Strong Families, Quality #3: Spiritual Well-Being

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Spiritual well-being is the feeling one has that inspires them to move beyond their egocentric point of view to empathize and coalesce with others (whether those others are members of the family or members of the world community).  It’s the feeling of being part of a group; one that cares for and nurtures its members.  Families with strong spiritual well-being feel a real sense of connection and belonging.  These families make decisions thoughtfully, and not selfishly.

Whether Agnostic, Muslim, Jewish, Jain, Atheist, UU, Christian, Humanist, Spiritual Non-Theist…it matters not.  Spiritual well-being is about defining oneself by a code of conduct and thought that adheres to one’s values.  Some families are very dedicated to their religious life and its traditions and mores.  Others live by the old adage of treating others the way we (or better yet, the other person) would like to be treated.  They may not participate in religion of any kind.  Whatever your family’s spiritual beliefs, be true to them.  Talk of them often.  Bring them up in making decisions and model their importance in your life choices.

Spiritual well-being is the heart-place from which families express love, compassion, acceptance and kindness.