Faith & Spiritual Members

Noticing Sacred Moments

A week-long log for noticing sacred or deeply meaningful moments, what made them special and how they were savoured, plus ways to make more room for them.

1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Spiritually integrated

Key facts

Approach / concern
Faith & Spiritual
Technique
Spiritually integrated
Format
Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
Access
Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
For
Licensed clinicians to use with clients
Updated
October 2026

What is the Noticing Sacred Moments?

Sacred moments are brief periods imbued with spiritual qualities such as transcendence, ultimacy, boundlessness and deep interconnectedness. Noticing them is relevant to religious and non-religious clients alike.

Why it works

An experimental study found that cultivating sacred moments increased wellbeing and reduced perceived stress (Goldstein, 2007). Sacred moments in psychotherapy are associated with positive outcomes for clients and providers (Pargament et al., 2014).

When to use it

  • Spiritual or meaning-focused clients
  • Low mood and stress
  • Grief and life transitions
  • Wellbeing and savouring work

How to use it in session

  1. Define sacred moments inclusively.
  2. Log one moment daily.
  3. Savour by pausing and reflecting.
  4. Review patterns.
  5. Plan to create space for more.

Clinician tips

  • Respect each client’s worldview.
  • Include nature, art and relationships.
  • Avoid imposing religious language.

Worked example

Wednesday: sitting with my mom in the garden, both quiet. Special: felt deeply connected. Savoured: took a breath and said thank you inside.

Sharing with clients

Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be religious?

No. Many people experience sacred or deeply meaningful moments without religious beliefs.

How is this different from gratitude?

It overlaps, but focuses on moments of awe, transcendence and deep connection.

References

Goldstein, E. D. (2007). Sacred moments: Implications on well-being and stress. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 63(10), 1001-1019.

Pargament, K. I., Lomax, J. W., McGee, J. S., & Fang, Q. (2014). Sacred moments in psychotherapy from the perspectives of mental health providers and clients: Prevalence, predictors, and consequences. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 6(4), 248-262.

This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.