SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: DO YOU HAVE ONE?
Although we usually focus on gut health and functional medicine, today, we want to cover the importance of spiritual practice. Spiritual practices are activities you engage in, deepening your relationships with the sacred and the world around you. These practices help you connect to God or a source (anything that resonates to describe that “something more” beyond yourself). They enable you to actively engage with your inner or “true” self — the depth of your being. And they expand the breadth of your experiences, encouraging you to relate in a particular way to other people and the whole creation, keeping you more grounded.
It doesn’t have to be fancy- even 10 minutes of meditation or prayer can make a big difference. If you need help figuring out where to start, here are some ideas to get you started.
Having a daily spiritual practice can be beneficial to overall health and well-being.
Creating a spiritual practice can nurture overall well-being, enhancing physical and mental health. It can be as simple as taking a few moments each day to reflect on life’s purpose or to meditate/pray. Connecting with the spiritual self often brings clarity of thought and emotional balance and helps form a healthy relationship with oneself and those around us. One’s spiritual practice can mimic the calming effects of yoga or the slow rhythm of Tai Chi. Ultimately, bringing these practices into your daily life removes stress and worries and provides a sense of peace and serenity during times of hardship.
Benefits of daily spiritual practice
There are many benefits to having a daily spiritual practice. It can help us center ourselves, provide clarity about life direction, and help us move forward with purpose. These practices can also improve mental clarity and focus by helping to organize chaotic thoughts and feelings, creating an easier path ahead. By taking a consistent spiritual inventory of our emotions, physical environment, and intentions for the future, we can effectively progress toward personal goals without getting distracted by outside influences or persistent patterns of behavior that do not serve us in the long run. Additionally, daily spiritual practice gives us a safe space to explore the dynamics that shape our experiences while teaching us how to use these often turbulent energies in ways that allow us to benefit from them. Regular spiritual practice is an invaluable tool for any individual looking to increase their mental clarity and focus as they navigate their journey toward self-discovery.
Get Started Today
Getting started with a daily spiritual practice like prayer or meditation can be manageable. Take it one step at a time; start by setting aside 5-10 minutes each day, and build upon that until it becomes routine. Depending on your faith tradition, you could spend this time in several ways – praying, reflecting, listening for guidance, reading sacred texts, or maybe even sitting in stillness. Choose what works best for you and stick to it! Additionally, suppose you can find a support system of friends or family members who share similar beliefs and goals. In that case, it can help immensely to stay accountable and commit to the practice together. Above all else, remember that connecting with spirit is a rewarding experience that promises unique rewards!
There is no “right” way to do it.
With the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to get overwhelmed. To find some inner peace, a daily spiritual practice can be invaluable. The best part about creating your spiritual practice is that there is no ‘right’ way to do it: it’s all about what works for you. Anything is possible, whether meditating, trying yoga poses, journaling, visualizations, or simple silent contemplation. Get creative, experiment with various techniques, and figure out your preferred method of connecting with your spiritual side. Take time out of your busy day to focus on yourself and work towards establishing a routine that helps you relax and enjoy life more!
—> Check out this article on the science behind spirituality https://positivepsychology.
The decision to do spiritual practices is intentional.
Consider having a spiritual practice to check in with yourself so you can walk daily as your true authentic self! These activities have meaning and purpose and influence how we live our lives.
Practicing spirituality and wellness together can lead to a sense of self-discovery and growth, but it doesn’t have to be done alone. We value hearing your thoughts and experiences; we aim to create a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Please consider sharing any practices that have been meaningful to you over the years; even if just a single sentence, it will be greatly appreciated by all! Thanks again for participating in these conversations; we hope they allow us to reflect on our beliefs and continue improving upon them.
Thank you for reading this post, and we would love to hear about your own experiences with spirituality and wellness in the comments below.
