Spiritual Health

Spirituality, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, is ‘of or concerning the spirit as opposed to matter (spiritual relationship, spiritual home); religious, divine, inspired (the spiritual life) or refined, sensitive’. Spirituality isn't necessarily religion; it is how an individual understands his place in and relationship to the bigger universe. In some schools of thought the mind and spirit are very separate, whilst in others; particularly psychiatry, the mind and spirit are viewed as one and the same thing. Different religions have sprung up throughout the world at different times in history, finding a definition of spirituality which is right for you is a personal choice.

People interpret spirituality in different ways and for different reasons. For some it may be walking the dog at dawn to help them find peace, watching the sun set over the ocean, or sitting in a church either alone or with others. For some people the need for spiritual connection occurs on a daily basis with daily ritual, whilst for others it may occur in a time of crisis, grief or loneliness. Spirituality may provide guidance or answers to questions on God, life, death, morals, happiness, and general life meaning. In Australia we are fortunate to be free to choose our personal styles of spirituality.

Goldfields Men's Health Inc. is a non-denominational group of Goldfields people committed to furthering men's health and wellbeing locally. The purpose of this page is to acknowledge that spiritual health is a component of an individual's wellbeing, and to acknowledge that this may take many forms.

There are many sources of information relating to spirituality. Talking to your peers (you may be surprised!), discussing with someone specifically interested in this field (such as the Mines Chaplain), engrossing yourself in a good book on the subject or attending an organised event, may all be ways to open discussion and thought on spirituality. Search for "Spiritual Health" on the wellman database to find a church or spiritual elder near you (covers Eastern Goldfields only). If residing in Perth, check under Religion in the Urban Street Directory). Following are some common texts on religion and spirituality:

• Kahlil Gibrahn, The Prophet. This well-known poem was written in 1923. It covers topics as broad as Marriage, Children, Wealth, Housing, Death, and Work. Copies are available in almost any public library in Australia, or at almost any book or gift shop (usually less than $10).
• K.Sri Dhammananda, Why Religious Tolerance. This essay explores the tolerance underpinning Buddhist beliefs and how to examine religions generally as a layman for spiritual wellbeing. Available from Buddhist suppliers (any of the Buddhist monasteries listed under Religion/Buddhism in the Perth Street Directory) for $3-$5.
• Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, Religion. Fernandez is a historian with a special interest in the sociology of religion. His books are available through regular book stores (about $5 for Religion).
• C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. Not only did he write the Narnia Chronicles and hang out with JRR Tolkein, but this Irish WWI soldier was also an accomplished Theologist. About $15 from regular bookstores, probably also available in public libraries.
• M.Scott Peck, The Road Less Travelled. First printed in 1978, explores spiritual growth in the context of love, traditional values, and mental wellbeing from the point-of-view of a Psychiatrist. Also commonly available in book stores (about $10) and public libraries.

There are too many different religions and interpretations of religion to provide a comprehensive guideline of possible webpages. Below are just a few with some sample search words.

Anglican:
Baptist:
Churches of Christ:
Catholic:
Lutheran:
Uniting:
Spirituality.com
Indigenous Spirituality
Understanding Islam for Non-Muslims
Modern Buddhism
The Kabbalah Centre

Other search topics: Zoroastrianism, Animism, Indigenous + Spirituality, Hinduism, Tao, Heaven + Earth, Love + Spirituality, Happiness + SpiritualOther search topics: Zoroastrianism, Animism, Indigenous + Spirituality, Hinduism, Tao, Heaven + Earth, Love + Spirituality, Happiness + Spiritual