Living your best life as a man demands balance between many factors. Two that are easily neglected are mental and spiritual health. For many American men the idea of "spirituality" brings to mind rituals and church services, boring sermons, and even superstitions. The realm of the spirit is often misunderstood and neglected when it has everything to do with who you are as a person. Explore how nurturing your spirit can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Understanding True Spirituality
It's also not about using "super powers" to battle unseen forces or to "claim territories" demons have taken over; it's about winning the war within your mind. Spiritual combat is the war inside to learn to control what and how you think and how your life unfolds as a result.
Essentially, your spirit is that person inside your body that looks back at you when you look into the mirror each morning. It's that part of you that thinks and feels. It's YOU. Your consciousness. Your "insides". That spirit has a complex relationship to your mental health. In fact, there are a few things we need to settle before moving further. Here are the terms I am using and what they mean in this blog.
Important Terms and Their Meanings
These are not from a textbook. They are just general summaries to ensure we can communicate.
- "Spiritual" relates to your self, your consciousness, and includes feelings, emotions, attitudes, thoughts, and awareness.
- "Mind" is a subset of the spiritual. While it can overlap and include emotions, it generally relates to the thinking part of our being.
- "Feelings" and "emotions" relate to motivational processes that affect the body with the intent of causing it to act. (It may sound strange to need to clarify this, but think for a moment how you would describe an "emotion".)
- "Attitude" relates to the general direction our thoughts and feelings are taking.
- "Mental health" relates to the overall process of how you use your emotions and thoughts to direct yourself.
- "Spiritual health" relates to your overall development and existence and includes mental health, physical health, attitudes, thinking patterns, and processes of growth and maturation. The Bible gives nine attributes to describe the attributes of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes should not be misunderstood to be merely emotions, but include all parts of our development as humans, including the physical.
To be more direct for this article, mental health relates to how you use your mind, what your thinking patterns are while spirituality relates to who is using the mind and thinking patterns. With this in mind, let's consider a popular thought in Christian circles that you might have heard before: Spiritual Warfare.
Debunking Spiritual Warfare Myths
Popular religious culture paints a picture of "spiritual warfare" (in many Christian traditions) as a never-ending fight between great spiritual beings called angels and demons. This battle rages at all times in unseen realms we call the "spiritual realms", and the battle is for your soul or spirit. The winner takes all, and Satan (the enemy of God), sends his minions to take people hostage and force them into actions that will ultimately destroy the people they affect. (It should be noted that much of what popular religious leaders teach about these things leans more on the imagination than what the Bible actually teaches.) This leaves very little to our own control and does us no good (from a practical point of view) in spiritual development.
That popular opinion is NOT what this message it about. That subject might be the focus of future articles, but here are a few foundational ideas that guide this discussion.
- The things that demons and angels might do may affect us, but not control us. We cannot control such beings, but we can learn to control ourselves in spite of what unseen forces may do. Because of this, there is no practical use for constant vigilance or worry about what is going on behind the scenes. Things happen. We can predict many of them and learn to control ourselves no matter what other forces may do.
- There is a balance that is set. We have freedom to choose how we will live. No being is allowed to force compliance, but they are allowed influence through words and ideas.
- "Spiritual warfare" therefore relates to the things we CAN control - ourselves. And that is what I will focus on in this article - those things we can know and control.
[Whatever you believe about these things, please keep an open mind and read all of this before passing judgment.]
So, to define terms, "spiritual warfare" isn't about defeating unseen spiritual enemies or engaging in supernatural battles. Instead, spiritual warfare is about:
- Conquering negative or harmful thought patterns
- Overcoming self-doubt and fear
- Cultivating resilience in the face of life's challenges
- Learning to think clearly and according to reality
- Learning to act in ways that will develop your spirit and cause it (you) to grow
Spiritual warfare is about the battle within you to develop your spirit and become the best "you" that can exist given your limitations.
