Multifaith and Spiritual Diversity Day
We are unique amongst Australian universities in promoting an annual faith and spiritual diversity day to highlight the diverse cultural and faith communities that are part of our thriving learning community.
Usually held in August each year, we mark Faith and Spiritual Diversity Day by hosting events and celebrations in our common spaces. This can include:
- panel discussions
- chill-out zones
- clubs and stalls
- food and music.
Spirituality, health and wellbeing
We aimed to raise awareness of the link between spirituality and health and wellbeing. For many, spirituality is essential to our understanding of meaning and purpose and it is integral to how we define our authenticity as human being. We want to include spiritual wellness as a holistic and integrated component of wellbeing.
More generally, we want to promote La Trobe as a place where people of diverse cultures, faiths and beliefs can study and learn in an environment where they feel safe and welcomed, without discrimination.
What is spirituality?
"Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred." Christina Puchalski, MD, Director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health.
In general, it is a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves and typically includes a meaning of life. Some find this is linked to religion; churches, temples, mosques, God or a higher power. Others take spiritual meaning from art and nature.
Explore this topic further:
The link between spirituality and wellbeing
There is a growing body of research showing the positive link between spiritual beliefs and wellbeing. We asked Associate Professor Bernice Mathisen, Discipline Lead & Course Coordinator in Speech Pathology at Southern Cross University, to discuss some of the current evidence that reveals the benefits of spirituality/religion to human health and wellbeing.
View this conversation by Associate Professor Bernice Mathisen, Southern Cross University, on the topic: 'Understanding the link between spirituality and wellbeing'. Bernice, along with co-author Dr. Lindsay Carey (La Trobe University) have written a book titled ‘Spiritual Care for Allied Health Practice - A Person Centered Approach’. They are currently in the process of completing another.
The importance of spirituality for wellbeing
Connect with our multifaith spiritual care services
If you want to know more about our Multifaith Spiritual Wellbeing Service or just talk. Please contact one of our Spiritual Wellbeing advisors.