What Is Spirituality, and Why Is It Important?

When you hear the word spirituality, what comes to mind?

For some, it’s a word that feels inspiring and grounding. For others, it may stir up confusion or even discomfort. We all carry our own stories and definitions around spirituality, which is why it’s important to pause and really unpack what it means.

And just to be clear: today I’m not talking about religion. Instead, let’s focus on spirituality itself — something that touches every human life, whether or not we name it.

What Is Spirituality?

At its core, spirituality is our connection to something larger than ourselves. It’s often described as the search for meaning and purpose in life.

I actually love how broad this definition is, because it allows for many experiences:

For some, spirituality is found in God and faith.
For others, it’s experienced in nature, in creativity, in community, or in the awe of the universe itself.

No matter how we define it, spirituality is about remembering that life isn’t just about our to-do lists, our successes, or our struggles — it’s about belonging to something bigger.

The Three Facets of Health

When we think of health, we often picture two categories: mental health and physical health. We know the importance of exercise, rest, therapy, and self-care.

But there’s a third dimension of health that’s just as essential: spiritual health.

We are whole beings — body, mind, and spirit. When one of those areas is neglected, the whole system feels it.

When Spiritual Health Is Neglected

Have you ever felt burned out, unmotivated, or unable to find meaning in your work or life? You may have thought the problem was physical exhaustion or mental overwhelm — and sometimes it is. But often, those symptoms point to something deeper: a lack of spiritual connection.

Without spirituality, life can start to feel flat and disconnected. We lose sight of the bigger picture, the “why” behind our actions, and the deeper currents that make life worth living.

Why Spirituality Matters

Spirituality matters because it grounds us and gives us perspective. It connects us to hope, to meaning, and to resilience.

It gives us direction. Spirituality reminds us that our choices matter and that our lives are part of a bigger story.
It offers peace. Practices like prayer, meditation, creativity, or time in nature calm our nervous systems and restore our balance.
It fuels resilience. When challenges come, spirituality helps us lift our eyes beyond the immediate problem and remember that there is more to the story.
It builds connection. Spirituality often deepens our relationships — with God, with others, or with the world around us.

In short, spirituality is what helps us live with intention and wholeness.

Nurturing Your Spiritual Health

Just like physical or mental health, spiritual health requires care and intentionality. Here are a few simple ways to nurture it:

Quiet reflection: carve out time for silence, prayer, or meditation.
Creativity: write, paint, sing, or create as a way of expressing what’s in your soul.
Nature: spend time outdoors, noticing beauty and reconnecting with wonder.
Community: seek conversations and relationships that draw you deeper into meaning.

Journaling Prompts

When do I feel most connected to something bigger than myself?
How do I currently nurture my spiritual health, and where am I neglecting it?
What practices bring me a sense of peace, wonder, or meaning?
If I viewed my life as part of a larger story, how would that change how I live today?
Where might my feelings of burnout or emptiness be pointing to a deeper spiritual need?

Spirituality is not about adopting the “right” definition — it’s about leaning into connection, meaning, and wholeness. When we give time to our spiritual health, we discover not just who we are, but who we are becoming.

WAVES OF EXPRESSION