In the chaotic and competitive world we live in nowadays, we are often plagued by a need to control our physical environment. We try to fit in socially. We seek knowledge. We find comfort in material things. However, the spiritual aspect of our life is not part of the equation. Most people believe that by adding spirituality to their life, they’ll tilt the scale.

So my question to you is, can we find find the right balance between our spiritual and physical needs to live a life of purpose? I believe that we are more than just physical, intellectual and social beings. We are also spiritual beings; we are souls living within bodies and not bodies with souls. The area of the soul / spirit is often neglected ―if at all recognized, because it’s more convenient that way. I sometimes find a table analogous to our life. A three-legged table (physical, intellectual, and social part of ourselves) won’t be able to hold up much. In no time its instability will topple everything on it. On the other hand, a table with four legs (adding the soul/spirit) could bear almost any amount of weight without losing balance. Think about it; a bit of pressure, some difficulties or trials, and our life seems to topple over.

In our increasingly secular society, faith is often perceived and understood as a personal choice that is respected if expressed privately. Lately, society and government agencies seem to favor diminishing spirituality and the expression of our faith. I believe that the lack of this fundamental spirit pillar (leg) affects our society as a whole. This leg is where our moral compass takes its roots; this is where principles like serving others, the power of forgiveness, patience, and kindness are truly established. This is where integrity, honesty and commitment live. This is the pillar in our life where true love is seated, thus placing the well-being of others first. These are principles that we don’t hear much about today. It’s always about “me”, the ego.

A plethora of negative issues prevail in our society, whether they are corruption of corporations or government, spousal abuse, cheating, intimidation and bullying in school and at work. Isn’t it time we turned our minds and hearts back to the pillar that is the foundation of everything that we are?

Re-establishing a spiritual connection is vital to a balanced life. But who do you connect with? Where do you connect? How do you go about it? What I know is to not compartmentalize or box-in spirituality, but to allow the Spirit of God to permeate everything in life. For some, the idea of God is new and perhaps frightening. I often hear, “Really, there is a God?” or “I never stopped to think about it,” and even, “A God who loves me and wants to help me live life to the fullest?” For others, the God of our youth seems far away and perhaps we feel that we’ve been abandoned. For others, there is resentment and anger towards God. Why does He allow terrible things to happen? Why all this injustice? And for some, they simply walked away from Him because other priorities took precedence.

My faith tells me that God doesn’t change. He doesn’t move and His character is the same as it has always been; He loves me, forgives me and wants a real relationship with me. He wants to pour into my life and guide me in all areas. This gives me not a crutch to lean on, but a brand new strength in my physical, intellectual, and social interactions. It allows me to see the bigger picture, and how my life is not only a part but an integral part with purpose in that picture. This gives me hope; a true hope, not simply a wish.

So where to start? Everyone can have a relationship with God. All that is required is that you have a desire to foster your relationship with Him. You may need to try a few different places in order to find the house of faith that fits you, but it will be worth it! Your faith in allowing God to help you through all aspects of your life will expand as you begin to understand God’s wisdom and His plan for you. As your faith grows, you will begin to experience a positive change in your life. Once the change occurs, you will begin to recapture the “balance” you’ve been missing.

Remember, spirituality is learning how to balance the inner and the outer self. I believe that balance is found in seeking the Spirit of God in everything and in every way. It is not at all necessary to neglect our physical and material existence to succeed on the spiritual path.