Written by Alleah Schweitzer
Welcome back to the Summer of Reflection with the Student Wellness Center! Summer term is winding to a close soon and with it, our journey guiding you to reflect on your roots of wellness. As we forge ahead in self-exploration, we pause to gently turn our attention to our Spiritual Root of Wellness, examining the ways in which we may cultivate a sense of purpose, inner peace, and connect to that which is greater than ourselves.
Here are just a few ideas to try in our efforts to nourish our spiritual wellbeing as students:
- Practicing Self Awareness & Gratitude – Dedicate time towards the practice of introspection. Try breath awareness as a means of practicing self-reflection in a non-judgmental manner. Try yoga to help you remain in the present moment and to develop a deeper sense of inner awareness. Engage gratitude to develop a sense of appreciation for the blessings you do have in your life.
Reflect on your spiritual wellness: What are the values and beliefs you hold closely and how do they contribute to the deeper aspects of your life’s purpose?
- Through our Connections with Nature – The time we spend in nature can spark a sense of wonder and interconnectedness. Whether we are heading to class, hiking through Pine Park, or simply appreciating the natural beauty in the sensations around us every day, connecting with nature can provide space for spiritual nourishment. And even if you can’t get outside, check out Headspace for a nature inspired getaway.
Reflect on your spiritual wellness: How might you already be connecting with nature in your day-to-day routine?
- Through Meaningful and Brave Connections with Others – Connecting with those around you who share similar values and beliefs can help you engage in conversations that investigate and further define your spiritual identity. Consider joining a campus community or group that aligns with your spiritual traditions or interests. Attend an Interfaith Dinner for widening your exposure to different worldviews and carving out space for deepening your self-awareness and interfaith understanding. Seek confidential pastoral counseling for questions of faith, life issues, the loss of a loved one, and more.
Reflect on your spiritual wellness: What is one step I can take today to connect with others?
- Engaging in Service and Giving – Participate in acts of kindness in your immediate Dartmouth community and beyond. Service to others, or causes greater than ourselves, can help us better define our sense of purpose and find fulfillment. Check out the Center for Social Impact on ways to get involved in a wide range of service-oriented engagements.
Reflect on your spiritual wellness: What can you do, in your own way, to give back to your community?
Reflecting on spiritual wellness is a personal journey only YOU can take—what resonates and is meaningful to you will differ from the needs of others. We invite you to regularly, and kindly, check in on all the ways you can continue deepening your connection to your beliefs and values. Our spiritual selves are ever evolving with time and new experiences. But the more habitually we can turn our attention to fostering spiritual wellness, the better equipped we can be to contribute, positively, to our personal and collective wellbeing.
Until next week,
Alleah Schweitzer
Student Wellness Center Wellbeing Program Coordinator