Before you jump to any conclusion, let me define spirituality. I’m using Brené Brown’s definition:
Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.
What Brené and others have noticed is that spiritual people tend to be more resilient. Also, more whole-hearted. They seem more at peace—with themselves and with the world. Spirituality blends four positive emotions—hope, love, serenity, and awe—into a mindset, or maybe a way of being. Not surprisingly, one feels calmer, more connected. Add some gratitude to that and you get a kind of wellness kaleidoscope.
Still, for many people, there’s a bit of fear or suspicion around spirituality. Like, if you go there, you might turn into some kind of Jesus freak or end up shouting Bible verses on the street corner. That’s not what I—or Brené—mean. It’s kind of the opposite, actually.
It starts more with awe. With looking up at the stars and thinking, “Wow, I’m tiny and insignificant.” It’s that mix of wonder, smallness, letting go of control—and allowing love and connection to step in. There’s a certain naivety, a gentleness, and a release in that.
Resilience means bouncing back when life feels too much. It means not getting stuck in the present mess but reaching toward a better future. Spirituality supports this—it brings hope. You believe there’s something bigger at work. And in that belief, there’s space for peace. For kindness. For not judging others—or yourself.
Religion works for me, but spirituality doesn’t have to be religious. What I do recommend is: befriend your spiritual centre. Grow into it. Through it. You might just find your shalom there.
"The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are" by Brené Brown