Padre's Corner - Resilience: Spiritual health and well-being

August 9, 2023 - Padre Kevin Sam, Chaplain

As military personnel, we want to develop our physical health and mental well-being.

One’s spiritual well-being is something that might be ignored because we naturally associate spirituality with religion. Although the two are interconnected, they are different.

Spiritual health can be an elusive topic. The irony is that robust spiritual health is an essential part of what makes each person healthy and balanced. It is like food for the soul and ought not be ignored.

When a person is spiritually unwell or unbalanced, it might go unnoticed for a while until it negatively affects one’s personal, family and work life.

How do we know when there is imbalance in one’s spiritual health and well-being? The following from the Spiritual Health and Well-Being Continuum (borrowed from our Sentinels training) lists different indicators:

• life has lost its meaning and purpose;
• feeling hopeless about one’s life and future;
• unable to forgive oneself or others;
• feeling isolated and no sense of belongingness;
• one’s worldview or what one believed as sacred is now shattered;
• lacking in clear morals, values or beliefs;
• consumed by inner conflicts and struggles; and
• unable to respect the values and beliefs of others.

As military personnel, we desire to be in the green zone. Sometimes we might find ourselves in the yellow. When we find ourselves in the orange or red zones, there is the potential of inner conflict and struggle.

If we allow ourselves to go unchecked for a long period of time, one might find oneself facing a seemingly insurmountable struggle in one or more of the areas indicated above. It can potentially have a negative impact on our relationships at home and work.

Being healthy spiritually is a vital part of being a healthy human being. From time to time, a person needs to take stock and assess the condition of one’s inner well-being. As military members, we do not ignore our physical and mental health.

Just like physical resilience is developed through good nutrition and regular exercise, spiritual resilience is also built up through positive spiritual practices. Some practise spiritual exercises within their religious practice. The spiritual does not necessarily have to be a religious practice, but such practices can be very helpful.

Throughout the centuries, people and cultures have found multiple of ways to cultivate their spiritual health and well-being through various religious and spiritual practices. I compare religion and spirituality to the physiological body where the skeletal structure gives support to the body’s muscles and sinews. As such, religion also helps give structure to help foster and cultivate spirituality.

To a degree, every person already has a sense of spirituality and has the potential to deepen this. A robust spiritual well-being will only strengthen one’s sense of hope, meaning, purpose, and the ability to forgive oneself and others. These are positive traits that help individuals navigate life’s challenges. The more of these strengths we can develop in our lives, the more resilient we become.

What can help? Find ways to practise healthy spirituality. Here is a list of some ideas that can help enhance one’s spiritual health and well-being:

1. take time to meditate and/or pray;
2. clear your space (mental and physical) and practise mindfulness;
3. reflect on the meaning of life and your purpose in this world;
4. journal and reflect on what you are grateful for;
5. read inspirational and spiritual books/materials;
6. connect with a religious or spiritual community;
7. practise forgiveness of self and of others;
8. disconnect from technology, slow down and take nature walks; and
9. go on spiritual retreats.

If you are seeking to enhance your spirituality, it may be helpful to seek out a chaplain or a religious/spiritual leader who will be able to offer some guidance in this area. They will be glad to help steer you in the right direction.