Why are we never happy with who we are or what we have? Why are so many of us discontent with our lives? For one thing, we feel the need to have more, bigger, and better things, in part, because of consumerism. Our culture places a great emphasis on buying things. You name it and we will buy it: timeshares, bottled water, cosmetics - the list goes on and on. Our high-tech world constantly produces new gadgets and consumer products that add to the buying frenzy because many of us must always have the latest and greatest products and services. We are bombarded with advertising in many different settings - television, radio, the Internet, newspapers, buses, trains, and billboards - that continuously tell us that we are not good enough. When we do not feel good about ourselves, we are more easily lured into buying goods and services that make us feel better or superior to others, even if it is only a temporary feeling. A commitment to practical spirituality can help change this feeling of discontent.

We are moving so fast trying to cross items off our long list of business and personal obligations, and to make enough money to buy products and services that we are not living in the moment. We are usually mulling over past events; planning for the future; worrying about what we don't have or how to pay for what we do have; or thinking about all of the things that we have to do. The irrational need to "keep up with the Joneses" coupled with the reality of making a living, raising children, and contributing to society creates stress and distress, which places our health and well-being in jeopardy. The good news is that studies show that spirituality and health are connected. Therefore, integrating practical spirituality into your life can have a long-term positive effect on your health.

What is practical spirituality?

Practical spirituality is a way of thinking and behaving that allows us to bring meaning, hope, comfort, and contentment into our lives. It can be found in many different ways including practicing a specific religion, communing with nature, developing hobbies such as art or music, or meditating. It may also involve creating a strong set of values and living one's life based on them. The following ideas will help you develop a process for slowing down, connecting to yourself, and finding some peace and contentment in life.

Learn to be content with what you have: St. Paul said, "I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need." (See Philippians 4:11-12)

Live in the present with awareness: Stop all the multi-tasking and focus thoroughly on completing one task at a time. Sure we can walk and talk on our cell phones without creating major catastrophes (at least most of the time), but in doing so we cannot fully focus on our phone conversation or our surroundings.

Do not compare yourself to others: Someone once said: "Don't compare yourself to others for you may become vain or bitter, there will always be greater or lesser persons than yourself." This simply means to be happy with who you are.

Practical spirituality is a process, not a destination. It requires daily practice and a commitment to rearranging your life to achieve balance. Spirituality and health go hand in hand. By slowing down and giving ourselves the respect and honor that we deserve, we are improving our long-term health - thus creating the opportunity to live a rich and full life.