Spirituality is the aspect of ourselves that extends beyond our physical body and includes our purpose and our nature. For some people, this may be an aspect of their religious beliefs, but the two are not the same for everyone. At Cottonwood, in Tucson, Arizona, we promote behavioral health through whole-person care, which includes spiritual practices. For 25 years, we have utilized this strategy to help people recover from mental health and substance use disorders, as well as process addictions and eating disorders.
Differences Between Religion and Spirituality
For some people, their religion may be an important part of how they see themselves and how they live their lives. For others, organized religion may have played a part in the trauma they have experienced, or it may simply not fit into their view of their own life. They may be more spiritual than religious.
Spirituality
Spirituality is sometimes described as a “personal quest for meaning in life”, which may or may not involve religion. There is often not a “correct” or “incorrect” way to practice spirituality. An atheist or secular practitioner of yoga may not subscribe to a religion, but may still engage in spiritual practices that increase their connection to nature, themselves, or other people.
Religion
Religion is generally an organized system of beliefs, practices, and rituals centered around a higher power or divine presence. Most religions possess sacred texts, guiding principles, and moral codes that followers are expected to follow. Failure to adhere to these rules can sometimes result in consequences, such as exclusion from communal worship or the necessity for acts of penance or reconciliation.
Religious communities often gather at specific times—typically on designated days of the week—for worship, prayer, and shared rituals. These gatherings are frequently led by spiritual leaders, such as priests, pastors, imams, or rabbis, who help interpret religious teachings and provide guidance to followers. For many people, especially older adults and individuals from minority communities, religion can function as a vital source of identity, comfort, and connection. Some of the world’s major religions include Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism.
Navigating Crisis Through Spirituality
While spirituality is often a daily practice, for many people, it is most helpful during times of great struggle, such as:
- Death of a loved one
- Natural disasters
- Divorce
- Mental health crisis
Benefits of Spirituality
Whether a person’s spiritual practices include an organized religion or not, research has found that spirituality has its benefits:
- Lower odds of developing anxiety and depression
- Increased sense of connection to the self, other people, and a higher power or nature
- Enhanced ability to transcend suffering and pain
- May decrease suicidal ideation
- Helping people to define their values
- Improved health outcomes
- May decrease substance use
- Offering a sense of purpose
- Providing hope
- Can offer structure and routine
- Increased life satisfaction
Ways to Practice Spirituality
Spiritual practices vary from person to person, but some ways that people explore their spirituality include:
- Attending religious services or classes
- Meditating
- Spending time in nature or with animals
- Engaging in the arts
- Reading sacred texts or related materials
- Gathering with other people
- Exercising
- Practicing yoga
- Engaging in gratitude
- Acupuncture
- Singing
- Dancing
- Connecting with ancestors
- Visiting a location with strong spiritual ties
At Cottonwood, we see our patients as more than their diagnoses and more than the sum of their parts. They are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual beings, with intrinsic value and dignity, whose overall well-being requires nurturing all of the various aspects of their existence. Behavioral health treatment that takes a holistic approach embraces the different ways that people may experience spirituality and incorporates each individual’s unique spiritual views into their care plan, alongside therapy, medication, nutrition, exercise, and more. By treating a person holistically, it is possible to help them heal from pain, restore harmony, and live a more balanced life. Our team is dedicated to improving the lives we touch through honesty, competence, perseverance, passion, respect, and teamwork.
