The starting point of emotional health is the understanding that our beliefs about ourselves, our self image and sense of worth, were formed long ago, originally as ways of coping with the family and circumstances into which we were born. For some reason we are incredibly stubborn about giving up these beliefs, no matter how outdated, insufficient, and obviously wrong they are. Because they developed to protect us, these beliefs hang on with conservative tenacity long after we are able to take care of ourselves. Spirituality, which I think of as that sense of a larger meaning operating in the Cosmos, appears to support emotional development. It appears to support the waning of old childhood and childish patterns in favor of larger, more objective, and actually more loving perspectives.
Spirituality appears to support emotional development.
Spiritual development requires your active, intelligent involvement on a daily basis. Inside yourself, in your inner life, the two pulls are constantly at work. Emotions are your best clues. They usually take you right to the heart of what matters. I'll give you an example.