Key Messages
Live Wholeheartedly: Know you are worthy and enough, as is; embrace our imperfections
Be Prayerful & Reflective: Practice presence, self-awareness, and self- acceptance
Cultivate Gratitude: Focus less on what you want; take time to appreciate what you have
Celebrate & Connect: To a power greater than ourselves, connecting to one another is rooted in love and compassion
Our Philosophy
The Center for Student Wellness believes in an inclusive definition of spirituality that recognizes we are all inextricably connected to one another by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is rooted in love and compassion. Spirituality can mean many things including religious beliefs, meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or a sense of inner peace. Spirituality is the quality of being concerned with the human soul, naturally lending itself to social justice when we are empowered to act according to our beliefs. We respect all cultures, traditions, and spiritual and religious practices and support students' own understanding of spirituality as it brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to their lives.
Discover
What messages do you receive around caring for your SOUL? Listen to a variety of perspectives, from experts and peers, and consider how it relates to your experiences.
Hear from an Expert
"Do Black Lives Matter to God"
Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
BC Podcast: Let’s Talk Spirituality with Franny Hess
Explore
How do you care for your SOUL? Engage in these reflective activities and behaviors to discover what works best for you.
Live Wholeheartedly
It can be scary to dive into something new without the familiarity of your friends or hometown. But college is a time to let yourself find who you really are. Embrace the challenges and say yes! Watch this video on Shonda Rhime’s journey of saying yes to everything. When someone asks you to FaceTime or asks if you want to study with them, try saying yes even if you don’t 100% want to. By saying yes to more people, you’re setting yourself to find more meaningful relationships even in places you might not have expected. But don’t forget to save a little time for yourself too! Read these 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living: An Actionable Guide.
Be Prayerful & Reflective
When was the last time you let your mind be still? If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, instead of scrolling through TikTok for the next 10 minutes, try turning your mind off. Don’t go on your phone, don’t go on your laptop, don’t turn on the tv, don’t plan out the rest of your day or worry about your exam next week. Just be. Sit in a comfortable place or go for a walk outside and be in nature to take a step back from the stress and be in the moment. Watch this video - all it takes is 10 mindful minutes!
Cultivate Gratitude
Want to be happy? Be Grateful. Watch this video to slow down, look around, and allow yourself to see the beauty in the world around you. In these uncertain times, it can be difficult to find ways to feel grateful, but remember that gratitude can be simple. Start a note on your phone and write down the things that make you smile throughout the day. They don’t have to be big, just highlight a few bright spots. Simple things like blooming flowers, eating lunch outside, or lighting a new candle can bring moments of joy. At the end of the day, look over your list to see all the things that are bringing you comfort. For more ideas on how to cultivate gratitude right now, check out this article from Talkspace.
Celebrate & Connect
Over the week, perform 5 random acts of kindness - here are some ideas and reflect on how you feel. Engage in conversations with your loved ones to identify “what spirituality means to you?” Is it spending time in nature? Starting each morning watching the sunrise or ending the day watching the sunset? Making time for your morning coffee or cup of tea? Complimenting a stranger? Spirituality can encompass more than religious belief - attempt to think about your spiritual beliefs and share them with others. When do you feel most connected to something greater than yourself? Read this article on how you can make space for spirituality and reflection in your life.
Live
What do you need to do to care for your mind (or body, or soul) and live well? Sign up to meet with a Wellness Coach to reflect on your current wellbeing and set goals that feel achievable to you.
Let's Talk More...
We want to help you find joy in your journey, wherever you’re at. We have many resources within Center for Student Wellness and throughout campus to continue this conversation—we’re here to listen, reflect, and help you set and achieve health goals that feel intuitive, sustainable, and balanced.
Meet with a Peer Wellness Coach
Engage in a conversation about your health and wellness goals related to caring for your body - in the areas of sleep and general health, body image and exercise, and alcohol and other drugs!
Visit bc.edu/wellnesscoach to schedule your Wellness Coaching session and learn about each type of appointment, or use the links below to sign up directly through google calendar.
CHECK OUT OUR LET’S TALK SOUL BOOK LIST