I’m excited to introduce a new weekly series on spiritual health, a topic that’s incredibly meaningful to me and, I believe, deeply relevant for this time of year.
We’re moving through what I consider to be the most sacred time of the year. Having just celebrated Thanksgiving and looking ahead to Christmas, we’re invited to reflect on the things that matter most in life. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the Yin energy is increasing as the Yang energy of the sun decreases, leading us toward the darkest time of the year.
For some, this season feels emotionally heavy without a strong spiritual connection. For others, it’s a magical time when spiritual health provides the light and strength needed to navigate life’s challenges with meaning and grace.
In this post, I’ll explore what spiritual health means, why it’s so important, and the key elements that can guide you toward deeper spiritual well-being.
A Personal Reflection: Finding Light in Darkness
I filmed this video at Cowell’s Beach in Santa Cruz, California, a place that holds deep significance for me.
This is where, 25 years ago, I had a near-death experience while surfing—an event that profoundly changed the course of my life. During those terrifying moments, I felt the presence of God for the first time. I heard a divine voice, offering me a choice: to let go or to stay and fulfill my purpose.
That experience propelled me on my spiritual journey, shaping the work I do today. As I stood on this beach reflecting on that moment, I realized there was no better place to begin this series on spiritual health than right here, where my journey began.
What Is Spiritual Health?
At its core, spiritual health is about aligning with a higher power—a divine presence or universal truth that gives life purpose and direction.
While spiritual practices like breathwork, meditation, or even astrology can support self-growth, they often lack depth if they’re disconnected from a transcendent higher power. Without this connection, practices can become superficial, overly focused on the self, or even performative.
True spiritual health involves surrender—yielding to something greater than ourselves and trusting in divine guidance. It’s this relationship with the Divine that provides light, strength, and clarity during life’s darkest moments.
The Four Pillars of Spiritual Health
To cultivate spiritual health, there are four key elements to consider:
1. Belief in and Connection with a Higher Power
Spiritual health begins with a connection to something greater than yourself. This might be God, the Divine, or a universal presence that provides support, direction, and purpose. Without this relational aspect, spiritual practices risk becoming hollow.
2. Alignment with Core Values
Spiritual health is about embodying values such as love, compassion, integrity, and humility. It’s less about performing rituals and more about living those values daily. It’s about taking responsibility for your life, being the change you wish to see, and fostering harmony in your relationships and the world around you.
3. Openness to Self-Reflection and Growth
True spiritual health requires the willingness to confront beliefs, habits, and attitudes that darken the heart. These barriers prevent us from fully connecting to a higher power.
Next week, I’ll dive deeper into this topic, exploring “The Things That Darken the Heart” and how we can open ourselves to greater love and healing.
4. Community and Service
While spirituality often begins with self-reflection, it naturally extends outward. When we’re connected to a higher power, we feel a deeper connection to others and the world around us. This inspires us to contribute meaningfully to our communities and care for the Earth.
The Missing Piece in Modern Spirituality
While practices like human design, journaling, and crystal work are wonderful tools for self-growth, they often lack the relational depth that true spiritual health requires.
Spiritual health is about more than personal empowerment—it’s about transcending the self and surrendering to Divine guidance. It’s through this relationship with the Divine that we find lasting peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
How Do You Define Spiritual Health?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you define spiritual health, and are there areas of your life where you feel it could grow?
If you’re seeking more peace and meaning, consider anchoring into a spirituality that’s rooted in something greater—a light that carries you through life’s darkest times.
Many blessings to you, my friend! I look forward to connecting with you again next week as we explore “The Things That Darken the Heart.”
