Spirituality can be broadly defined as finding meaning through a connection to something larger than ourselves. A spiritual practice can vary greatly from person to person, but generally it refers to regular activities that increase wellbeing and a sense of connection.
A spiritual practice isn’t limited to meditation cushions, prayer beads, chanting, and incense. It could include those things, but it doesn’t have to!
Spiritual practices can be any regular activity or ritual that gives us meaning and purpose. It’s usually an activity that grounds us, helps us feel in touch with ourselves, and connects us to something bigger than just ourselves (Spirit, the universe, God, or any spiritual deity). In smaller ways, spiritual practices can simply make us feel better and add joy to our days.
A few examples of spiritual practice:
- Meditation
- Reading sacred texts or inspiring books
- Prayer
- Chanting
- Asana (the physical practice of yoga)
- Journaling
- Connecting with nature
- Running or hiking
- Creative outlets like painting, sculpting, knitting
- Playing an instrument or singing
- Baking and cooking
- Service or volunteer work
The examples above are not an exhaustive list by any means. A spiritual practice is highly individual and personal—it could be as simple as lighting a candle and saying a prayer every morning.
If you don’t currently have a regular spiritual practice and would like to add that to your life, begin by asking yourself:
- What inspires you?
- What activities leave you feeling uplifted?
- When do you feel most authentically yourself?
- What makes you feel connected to Spirit, God, the Universe, or a higher power?
Give the above questions some thought; consider writing your reflections in a journal. The answers that come up might reveal activities that could support your spiritual practice.
If the thought of carving out the time for spiritual practice each day seems daunting, you can start small. A seated meditation can begin with as little as five minutes a day (if you’ve never meditated before, consider starting with guided meditations). If you can’t make it to the studio for a yoga class every day, a home yoga practice can be just 15-20 minutes on your mat. A journaling practice can be as simple as writing a few affirmations at the start of each day. Getting outside for a walk at the end of your day can be an easy way to connect with nature. If you need support, reach out to a like-minded friend(s) who might be interested in committing to the same or similar activities. Tapping into a spiritual community can be tremendously supportive and gratifying.
Why make the commitment to a spiritual practice? The hectic pace of modern life can leave us feeling unmoored, frazzled, and disconnected. Spiritual practice helps ground us. It guides us home to ourselves. By connecting to our true self, we’re able to access our inner wisdom and the realization that who we are is much more expansive than our occupation, our appearance, where we live, or any other limiting definition. With this realization comes liberation and true freedom.
By facilitating an overall sense of connection and purpose, our spiritual practice can also be a safe harbor when challenges inevitably arise. When facing difficult times, we can turn to our daily practice for refuge from the storm. When our practice is a regular part of life, we can always depend on it for grounding, comfort, and connection.
Below are spiritual practices that I turn to regularly. I’ve found that by committing to these activities daily or near-daily, I stay in touch with myself and connected to source:
- Morning meditation for 10-20 minutes
- Yoga and/or running
- Journaling for self-reflection
- Reading spiritual or inspiration texts/books
- Teaching yoga
I share my spiritual practice merely as an example, not to suggest that everyone needs to do the same things I do. I’ve arrived on the activities that support me as a result of years of experimentation. I’ve found that I’m able to show up as a better version of myself and be of greater service when I take care of myself first. And when I’m facing hard days, I fall back on these activities for comfort and wisdom. They never fail to guide me back to who I truly am.
What activities support your spiritual practice? Feel free to comment here or talk to me at the studio. I’d love to hear from you.
Jessica is an RYT-200 who’s yoga journey began in 2008 when she went in search of relief from the physical demands of long-distance running. She quickly fell in love with the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of a regular yoga and meditation practice. She completed her RYT-200 in 2013 and considers it an honor to share the gift of yoga and to help others find freedom and joy in their bodies. Outside of yoga, Jessica is a writer, an avid traveler, and a long-distance runner. She loves reading, vegan cooking & baking, and spending time with her two corgis Finlee and Tucker.
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