The Mind-Spirit Connection
At its core, spiritual growth is intrinsically linked to how we think and perceive our existence. By studying and applying specific teachings found in the Bible, we can:
- Develop a more positive outlook on life
- Gain wisdom to control and direct our emotions
- Find purpose and meaning in life
- Learn how to function best in our situations of life
- Learn about the nature of God, ourselves, and of our future
Cultivating Spiritual Growth: Connecting with the Divine
As men, we often focus on achievements. We define ourselves by the things we do. But true fulfillment comes from internal growth, not just "success" in the workplace. Understanding how your spirit relates to God can provide a foundation for this internal growth and help you live your best life.
The Spirit-God Relationship
Our spirits are the essence of who we are, and we can "connect" with God through understanding His nature. This connection isn't about mere religious rituals. Here is what this connection is:
- Developing a personal relationship with God by learning the truth about Him, accepting that truth as it relates to us, and living it
- Seeking guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding
- Finding comfort and strength in times of struggle
We are looking at basic ideas of what you can do to grow in your spirit, but to do that we should at least consider the Source of our spirits and bodies. This brings us to the concept of God.
By cementing a deeper understanding of God, we can appreciate the complex ideas associated with our own spirits. So, the first step in learning about ourselves would be to learn more about the One who created us.
Here are some basic principles about His nature as a starter:
- God is spirit. That will mean that He thinks differently than us, but since we also have a spirit, His thinking is not inaccessible to us.
- He is the creator of all things that had a beginning, both spiritually and physically. That in part means that God is able to accomplish anything that is possible to be done.
- He is eternal in all of His attributes.
By understanding those things, we can see who we might be since the Bible teaches that we were created in His image. That does not mean we are eternal beings perfect in all our ways. It means that we have attributes from Him. One of those is that we have a spirit given by Him.
Our role in life relates to nurturing and developing that spirit.
Nurturing Your Spirit Through Practice
Physical vs. Spiritual Pursuits
Our physical attributes are mostly obvious and relate to the needs of our bodies, but pursuing the needs of the body can be far more than pursuing food and clothing. Our physical pursuits dip into the spiritual. There is unavoidable overlap between the two. That duality means that we can sometimes pursue physical goals while thinking that they are inherently spiritual ones. Learning about yourself and learning the truths of the spiritual realm can help you avoid that tendency.
Pursuing spiritual actions or goals is the way to grow spiritually. Since these are less obvious goals, we may refer to the process as "nurturing our spirits". We are supporting ourselves in pursuing what we know to be spiritual so that our spiritual selves can grow and thrive. Otherwise we are going to find negativity and lack of purpose in life as well as a sense that life is useless and vain. Spirituality and spiritual growth cause you to judge the physical realm to be useless also, but with a nurtured spirit you will be able to accept that reality much more productively. So, learn to nurture your spirit.
A note of caution. Sometimes we confuse spiritual and emotional. Those are not the same. In fact, emotions are primarily signals in the brain that trigger chemical reactions, so they are physical properties, not spiritual ones. That's not to say that the spiritual realm cannot create an emotion within. It simply means that pursuing an emotion (like happiness) is not the same as pursuing a spiritual goal, like patience. Refer back to the "fruit of the spirit" listed earlier. Those are far more than emotions.
To nurture our spirit we must put it to use. Since the spirit is who we are, that simply means that we engage ourselves in spiritual pursuits. Just as we exercise our bodies, we must also exercise our spirits.
Some practices that can help strengthen your spiritual side:
- Regular meditation and prayer
- Studying scripture with an open mind
- Engaging in acts of service and kindness related to the studies you perform
- Practicing gratitude and mindfulness
The Fruit of the Spirit: Living Out Divine Qualities
The "fruit of the Spirit" refers to characteristics that manifest in a person's life as they grow spiritually. These qualities not only reflect a connection with God but also contribute to mental wellness. Frankly speaking, many emotional or mental problems relate not to a physical problem but a spiritual one that manifests as a physical one. I'm not going to suggest that if you have emotional or mental difficulties that just means you are not spiritual enough. No! That's not what I mean. Let me explain.
For the last 70+ years, our culture has increasingly moved away from spiritual concepts. As a result, many people don't recognize that they have spiritual needs that require nourishment.
