What Does Spirituality Mean To You?
June 2015 Insights
I’ve intentional stayed away from writing about the concept of spirituality knowing it would conjure up different thoughts and feelings for everyone. Hesitant, to take a very personal experience and write about it generally so that it could be helpful to most, was a bit intimidating to me. Actually to be honest up until about 3 years ago, if someone asked me about my spiritual beliefs I pretty much felt ill equip in answering that question. But I’ve since come to realize, especially now that I have been coaching for over 4 years, how essential investing in one’s spiritual growth is. The rewards in fostering this aspect of our lives can be hugely impactful. So naturally, it makes complete sense to take this month’s Keys to Success Insights, regardless but yet respectful of each woman’s spiritual beliefs to share how cultivating the concept of spirituality can be significantly helpful in taking charge of your health and well-being.
For some leading a spiritual life is intricately linked to their religious practices but most will agree spirituality and religion do not necessarily have to go hand in hand. Though one can be religious and spiritual at the same time you don’t have to be religious to be spiritual. In religion, the questions are more about what is true and what is right. Whereas in spirituality the questions become more about where one finds personal meaning in their life, connecting to a higher purpose and living their lives in the best way possible. Yes, religion and spirituality share commonalities in that both provide comfort, inner-peace, ethics, direction and meaning. But the key difference is that spirituality is truly a personal experience not dictated by anyone other then yourself, there are no right or wrong answers, no rituals or specific practices to follow, only the ones you prescribe for your own self-growth.
Yes, of course there are some suggestions out there on how to lead a more spiritual life. Mediation and centering techniques being two of the most popular assets to promote spiritual heightening. But again even mediation and centering techniques are highly personal and can come in all shapes and forms. Some people chose to follow a strict daily practice while others simply take opportunities to connect with themselves through early morning walks or setting aside 5 minutes of their day to do nothing but breathe. It’s not so much about what you do to promote spiritual growth but making sure to take the time to explore who you are, why you are here and create a life of greater purpose.
Finding life purpose isn’t always easy when we are frequently bombarded with news about tragic life events occurring all over the world. I can understand why at times we find ourselves asking what is the point? But that is exactly why cultivating the concept of spirituality is so key to our well-being. It provides as a beacon of light when things get murky and guides us to a higher conscious of living. Simply creating more moments of joy, less times of angst and an overall increase in well-being.
Creating a life of greater purpose, cultivating spirituality, must first start with how that resonates for you. Think about the times in your life when you are/were at your best and ask yourself these “Greater Purpose” questions:
- What about you then is being expressed?
- What strengths are you using when you are engaged in these experiences?
- What is similar with all these experiences or all the things you like to do?
- What do you think others get from you when you are at your best?
- What are you most passionate about?
- If money wasn’t an obstacle what would you be doing?
Now consider how you can apply these insights to live your life in the best way possible. What’s your “personal” mission (so to say) while on this earth? What gifts do you bring to this universe? And how can you share these gifts with others so that both you and the world can prosper? Consciously take steps daily to connect to a higher conscious of living, invest some time in the principles behind spiritual development (i.e. enhancing your intuitive self while quitting the mind and using mediation and/or centering techniques that work for you).
Bottom line, I highly suggest investing some time in nurturing the concept of spirituality. However you choose to define, practice and experience it, I assure you it will be a worthwhile venture!
As Always
Wishing You The Best Of Success
Holly