TruthBook Religious News Blog

By MARK ANSHEL
DNJ Columnist

The determination to live a life that is meaningful, consistent with our values and reflects our passion about what really matters is called spiritual capacity. It is our spiritual side that should drive our behavior.

We often neglect our spiritual side, which is evident by not taking better care of our health. We forget there are others who love us, depend on us and want us to stay healthy for as long as possible.

In turn, we want to have the energy to enjoy our passion — what really matters to us, such as our family, friends, faith and achievements at work.

Writers refer to "spiritual capacity" as the force behind what we do — the energy of purpose, our values, and beliefs about what's really important — what defines our character.

Here is a profound (and challenging) question: How can we respect and honor the people we love if we dishonor ourselves by living a careless and unhealthy lifestyle?

We adapt to the storms in our life without consideration of the long-term consequences. Our stress-management program consists of eating large portions of high fat food, avoiding physical activity — just too uncomfortable and, oh, yes, not enough time and then wonder why we feel miserable — taking yet more medication and having little energy for doing what gives us the most pleasure.

Challenging question: Why would a person who loves his or her family, has a strong spiritual component and lists family, health, faith, work excellence and compassion toward others as his or her most important values, live a life disconnected from those values?

What areas in your life do you need to improve in order to expand your spiritual capacity? Take this test of "The Spiritual Truth" about you. Check the items that apply to you.

Those areas you check form your "story" that explain a lack of spiritual incentive to improve your health and live a life consistent with your values.

Think about it, and ask yourself this: What is your legacy after you are gone? How do want to be remembered?

Uncover your spiritual truth

Check the ones that apply to you.

Commitment/Passion

_ Not fully committed

_ Lacking long-term energy (perseverance)

_ Lacking passion for work

_ Lacking passion to improve my health and energy

Vision/Purpose

_ Lacking a strong sense of purpose (something greater then myself that drives my behavior)

_ My core values are not connected to my actions

_ I respond to demands based on short-term needs, not long-term consequences

_ I make expedient (quick-fix) rather than values-based decisions

Ethics

_ My actions are not consistent with my words

_ I do not lead by example

_ I do all I can to help others

_ I lack the incentive/energy to make important changes that will improve my quality of life

_ I place my needs first before the needs of others

Mark H. Anshel is a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Middle Tennessee State University.

Labels: behavior, character, health, Mark Anshel, spirituality, values