Those who claim to be “spiritual but not religious” account for over 20% of the population in the United Kingdom.
And it’s growing every year.
But what does the word “spiritual” really mean? The term spiritual is used to describe that which relates to the human spirit. It goes beyond the material.
Some people define spirituality more broadly — I’ve learned recently that some atheists (not all) speak about embracing spirituality.
Who knew?
Spirituality is about fully appreciating all aspects of life. Most people have learned to experience the world superficially, but there is so much more just below the surface.
Indeed, Spirituality embraces all religions — and none — because it recognises that all are different paths through life.
I thought I’d take a shot at writing something — as a practising Christian — that encourages people into spirituality, even if you don’t consider yourself “religious” in the traditionally accepted definition of the term.
So if you’d like to cultivate your spirituality further, here are SEVEN ideas to consider
1. Practice openness.
We tend to judge things by our past experiences. When faced with something new, we tend to rush to judgment based on what we have already experienced.
We all do it, don’t we? So, let’s keep an open and non-judgmental mind. Unique opportunities to learn and expand your perspective are all around us.
I think attaining a higher sense of spirituality means being more open to possibilities that come along every day.
2. Learn how to be a better listener.
Few people really listen. Most of us are simply waiting for our turn to talk.
This is a skill that I had to work hard to develop in my career as a priest (and still probably didn’t do very well despite my best efforts)
But it’s not just about listening with our ears. It’s about listening with our hearts to hear what the world and the people around us are trying to communicate.
3. See the beauty in people, things, and situations.
Part of spirituality involves seeing the truth. There is beauty to be found in nearly everything, and recognising that beauty is part of recognising the truth.
When we see the truth and beauty of the world around us, we realise that the positives of life greatly outweigh the negatives.
That’s not to downplay the real struggles many of us have — simply to note that we will feel a whole lot better if we come to appreciate the awesomeness of the world around us.
4. Spend some time in nature.
Few things are more spiritual than sitting in nature with the sun on your face and the breeze pressing against your back.
Experiencing the trees, grass, flowers, and birds is both renewing and healing.
I learned this for the first time after my first marriage broke up. Having spent many years consumed in the stuff of life — work, family and busyness — I began to take walks along canal towpaths and in the local woods and fields.
Slowing down and looking — and I mean looking — at what was around me was profoundly and spiritually refreshing.
5. Look for the bigger picture.
The mere act of wondering about the universe and what it all means is an exercise in spirituality.
Consider your purpose and true meaning to the world. What is the greatest gift we have to give?
Spirituality is ultimately about self-discovery. It can be considered the art and science of discovering who and what you really are.
How will we ever feel comfortable enough to present our true selves to the world if we don’t love and value ourselves?
We’ve all done things the wrong way and come up short numerous times — but it doesn’t define us. There’s a bigger purpose for us to embrace.
6. Stay focused on the present.
Living in the past isn’t living. And, frankly, neither is trying to live in an imagined future.
I mean, dealing with the known past and the unknown future is essential, but we must bring ourselves back to the present day.
Ultimately life can only be lived right now.
Part of being spiritual is recognising that living a positive life today leads to good things tomorrow.
Spend time each day focusing only on the moment you’re currently experiencing.
7. Allow yourself to be inspired.
It’s important to experience new things to thoroughly learn about ourselves. We should take time to meet new people, read new books, listen to different types of music, or visit new places.
So often in life, we stay in our lane. We stick with the familiar, which inevitably dulls our sense of awe and wonder about the world around us.
Only by being exposed to everything that interests us can we learn everything there is to know about ourselves.
If you’ve ever been dissatisfied with your life and thought, “There must be something more”, you’re right.
There’s a whole lot more.
I find that more profound sense of meaning within the framework of the Christian faith — but I fully appreciate that’s not where everyone is.
Learning about ourselves and our place in the world might even be the true meaning of life. But that’s for you to decide and discover.
I hope you can appreciate and find value in these seven tips, whether you would find value in "religion" or not.
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