avoiding the less comfortable but equally important growth and curiosity parts. Either way, this can lead to feelings of disconnection from our core selves, our relationships, and our life purpose.
Our nervous system inherently seeks safety and belonging, and losing these connections can activate our stress response. Spirituality significantly influences our limbic system by promoting a sense of connection. This involves fostering connection with ourselves, those around us, and a higher purpose. These connections can offer comfort, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance our sense of purpose, thereby relaxing the stress response and increasing feel-good neurotransmitters. This connection can look different for each of us. Depending on what feels right for you, it could be setting aside some special time for meditation, prayer, or journaling; a meaningful conversation with a friend; or a quiet walk in the woods.
Spirituality also provides meaning and purpose in our lives. When we connect with our inner selves, we’re able to see our values, those things that matter most to us. Living according to these values brings meaning to our daily lives. And meaning absolutely doesn’t mean something huge. It can be as simple as prioritizing calm and connection. When I first began exploring my meaning and purpose, I recognized my need for more connection with my family. I made a decision that any time someone walked into the room, I’d look up from whatever I was doing and smile. It was such a small thing, but it made a huge impact in my life and in theirs.
And finally, spirituality fosters growth and adventure. As much as we strive for comfort in our lives, we still crave growth. As hard as it is to admit, sitting on a beach in Hawaii for weeks on end, no matter how gorgeous, would soon get boring. Spirituality encourages a sense of curiosity and exploration in the world around us that brings feelings of awe, gratitude and deeper connection with ourselves, others, and our world.
| Who am I? Try to go beyond your roles or activities (ex. I am a mother, wife, cancer survivor, scrapbooker) and connect with the deeper parts of yourself. What do I want? Look past the surface-level circumstances and look into your heart’s deeper desires, such as joy, connection, or peace of mind. What are my values? Think about those things beyond the external, that are most important to you; those things that bring joy or meaning to your life. |
There are many ways to incorporate spirituality in our lives. Some places to start are:
- Pay attention to how you’re feeling. Connecting with yourself, your feelings and emotions, is an important part of spirituality.
- Reflect on your values and beliefs. What do you truly believe in? What are the core values that guide your life? By identifying these, you can start to build a strong foundation for authentic connection.
- Engage in self-discovery. Dedicate time to exploring your interests, passions, and desires. Try new activities and experiences that resonate with you, allowing you to learn more about yourself and what brings you joy and fulfillment.
- Connecting with others. Opening your heart and feeling empathy are key aspects of spirituality. It can be as simple as a smile, or setting aside special time for deeper conversation with a dear friend.
- Connecting with nature. Sitting or walking in nature can allow us to deeply connect with that which is greater than ourselves. If getting outside isn’t possible, try nature videos or connecting with a pet. The feelings of peace and awe can greatly reduce the stress response.
- Meditation. Spending time sitting quietly in meditation or prayer is a good way to connect more deeply with yourself and your values.
- Practicing gratitude. Start a gratitude journal and record what you’re grateful for each day. This can be a great reminder of what’s most important to you and what brings you happiness.
Nurturing spirituality can be an important tool in promoting your overall wellbeing, regardless of the unique challenges you face in your life. It offers a way to reconnect with yourself and others, instills purpose, encourages growth, and helps to calm the limbic system through feelings of safety and connection. It can give a deeper understanding of your values, desires, and connections.
If incorporating spirituality is new for you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How can you take small steps to incorporate spirituality into your neural retraining program and your daily life?
If you’ve been practicing spirituality, what are the tools that work for you? What would you add to the list above? What would it look like to expand your practice and go deeper?
Connection with others is a big part of my spiritual practice, so as always, I’d love to hear from you!
