spirit

what we mean by Spirit

    There are multiple meanings of “Spirit” or “spiritual” that are used in our language, so it is important to draw the distinction between how Spirit is used in an Integral Wellness framework. In this case, the spirit module holds that to truly have a comprehensive Integral Wellness practice, it is necessary to engage in some sort of spiritual practice. Just as Integral Wellness Solutions is redefining wellness,  redefining what we mean by “spiritual practice” is a crucial starting point.

    So many of us engage in some form of spiritual practice either intentionally or unintentionally. A spiritual practice may look like a religious practice in terms of prayer. On the other hand, it may simply be taking a walk in nature and soaking up the energy and beauty that surrounds you. Whether a practice seems “spiritual” or not, your awareness and intention when engaging in an activity can classify it as a spiritual practice.

    For instance, someone may be practicing yoga because it helps them sleep better as well as slim their waistline. Another person may approach yoga as a way to calm their mind and open their hearts to enable them to be more compassionate and patient with themselves and others. The second example would constitute a spiritual practice based on the intention, where the first example would not. Since the modules of Integral Wellness are deeply interwoven, you could bring intention and awareness to yoga as both a body as well as spiritual practice and hit two birds with one stone!

not bound by religion

    A religious practice can be spiritual, and a spiritual practice does not have to be religious. In the first case, if you already engage in a religious practice such as prayer, the Integral Wellness framework does not require you to believe anything, nor change your practice. Instead, you are encouraged to bring more intention and awareness to your existing practice as a way to frame your practice as both religious and spiritual.

    If you do not adhere to a specific religion, that is completely fine as well. Something as simple as brining intention and awareness to parenting your child, watching a sunset, or taking deep  mindful breaths, can all be considered a spiritual practice. The practice is intended to calm your mind, open your heart, and lead to a connection to something greater than yourself. From that connection and calm, you are more likely to live a peaceful, ethical, and joyous life.

forms of practice

    As previously discussed, a spiritual practice can take multiple different forms. Some examples of spiritual practice are meditation, prayer, contemplative prayer, walking in nature, practicing non-violent communication, volunteering, yoga, studying spiritual texts, etc. Integral Wellness Solutions does not prescribe or favor any religion or spiritual practice, just encourages you to participate in some form of spiritual practice as a crucial component to embodying Integral Wellness.

    Through articles, the Integral Wellness Blog, and the “Life as Practice” newsletter, you will find different ways to engage the spirit module in a way that allows you to open your mind, your heart, and enable you to live a more peaceful and compassionate existence.