Spiritual practice, especially as divorced from religion, is a growing enthusiasm for many people. Seekers hope for a closer connection with the source of all things. They want more out of life. For some, it’s nature, but for many others, it’s intangible, a sense of things, a presence.
Whatever it is for you, these 10 tips can help enhance your spiritual practice.
by David Stone
for Assorted Ideas, Large & Small/A Different Way
Your Spiritual Practice: Making It Even Better
1. Make time for spiritual practice every day.
Just like you would make time for exercise or work, make time for spiritual practice each day. This could be a set time each morning or evening, or it could be whenever you have a few moments to yourself.
2. Create a spiritual space.
If possible, create a dedicated spiritual space in your home. This could be a corner of a room, a special chair or cushion, or a specific place outside where you like to sit and meditate. Think of it as akin to what religions do in building churches, mosques and synagogues dedicated solely to their rituals.
3. Establish a spiritual routine.
Just as you have a routine for your work or exercise, establish a spiritual routine that works for you. This might involve reading spiritual texts, meditating, praying, or engaging in some other spiritual practice each day.
4. Be consistent.
The most important thing is to be consistent with your spiritual practice. It should be like time off but more like something ingrained like work, something normal. If you can manage to do it every day, even better! But if you can only do it a few times a week, that’s still good. Just make sure you do it regularly.
5. Be patient.
Don’t expect your spiritual practice to change your life overnight because it can’t. It takes time and patience to see the benefits of spiritual practice. Be patient and keep at it, and you will see results building up, day by day.
6. Be open-minded with your spiritual practice.
Don’t be afraid to try new things when it comes to spiritual practice. If something doesn’t work for you, that’s okay. But be open to trying new things and see what fits best for you. My own spiritual practice locked in twenty years ago when Dr. Wayne Dyer taught, “Be open to everything.” I did. That doesn’t mean doing everything, but it does mean not rejecting anything out of hand. Let ideas swirl around in your mind. You will step back from most of them, but you will learn.
7. Keep a journal.
Keeping a spiritual journal can be a great way to track your progress and reflect on your spiritual journey. Write down your thoughts and feelings, what you’ve been practicing, and any insights or revelations you may have had.
8. Find a spiritual community.
Joining a spiritual community can be a great way to further deepen your spiritual practice. This could be a group of friends who meet regularly to discuss spiritual topics or an online community of spiritual seekers. Be cautious about not falling into anyone’s established practice. That’s a religion by another name.
9. Be patient with yourself.
Remember that you are on your spiritual journey and that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to do things. Be patient with yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to perfect your spiritual practice.
10. Have fun!
Spiritual practice doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Try to find ways to make it enjoyable, maybe even fun. This could involve listening to spiritual music, dancing, or engaging in some other activity that brings you joy. If it includes whimsey, go for it!
Conclusion
Spiritual practice is important, and these tips can help make it even better for you. If you can, create a spiritual space, establish a routine, be open-minded, and find a spiritual community to join. Be patient with yourself and have fun along the way!
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