How does spirituality fit into wellness? This often seems to be the most misunderstood element of wellness. Since wellness is not a surrogate religion, no particular doctrines, values, or rituals are to be 'sold' by wellness professionals. The spiritual dimension in one's life is very personal matter, and there will always be a great deal of variety among individuals. One's spiritual life may consist of total involvement in a particular religion; it may be partially religious and partly 'secular' (or 'natural'); it may be a combination of religions and philosophies; it may be purely philosophical; or it could be very intuitive and individually creative. For the sake of health and happiness (apart from the philosopher' diligent search for truth), it does not really matter - whatever works for you. The wellness movement can only serve as a guide in your quest for a spiritual life. We may offer some clues, but that's all. The rest is up to you to search, explore, experiment, and cultivate throughout your lifetime.

Here are clues, based on research and various world religions and philosophies:

You can, as Keyes states, "reprogram your bio-computer" or your psyche (literally, 'soul' or 'mind') by adopting the '13-Cs' of spiritual wellness. Here, the number thirteen is very lucky! They are arranged in the order of their relationship to each other. (Note that the prefix con and its variations con and co are a part of all but two of the words. This is no accident, since 'con' means 'with' or 'together')

consciousness commitment coherence choice conscience compassion cooperation challenge connectedness comprehensibility confusion control confidence

Comprehensibility

Developing the ability to have your own 'big picture' of the universe; a fairly complete understanding of ultimate reality, and a sense of meaning in life.

Consciousness

Your moment-to-moment state of awareness. Your ability to see clearly what is happening both outside and inside of you, without emotional or rational distractions.

Coherence

How well integrated the eight dimensions are within you and your lifestyle. Ideally, they are each well developed and in harmony with one another. Coherence also refers to you spiritual integrity, or how consistent your behaviors are with your values.

Confusion

Curiously, the prefix con in this case can mean either 'with' or 'against'. We often must become confused before we understand and many things in life can lack coherence at times, especially suffering, evil, and death. By working your way through each confusion, you gain understanding and strength of soul.

Commitment

Eventually you understand enough in life that you are able to 'take a stand' for certain ideals. You can then be happily dedicated to some cause or life purpose. Full commitment also means living each moment with whole mind, body, and spirit (i.e. living in the here and now).

Conscience

An intuitive wisdom; also a sense of right or healthy action versus wrong or unhealthy action, without being judgmental of self or others.

Control

With adequate understanding and moral sense, you gradually learn what you can control, what you cannot and what is worth trying to control - namely, your mentally - based addictions and all actions which only serve to separate or harm people.

Choice

Realizing the freedom of your will and developing its independence from strong negative influences. You always have a choice to act or react in any manner. Always be open to your alternatives and use choice responsibly.

Challenge

Life's changes are best approached as challenges, which help you, grow, rather than as problems which burdens you. It's also a challenge to see the positive in and to enjoy anyone and anything that comes your way.

Confidence

A healthy self-esteem based on self-efficacy (the feeling that you have the ability to do things and also cope with stress). This is a good, but humble, sense of self.

Connectedness

The sense that you are deeply connected with the world and its beings especially people. It is a felling of unity with others at all times, because we are all much more the same than different.

Compassion

Inwardly developing and outwardly expressing unconditional love for all people and beings. The joyful ability to see others' thoughts and feel unconditional love for all, feel their feelings, without becoming too emotionally attached to them (i.e. without making their problems your problems).

Cooperation

The gradual ability to harmonize your thoughts and actions with others, while developing inner peace. Also, your ability to adapt to life, to be flexible, and flow with its ever-changing events.