The Soul of the Matter: How Important Is Spirituality in My Life (and Yours)?

Why Spirituality Deserves a Seat at Your Self-Development Table

Let’s be honest: when life gets loud, it’s easy to put our spiritual health on mute. But sis, that quiet voice inside you? The one that nudges you to breathe deeper, think broader, and forgive even when it hurts? That’s your spirit speaking. In a world that glorifies hustle and highlights, tending to your spiritual self can feel like a luxury instead of a necessity. But let me be clear: spirituality isn’t just important—it’s foundational. Whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or somewhere in-between, this post will unpack why spirituality isn’t just a vibe—it’s a vital tool for emotional, mental, and holistic well-being.

Just One Convo at a Time about:

Spirituality and Mental Health: What the Research Actually Says

Spirituality isn’t just a Sunday morning thing—it shows up in how we cope, connect, and carry our burdens. According to a 2021 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Psychology, spirituality is strongly associated with positive mental health outcomes like lower rates of depression, anxiety, and even substance use (Koenig, 2021). When people feel spiritually connected, they tend to experience higher resilience, deeper life satisfaction, and a greater sense of meaning. That’s not fluff. That’s data.

Think of it this way: your spirituality is like your internal GPS—it helps you navigate life’s chaos with a grounded sense of direction. Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and worship activate brain regions linked to emotional regulation and compassion. So if you’ve ever wondered why a simple prayer or scripture reading can pull you out of a spiral—it’s neuroscience, not magic. And that resilience you’ve built? It’s not just strength. It’s spiritual intelligence.

“Spirituality is a protective factor. It doesn’t remove the storm, but it can steady the ship.”

Faith Is the Framework: Why I Choose to Build My Life on It

Faith isn’t something I dust off when life gets rough—it’s the framework that holds everything together. It informs how I love, how I heal, how I forgive, and how I move. Without faith, I wouldn’t have the patience to do half the inner work I preach. Let’s not get it twisted: being spiritual doesn’t mean I float through life untouched by pain. It means I have a deeper anchor that keeps me from capsizing when things get real.

When I say spirituality is important in my life, I mean it shows up in my self-talk, my decisions, my relationships, and even in how I set boundaries. It’s what allows me to show up in this world soft, but not naive. Strong, but not hardened. Faith reminds me that I am not just a body trying to survive—I am a soul destined to evolve.

“Faith isn’t a crutch—it’s a compass.”

Scripture Speaks: What the Bible Says About Spiritual Foundation

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

This verse is a whole sermon. When you put your spiritual needs first—above status, career, and people-pleasing—everything else starts to align. This scripture reminds us that spirituality isn’t a side dish; it’s the main course. It’s easy to chase healing through books, therapy, and degrees (and don’t get me wrong—I love all of those), but seeking God first? That sets the tone for true alignment.

In this verse, “seek” isn’t passive. It’s active. It’s showing up with intention. It’s asking yourself, “What would God say about this?” before clapping back. It’s choosing peace over petty, purpose over performance. And when we do that? The “things” we crave—love, peace, purpose—begin to find us, not because we chased them, but because we were spiritually aligned to receive them.

Journal Prompts: Reflecting on the Role of Spirituality in Your Life

In what ways do I currently nurture my spiritual life? Where could I grow deeper?
When have I felt most spiritually connected, and what was I doing during that time?
How does my spiritual belief system influence my decisions and relationships?
What fears or doubts keep me from fully leaning into my faith or spiritual practice?
What daily ritual could I create that makes space for spiritual reflection and presence?

Conclusion: Don’t Just Exist—Be Spiritually Alive

Spirituality isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s personal, powerful, and deeply transformative. For me, it’s not a side note—it’s the source. It’s what keeps me grounded when life is chaotic, what reminds me of my worth when the world tries to forget me, and what empowers me to heal even when the wounds are deep. And if you’ve been feeling disconnected, scattered, or just plain tired? Sis, maybe it’s time to check in with your spirit.

Call to Action:
If this resonated with you, carve out 10 minutes today to journal one of the questions above. And if you’re looking for community, spiritual growth, or just someone to remind you of your power—subscribe to the Inner Convo Evolved newsletter. Because you were never meant to walk this road alone.

APA Sources Cited

Koenig, H. G. (2021). Religion, spirituality, and mental health: Research and clinical applications. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 645-665. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.645-665

Matthew 6:33, English Standard Version Bible (ESV).

Veronica Speaks