How to Bring Spirituality into Daily life
Spirituality is a comprehensive and inclusive concept. In Grow True Psychology’s last blog, we considered what spirituality could mean, concerns that spirituality could help address (anxiety, depression, life’s difficult changes), and what it is about spirituality that may make it helpful.
As we continue to explore aspects of spirituality, we turn our focus to the perspective that spirituality requires practice. However, we practice not with the intention of reaching a ‘completed destination.’ Rather, we practice spiritual practices because they can be gateways to how we may connect to ourselves, others, and the world with more joy, compassion, happiness, and peace, for example.
How can we bring spirituality into our lives?
You may consider these three broad concepts and related practices if you’re trying to begin or deepen a sense of spirituality.
Contemplative Practices
Contemplative practice is a broad term that refers to a variety of practices which are influenced by many religions and traditions. Meditation, yoga, and prayer are examples of contemplative practices. Contemplative practices can support one’s spiritual development because they may facilitate the growth of self-awareness, wisdom, love, and happiness, for example. Certain contemplative practices may also help us cope better with concerns like anxiety and depression. For example, while mindfulness was not developed with the intention of lessening anxiety, research suggests that a mindfulness practice can indeed lessen anxious symptoms. Here are a few contemplative practice ideas:
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Mindfulness refers to the practice of directing our attention to our inner and outer worlds in the present moment. Mindfulness has been shown to lessen anxiety and depression; and, to support well-being among many other benefits. Countless practices can help you become more mindful. You could start by simply listening more or doing one thing at a time.
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Journaling can be a way to explore your inner world. It may support your efforts to increase self-awareness, better understand thoughts and emotions, or to manage stress.
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Consider the value of silence in both your external and internal worlds. Beginning with quieting your external world may feel more approachable. For example, could you lessen the sounds of street noise in your home, television, or conflict? You may then aim to soften your inner world by taking note of thoughts, emotions, and sensations. With increased internal silence, our inner wisdom may rise with more ease.
Letting Go
There are many ways that we can suffer. We may suffer when we do not have access to what we desire. We may suffer in our attachment to difficult emotions, certain relationships, or material things. We likely suffer when we avoid or procrastinate. We could suffer through fear, threat, or pain. Even when we are happy and blissfully content in any given moment, we know that will eventually change, and the mere thought of this change can cause suffering. Yet, as humans it is typical to have these experiences and because it is typical, it takes practice to “let go” of wants, desires, fears, or things that could contribute to suffering.
Spirituality may be supported by noticing areas of suffering, practice letting go, and shifting your attention to a fuller perspective (for example, sources of joy and connection that may also be present, even in the face of difficulty). This is often not an easy practice depending on what you are trying to release. It could be beneficial to seek support as you aim to let go.
You may consider:
What causes you suffering?
How do you know you’re suffering?
What might you be missing out on?
Self-compassion can help reduce suffering. Contact to learn more about self-compassion in therapy.
Helping
From your own spiritual practice can come the opportunity to shine that light on others. In this way, your spirituality may also be in the service of others. For example, with a stronger sense of spirituality we may relate to others with more compassion and love. Expressing compassion and love to others and the world could, in some instances, ease sources of suffering, such as greed or envy. Helping and service not only have the potential to help others and your environment, but are also understood to elevate our own happiness. We all potentially benefit from service. You may be in service of others by practicing:
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Generosity can move beyond money or gifts (although those can be generous gestures too). We could be generous by letting someone have the ‘last word’ or believing the best about someone. We might be generous with our time or actively listening to a friend in need. Generosity could be assuming that someone’s road rage reflects the difficult day they’re having, rather than who they are as a person. If we think outside the box, how could we be more generous?
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We are often benefited when we forgive. In turn, others can be benefited by what may soften within us following forgiveness. Forgiveness does not permit the wrongdoing as acceptable but can free us from the claws of the emotion. If you shed a past hurt or anger, would your light shine a bit differently? Would anything or anyone around you be impacted - including you?
Learn More
Topics we have discussed, such as contemplative practices, mindfulness, self-compassion, letting go, forgiveness, service, and of course – spirituality, can be fruitful areas of exploration on a personal growth journey. If you’re looking for support in your growth process, let’s connect for a free 15-minute informational phone consultation and see if Grow True is right for you.
I dedicate this writing to a dear friend. May you feel connected & supported.
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