The impact of spiritual expression
Spiritual expression refers to more than religious affiliation.
Having religious affiliation does not automatically instill spiritual connection. Even people who outwardly show religious fervor by donning the clothing of the devout or attending religious ceremonies regularly are not necessarily experiencing spiritual connection.
Religious affiliation is one avenue towards spiritual connection, but there are many other ways to achieve it. Pondering the beauty of a tree or the crush of the waves on the shore or the movement of the clouds can incite spiritual connection and lead to personal expressions of spiritual longing. Attending to the needs of children or animals can create connection that leads to spiritual expression of amazement and awe. Immersion into artistic expressions of oneself through music, movement, or art are spiritual expressions when the artists are truly expressing their soulful selves.
Spiritual expression impacts health and well-being. Prayers that are expressed earnestly are spiritual expressions that raise immunity. So are the ponderings about nature and nature’s creatures. Immersion in soulful artistic expression is also impactful on health, as long as the body’s needs are not ignored (the needs for proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition).
The key words are earnestness, pondering, and soulful. When any of these words actually describe the endeavor, then the spiritual expression is uplifting to the body and soul. Rote recitation of prayers, feigned amazement at nature, and obligatory execution of artistic works are not uplifting at all.
Note: This information has been spiritually received. It is here for us to understand the importance of truthful reaching towards spiritual connection.