Much of our lives are controlled by the ego, which makes us see ourselves as separate and focused on the roles we play, our judgments, and what others think of us. Real growth comes when we understand we are spiritual beings having a human experience and connect with our deeper soul, beyond the ego.
Building real connections with others is important for our mental, emotional, and physical health. Research shows that being connected can lower anxiety, depression, and even improve survival rates. To find balance and happiness, we need to accept life’s ups and downs, let go of resistance, and connect with others on a soul level, bringing unity and healing.
Research
- Greenfield Emily A., Vaillant George E., and Marks Nadine F.. 2009. Do formal religious participation and spiritual perceptions have independent linkages with diverse dimensions of psychological well-being? Journal of Health and Social Behavior 50: 196–212. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Einolf Christopher J. 2013. Daily spiritual experiences and prosocial behavior. Social Indicators Research 110: 71–87. [Google Scholar]
- Rudaz Myriam, Ledermann Thomas, and Grzywacz Joseph G.. 2019. The influence of daily spiritual experiences and gender on subjective well-being over time in cancer survivors. Archive for the Psychology of Religion 41: 157–71. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Rudaz Myriam, Ledermann Thomas, and Grzywacz Joseph G.. 2018. Spiritual coping, perceived growth, and the moderating role of spiritual mindfulness in cancer survivors. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology 36: 609–23. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- McClure Paul K., and Wilkinson Lindsay R.. 2020. Attending substance abuse groups and identifying as spiritual but not religious. Review of Religious Research 62: 197–218. [Google Scholar]
- https://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/#:~:text=People%20who%20feel%20more%20connected,trusting%20and%20cooperating%20with%20them
- https://thefpr.org/wp-content/uploads/ryff_eudaimonia.pdf