The Greatest Discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his/her life by altering his/her attitude - William James

True happiness lies within you. Don't waste your time searching for the peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no happiness in having or getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself - Og Mandino

Spirituality involves a dimension of human experience that has potential benefits to your mental health. It is not necessary to hold formal religious beliefs, or engage in religious practices, or belong to an established faith tradition, to experience the spiritual dimension. The universality of spirituality extends across creed and culture; at the same time spirituality is felt as unique to each and every person.

Spirituality is identified with experiencing a deep-seated sense of meaning and purpose in life, together with a sense of belonging. It is about acceptance, integration and wholeness. According to one definition, "The spiritual dimension tries to be in harmony with the universe, strives for answers about the infinite, and comes especially into focus in times of emotional stress, physical and mental illness, loss, bereavement and death." This desire for wholeness of being is not an intellectual attainment, for it is no less present in people with learning disability, but lies in the essence of what it means to be human. Spirituality is a deeply personal matter. You are encouraged to discover "what works best for you".

Life is a perpetual journey of discovery and development, during which maturity is often gained through adversity. Spirituality, described as "linking the deeply personal with the universal", is inclusive and unifying. It naturally leads to the recognition that to harm another is to harm oneself, and equally that helping others is to help oneself. It applies to everyone, including those who do not believe in God or a 'higher being'.
Religions offer community-based worship, each faith having its own set of beliefs and sacred traditions. However, when there is a lack of respect for differences of belief, religion has been used as a social and political tool leading to intolerance and divisiveness.

In expressing your spirituality through the support group and one-on-one coaching, you will have:

• An environment for purposeful activity;
• Feeling safe and secure;
  
• Being treated with respect and dignity as it allows you to develop a feeling of belonging, and of being valued and trusted;
  
• Having time to express feelings to sympathetic group members and facilitator;
  
• Opportunities and encouragement to make sense of, and derive meaning from, experiences including illness;
  
• Permission and encouragement to develop a relationship with the universe and/or a higher power (however the person conceives whatever is sacred).
  

As you practice spirituality in your life, you will:

• Improve self-control, self-esteem and confidence;
• Enhance your healing through maximizing personal potential;
• Improve relationships - with self, others and with the universe;
• Develop a new sense of meaning, resulting in reawakening of hope and peace of mind, enabling you to accept and live with problems not yet resolved.
  

Spiritual values and skills

Spiritual practices foster an awareness that serves to identify and promote values such as creativity, patience, perseverance, honesty, kindness, compassion, wisdom, equanimity, hope and joy, all of which support good health care practice.

Spiritual skills include:

• Being self-reflective and honest;
• Being able to remain focused in the present, remaining alert, unhurried and attentive;
• Being able to rest, relax and create a still, peaceful state of mind;
• Developing greater empathy for others;
• Finding courage to witness and endure distress while sustaining an attitude of hope;
• Developing improved discernment, for example about when to speak or act and when to remain silent;
• Learning how to give without feeling drained;
• Being able to grieve and let go.
  

Spiritual practices span a wide range of activities for both religious and seculars include:

• Acts of compassion (including work, especially teamwork);
• Deep reflection (contemplation);
• Engaging with and enjoying nature;
• Maintaining stable family relationships and friendships (especially those involving high levels of trust and intimacy);
• Appreciation of the arts and engaging in creative activities, including artistic pursuits, cookery, gardening etc.;
• Contemplative reading (of literature, poetry, philosophy etc.);
• Sacred music (listening to, singing and playing) including songs, hymns, psalms and devotional chants;
• Group or team sports, recreational or other activity involving a special quality of fellowship.
• Participating in associated community-based activities;
• Meditation and prayer.

(*) Excerpts from the Royal college of psychiatrists brochure on spirituality and mental health