A Different Kind of Fitness
If I were to ask you, “Are you fit?” you’d probably answer by referring to your exercise habits, right? You’d talk about things like cardio, strength training, stretching, etc. That’s because when we talk about fitness, what we’re really talking about is physical fitness.
But we can be fit or unfit in other ways too.
I recently learned that March is Spiritual Fitness Month. (There’s a “month” for everything these days, huh? 
)
Considering this blog is about health for the WHOLE SELF, I think it’s important to acknowledge that spiritual fitness exists and is just as important as physical fitness. (Check out my About page for my “whole self” health philosophy.)
But what does “spiritual fitness” even mean? How do we become spiritually fit?
We can use physical fitness as a guide. When we’re physically fit, we’re not neglecting our bodies. Rather, we’re moving them and challenging them so that they can become stronger. We’re dedicating a portion of our time and effort to ensuring that our bodies are healthy and that we feel our best.
Similarly, being spiritually fit means we’re not ignoring the spiritual part of ourselves. It means that we’re prioritizing our deepest values and beliefs so that we are better able to live our lives in accordance with them. We’re making an intentional effort to connect with something greater than ourselves – whatever we might believe that to be – and also turning inward to challenge ourselves to be the best we can be.
How do you become physically fit? Well, not by sitting on the couch and just hoping it happens, right? Increasing physical fitness requires a bit of work and a lot of dedication. It requires you to do something concrete on a regular basis, be it walking, weight lifting, or tree-posing.
Likewise, we can’t just sit around and hope that someday we’ll be able to connect with some kind of greater purpose. No, we actually have to cultivate it, or make it happen. Just like with physical fitness, spiritual fitness requires us to do something.
Like what? Well, it depends on what your particular beliefs are, on what spirituality means to you. But here are some ideas:
- Prayer/Meditation
- Writing in a journal
- Attending a religious or spiritual service
- Volunteering/community service
- Spending time in the great outdoors
- Reading a religious or spiritual text
- Openly expressing love or gratitude
If I give my life a hard and honest look right now, I can admit that I’m doing a lot better in the physical fitness department than in the spiritual one. That’s because, while I schedule time to exercise almost every day, I don’t always schedule time to pray or contemplate my values or read my Bible. And then those things fall by the wayside.
I want to challenge myself to become more spiritually fit. I know what it takes to be physically fit, and I truly believe that if I apply that same drive and dedication – and use some of the same tools that helped me get in shape – I will be happier and healthier all around.
And while I might not be able to see the changes in my spiritual fitness, the way I can with my body, I know I’ll be able to feel them.
Do you think spiritual fitness is important? What are some ways you develop or increase your spiritual fitness level?
Themocracy
I had no clue this is Spirtual Wellness Month! How awesome. And you know my views on being spiritually fit. I think this is the most important way to be healthy. Thanks for sharing this. I might have to do a similar post myself if thats okay
Of course linking back to you and your wonderful post to give you credit for exposing this to me 
You can certainly do a similar post! I love the idea of spreading the word as much as possible!
There really is a month for everything!
I must admit that I’m not very spiritually fit. It is something I’ve been working on – more in terms of taking more time for myself – over the past year or so, but I still need to work on it. It’s an ongoing journey, just like being physically fit!
I am not a deeply spiritual person. I am unfortunately one of those people that turns to that side of me when it is convenient or when I am in most desperate need :/ but, I do try to find things each day to be thankful for, and be mindful of things like the food that I eat and what not.
Well, I don’t have a belief system (intentionally), but instead of “spiritual fitness” I can have “resolution of cognitive dissonance month”. Even though I don’t have a religious text, I still have a very structured morality that sometimes doesn’t jive with my thoughts. I should devote more time to recognizing what a Buddhist monk I met called “The Others,” the mental clutter (prejudice, expectations, emotions, information filtering etc.) that obscures reality.
I definitely think we all struggle with a degree of cognitive dissonance, whatever our belief system happens to be. In fact, perhaps that’s what spirituality is really all about: harmonizing our day-to-day thoughts and actions with our deepest values.
I definitely think spiritual fitness is important, though i’m not the best in this area. I definitely could put some work this way!
Ah! I love it. I’ve never heard of Spiritual Fitness Month. I think it’s so important though. the body and mind are so connected. Western medicine and culture doesn’t focus on this enough. Great post!! I started doing Yoga a few month ago to work on my spiritual fitness and I absolutely LOVE it!!
xo
Jocelyn
I think that it’s important to nourish the whole self: mind, body, soul … I’m sure there’s more, and I’m sure there are months for all of them
I definitely tend to neglect everything except mind and body (and sometimes I mess up on body), so your post is a good reminder of tending to ALL parts of me.
Spritual Fitness Month occurs at the same time as Lent! Coincidence? hehe.
I agree with you about making time to become “spiritually fit”. It seems like it’s easier to get yourself to run on a treadmill or lift weights but it’s not as simple to sit down, clear your thoughts and pray.
Good post1