Healing The Soul: How Spiritual Beliefs Influence Mental Health And Emotional Well-Being
What is Spirituality, and how can one heal the Soul? Spirituality is the science of the Spirit, the Soul, or the Atman. It helps us realize the reality of our true self and the reality of God. According to Spirituality, all of us and everything in this universe—living or non-living—are energy. We all emerge from the Supreme Energy, the Divine, and eventually merge back into the Divine. Thus, everything and everyone are a part of the Divine, a manifestation of God.
The Soul or the Atman is also an energy form. It is a Spark of Unique Life, a spark of energy that gives life, originating from the Supreme Immortal Power (SIP) that we all call God. The Soul is immortal—it doesn't have a birth or a death. It is a pure spark of energy, an energy that cannot be affected by anything. Therefore, the Soul doesn't need healing because it cannot be damaged. However, the path of Spirituality leads one to experience SatChitAnanda—eternal bliss in truth consciousness, the highest form of joy that feels like the healing of the Soul. Thus, spiritual practices deeply influence mental health and emotional well-being, helping individuals remain strong and experience the highest peaks of bliss, which heals them of pain and suffering.
How do spiritual beliefs influence the mental health and emotional well-being of an individual? Spiritual beliefs often have a profoundly positive effect. They encourage self-awareness, gratitude, a sense of interconnectedness, the realization of life's truths, self-realization, and ultimately, God-realization. Spiritual beliefs significantly aid in coping with grief and stress. They build resilience and emotional strength. Belief in a higher power or a greater purpose helps people make sense of difficult experiences.
Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and service to others provide structure and support during times of crisis and suffering. Spirituality offers individuals a sense of direction, fostering psychological resilience. People who view their lives as part of a Divine universal plan or believe in the concept of karma and karmic debts are less affected by pain and suffering. Instead, they tend to feel more motivated, satisfied, content, and emotionally strong.
The spiritual belief in a deep connection with the Divine initiates a sense of belonging and protects one's mental health. Practices such as mindfulness, forgiveness, total acceptance, surrender, and an attitude of gratitude—rooted in spiritual traditions—are linked to improved emotional well-being and reduced anxiety or depression. Other practices like healthy living, avoiding substances, maintaining meaningful relationships, and engaging in acts of charity contribute to better mental and emotional health.
In conclusion, spiritual beliefs can have a profoundly positive impact on an individual's mental health and emotional well-being. They offer a deep sense of purpose, inner peace, and hope, especially during life's most challenging moments. Practices such as prayer, meditation, and mindfulness help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Spirituality fosters forgiveness, gratitude, and compassion—qualities linked to emotional resilience and happiness. Belonging to a spiritual or faith-based community also provides valuable social support, reducing feelings of isolation. By guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles and a more hopeful perspective, spiritual beliefs serve as a powerful foundation for emotional and psychological healing. Ultimately, Spirituality helps one realize the Truth and attain Enlightenment, leading to a state of SatChitAnanda—the highest form of joy and bliss, experienced as the healing of the Soul. Therefore, Spirituality and its practices contribute significantly to positive mental and emotional growth.
(Writer is a Happiness Ambassador and Spiritual Leader)
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Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
Healing The Soul: How Spiritual Beliefs Influence Mental Health And Emotional Well-Being
What is Spirituality, and how can one heal the Soul? Spirituality is the science of the Spirit, the Soul, or the Atman. It helps us realize the reality of our true self and the reality of God. According to Spirituality, all of us and everything in this universe—living or non-living—are energy. We all emerge from the Supreme Energy, the Divine, and eventually merge back into the Divine. Thus, everything and everyone are a part of the Divine, a manifestation of God. The Soul or the Atman is also an energy form. It is a Spark of Unique Life, a spark of energy that gives life, originating from the Supreme Immortal Power (SIP) that we all call God. The Soul is immortal—it doesn't have a birth or a death. It is a pure spark of energy, an energy that cannot be affected by anything. Therefore, the Soul doesn't need healing because it cannot be damaged. However, the path of Spirituality leads one to experience SatChitAnanda—eternal bliss in truth consciousness, the highest form of joy that feels like the healing of the Soul. Thus, spiritual practices deeply influence mental health and emotional well-being, helping individuals remain strong and experience the highest peaks of bliss, which heals them of pain and suffering. How do spiritual beliefs influence the mental health and emotional well-being of an individual? Spiritual beliefs often have a profoundly positive effect. They encourage self-awareness, gratitude, a sense of interconnectedness, the realization of life's truths, self-realization, and ultimately, God-realization. Spiritual beliefs significantly aid in coping with grief and stress. They build resilience and emotional strength. Belief in a higher power or a greater purpose helps people make sense of difficult experiences. Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and service to others provide structure and support during times of crisis and suffering. Spirituality offers individuals a sense of direction, fostering psychological resilience. People who view their lives as part of a Divine universal plan or believe in the concept of karma and karmic debts are less affected by pain and suffering. Instead, they tend to feel more motivated, satisfied, content, and emotionally strong. The spiritual belief in a deep connection with the Divine initiates a sense of belonging and protects one's mental health. Practices such as mindfulness, forgiveness, total acceptance, surrender, and an attitude of gratitude—rooted in spiritual traditions—are linked to improved emotional well-being and reduced anxiety or depression. Other practices like healthy living, avoiding substances, maintaining meaningful relationships, and engaging in acts of charity contribute to better mental and emotional health. In conclusion, spiritual beliefs can have a profoundly positive impact on an individual's mental health and emotional well-being. They offer a deep sense of purpose, inner peace, and hope, especially during life's most challenging moments. Practices such as prayer, meditation, and mindfulness help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Spirituality fosters forgiveness, gratitude, and compassion—qualities linked to emotional resilience and happiness. Belonging to a spiritual or faith-based community also provides valuable social support, reducing feelings of isolation. By guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles and a more hopeful perspective, spiritual beliefs serve as a powerful foundation for emotional and psychological healing. Ultimately, Spirituality helps one realize the Truth and attain Enlightenment, leading to a state of SatChitAnanda—the highest form of joy and bliss, experienced as the healing of the Soul. Therefore, Spirituality and its practices contribute significantly to positive mental and emotional growth. (Writer is a Happiness Ambassador and Spiritual Leader)
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
What Hajj and Eid al-Adha mean to muslims: A journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam
What Hajj and Eid al-Adha mean to muslims: A journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam Each year, millions of Muslims from across the globe gather in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, the holy pilgrimage to Mecca that represents one of the five central pillars of Islam. It is not merely a physical journey but a profound spiritual awakening—an act of devotion, equality, and renewal. For many pilgrims, Hajj is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one that requires months, if not years, of planning, saving, and spiritual preparation. According to The Economic Times report, this year, Hajj 2025 will begin on Wednesday, June 4, coinciding with the 8th day of Dhul-Hijja, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As global travel stabilizes after recent years of pandemic-induced restrictions, Saudi authorities are expecting a record turnout of over 2 million pilgrims, bringing heightened focus on crowd safety, heat management, and accessibility for elderly and disabled worshippers. The Hajj continues to hold enormous religious, social, and emotional significance for Muslims worldwide. What is the Hajj and why is it important Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime. It is rooted in events dating back over 4,000 years, linked to the stories of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hagar, and their son Ismail. For Muslims, Hajj symbolizes surrender to the will of God, spiritual rebirth, and unity among believers. The pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside: Shahada (faith in one God), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan). By performing the Hajj, pilgrims aim to cleanse themselves of past sins, deepen their relationship with God, and demonstrate solidarity with the global Muslim community (ummah). When is Hajj 2025 taking place The Hajj follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and its dates vary each year. In 2025, it is expected to start on the evening of June 4 and end on June 9 or 10, depending on moon sightings. These days correspond to the 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hijja, the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar. Due to the desert climate of Mecca, Hajj occurring in early June means temperatures may soar above 45°C (113°F). As per The Economic Times report, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration, especially when performing outdoor rituals like the Standing at Arafat and the Stoning of the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) in Mina. Major rituals performed during Hajj Pilgrims must complete several rites in a set order, with each carrying deep religious symbolism: 1. Ihram – The State of Purity Before entering Mecca, pilgrims don the Ihram garments—white seamless cloth for men and simple modest attire for women—to signal spiritual purity and equality before God. While in this state, pilgrims must avoid arguments, vanity, and any worldly distractions. 2. Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba Upon arriving in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. The Kaaba is considered the holiest structure in Islam, and this act symbolizes unity in worship and submission to God. 3. Sa'i – Walking Between Safa and Marwah This ritual commemorates Hagar's desperate search for water for her son, Ismail. Pilgrims walk briskly between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, retracing her path. 4. Arafat – The Day of Standing Perhaps the most important part of the Hajj, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijja. Here, they pray and reflect from noon until sunset, asking for forgiveness in what is seen as a rehearsal for the Day of Judgment. 5. Muzdalifah – Night Under the Stars After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, a plain between Arafat and Mina, to spend the night under the open sky. They also collect pebbles here for the next day's ritual. 