We talk a lot about synthesizing the various aspects of our lives into a harmonious and fruitful mix. Which, of course, will be different for everyone. As you can tell, I’m avoiding the term, balance, because I don’t want to give the impression there is some “equaling out” of our life components and I don’t believe there is some magical arrangement that works for everyone. But, we can at least agree we must consider, for example, our mental, emotional/social, physical, and spiritual should work together to support our overall health and well-being. Or, as some may say, there needs to be coordination between personal and professional pursuits.
What I’d like to posit here is that the spiritual component is woven through all the other components no matter how you divide or label them. There is enough weight involved with the spiritual component to warrant it’s own category for sure, but it may be that it’s real value is in how it shows up in the rest of your life. It plays a role in every part of your life.
Your practice of spirituality answers the question, Why?
Most notably in social interactions the question “Why?” demands an answer. Why do I care about my daily personal interactions? Why would I care for my neighbor as myself? Heck, why do I even offer a minimum level of civility to those around me?
Your answers could be as shallow as, “Because it would be illegal to follow through with what I’m really thinking” or “It benefits me professionally to be kind to others”. Your response could come from a deep desire to find meaning in life by reducing pain and alleviating sorrow in the world. Or, just plain karma; you act right because it can serve you well somehow.
Whatever your reasoning, you can see it would be difficult to make a social-related decision without a spiritual foundation to base it upon. I don’t expect that your decision-making thought process is quite so detailed and comprehensive; it just happens. But deep inside a belief system has been set up which subconsciously informs your decisions.
Spirituality is also woven into your physical decisions. For instance, how do you care for your body? Possibly personal care may be for preservation–a healthy body lasts longer. Is it because a divine creator has deemed your body a temple? Or, just because you don’t want to check out of this life any sooner than you have to. It’s possible you want to look appealing to others. Nothing wrong with that, but we must admit this is closely connected to our emotional/social component, which is influenced by our spiritual stance–knowingly or not.
The point is, this is worth sorting out! Taking the time to really understand the belief system which guides your spirituality, and by extension, all other aspects of your life is crucial. Making a deliberate decision on this belief system is an exercise most people overlook. And since the “most people” result is not good enough for you, it’s time to do some reflection (and possibly correction).
Whether you, like I, subscribe to the idea of a Creator, or the writings of honored wise men, or simple time-tested principles, or even a system you’ve compiled, it’s necessary to embrace it and deliberately implement it. Watch it invade all areas of your life. Watch it tie things together with a common “Why” and give meaning and purpose and, dare I say, balance to your entire existence.
It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.