UNFOLDING THE SPIRITUAL SELF
THE INNER SELF
SPIRITUALITY
Spirituality is “the aspect of the self that is associated to an
individual’s process of seeking and expressing meaning and how he
or she is connected to the self, to others, to the moment and to
everything else that composes his/her environment, including the
sacred and significant.” (Puchalski, 2014)
Spirituality is “any experience that is thought to bring the
experiencer in contact with the divine; it is not just any experience
that feels meaningful.” (Beauregard and O’Leary, 2007)
SPIRITUALITY
• Spirituality is also posited as “the individual’s personal
relation to the sacred or transcendent, a relation that then
informs other relationships and the meaning of one’s own
life.” (Sinnott, 2002)
• Spirituality is the “personal and private beliefs that
transcend the material aspects of life and give a deep sense
of wholeness, connectedness, and openness to the infinite.”
(Myers, 2000)
SPIRITUALITY
1. Spirituality talks about meaning and purpose that go beyond the physical realities
of life. Going through development, people are inevitably programmed to make
realizations about life, and those insights are not always about observable
phenomena or environmental experiences.
2. Spirituality is focused on a person’s connections to different aspects of his/her
existence: to other people, to nature, and to sacredness and divinity. In the pursuit
of and applying meaning to one’s life, relationships are created and sustained not
only with people but with other life forms or with a higher being.
3. Spirituality talks about the sacred and transcendent. It is a general belief that in
this vast universe, there is a force higher than the self.
RELIGIOSITY
Religiosity is defined as the adherence to a belief system and
practices associated with a tradition in which there is agreement
about what is believed and practiced. It is a formal attachment to
the set of beliefs, values, and practices of a particular religious
sect. It includes specific practices, proscriptions (what should not
be done and avoided), and participation in a specific community
that shares the same beliefs and practices.
SPIRITUALITY VS RELIGIOSITY
• Religiosity is communal, then spirituality is individual.
• In religiosity, beliefs and practices are within religious groups, and religious
commitment, conservatism, and skepticism are manifested. Spiritual
attributes include the need for spiritual quest, ecumenical worldviews,
compassion, service, and inner peace.
• A person can possess spirituality even his/she does not subscribe to any
religion. Spiritual models are present everywhere. They function for
respondents as exemplars or spiritual qualities, such as compassion, self-
control, or faith. Thus, a person can be spiritual without being religious.
WHAT DOES SPIRITUALITY BRING TO ONE’S LIFE?
For many people, the search for sacredness and
transcendence can bring positive consequences to life. A
spiritual person finds contentment and serenity in his/her
life circumstances. Through spirituality, questions such as
“am I a good person?” and “how can I live my life to the
fullest?” are answered. Most importantly, spirituality allows
one to become resilient amidst challenges and roadblocks
that occur in daily life.
HOW CAN SPIRITUALITY BE ENHANCED?
The best way of enhancing spirituality lies within the self.
Constant reflection and meditation of life choices and
decisions, developing empathy and compassion toward
other people, and having faith in a higher being can
enhance spiritual intelligence. It is not about finding
meaning in life, but rather, how meaning is applied to
life.
CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE
THE SELF AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The spiritual self is not only tied in one’s connection with a higher
being and other people; it is also related to how people relates to
nature.
Religiosity aside, a significant number of people have made serious
commitments to nature by taking care of animals, pledging advocacy
for environmental issues, and practicing daily behaviors that
manifest a growing concern for the world. These are embodied in the
concepts of affinity with nature and ecopsychology.
AFFINITY WITH NATURE
Affinity with nature can be defined as the ties
that bind people and nature together. It can also
mean nature connectedness, defined as the
extent to which individuals include nature as part
of their identity. If people feel that they are one
with nature, then destroying it can mean self-
destruction and vice versa.
ECOPSYCHOLOGY
Ecopsychology shares many similarities with the concept of
having affinity with nature. It is concerned with the fundamental
interconnections between humans and the natural world through
a phenomenological and sensorial link, and the integration of
practices based on the notion that direct contact with the
natural world has healing potential.
AFFINITY WITH NATURE VS ECOPSYCHOLOGY
Affinity with nature highlights the emotional connection
with nature, anchored on positive affective experiences
and authentic love for nature.
Ecopsychology is based on a transpersonal and philosophical
relationship with nature, highlighting beliefs and practices
that promote and enhance ecological, personal, and
community sustainability.
HOW CAN AFFINITY WITH NATURE &
ECOPSYCHOLOGY BE DEVELOPED?
• Just like other aspects of self, these are brought about
by experiences with nature and observations about the
environment.
• Locations may also account for the environmental values
and attitudes an individual has; individuals living in rural
areas are more likely to be mindful of the environment,
compared to urban residents.
How are connections with nature established
and improved?
1. It is not enough that one simply conforms to what society says about taking care
of the environment. Developing an open mind and adopting a philosophical
perspective that advocates for environmental protection and sustainability is
important.
2. The emergence of technology has hampered people’s engagement with outside
activities. It is important to go out, explore the world, immerse oneself in the
beauty of nature, and foster ecologically healthy lifestyles.
3. While not all people are meant for being active environmental advocates,
incremental behaviors toward protecting the environment cam go a long way. In
taking care of nature, an individual also takes care of himself/herself, thus
contributing to optimal, healthy development.
DISCOVERING THE MEANING OF LIFE
WELL-BEING & LIFE SATISFACTION
Well-being, being intrinsic in nature, is an inner, personal
construct, associated with self-esteem, ans self-understanding.
It is how good one feels about himself/herself.
Life satisfaction is also intrinsic but in this case, it is the general
attitude towards life. When well-being and life satisfaction are
present, happiness naturally flow.
LIFE SATISFACTION
• However, in some cases, happiness is generally regarded as the
emotional result of life satisfaction. Happiness can be subjective
and temporal while life satisfaction is more encompassing.
• Life satisfaction can refer to the desire to change one’s life,
satisfaction with the past, satisfaction with the future, and
significant other’s views of one’s life (Diener, et al., 1999). It is
also associated with quality of life.
FACTORS INFLUENCING WELL-BEING & LIFE SATISFACTION
Personal factors such as personality (such as openness to experience
and extraversion), cognition, physical health, and vigor have been
associated with well-being and life satisfaction.
Environmental conditions contribute to individual life satisfaction.
Socio-economic status, home and social environment, interpersonal
relationships, and education also influence one’s well-being and life
satisfaction.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE WITH HIGH
LEVELS OF WELL-BEING & LIFE SATISFACTION
• Effective self-perception. Being able to change their attitude about themselves and engage in self-
monitoring to minimize negative attitudes.
• Realistic self-esteem and self-acceptance. Self-valuation and self-respect.
• Control of behavior. Behavior awareness and regulation.
• True perception of the world. Harboring healthy perceptions of their environment and place within it.
• Sustaining relationships and affection. Manifesting empathy and sharing of positive emotions with others.
• Self-direction and productivity. Making sure their goals and behaviors are aligned to their core values and
conscious beliefs of themselves.
