“Psychospirituality” refers to integrating psychological self-awareness with spiritual growth, resulting in a holistic sense of well-being and personal development. It involves using both psychological insight and spiritual practices to understand oneself and better navigate life’s challenges.
A 2020 study published in Frontiers In Psychology theorizes that certain psychological character strengths, such as kindness, gratitude and wisdom are associated with being psychospiritual. Researchers suggest that individuals with these qualities are more likely to experience “spiritual wholeness.”
“Wholeness involves embracing all aspects of oneself—emotional, mental and spiritual, resulting in a unified, coherent sense of identity. This state of wholeness is marked by a deep connection to one’s inner self, values and purpose, leading to a fulfilling and meaningful life,” the researchers explain.
Here are three signs of psychospirituality, according to the study.
1. You Are A Deeply Reflective Person
Psychospiritual individuals prioritize understanding their inner world and emotions. You may be more likely to engage in practices such as meditation, breath-work or journaling, to gain clarity of thought, process emotions and pursue deep inner growth and healing.
You might also actively observe and acknowledge your own strengths, such as patience or compassion, and look for these qualities in others. This “strengths-spotting” enhances your self-awareness and deepens your connection to those around you, allowing for a more enriched and interconnected sense of self. For instance, many teachers are able to spot their students’ strengths and encourage them accordingly.
“One way to bring spirituality into this process is to weave in “spirituality-spotting.” The strengths-spotter can actively look for instances in which an individual manifests spirituality, expresses deep meaning in life or appears to be engaging with the sacred,” the researchers suggest.
For you, virtues like kindness, gratitude and humility aren’t just admirable traits, but core principles that guide your life. You consciously strive to cultivate these qualities, believing they enhance your well-being and bring you closer to a state of inner harmony.
2. You Are Spiritually Curious
As a psychospiritual person, you are likely drawn to various spiritual teachings and practices, seeking wisdom from diverse traditions. This curiosity isn’t superficial but stems from a genuine desire to understand the nature of existence and your place within it. Practices like mindfulness, yoga or studying different religious texts may resonate with you.
You also strive to cultivate a mindset that allows you to perceive the sacred in everyday moments. “Ultimately, this practice is about becoming a good spiritual explorer,” the researchers write.
You are likely to ask exploratory questions, seek deeper meanings to life events and reflect on past sacred experiences, all while remaining open to new ways of connecting with the divine.
3. You Focus On The Bigger Picture
Instead of feeling defeated by setbacks, you view them as opportunities to evolve both psychologically and spiritually, integrating these experiences into a meaningful life story of your own.
A key aspect of this perspective is “positive reappraisal,” where you consciously reframe challenging situations to see their hidden value or lesson. This involves using character strengths, such as emotional regulation and resilience, to transform stress into an avenue for self-discovery, spiritual enrichment and exploration.
“The exploration can be stimulated by a number of questions: might you discover the sacred not only within the good but also within your troubles and challenges? Could this situation be reframed as an opportunity for spiritual growth? What did you learn today that has taught you something about what it means to be you?” the researchers suggest.
This reflective process not only helps you cope but also nurtures a deeper sense of meaning, allowing you to find sacredness even in adversity.
Being psychospiritual is about looking inward to understand yourself while seeking out experiences that connect you to something greater. Recognizing and cultivating your strengths is essential to this process.
Researchers suggest that you can also cultivate psychospirituality by surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors, as their perspectives can offer insights you might overlook. Set specific, achievable goals that align with your passions and values and remember that obstacles can be a valuable teacher. Finally, embrace this journey as an ongoing process, and trust that each step taken is a meaningful contribution to your personal evolution.
Have you ever had a deeply spiritual experience that made you feel at one with a higher power? Take this test to learn more: Ego Dissolution Scale
