by: Maurine Patten
The months of December and January are a time of religious significance for many people. Numerous religious holidays will be celebrated during a six week period of time. All of the additional busyness and 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 religiousness, 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 religious 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 alienation.
- 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 purpose of life and what this means to you.
- Take 5 minutes daily and think about things you can do to improve your family, community, or the world.
- Read a religious/spiritual book or article.
- Spend a few minutes daily in meditation or prayer.
- Notice if your everyday actions have any spiritual significance. If not, think of ways to make your actions and your values match.
- Go to several religious services and think about what meaning each one has for you.
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.
