Spiritual Vitality - The Fourth Factor Confirmed
Based on our recent research results, there is a fourth and final factor that makes up vitality - spiritual vitality. This is an expansion from the three-factor model from my previous research of: physical, psychological and emotional energy. Spiritual vitality wasn’t included in the initial study since it is a hard concept to measure.
So, what is spiritual vitality? Spiritual vitality is the connection to our best self, and/or something greater than ourselves. It is broader than religion or spirituality, though that is how some connect.
We’re at a time when people are hungry for a deeper connection to their best selves or something greater than themselves in work and life. In the corporate environment, there is momentum around what it means to have a deeper connection to our best self and/or the broader impact of the organization. Including spiritual vitality in the workplace brings these topics to the forefront.
Ultimately, when we cultivate what brings deeper fulfillment as a leader in the workplace, we positively impact ourselves and those around us.
As I’ve shared, the three-factor vitality model has provided a more robust understanding of vitality. This model showed the three areas with an overarching construct that are important for how we care for our energy every day.
However, I knew one factor was still missing. As an executive coach, I have included the fourth factor with clients for years, which I’ve referred to as “Spirit.” When I ask clients to reflect on what brings them energy, it consists of: Mind, Heart, Body and Spirit.
A next step with the LOV Center’s vitality research was to conduct a larger research study on vitality, with the addition of the “spiritual” component of vitality.
Not surprisingly, the most difficult aspect was determining the questions. I spoke with experts who specialize in the science of spirituality to understand how to potentially measure spirituality through the vitality scale. Once we determined the final set of questions, we tested the vitality scale at two different time points with the addition of spiritual vitality.
The results confirmed that vitality is a four-factor model, inclusive of: physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual energy.
Overview of Spiritual Vitality
Before diving into the spiritual component, what is vitality? Vitality is defined as positive aliveness and having access to the energy within oneself. It is on the opposite end of the spectrum of burnout. Early concepts of vitality describe the underlying energy or life force flowing through all living things.
Including spiritual vitality provides a complete picture about what it means to connect to our positive energy and the life force within us. And, how to use that for ourselves, our relationships, and our leadership.
Spiritual vitality is the factor I’ve found that takes the most explanation. I have heard people don’t think it applies to them because they don’t believe in religion or something unknown by science. However, it is broader and more inclusive than that. When people ask if I am speaking about spirituality or religion, response is always: “Maybe.”
For some, it does mean religion and/or spirituality. For others it’s the connection to your best self or something broader than yourself, such as: community, nature, meditation, animals, kids, a positive mindset or something else. This is truly an individual experience. See below for examples.
Spiritual vitality creates an access point to focus on something every human being has the ability to.
Without attending to spiritual vitality, there can be increased: isolation, loneliness, overemphasis on negativity towards self, and disconnection from meaning and purpose in their lives.
Spiritual vitality is essential to cultivating a deeper sense of fulfillment in work and life.
Human thriving encompasses being able to connect to your best self or something greater than yourself and then tapping into the energy it creates.
How to Cultivate Spiritual Vitality
1. Imagine what gives you spiritual vitality
Start by reflecting on what brings you spiritual vitality. What connects you either to your best self and/or something greater than yourself?
Brainstorm to write down a list. Include things that you are currently doing, things you want to explore or things you used to do.
Spiritual vitality crosses over so many aspects of our lives. Consider how it shows up in every facet of your life. It’s so different for everyone. It’s not one thing. See what comes up for you.
If you are having a hard time thinking of ideas, check out the examples below or ask yourself additional questions:
When’s a time you felt connected to your best self or something greater than yourself?
What did you notice was happening in your life and around you?
What might need to shift to get back to this place you feel disconnected from?
Examples could include:
Note: this is meant to give ideas as a starting point and is not a comprehensive list
Meditation
Nature
Time with kids
Time with animals
Being in religious communities
Prayer
Exercise
Yoga
Music
Art
Creative Expression
Connecting deeply with others
Community
Connecting to meaning and purpose
Having a positive or growth mindset
Acting as a positive leader
Once you have your list, ask yourself: What's one small step I can take in this direction?
2. Self-assess each aspect of spiritual vitality
How well are you connecting to each aspect of spiritual vitality? Do a quick self-assessment to rate yourself low, medium or high on each of the questions below:
I feel regularly connected to my best self
I can easily connect to something greater than myself
I feel a deep inner peace
I am connected to my internal lifeforce
Looking at spiritual vitality in more detail brings awareness to what is and isn’t working. Consider: What’s working well? What one area do you want to give more attention to in the next week?
3. Embrace the power in the stillness
Our lives are often full of activities and move at a very fast pace. One access point to the spiritual is to create space and time for disconnecting from “the busy” and from technology. Consider more time connected to yourself, each other, and something greater. Find times to be fully present with yourself and others without technology.
Look at your list of what brings you spiritual vitality. What’s one way you want to create space for stillness—to connect to yourself, each other, or something greater?
