Is spiritual fulfillment the key to happiness?

People who are spiritually fulfilled are nearly twice as likely to believe in the “law of attraction” and that they have control over their own happiness. 

That’s according to a recent survey of 2,000 Americans, 74% of whom subscribe to the popular new age theory that positive thinking will yield positive experiences.

People who identified as spiritually fulfilled were nearly twice as likely to believe in the law of attraction as those who weren’t (86% vs 45%).

Similarly, these same respondents, who made up 69% of those polled, were more likely to claim that they have control over their own happiness (86% vs 44%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Behold Retreats, the survey also found plenty of support for other spiritual concepts like karma (69%), fate (75%) and the existence of a higher power (85%).

Regardless of their level of fulfillment, a whopping 90% even believe “that each of us have the ability to choose what kind of person we become.”

Although most respondents were raised in a specific organized religion (63%) that they still culturally identify with (60%), only one in five (21%) still actively follow that same religion today.

And while 44% self-identified as being religious, almost twice as many (79%) consider themselves spiritual – and of those, half (50%) feel more spiritual than they do religious. 

Overall, 76% believe it’s possible to be spiritually fulfilled without following a specific religion, including 86% of those who already feel fulfilled themselves.

“No matter how much one succeeds in life, fulfillment and happiness are states of being that can only originate from within,” said Jonathan de Potter, founder of Behold Retreats. “The reality is, we all face some struggles in times of change, and these findings indicate we can all benefit from a stronger commitment to self-discovery, positive thinking, and spiritual practices.”

The survey found that the most common struggles were feeling anxious (40%) and stuck (39%), a sense of overwhelm (39%), and three in 10 (36%) claimed to frequently experience frustration.

Interestingly, the data showed that those who already feel fulfilled were twice as likely to have tried some sort of psychedelic treatment (23% vs. 10%).

Compared to a previous study from 2021, respondents were slightly more interested in the idea of trying psychedelics in 2022, particularly “magic mushrooms,” or psilocybin (44% vs. 37%).

Results also indicated a slight increase in interest with 5-MeO-DMT (19% vs. 14%), also known as the “God Molecule,” broadly considered the most potent psychedelic medicine.  

“Working with 5-MeO-DMT, Ayahuasca, and Psilocybin in a safe and sacred setting, like a retreat, can be a powerful and transformative experience,” said de Potter. “But it’s not for everyone, and a holistic approach is crucial. The key to ongoing improvements to quality of life and fulfillment is healthy daily practices that continue to deepen our self-understanding and an embodied connection to spirit.”

Most popular spiritual practices

1. Prayer – 60%

2. Meditation – 57%

3. Performing acts of service – 49%

4. Deep breathing – 47%

5. Positive affirmations – 42%

6. Connecting with nature – 42%

7. Attending a religious service – 40%

8. Yoga – 39%

9. Journalling – 38%

10. Manifestation – 38%