\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. God's plan is not just for us to be saved by graceit is for us to live by grace. Return to it if you can. At work, aren't there just moments when you sit back and close your eyes for a few seconds? There is no doubt that you can get caught up in the stories involved in soaps and your mind, whether you realise it or not, is saying This is just a soap but it happens in real life', so now your mind has the belief that this is what life is really like and it can compound your belief that people are nasty, life can be shit and it doesn't do anything at all to lift your spirits it has the opposite effect. Where do you believe your thoughts and deepest desires come from? Connecting with your body might seem like a vague concept, but its one thats best understood when put into consistent practice. If you harbor ill feelings towards any group or individual, make an effort to get to know them as people. Again, all of this starts by sitting the hell down. So, sit. Additionally, there are plenty of ways for you to connect to your spiritual side without going to a place of worship or reading the Bible. Finally, you may give yourself the opportunity to discover your own beliefs about the divine; this can feel especially freeing if you grew up in a strict religious culture which discouraged individual questioning or discernment. Getting in touch, though, with your own rhythm of life does involve breathing from a conscious level. Community also plays an important role in character growth, brings Gods Word to life, gives prayer a life-changing impact and is vital for telling others about Christ. These are not etched in stone or thou shalts one bit. Of course! View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. Spirituality can still occur in this space of ambivalence. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 8 Keys to Spiritual Growth Key 1 Embrace Humility & Gratitude A humble heart is aware that without Jesus' sacrifice, we are nothing. [1] Method 1 Engaging in Meditation 1 Learn how to meditate. The rambling thoughts of our monkey mind, or our constant mental chatter, separates us from who we are at our core. When these 8 keys to spiritual growth are done consistently, intentionally, and heartfelt, they offer a powerful way to deepen your faith. Your practice is yours, and yours only! Get to know people. As always, take what works for you, and leave what doesnt! Well, you might read something that stirs your mind. To do this, you might try journaling on self-reflective prompts (such as these), but its not necessary to use a prompt. If not, consider praying with another congregation. For more tips, including how to cultivate a greater sense of empathy, read on! Peter, one of Jesus's closest followers during the time He was on earth, encourages us this way: "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18, New International Version). Some spiritual people may be ambivalent about God; perhaps having learned about a punishing God via organized religion, they now come to question whether God exists. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? 5 Ways To Practice Spirituality Without Religion 1. Application Question: How can we allow the Spirit to strengthen us? A Breakdown, What Is Pedro Pascal's Rising Sign? Obviously, the Spirit empowers us as we pray. This is one of the many reasons why we feel unexplainably dissatisfied: we have very little foundational knowledge for listening to our own inner guidance. I am not saying love everyone, there are just some people you cannot love or tolerate and their consciousness is so low that it would be dangerous for you to try and connect with them to love them, we are talking the real nasty people in life. There is a power that keeps everything in its place and fuses everything. As a seed grows when its planted and watered, followers of Christ grow in spiritual maturity when they are planted and watered in good soil. I'm definitely not going to debate which path is right or wrong. You might simply listen to some peaceful music and bliss out. There are three elements that are essential to growing to spiritual maturity: grace, truth, and time. Winter/Spring 2010. The following are 9 simple ways to be spiritual without religion. Consider deepening your commitment to spiritual introspection by going on a silent meditation retreat. The spiritual nature of existence is not always apparent in our day to day activities. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. No couple just stumbles into spiritual growth. If youre an excessive worrier, or an overthinker, try simply writing down whats on your mind, with no filters. Expert Interview. 2. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. There are lots of little things you can do every day to bring you into a spiritual place. You can do this in your normal day to day life with simple little things like opening a door to someone, letting someone out at a junction in rush hour traffic, give someone a hand in the workplace, buying your wife some flowers (got to watch this one as your wife might become suspicious that something you are up to something). Listen hard when you are in conversation. Obsessing over our personal wants and desires creates isolation, not happiness. This is a broad definition, because it looks a little different for each individual person. Its one hundred percent possible to have a thriving personal spiritual practice, even if you dont call yourself a Christian, or go to a temple, or read a particular religious text. X All rights reserved. If you aren't breathing, then guess what? The idea behind mindful movement, in this case, is to become aware of the way your body feels when you move it. For example, you may still believe in the God of the organized religion in which you were raised, yet choose not to follow the tenets of that religion. How does that work then? Everyones spiritual practice looks a little different. For thousands of years, biblical fasting has been the practice of abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. As I said earlier, some gym time never hurt anyone. How can we grow into Christ when people judge us as Christians? Brainstorm questions for spiritual growth. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. It's a process. Thank people sincerely when they do something for you. In fact, studies show that religious belief is tied to more authoritarian or controlling parenting styles,. sleep support+ (442) Shop now We have the power to focus our thoughts in a positive directionpositive for ourselves, for others, and for the world. Take in great works of religious and secular art at museums. ((^A Conscious Rethink: 8 Spiritual Goals)). How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. God begins the work in believers and will continue it. Dont feel limited by the suggestions above. