{"id":12678,"date":"2021-07-26T19:08:35","date_gmt":"2021-07-26T18:08:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/more-selfesteem.com\/?page_id=12678"},"modified":"2022-03-01T10:46:32","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T09:46:32","slug":"spiritual-self-care-meaning-and-importance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/more-selfesteem.com\/more-self-esteem\/building-self-esteem\/how-to-deal-with-low-self-esteem\/how-low-self-esteem-affects-your-life\/8-factors-that-affect-self-esteem\/spiritual-self-care-meaning-and-importance\/","title":{"rendered":"Spiritual Self Care – Meaning and Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
When considering how to boost self-esteem, we need to consider all aspects of human nature. This includes a subject that is rarely discussed due to a lack of understanding, the spiritual self. In my experience, spirituality has an important meaning in terms of who we are and how we think and behave every day. I’d like to focus on the link between self spirituality and self-esteem, and why it is a major factor in your self-esteem and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before going any further, let’s look at the meaning of the spiritual self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spiritual (adjective):<\/p>
“Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.”<\/p>Oxford University Press (2020) “Spirituality” In: Lexico.com, Available at: https:\/\/www.lexico.com\/definition\/spiritual<\/a> .<\/em> <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSpirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.\u201d<\/em><\/p>Brene Brown. (2010), The Gifts of Imperfection<\/a>. Published by Hazelden Publishing.<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Spiritual self care is an important aspect of building self esteem.<\/strong> According to Lindgren and Coursey (1995), spiritual beliefs influence self esteem. The spiritual self is driven by religious beliefs and values which are altruistic and not material. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kim (2013) studied the relationship between spirituality and self esteem in middle aged women and found that it affected their self esteem positively. Kim also suggested that the needs of the spiritual self should be considered in psychological treatment of patients suffering from low self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Spiritual Self?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What does it actually mean when we talk about the spiritual self? It is the part of you that sees the bigger picture beyond what is our physical reality. It is the part of you that marvels at the universe, wonders what lies beyond this life. It is the part of you that asks the deeper questions of life.<\/strong> Is there a God? What is the meaning of life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spiritual self has needs. I believe that we all have spiritual needs, but some have more than others. Does an atheist have spiritual needs? I cannot say, as I believe in a God. What exactly that is I am not sure, but I am happy with my spiritual values and beliefs. Are you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you do not have strong beliefs then that is OK. Accept your spiritual truth for what it is. However, if like many millions of us in this world, you have a desire to explore your spiritual side, then go ahead and seek your own personal truth. It may be a difficult journey, but it can help you understand who you are. This can boost your self worth and self esteem<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do some people have no spiritual side to them? I know what I think and am tempted to say everyone has spiritual needs even if they are unaware of them. However, I would prefer to ask others what they think. Some form of research in the shape of a poll may be quite interesting. I will try to add this at some point in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One other thing I would like to say here about this is that the spiritual self seeks truth. But what is truth? Is it different for all of us? Our experiences, tragedies, happy moments and our relationships<\/a> all shape how we see and understand the world. This in turn may shape our own self spirituality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One message in the Bible occurs to me here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He who seeks, finds what he is looking for.<\/p>
Seek and you shall find.<\/p>The Bible<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The important spiritual question here is what will you find when you look?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How and Why Does the Spiritual Self Affect Self Esteem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One main reason why spirituality improves self esteem and well-being is that it gives a person meaning and purpose in life (Kashdan and Nezlek, 2012<\/a>). According to the same study, having a spiritual belief system boosts a person’s sense of purpose in life. It seems rational, given that most religious or spiritual perspectives provide an explanation for our role in the world and also why we exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Religion, and spirituality, may support healthy self esteem by encouraging us to feel part of something much greater than ourselves, and the fact that spiritual and religious philosophies generally emphasize our value as individuals or as members of a community.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spiritual teachings and philosophies about the self generally encourage the view that everything and every being is connected as part of a greater whole. According to Awan and Sitwat, (2014<\/a>), because of our connection to the natural world and to others, we are naturally able to contribute to the world according to our talents and abilities. As a result, we have an important role to play in society and in our surroundings. This boosts one’s self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Use Spirituality To Build Your Self Esteem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In this section we will look more closely at how spirituality can help you to build your self esteem<\/a>. We have already seen that the connection between spirituality and self esteem is strong, but we need to understand how to put this to work for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be A Good Spiritual Example to Others<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If someone pursues spiritual goals such as becoming a more giving and enlightened person, he or she will want to develop positive values that will help others. Being an example to others is part of the spiritual life, and this can increase your self esteem and confidence<\/a>. This is primarily due to improved self-respect, but others may also respond to you more positively, boosting your self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to help others, the best way to do this is by setting a good spiritual example. Let your values and beliefs guide you but make sure that your example is one others will want to follow voluntarily. Your behaviour needs to inspire others to improvement themselves and the world around them. It needs to be selfless and beneficial to others to be appealing. You can never force anyone to accept your spiritual beliefs, you can only be an example for them to aspire to.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be Guided By A Giving Attitude <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When we develop the inner nature of the spiritual self, we aspire to give.This is what most religions and spirituality teaches. Of course, not everyone who believes they are spiritual gives, but the truly good will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A giving nature will help a person develop better relationships and also the act of giving provides a sense of life satisfaction and self-worth. Giving will increase self esteem<\/a> out of a sense of contributing to society and helping others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n