In today’s busy, hectic world, it’s not always easy to find time to focus on spirituality. Those who have a strong religious faith of any kind will find it easier, but it’s important to remember that spirituality is not the same as religion; many of us lead spiritual lives outside of any particular belief system.
But if you’re not religious, finding time to develop your spirituality can quickly become just one more chore on the list, which is very self-defeating. Fortunately, there are numerous easy ways to enhance your spirituality as you go about your daily life - all of these things will help you to feel more positive, uplifted and closer to the source.
1. Connect With Nature
Unless you live in the wilderness or do an outdoor job, most of us don’t spend a whole lot of time looking at or enjoying or participating in the natural world. We treat the elements as an annoyance - it’s raining again, or the flight has been cancelled because of high winds. It’s too cold, it’s too hot, it’s too dusty, the grass needs cutting and you haven’t the time. The kid want to go to the beach, but it’s too far and you’re too busy.
Making a conscious choice to reconnect with nature is easy, and it takes just seconds a day. Learning to embrace the weather is a good start, so look for the beauty in the rain or be in awe of the power of the wind and the strength of the sunshine. Walk barefoot in your yard, and plant some herbs, flowers or vegetables. Encourage backyard creatures to visit; sit and meditate underneath a shady tree. Just being aware of and grateful for the nature around us is a powerful spiritual link.
2. Connect With Others
Just as we’re too busy to appreciate nature, we’re also often too busy to appreciate others. Make eye contact as you go through life. Smile at people; ask someone if they’re OK if they seem to be struggling. Reach out to connect with an elderly neighbor who may be lonely; stop to appreciate the pure joy of the kids playing next door instead of cursing them for the noise. Look for community volunteer projects you could get involved in.
Giving your smile and your moment in time to someone else is a powerful way to reboot your spirituality. It could also be just what the other person really, really needed at that time.
3. Connect With Yourself
This form of reconnection can be the most difficult of all, because we feel guilty about providing time just to be. There’s always something else which needs doing and someone else who needs our attention, but carving out just 10 minutes a day to meditate or to sit in quiet contemplation really helps to promote a sense of spiritual wellbeing.
4. Notice Signs and Symbols
Becoming more observant can also be a powerful aid to spiritual growth. Signs and symbols all around you can provide insight into what you’re struggling with, if only you open your eyes and look. Whether you believe these signs come from angels, or from your higher consciousness, or from a universal life force, they can be hugely positive in your life if you take the time to seek them and to appreciate them.
5. Be Kind
The Dalai Lama said “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” Make it your mission in life to simply be kind. Where you have a choice of different reactions to something someone has done or said, always choose the kindest and most tolerant reaction. It’s not always easy, but it is always worthwhile.
Many people also enjoy making a deliberate choice to pay kindness forward. The Pay it Forward Movement and the similar notion of random acts of kindness are beautiful ways in which you can make a difference to someone else’s life, while enhancing your own too.
