The months of December and January are a time of religous significance for many people. Numerous religious holidays are celebrated during a six week period of time. All of the additional preparation for the holiday can actually detract from the day itself.
One ingredient, in the form of a character strength, will enhance your holiday season. That character strength is spirituality. Peterson and Seligman state in their book, Character Strengths and Virtues (2004), that while the specific content of spiritual beliefs varies, all cultures have a concept of an “ultimate, transcendent, sacred and divine force.”
Spirituality is universal. It can mean religousness, faith, or purpose. When you are spiritual, you have coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. It is about knowing where you fit within the larger scheme of life. Finally, it involves having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape your conduct and provide comfort.
According to Pargament and Mahoney in their book, Spirituality: the Discovery and conservation of the Sacred (2002), spirituality represents the key and unique function of religion. They view spirituality as a search for the sacred. They believe there are a number of paths to choose from in order to discover and conserve the sacred.
In addition, spirituality and religous beliefs and practices are positively associated with altruism, kindness, volunteerism and forgiveness. These beliefs and practices can:
-
Help you cope during stressful life events.
-
Increase a sense of purpose and meaning in your life.
-
Decrease alientation.
-
Improve the quality of relationships between people and in families.
You can increase your character strength of spirituality. To enhance your sense of meaning and purpose during this holiday season, try several of the following suggestions:
- Take 5 minutes daily to relax and think about the meaning and purpose of life and what this means to you.
- Journal your thoughts about the meaning and purpose of life.
- Talk with others you respect and trust about your thoughts on this topic.
- Go to several religious services and think about what meaning each one has for you.
- Notice if your everyday actions have any spiritual significance. If not, think of ways to make your actions and your values match.
No matter what your religious beliefs are, I hope you will take time to deepen your spiritual self, enjoy being with family and friends and have fun. Make this your brightest holiday season ever.
Happy Holidays!
Action Step: Choose one or two of the above suggestions and use them for the next 3 weeks. Notice how they make you feel. Develop a plan that lets you continue to use at least one of the suggestions throughout the coming year, or try a different one. Share what your expeience is in the comment box below.
To your success,
Maurine
