Mariska Hargitay, celebrated for her portrayal of Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is not just an icon in the world of acting—she’s a beacon of inspiration for many through her spiritual beliefs and practices. While she often keeps her personal life private, glimpses into her spiritual journey reveal a woman grounded in purpose, compassion, and a profound sense of connection with the world around her.
A Foundation of Faith and Gratitude
Hargitay’s spiritual path is deeply intertwined with a sense of faith and gratitude. In interviews, she has frequently spoken about the importance of being grateful for life’s blessings, regardless of their size. Her perspective is that gratitude isn’t merely a fleeting feeling but a foundational pillar that sustains her through life’s challenges. By focusing on what she has rather than what she lacks, she creates a positive mindset that spills over into her work and personal life. This practice of gratitude helps her stay present, mindful, and fully engaged with every moment.
Finding Peace Through Meditation
A crucial element of Mariska’s spiritual practice is meditation. She has often cited meditation as her sanctuary—a space where she can retreat from the chaos of everyday life, especially the demanding environment of working on a long-running television show like SVU. Through meditation, she finds clarity, peace, and balance, which helps her stay grounded and centered. It’s not merely about sitting in silence; for Hargitay, it’s about creating an inner dialogue that fosters self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Her approach to meditation is flexible and intuitive. Sometimes it involves guided sessions with specific goals in mind, while at other times, it is a simple act of sitting in stillness, listening to her breath, and connecting with her innermost self. This practice has been transformative, enabling her to handle stress, remain calm under pressure, and maintain a healthy emotional equilibrium amidst the fast-paced nature of her career.
Compassion as a Spiritual Principle
Mariska Hargitay is also known for her deep compassion, which she believes is a spiritual principle that transcends all aspects of life. Her compassion is not just a natural disposition but a conscious choice that she practices daily. Her work with the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization she founded to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, is a testament to this. For Hargitay, compassion is a driving force—it’s about reaching out to others, understanding their pain, and offering both empathy and actionable support.
She extends this compassion into her interactions on set, with fans, and in her personal life. It’s about seeing the divine in everyone she meets and recognizing that every person carries their own burdens. This understanding allows her to foster more meaningful connections and spread positivity wherever she goes.
Aligning with Higher Purpose
For Mariska, spirituality isn’t about adhering to a rigid set of beliefs or practices; it’s about aligning her actions with a higher purpose. She sees her role on SVU as more than just acting—it’s a calling that resonates with her desire to bring awareness and change to societal issues. This alignment of her professional work with her spiritual mission allows her to derive a deeper sense of fulfillment from her career.
The Role of Love and Family
At the heart of Hargitay’s spiritual life is love—especially her love for her family. Her husband, Peter Hermann, and their children are central to her spiritual journey. Family gatherings, shared prayers, and moments of reflection are all practices that reinforce her spiritual beliefs. Love, for her, is the ultimate spiritual practice—one that requires patience, understanding, and commitment.
A Journey of Continuous Growth
Mariska Hargitay’s spiritual beliefs and practices are not static; they evolve with her experiences, challenges, and triumphs. She is always open to learning, growing, and finding new ways to connect with herself and the world around her. This openness has allowed her to become not just a better actress, but also a more compassionate and purposeful human being.
In a world where spirituality is often sidelined, Mariska Hargitay stands as a powerful example of how faith, mindfulness, and compassion can be seamlessly integrated into both personal and professional life, making her a role model for many who seek to lead a life of meaning and impact.