Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy in Your Romantic Relationship: 5 Ways to Create Deeper Connection 

Spiritual intimacy in a relationship can often be overlooked or not emphasized in the way that I believe it should be. Building that connection is all about becoming closer on a deeper, more transcendent level that goes beyond just your interests, physical attraction, and surface level emotional bonding. It involves nurturing a connection that is hopefully rooted in shared values, a mutual understanding of spirituality, and an aligned sense of purpose. For couples seeking a lasting, meaningful relationship, spiritual intimacy can serve as the solid foundation that you need.  

Understanding Spiritual Intimacy 

Spiritual intimacy is a bond between two individuals that centers around their shared or (hopefully) complementary beliefs, values, and worldview. It doesn’t necessarily need to be tied to a specific religion or set of spiritual practices, though for many, faith and religious traditions play an essential role. Whether you're religious or just spiritual in a broader sense, the key to spiritual intimacy lies in creating a space where both people feel comfortable exploring life’s big questions together. 

This kind of intimacy involves an open communication about beliefs, respect for each other's personal spiritual journeys, and fostering a sense of unity together through those beliefs. When properly nurtured, spiritual intimacy can deepen the emotional connection you share, enhance your trust with each other, and give couples a shared purpose that makes the relationship stronger. 

5 Ways to Foster Spiritual Intimacy in Your Relationship 

1. Create an Open Dialogue About Beliefs and Values 

One of the first steps toward developing spiritual intimacy is opening up a dialogue about your personal beliefs, values, and spiritual experiences. Try and keep these conversations free of judgment and filled with curiosity and respect. It’s essential to acknowledge that each person’s spiritual path is unique and very personal. There is no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to spirituality, so rather than seeking agreement on every point, focus on understanding where your partner is coming from and how their experiences shape their beliefs and worldview. This level of vulnerability and honesty requires trust and mutual respect. 

Asking meaningful questions like "What do you believe happens after we die?" or "How do you find meaning in difficult times?" can open up new avenues for connection. These conversations can also evolve over time, providing opportunities for both partners to grow together in their spiritual journeys. 

2. Engage in Shared Spiritual Practices 

Being able to share spiritual practices together is a powerful way to build spiritual intimacy. For religious couples, this might involve praying together, reading scriptures together, or attending church together! For those with more secular or non-religious beliefs, spiritual practices could include meditating together, going on nature walks, or anything else that inspires a sense of connection to something greater than just yourselves! 

The key to all this is to find practices that resonate with both of you. When you’re doing these activities together, you create experiences that strengthen your connection and feelings. Having those moments will hopefully make you feel more connected and in-tune with one another. 

3. Learning Mindfulness & Gratitude 

Gratitude and mindfulness are two practices that can greatly enhance spiritual intimacy. By intentionally focusing on the present moment and expressing gratitude for your partner and the life you are building together, the spiritual bond between the two of you will strengthen. As for myself, learning mindfulness has made me feel more empowered in my day to day life, more present with the people around me, and has calmed my worries and anxieties countless times. In turn, this makes me more capable of strong and healthy relationships.  

A super simple but effective way to incorporate gratitude into your relationship is by creating a daily or weekly ritual where you share what you're thankful for—about each other and your shared life. This can be done through a gratitude journal or during a quiet moment together at the end of the day. Practices like these reinforce the idea that your relationship is special and worthy of nurturing. 

Mindfulness, meanwhile, helps couples to remain present with each other. Instead of getting lost in future worries or past conflicts, mindfulness encourages you to appreciate every moment you share together. It brings a sense of peace and unity to the relationship, allowing both of you to feel more spiritually connected. 

4. Serve a Higher Purpose Together 

One of the most meaningful ways to build spiritual intimacy is by engaging in activities that serve a higher purpose or impact the world in a greater way. Whether it's volunteering with a local charity, donating to a cause that aligns with your values, or simply doing small acts of service that make a positive impact on your neighbors or community, serving others can help couples feel connected to something larger than themselves. 

Working together for a shared cause can also create more of a sense of purpose and direction in the relationship. It provides an opportunity for both partners to align their values and demonstrate their commitment to creating a better world. This shared mission enhances the spiritual connection between partners and reinforces the idea that your relationship has the potential to be a part of a larger, more meaningful journey. 

5. Create a Safe Space for Vulnerability and Growth 

True spiritual intimacy will always require vulnerability from both sides. This means being open about your doubts, fears, and insecurities, as well as your hopes, dreams, and beliefs. Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for these discussions allows both partners to express themselves fully without fear of rejection or misunderstanding. 

It’s also important to recognize that spiritual growth is a lifelong process. You and your partner will likely evolve in your beliefs and spiritual understanding over time, and that’s okay. Always encourage each other to continue growing and learning. By supporting each other’s personal spiritual journeys, you create an environment of trust and deep understanding, which strengthens the bond between you. 

The Benefits of Spiritual Intimacy in a Romantic Relationship 

When couples invest in building spiritual intimacy, they often experience a deeper level of emotional connection, trust, and unity. Here are some of the key benefits: 

• Increased emotional resilience: A shared spiritual foundation can help couples navigate challenges with greater ease. When you both view your relationship as part of a larger spiritual journey, difficulties become opportunities for growth and learning, rather than obstacles to be overcome. 

• Enhanced trust: Bonding spiritually creates a sense of unconditional love and support. When both partners feel that their spiritual connection is more important than material concerns, they’re more likely to trust each other and feel secure in the relationship. 

• A stronger sense of purpose: By exploring your shared values and beliefs, you cultivate a sense of meaning and direction in your relationship. This shared purpose can help couples stay connected, even when life’s challenges arise. 

• Deeper love and understanding: Spiritual intimacy invites you to love your partner on a soul level, seeing them not just for their physical or emotional attributes, but for the essence of who they truly are. 

Creating spiritual intimacy in a romantic relationship takes time, effort, and a willingness to be vulnerable. It involves open communication, shared practices, and a deep respect for each other’s personal spiritual journeys. By focusing on spiritual growth together, couples can build a relationship that transcends the everyday and taps into a higher purpose. Spiritual intimacy adds depth and meaning to a partnership, helping your love grow and flourish in lasting ways. 

Related Resources 

Building Trust in Relationships: A Comprehensive Guide to Lasting Connection 

10 Things You Should Be Actively Doing For A Better Relationship

Justin Fague reviewed this article. To reach out, please email healthyrelationships@usu.edu.