HealthInfo Canterbury
Meaning or spirituality (taha wairua)
Another important aspect of mental wellbeing is meaning. Having meaning can give your life direction. It can also give you a sense of your place in the world and offer hope for the future.
Life is a struggle and sometimes it's hard to make sense of it. People who believe in something outside themselves or feel that they have purpose or meaning in life, have a way to make sense of the struggle. This makes them more likely to weather the storms of life.
For some people, this meaning is linked to spirituality (taha wairua in Māori culture). It's different for everyone, and no one can say what gives meaning to another person. Each person needs to work out what gives meaning to their life.
Building meaning
There are ways you can build meaning and support or improve your mental wellbeing.
- Practise gratitude by taking notice of what's around you and being grateful for what you have. People who regularly record the things they're grateful for are happier and more content in life.
- Become mindful. The Australian website This Way Up has a free introductory course on mindfulness. Your GP must first register as a prescriber. They can then email a prescription to you, so you can register for the course. You can also download the Smiling Mind app that offers guided mindfulness meditations.
- Slow down and allow space in your life for silence and reflection. Regularly remove yourself from the busyness of your life so you can listen to your quieter internal voice. Even 10 minutes a day can be make a difference.
- Learn what your ethical, cultural and moral values are. Then find ways to integrate these into your daily life.
- Explore a faith or a spiritual life that shares your values.
- Try to feel connected with something sacred or greater than yourself.
- Tend to your spiritual or inner world through reading, prayer, reflection, fasting, meditation, or other disciplines.
Activities that can help turn these internal practices into meaningful activities in your life include:
- looking out for the needs of vulnerable people in your community such as older or disabled people
- connecting with nature, spending time outdoors, and making choices that protect our environment
- enjoying your heritage, exploring your culture and connecting with your whānau/family.
- meeting with others who share similar beliefs to support and encourage one another
- fighting for a cause that you hold sacred or are passionate about
- contributing to the wellbeing of others, animals or the environment
- volunteering in community initiatives that inspire you
- creating an artwork to express your thoughts, ideas and values
- passing on your wisdom to others.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by psychologist, Canterbury DHB Mental Health Services. Page created October 2018.
Review key: HIMEN-176608
