Cultivate Meaning & Mindfulness: A Guide to SPIRE’s Spiritual Pillar

Where do you find meaning or purpose? In your work? At home? In relationships or creativity? For many, this question only arises during life’s unexpected turns—a career shift, loss, or health challenge. But nurturing meaning before adversity strikes can anchor your spiritual well-being and resilience. Let’s explore how.

In my newsletter last week, we explored SPIRE—the 5-pillar framework for holistic well-being. Today, we’re diving into the Spiritual Pillar—how to cultivate purpose, meaning, and presence in everyday life.

The Spiritual PillarSpirituality ≠ Religion

Spiritual well-being isn’t confined to religious practice. It’s about two core ideas:

1. Living meaningfully (even in small moments).
2. Savoring the present (amid life’s chaos).

Let’s break these down.Part 1: Crafting a Meaningful Life

Researchers say a meaningful life hinges on three keys:

1. Mattering – Feeling your contributions positively impact others.
2. Coherence – Life “makes sense” to you.
3. Purpose – Pursuing goals aligned with your values.

Here are three ways to cultivate meaning.

Step 1: Discover Your Strengths

• Take the free VIA Character Strengths Survey to identify your top traits (e.g., kindness, curiosity, courage).
• Journal Prompts: When was I at my “best”? What strengths was I using? How can I use my top strengths in new ways?

Step 2: Reframe Tasks from “Job” to “Calling”

Every task can feel like a chore or a chance to live your values:

• Job Mode: “I have to walk my dog.” (Obligation)
• Calling Mode: “I get to care for a loyal companion and practice love.” (My #1 strength!)
• Another Example: A teacher grading papers might reframe it as “nurturing future leaders.”

Step 3: Set Purpose-Driven Goals

Align aspirations with your values.

Client Story: One client dreamed of writing a book. While income & pride of being a published author mattered, her deeper “why” was sharing her story as an Asian American immigrant—a goal rooted in her values of representation and community.

Part 2: Mindfulness—Savoring the Present

The second aspect of spiritual well-being is savoring the present moment or mindfulness. Researchers have found that mindfulness can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and deepen resilience. But how do you practice it in our busy world?

5 Simple Ways to Increase Awareness:

1. Focus on Breath: Close your eyes; notice each inhale and exhale. Practice for 5 minutes.
2. Single-Task: Do ONE thing at a time & fully direct your attention to it (no multitasking!)
3. Savor Food: Eat mindfully—notice textures, smells, and flavors (dark chocolate, anyone?).
4. Practice Active Listening:

• Pay attention to the speaker’s story & perspective. Reach for understanding & empathy.
• Use body language that shows you are listening such as nodding, smiling and providing eye contact
• Reflect back what you hear the speaker saying and ask clarifying questions.

5. Guided Meditation: Check out Tara Brach’s free guided meditations: https://www.tarabrach.com/guided-meditations/ or try meditation apps like Insight Timer or Headspace.

This Week’s Challenge:

Leave me a comment and share:

What’s one small way you’ll practice mindfulness or nurture meaning this week?

COMING SOON: The Physical Pillar of SPIRE—Simple strategies to care for your body and tap into the power of the mind-body connection.

Want Personalized Support?If you’re craving tailored strategies to navigate life’s challenges, email me at dianna@collierclan.net to schedule a free consultation.