Understanding Spiritualism

Is spirituality and religion the same thing?

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The short answer is ‘no’, although there are some common themes that lie at the core of both.

Religion is a specific set of organised beliefs and practises that are shared by a community, group or sector of society. These are usually set out through historical writings, stories and scriptures, and often follow a God, Gods or enlightened beings (such as Buddhas, Saints, Disciples or Prophets) as role models and teachers of faith.

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Spirituality is more about the inner self and ones own personal beliefs. It is usually an individual recognition and quest in the pursuit of inner peace and purpose, and encourages the practitioner to live life in the moment, to accept the past for what has been, and to see the future as a series of possibilities and opportunities. Spiritualism is not unique to any specific religion but a potential or projection to a different realm beyond the physical world. It is often likened to the essence of the inner soul and enables us to make connections with the Earth, people and nature on a deeper and more attuned level.

 

 

 

Why is spirituality important in mindfulness and wellbeing?

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For most of us, understanding our own spirituality is a life’s work that is derived from our egos, experiences, upbringing, values and cultural backgrounds. As individuals, we are all at different starting points and our complex minds are as unique and individual as our fingerprints.

In the same way we exercise our physical health to maintain a healthy body, we must also consider our spiritual mind so as to maintain good mental health and wellbeing. This takes time and commitment but can have a significant positive impact on our wellness and daily living.

Meditation and mindfulness also help our spirituality in recognising the need and desire to wanting to improve the way in which we

think, feel, behave and live. When we are open to our spiritual selves, we are better placed to accept our shortcomings, seek to change aspects of ourselves that we want to improve, and live more meaningful lives that allow our inner selves to flourish and live in the moment.

After all, “It’s very simple to be happy, but it’s very difficult to be simple"  (Rabindranath Tagore)

 

 

 

Do I need to practise mindfulness and spiritualism in counselling?

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The short answer is ‘no’ although, in the same way religion and spirituality is interlinked, so is spirituality and counselling in that in order to overcome our life challenges, we need to ask ourselves pertinent questions and think differently in order to affect positive change. In doing so, we are automatically improving our wellbeing and mindsets which will positively impact our spiritual selves.

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It is widely recognised from evidence-based research that practising mindfulness (such as meditation and techniques to promote mindfulness and wellbeing) will positively impact and work to improve mental health and, in time, helps us to view the world and our priorities within it differently.

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The ‘Mindfulness and Meditation’ therapy offered by WSM Counselling focuses largely on spiritualism but other therapies will draw upon specific techniques and approaches that support the client with their specific therapy needs. For example, if a client undertakes a ‘Managing Stress and Anxiety’ therapeutical approach, the client-centred process will focus on specific skills and techniques that seek to support the client in achieving their intended goal from the collaborative client-counsellor partnership. In this way, therapy is specific to the client, proactive, focused and works towards an intended outcome.

 

 

 

Further recommended reading:

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‘Why Hasn’t Anyone Told Me This Before?’ by Julie Smith.

This text (also available as an audio book) is a well-written, insightful and easy to follow guide that provides practical tips and techniques that help us to overcome the most common challenges we face in daily living.

 

‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle.

This text contains complex ideas and seeks to lead … ‘readers to new levels of consciousness and inner peace’. It helps us to understand the ego as a positive motivator and life companion that can be adapted and moulded to bring out the very best of us in our quest for living in the moment and identifying with our spiritual self – our inner soul and selves.

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WSM Counselling proposed model for spiritualism and enlightenment: