What Spirituality Can Add to Our Lives

by Kimberly Smith LMSW | Spirituality, Spiritual Awakening, & Exploration

This topic holds so much importance and value to me, and I hope to pass this wealth and energy on to you. I often tell my clients that if I am the highest power existing in this life and in this universe, and have no belief of one that is higher, we are all in trouble. Spiritual practices are those beliefs and rituals that bring peace to our lives. Your high power might be attached to organized religion, the Universe, Holy Spirit, Third Eye, your own inner wisdom, a divine entity, or something else, but regardless, your spirituality is personal and your own. Through prayer and meditation we connect with a source more powerful than ourselves, and with continual contact, we get closer to our true Self and build a foundation to fall onto softly when life goes awry.

There’s a saying that the “neurons that fire together, wire together” meaning we get into habits, we are triggered by external stimuli, we think mostly about the same things today that we thought about yesterday, and this causes the neurons in our brains to create a path; like a groove in a record our brains go around and around in the same groove and pattern.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections or new grooves. This allows our brain to compensate for injury, disease, and daily happenings and learn new ways to respond to situations and our environment. This is how we change our negative self-talk to positive self-talk, reduce or eliminate our habits, and adapt and change over time. Neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in our cognitions and behaviors and has significant implications for fields such as neuroscience, psychology, and medicine, as it sheds light on the brain’s remarkable capacity for adaption and growth.

By changing our habits with intentional practices and rituals, we are able to rewire our brains, and as an added bonus, rewire them with something that is fulfilling, peaceful, and meaningful. It’s so easy to function on auto pilot, to get busy with our daily grind, the hustle and bustle of the world and our deadlines, and to-do lists, and many other distractions. By making time for our spiritual practices, we can hit pause, breath easy, and most importantly, spend our time living consistently with our values and beliefs.

Let’s look at a few ways we can add love and light to our lives!

Spiritual Sustenance: Cultivating Inner Peace and Purpose Through Faith

Whether through prayer, meditation, contemplation, setting intentions, or some other practice, we can create a spiritual foundation. Faith, irrespective of its religious or spiritual context, has the extraordinary ability to instill a sense of calmness and purpose within us. Whether in a higher power, a spiritual philosophy, or a set of values, our beliefs serve as a beacon of light that illuminates the path towards serenity. To know that there is a greater plan, a nurturing source, a connectedness with others, and something larger at play, beyond the chaos of our immediate circumstances, is a comfort and it allows us to build trust beyond ourselves.

Make a list of ways, times, and resources you might need to create a spiritual practice or enhance one you already have. Suggestions include but are not limited to:

Light a candle and set an intention for the day
Meditate on a familiar phrase or passage that resonates with you
Join an organization with like minded people
Create a ritual such as praying before meals or at sunrise and sunset
Be aware of messages received such as seeing a billboard that reminds you of someone or something or from a tarot card reading
Select a mantra for the day or the practice such as “So Hum”
Create a sacred space for your practice to eliminate and reduce distractions

In my late twenties, I was diagnosed with cancer and I battled it for more than a year with surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Without my faith and beliefs, I have no idea how I would have survived it without leaning into a power greater than myself. My surgeon was a very spiritual man and would ask if he could pray for me. The thought of this gift from him sends gratitude throughout my entire being. Even had his beliefs not been consistent with my own, I would have been grateful for this gift of his giving of himself his deepest sense of healing beyond himself. I have significant sources in my spiritual “tribe” and will share a few here!

“The universe is conspiring in every moment to bring me happiness and peace. The universe is not random but intentional. It reflects the will of God, the cosmic Thought driving all things towards a greater perfection. My ego mind… would point me always in the direction of fear, luring me towards the blaming thought, the attack or defense, the perception of guilt in myself or others… The spirit within leads only to joy and inspires me to see… the possibility of miracles that lie inherent in all things… Within that perfection I have my true being, and within my true being I am happy and am at peace.” (Daily Devotions and Reflections, Day 1, Marianne Williamson).
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor”. (The Miracle of Mindfulness: a Manual on Meditation. Thich Nhat Hanh).
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation – some fact of my life – unacceptable to me, and I can find non serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God’s world by mistake… Unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 417).
“Relax in My healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you.” (Jesus Calling (page 3), by Sarah Young).
“Perform your obligatory duties, because action is indeed better than inaction.” (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 8).
“I’ve always known that there is a nonphysical presence beyond my visual sight. All my life I’ve intuitively tuned in to it and used it as a source for good. I’ve tapped into this unlimited presence of power to heal my body, support my relationships, guide my career in the service of others, and attract my greatest desires.” (Super Attractor, Introduction, Gabrielle Bernstein).

I hope some of these serve you and offer you additional resources as well.

Beyond Belief: The Impact of Spirituality on Mental and Emotional Well-being

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, the significance of spirituality often extends far beyond the realms of mere belief systems. Its profound impact on mental and emotional well-being has been a subject of extensive exploration, revealing a transformative power that transcends conventional understanding. Let’s delve into the mystical realm of spirituality, just a little, and uncover its profound influence on nurturing a sound mind and a tranquil heart.

Spirituality serves as a nurturing balm for the soul, offering solace and hope during times of distress and uncertainty. It provides us with a sense of purpose and belonging, instilling in us the belief that we are part of a larger, interconnected cosmic tapestry. This sense of belonging acts as a therapeutic anchor, helping us navigate the ebbs and flows of life with resilience and grace. Our spirituality nurtures our true and authentic Self by allowing us to grow through our compassion and gratitude. I once completed a course through Yale University regarding well-being and one assignment had me acting towards others, three times a day, with intentional kindness, (which a test concluded was my greatest strength). I was able to serve others daily by fostering meaningful and intentional acts which gave me an innate sense of inner joy. The sense of connectedness to others was essential to my well-being and recipients, and enriched both myself and hopefully the person receiving. When we build on our strengths, and use those strengths daily, the measure of pleasure it gives us is far beyond the measure we would feel as a recipient. The St. Francis Prayer says that it is in “giving that we receive.”

Spirituality transcends boundaries of conventional therapy and offers to us a holistic approach that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. As a therapist I utilize various modalities of treatment that do touch on one or more areas of a person’s well-being. EMDR therapy is meant to heal trauma in the mind while using eye movement, audio sound, or pulsers that vibrate in the client’s hand. IFS therapy allows me to encourage my clients to look within themselves for the answers to heal wounds and strengthen Self.

When we open ourselves to a journey of self-discovery, growth, and profound healing, our hearts are filled with a love beyond what we can create in our human form. Our practices allow us to continually explore the transformative power and profound influences allotted to us without limitations of transforming our mind and hearts.

Let’s do a quick exercise. Right now, going beyond your limited mind, the ego, close your eyes and go inside yourself. Breath deeply and focus on the air as it goes in and out of your nostrils for three calming breaths. Then take a deep breath. Focus inside yourself. What is the loudest thing in your inner world? Is it a feeling, a thought, or a physical sensation? Ask for guidance from your own personal belief system to heal, soothe, and provide answers to questions you might have for that thought, feeling, or physical sensation. Listen for answers. What would that voice have you do?

Awakening the Spirit: Unraveling the Beauty of Embracing a Spiritual Journey

How can we best embrace life’s mysteries? Life is a beautiful enigma, filled with moments of our inner connectedness with others and with nature. I once read that our spiritual energy protrudes nine feet from us in all directions. There have been studies of groups of people, gathering together to pray and to meditate, and evidence that during that time, crime reduces substantially in that demographic location. Our spirituality encourages us to embrace these mysteries with open arms, inviting us to explore the unknown and revel in the magic of existence.

What if you were to:

connect with others through groups and courses to develop your spiritual growth
dance in the rain, marvel at a starry night, walk barefoot on the earth
identify and relish in little miracles that sprinkle your path every day
ask for a sign for an answer to a question

Conclusion:

I do not expect my beliefs to be your beliefs and in no way intend to influence you towards my personal values. My own spiritual path is one I have cultivated over time. I hope this article served you and has encouraged you to continue or maybe even begin a spiritual journey on your path. I hope you find peace, friend. Namaste, God Bless, Warmest Regards, and with prayers, love, and light, may you find a calm that allows you to overcome any and all of life’s obstacles and enhances the joy you already have.

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