When we ignore our spiritual side - or try to fill it with poor substitutes - it can lead to real problems. Think about it: when was the last time a doctor asked about your prayer life during a checkup?
I'm not suggesting that there are no real physical problems, of course. Not all physical problems are rooted in spirituality. But since it's not easy to see the spiritual side of things, looking into the spiritual side of a physical problem should be standard practice. Once eliminated, we can look more to the physical.
Beyond a shadow of doubt, ignoring the spiritual or treating the spiritual as if it were physical is not going to help you thrive in the spiritual realm. It's inviting trouble that you may not even know is there because you are uninformed about the nature of it all.
Even more, purely physical problems can be helped by spiritual development. Spirituality won't solve physical problems, but spirituality will help you endure them and manage them. So, whether your problems are physical or spiritual, working on and developing your spirituality will only help you. When you see a doctor, he ought to ask about your spiritual life because that spiritual side contributes to your health too.
Understanding the Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is listed in the book of Galatians in the Bible and includes:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
What is stated about these is fascinating and shows the nature of spirituality. The author (Paul) writing through the Holy Spirit said that there is no law against any of those things. Essentially that means nothing and no one can limit that growth. The only exception is that we ourselves can limit our own growth simply by refusing to grow in those areas. Look at that list and ask yourself, "Is there anything there I wouldn't want to have in abundance?"
Cultivating Spiritual Fruit for Mental Health
By focusing on developing these qualities, we can:
- Reduce anxiety through increased peace and patience
- Combat depression by fostering joy and love
- Improve relationships through kindness and gentleness
- Gain resilience through faithfulness and self-control
- And so much more!
I want to encourage you to begin a journey of growth in those areas, for your own sake. This website is for your growth and to support you in that process and journey.
Living from the Spirit Out: Finding Purpose and Motivation
When we align our lives with our spiritual core, we often discover a sense of purpose that goes beyond mere survival or the expectations of others. This alignment is a powerful tool in combating depression and anxiety by providing a deeper meaning to our daily experiences.
Defining Purpose Through Spiritual Connection
Living from the spirit out means:
- Identifying your unique gifts and talents that God has blessed you with
- Understanding how these gifts can serve a higher purpose than your life
- Aligning your actions with your spiritual values
Spiritual Motivation in Daily Life
When we're motivated by spiritual principles, we can:
- Find strength to persevere through challenges
- Make decisions that align with our core values
- Experience a sense of fulfillment beyond material success
Recognizing Spiritual Warning Signs: When Things Go Awry
Just as physical health has indicators of illness, our spiritual well-being can also show signs of distress. Recognizing these warnings can help men address issues before they escalate into more serious mental health concerns.
Symptoms of Spiritual Disconnect
Watch out for:
- Persistent feelings of emptiness or lack of purpose
- Increased irritability or lack of patience
- Difficulty finding joy in previously enjoyable activities
- A sense of isolation or disconnection from others
The Impact of Spiritual Neglect
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to:
- Deepening depression or anxiety
- Strained relationships
- Loss of direction in life
- Decreased resilience in face of life's challenges
Addressing Spiritual Struggles
If you recognize these signs, consider:
- Seeking guidance from a spiritual mentor or counselor
- Reevaluating your daily practices and priorities
- Engaging in community activities that align with your values
- Exploring new ways to connect with your spiritual side
Conclusion: Embracing the Spiritual Journey
Navigating the path of spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. For men dealing with depression or anxiety, understanding and nurturing your spiritual side can be a powerful aid in growth and coping.
Remember:
- True spirituality is about inner growth, not external battles
- Connecting with your spirit can provide purpose and resilience
- Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit contributes to overall well-being
- Living from your spiritual core can guide you towards a fulfilling life
- Recognizing spiritual warning signs allows for timely course corrections
By embracing this journey, you open yourself to a life of deeper meaning, stronger connections, and improved mental health.
If you're on this mental health journey with me, say hello in the comments!
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I'm Jason Sparks and I empower men aged 30-45 to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and find purpose through a holistic approach to personal development, integrating spiritual growth, career stability, and natural healing methods. Join me on Facebook for free. JOIN
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