Spirituality

Spirituality

Spirituality can be a way to find purpose and meaning in life. A key part of happiness is the sense that life is worthwhile. We need a sense of meaning to feel that we matter, that our life isn’t futile, and that we have some control over our fate. A sense of meaning for our lives improves our self-esteem.

Spirituality can help provide meaning by giving us:

• Transcendence; a sense of being part of something larger
• Purpose and mission in life
• A way to find meaning in ordinary and traumatic events
• Satisfaction for our need for explanation
• A sense of permanence

A spiritual practice or faith tradition also encourages us to value and cultivate positive emotions that are linked to happiness, such as:

• Awe
• Inspiration
• Joy
• Love
• Contentment
• Gratitude
• Reverence
• Generosity
• Compassion
• Peace
• Security
• Wholeness

People who experience more positive emotions are happier than those who experience fewer positive emotions, even if the level of negative emotions is the same.

Sources:
The How of Happiness, by Sonja Lyubomirsky
Happiness, by Ed Diener and Robert Biswas-Diener
Psychology Today