12 Degrees: A Wellness Podcast

You Might Die Today and Other Wellness Reminders: The Spiritual Degree

Spiritual wellness involves finding purpose, meaning, and connection to values, beliefs, or faith. It is not limited to religious practices but also includes personal growth, meditation, and a sense of peace.

Spiritual wellness isn’t just for monks or mystics. It’s for anyone craving meaning, connection, or a little peace in a noisy world. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey, Deshna, and Christina explore how everyday moments—like snuggling a pet, coloring a mandala, or journaling with intention—can become portals to something deeper. You’ll hear about the power of personal ritual, the comfort of sensory grounding, and why getting a little morbid might just help you live more fully. Spoiler: it’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s way more accessible than you think.

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Real-Life Strategies for Spiritual Wellness:

• Nurture Connection – Spiritual wellness isn’t just about belief—it’s about connection. Start with your relationship to yourself, then branch out: to loved ones, to nature, and, if it resonates, to something greater.
• Use Sensory Anchors – Ground yourself through smell, touch, or sound. Whether it’s a sound bath, a squishy pet, or a calming essential oil, engaging your senses can help you reconnect with your body and stay present in the moment.
• Write it Out – Use journaling to connect with your inner self or a sense of something greater. One approach: write a “letter from Love,” as inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert, starting with the prompt “Love, what would you have me know today?” Let the words flow.
• Create Person Rituals – Ritual doesn’t have to be religious. A morning coffee in silence, journaling, lighting a candle, or taking a gratitude walk can be just as meaningful. If you come from a faith tradition that caused harm, it’s okay to keep—or reinterpret—what comforts you.
• Respectfully Explore Global Practices – Traditions like Reiki, forest bathing, and mandala art can offer meaningful support for spiritual wellness. Engage with care and curiosity, pairing the practice with quiet reflection.
• Create an Ancestral Space – Honoring ancestors and other loved ones can be a powerful spiritual wellness practice. Consider creating a small altar with photos, keepsakes, or objects that represent people who’ve come before you.
• Get Morbid (in a Good Way) – Reflecting on mortality can deepen your appreciation for life. It’s a reminder to live with more presence, gratitude, and intention.