6 Markers of Healthy Spirituality for Mental Health

Over my life, I have been involved in many different styles of Christian denominational expression—or “ice cream flavors,” as I like to say.

From staid conservative Bible fundamentalism to “swinging from the chandeliers” Pentecostalism and social justice activism, I have tasted many different variations.

They all have strengths and weaknesses.

Some aspects of these environments have been incredibly helpful to my mental health, while other aspects have been downright destructive. Because of this journey, people often ask me, “What church should I go to?”

I always answer that question with this foundational statement:

“A church should keep you grounded in reality, connect you with Biblical truth, actively participate in the local community, and promote a healthy spirituality.”

So, What Does a Healthy Spirituality Look Like?

(Adapted from the insights of Dr. David Benner)

1. Grounded in reality and seeing things as they are

• “There is no greater disaster in the spiritual life than to be immersed in unreality, for life is maintained and nourished in us by our vital relation with realities outside and above us. When our life feeds on unreality it must starve and die. The death by which we enter into life is not an escape from reality but a complete gift of ourselves which involves a total commitment to reality.” — Thomas Merton
• “It is the acceptance of what reality can and cannot fulfill that leads to real change because, short of the progressive destruction of illusion and consequent mourning, one cannot discover the world as it is.” — Donald Winnicott
• “Reality itself—my limited and sometimes misinterpreted experience—is the revelatory place for God. But for some reason, we prefer fabricated realities to the strong and sensitizing face of what is. The spiritual life begins with accepting and living our reality.” — Richard Rohr

2. Cultivating deep awareness

• “The spiritual life is, first of all, a matter of keeping awake.” — Thomas Merton
• “We have to accept that we are all sleepwalkers. We need to awaken and we need to learn to see. Spirituality is about seeing. Once you see, the rest follows. Jesus tells us that if our eye is healthy our whole body will be full of light.” — Richard Rohr

3. Maintaining a hopeful openness

• Staying open to life, to others, and to God.
• “The most important question each person has to answer is, ‘Is the universe friendly?'” — Albert Einstein

4. Nurturing a loving connectedness

• Building deep connections with others, with the earth, and with God.
• Embracing true interdependency, as opposed to damaging codependency or isolated independency.

5. Discovering transcendent meaningfulness

• Making sense of personal reality in a way that gives clear direction and purpose to life.
• Developing a psychological and spiritual framework to process failure and suffering.
• Making personal suffering feel sufferable.
• Moving intentionally beyond egocentricity and entitlement.
• Expanding your inner capacity for grace and gratitude.

6. Expanding your capacity for love, work, and play

• Fostering an altruistic, giving attitude toward others.
• Cultivating a healthy sense of personal vocation.
• Reclaiming spontaneity and lighthearted playfulness.

Questions to Consider and Discuss

What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below with your reflections on these questions:

• How would you answer the question, “What church should I go to?”
• What are the primary signs of a healthy spirituality for you personally?
• In what ways can mental illness rob someone of a healthy spirituality?
• In what ways can navigating a mental illness actually lead you toward a healthier spirituality?

Barry Pearman

Photo Credit: Cayusa via Compfight cc

Further Reading

• Soulful Spirituality: Becoming Fully Alive and Deeply Human
• Listening: A Spiritual Habit for Better Mental Health
• Faith and Mental Health: Finding Common Ground