Spirituality is a deeply personal element of our existence as humans. It includes a variety of aspects, including practices, beliefs and perspectives. Those who experience spirituality may do this through solo or guided meditation, natural rituals, philosophical teachings, a Swedish massage in London to build a personal connection or embracing astrology.
These differing techniques will all offer a unique spiritual insight for each individual journey.
Let’s take a look at the different ways of seeking and seeing spirituality, delving deeper into the distinct approaches and various forms of understanding and growing. The methods below allow us to stimulate a more inclusive spiritual experience for ourselves.
Traditional Spirituality (Religion & Faith-Based)
One of the most common forms of spirituality is through religious and faith-based practices. With belief systems including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and others, individuals can build a spiritual connection with loyalty and faithfulness through sacred passages, rituals and worship, as well as guidance from leaders within their religion. Focusing on practices including acts of service, meditation and prayer, people can find meaning, greatness and purpose, enhancing their spiritual connection.
Nature-Focused & Earth-Centered
Those who practice spirituality through a focus on nature and the earth celebrate the connection between the sacredness of life and the natural world. By taking inspiration from eco-spirituality, religious traditions and paganism, these people perceive the world as a living existence that requires respect and appreciation. The best practices for this spirituality are done in natural settings that embrace the seasons and improves connection with the environment.
Mystical
Those who practice mystical and contemplative spirituality focus on becoming conscious and aware through silence, solitude, meditation and self-analysis. These individuals put a spotlight on emphasising experiences with ultimate and divine reality focusing on the mysteries of existence and finding cohesion with all creation and the sacred.
Humanistic & Secular
Humanistic and secular spirituality examines the dimensions of human existence outside the general structure of traditional religious beliefs. Those who practice this method of spirituality focus on self-exploration, personal growth and the journey to finding meaning and purpose in life. They will often utilise the ethical framework, philosophical learnings, and psychological insights to partake in these methods. A centre point within their spiritual journey is mindfulness, compassion, gratitude, social equality, and justice.
New Age
Taking inspiration from self-help philosophies, spiritual traditions, and metaphysical concepts, new age and eclectic spirituality consider various combinations of practices and beliefs. They embrace ideas of astrology, energy healing, the law of attraction and crystals. Those taking on this spiritual journey often look for ways to improve and initiate personal growth, transformations, well-being, and empowerment. They do this with a mix of alternative therapies and spiritual practices.
Why You May Consider Spirituality
Self-Exploration & Inner Growth
It offers individuals the opportunity to delve into their own being, understanding their emotions, beliefs, and thoughts to initiate personal growth. It will enable you to find your purpose in life, building a stronger connection with yourself by using a framework of self-reflection.
Finding Purpose
If you are lacking motivation, fulfilment and meaning, you may wish to turn to spirituality to guide you through aligning your actions with your values while finding purpose.
Creating Connection
Spirituality encourages us to find a deep connection to the world around us as well as ourselves through unity. By exploring these connections, we can find a greater sense of compassion, understanding, empathy and love for our surroundings.
Healing
It is a powerful tool used for transformation with practices including meditation, mindfulness, energy work and prayer to reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve our well-being and relieve us from mental and emotional pain. Spirituality can support those on journeys through troubling times or when faced with difficult situations.
It is important to remember that spirituality is an individual journey that has many diverse aspects. The reason people begin these journeys can and will vary; each person’s path will take a different route than your own. The decision to start seeking spirituality will be driven by the need for better connections, self-growth and a greater understanding of oneself and their environment.
By embracing and educating ourselves on the different ways to seek spirituality, be that through natural practices, new age approaches, traditional techniques or other forms, we can explore the possibilities of healing, transformation and connection in our own lives as well as the lives of those around us and the world.