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. So, spiritual growth includes: (1) increasing in your knowledge and understanding of God's Word, (2) decreasing in your frequency and severity of sin, (3) increasing in your practice of Christ-like qualities, and (4) increasing in your faith and trust in God. Zachary RaineyOrdained Minister When you are growing spiritually, it wont be a secret. Always worshiping, singing, blessing, and praising-such a soul is never separated from God at any time." The Importance of Spiritual Growth Be kind, say hello, smile, say a kind word, give compliments, and be a good listener. Answer (1 of 25): > Make your own Bible. To be honest. Whether you're a devoted believer, or are looking to make a change in your life, taking time out of your busy schedule to sit and speak with the god you believe in is the single most important way to get closer and focus on your faith. Expert Interview. On the other hand, can you be spiritual and still believe in God? It's a daily exercise in finding faithone in which we are both teachers and students, givers and receiversthat allows us to live from a place of greater compassion for ourselves and others. There is nothing we can do to stop that. Instead, practice simple ways to be of service to others: Offer your seat on public transport to someone who needs it more than you, smile at the person preparing your coffee, really listen to others without judgment. Listen to classical and contemporary music that moves you. You should follow the example of more mature believers. That is what spirituality is meant to help you discover too. Get together with a friend to pray, read the Bible and talk about your spiritual growth. Hike with others who are also interested in spiritual development. Whether you start a meditation routine, take time for spiritual prayer, start a gratitude journal, or simply spend a few minutes in silence while you have your morning cup of coffee, self-reflection and quietude is one of the best ways to gain control of your thoughts and connect with your inner nature. ", pacifist. Grab those running shoes, and get the heart rate up. "((^Healthline.com:Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life)). Put the smartphone away. For others, this could look like meditating and contemplating to draw on their own innate spiritual knowledge. If you are interested in spirituality across religious faiths, consider reading texts from many faiths. What Does Deja Vu Mean Spiritually? We are moving and grooving all the time, whether it's to work or family gatherings or another emergency call from those in need. However you can marry the two things together and raise your consciousness at the same time by thinking about your goals in short bursts and doing it often. They begin in early childhood and continue through the senior years. It is from this point of faith and inner stillness that meaningful actions can arise. everyone's path to secular spirituality is unique. Many spiritual people feel most at one with their idea of God when theyre immersed in nature. That's paraphrased a little bit, but the sentiment still rings true. He has worked with organizations such as the American Management Association as a consultant for training courses on such topics as Mindful Leadership, Cultivating Awareness, and Understanding Wisdom: The Compassionate Principles of Work-Life Balance. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When you do this you are connecting with your higher consciousness and dropping out all the noise of life. Time is essential, since maturity will not come overnight but is a process and a journey. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Heres a brief explanation of how reading books can change your brain and your body for the better. When you become conscious of your thoughts, you start to discern whats yours from whats not yours; in other words, you understand which mental voices came from somebody else and are not the truth of who you are. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. This is natural. Although the article talks about how to be spiritual without being religious, is it possible to incorporate any level of religion into the mix? Spirituality and science overlap in foundational ways to allow for the human experience to bond us in a collective experience. You can develop your relationship with your own spirituality by increasing your mindfulness, contemplating the natural world and works of art, and making things of beauty. Become mindful of suffering without becoming attached or making it a part of one's identity; These four virtues of hope, gratitude, forgiveness, and self-compassion are found in all areas of religion in various ways. Expert Interview. If you are Christian, for instance, you may join a Bible study group through your church. Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school. But, when religion tries to control and do your thinking for you it's time to think for yourself. Have you ever seen a Hand of Hamsa on a piece of home decor, jewelry, or even a yoga mat, Hand of Hamsa Meaning + How to Use it for Good Luck & Protection, Walking down the tea aisle at any Whole Foods, or any other health food store, youll see holy basil teas, If you enjoy Indian cuisine, youve likely eaten a bowl of soup with a few dried leaves floating inside these, 10 Spiritual Benefits of Bay Leaves (For Attracting Abundance & Positivity). Read books, watch videos, go to conferences and workshops. You are your own unique and glorious flavor and contribution to this world. Whether it is up or down, the connection that you have to your own energy allows you to forge a special path to body movement. Take 10 minutes to calm your mind when you wake up. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. So, I want to present five concepts that might form a tapestry of Gen-Y spirituality. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. Find a role model who embodies spirituality according to your own terms and study his or her ways of being in this world, but always remain yourself. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. That, to me, is a completely acceptable type of selfishness. Find an authentic spiritual practice that resonates with you. "I came across this article at a point of giving up faith in Christ. Turn off the 100-plus channel DirecTV or Roku box. We push ourselves through most of our days ignoring our bodies, but when we are fully in and aware of our bodies (rather than trapped inside our minds), were more in touch with Spirit. If you're used to a routine of "three square meals a day," going without food as a spiritual practice may sound strange. Ordained Minister. Copyright 2021. This follows from the above point. Dance is a form of worship in many cultures. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. There is no better way to reach a spiritual high than helping others without expecting them to do anything for you. % of people told us that this article helped them. Your intuition is your natural inner guidance system. I hear a lot of people saying they don't have time to sit quietly for 15 minutes, you know this is not true, everybody can make 15 minutes for themselves. Become more intentional about taking steps of faith; download MissionHub, an app designed to help you talk to your friends and loved ones about Jesus. Simply looking at birds in the park can be meditative activity. The Holy Spirit teaches you to have the characteristics of spiritual maturity. Can I be spiritual and still go to church? In order to raise our consciousness, our thinking should not be stifled and diminished by dogmatic ways, mainly religion. Start simple. In a healthy community, God works among people with diverse personalities, experiences, strengths, weaknesses, sufferings and pains to draw the entire community into a deeper relationship with Himself. Those who judge Christians are choosing to waste time judging a religious community. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4, NIV). In essence, to be spiritual but not religious means to not participate in organized religion, but to still maintain some sort of practice of connecting with ones spirit. Your FREE Astrology Sex, Love and Attraction Guide. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8, NIV). Meditation may not have a formal place in your religion, but most religious people would agree that parts 2 and 3 of this article cover things essential for spiritual growth. All we can do is ask for forgiveness by God and be cleansed. At first, this might seem so hard to do because people are always on the. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together.