Spiritual Wellness

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Garden Labyrinth 
(c) 2015 LMRN

On college campuses across our nation, the awareness that students, in order to learn and achieve, need wellness of mind, body AND spirit has increased.  For years, college administrators, especially in state run schools, have pushed for excellence in curriculum and provided various ways to maintain the physical wellness of students, but found promoting spiritual wellness unnecessary.
 
Today, many colleges and universities actually have departments in which "Wellness" is not only taught, but promoted among both students and staff.  A great example of this is found at the University of New Hampshire. There, Spiritual Wellness is explained, taught and promoted.  

Some examples of ways that they encourage students and staff to maintain their Spiritual Wellness is by walking labyrinths,  creating mandalas, meditating and doing yoga. (The college provides all of these modalities on campus.) 

Signs of Spiritual Wellness include: 
  • Development of a purpose in life 
  • Ability to spend reflective time alone 
  • Taking time to reflect on the meaning of events in life 
  • Having a clear sense of right and wrong, and act accordingly 
  • Ability to explain why you believe what you believe 
  • Caring and acting for the welfare of others and the environment 
  • Being able to practice forgiveness and compassion in life  (*From UNH website)
In addition, many communities now have public labyrinths. Mandala creating is shared in schools, senior centers and civic organizations. Meditation and yoga have become common modalities to wellness in schools, hospitals and even businesses.  
 
As we begin to prepare for the season of rebirth and renewal, let us all look for ways to develop and maintain our Spiritual Wellness. Finding balance of mind, body and spirit is essential to our overall health.
 
Namasté! 
 
 
 

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