6. Ramy al-Jamarat – The Stoning of the Devil On the 10th of Dhul-Hijja, pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars in Mina, representing Satan. This act reenacts Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Satan's temptation. 7. Qurbani (Sacrifice) This day also marks the Eid al-Adha celebration. Pilgrims perform the ritual slaughter of an animal, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is distributed among the poor. 8. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Farewell Tawaf After returning to Mecca, pilgrims perform another round of Tawaf and complete final rites before returning home spiritually renewed. Eid al-Adha: A festival of sacrifice and compassion Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhul-Hijja and coincides with the Hajj. Muslims around the world commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith. Families sacrifice an animal—typically a sheep, goat, or cow—and distribute the meat in three parts: for the family, relatives, and the poor. The holiday is a time for festivity, generosity, and community prayers, reminding believers of the values of selflessness, obedience, and gratitude. Safety and health measures for Hajj 2025 With record temperatures expected, Saudi authorities have implemented key measures to ensure pilgrim safety: Cooling stations with mist sprays and shade zones. Distribution of free water bottles, umbrellas, and hydration kits. Over 30,000 health workers and 5,000 hospital beds allocated specifically for Hajj-related emergencies. Special tracking bracelets for elderly pilgrims to monitor health and prevent loss. Electronic permit systems to control crowd flow and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from joining. Hajj 2025: Pilgrim limits, permit process, and new tech for muslim travelers Each Muslim-majority country is allocated a Hajj quota based on its population. In 2025, over 180 countries are participating, with Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh receiving the largest quotas. Pilgrims must apply for Hajj permits through official government portals, and all travelers must be vaccinated and physically fit. This year, the Hajj Smart App will help pilgrims with navigation, real-time updates, multilingual support, and emergency contact assistance. Hajj: A spiritual journey that transcends borders Hajj is more than a religious obligation—it is a global manifestation of Muslim unity, humility, and submission to God. People from vastly different cultures walk side by side, dressed identically, performing the same rituals. This unique pilgrimage breaks down social barriers and leaves participants with a sense of deep spiritual accomplishment. As pilgrims return from Mecca, they are often referred to as 'Hajji,' carrying newfound wisdom and renewed faith. For millions who cannot make the journey this year, Hajj remains a spiritual aspiration that reflects the heart of Islamic devotion.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Time of India
A lifelong commitment to crisis care: Dimple Arora gets National Florence Nightingale Award from President
New Delhi: "God has given me the opportunity to help people, and that is what I am doing to the best of my ability and want to continue with it even after my retirement," said Dimple Arora, a senior nursing officer at RML Hospital. Her dedication to healthcare and crisis response was honoured with the prestigious 2025 National Florence Nightingale Award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, recognising her 27 years of selfless service. Born in Punjab's Firozpur, Arora's journey into nursing began after earning her general nursing and midwifery (GNM) diploma. She joined RML Hospital in 1998, but her contributions extended far beyond the hospital's walls, marked by her fearless response to some of India's most devastating disasters. In 2004, she was deployed to Port Blair following the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami. With over 400 lives lost and 3,000 people missing in Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar, Arora provided critical medical aid amid chaos. She administered first aid under extreme conditions, supported psychological trauma care and worked tirelessly to stabilise the injured, offering not just medical assistance but hope to grieving families. Her commitment didn't wane in 2010 when Leh-Ladakh faced a deadly cloudburst, triggering flash floods and mudslides. Amid the rugged terrain and harsh conditions, Arora managed emergency medical camps, treated injuries from debris and flooding, and coordinated with rescue teams to ensure timely care for the victims. In 2008, after the Delhi bomb blasts, she was on special duty, managing emergency responses for the injured, ensuring swift triage, and supporting overburdened medical teams. The following year, during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, she was stationed at the Delhi airport, screening travellers from affected regions while also providing critical care at RML Hospital. Her frontline service continued during Covid-19 pandemic, where she navigated the unprecedented health crisis with resilience and compassion. Arora's passion for healthcare, however, extends beyond crisis response. Holding an MSc in psychology and pursuing an MBA in health management, she champions lifelong learning to adapt to evolving healthcare challenges. Her leadership skills shine in both mentorship roles and providing counselling support for HIV-affected people. Senior nursing officer Ligi Boban, who worked with Arora, praised her exceptional patient management and calmness under pressure. Mahima, another colleague, highlighted Arora's ability to maintain clarity and leadership during emergencies while remaining approachable and supportive. As Arora approaches retirement, her unwavering spirit to serve remains strong. Her journey reflects the profound impact of compassionate, courageous care amid some of the darkest moments in recent history.
