Transforming Your Daily Life: How to Live Spirituality in Practice
Image by Miri
Guest blog by Atte Nissinen
All of life is spiritual. Therefore, life itself is spirituality in practice. Instead of trying to figure out the best spiritual practices and concepts, focus on the idea of making your entire life a continuous spiritual practice.
It’s not the conventional way of thinking about spirituality, but it is a far more beneficial and fulfilling way of incorporating spirituality into practice. While spirituality is often linked with religious traditions, being religious is not a prerequisite for being spiritual. In fact, religion and spirituality can be quite the opposite .
Spirituality is an individual and secular pursuit, while religion is usually communal and institutionalized (organized within a structured framework).
To put spirituality into practice, we must shift our perspective from the external to the internal.
SPIRITUALITY IS AN INDIVIDUAL AND INTERNAL PRACTICE
Spirituality (in the context of the teachings aligned with the perspectives of modern spiritual teachers such as Neale Donald Walsch) can be defined as a comprehensive and inclusive outlook that acknowledges the innate spirituality present in all facets of life.
This approach underscores the idea that the divine is not external but an integral aspect of individual existence. Central to this spirituality is a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things, prompting individuals to perceive the divine essence within themselves and in every life experience. This perspective diverges from conventional religious frameworks, emphasizing that spirituality transcends ritualistic practices and is woven into the fabric of daily life.
Key principles include the centrality of love, the encouragement of authenticity, and the understanding that each life event, irrespective of its perceived nature, contains a valuable spiritual lesson.
In essence, spirituality encourages a profound sense of unity, urging you to embrace your inherent connection with the divine and to lead an authentic life guided by the transformative power of love.
THE KEY ELEMENTS OF SPIRITUALITY IN PRACTICE
Oneness and Unity:
All of life is interconnected. “Behind the scenes” of physical life, there is a fundamental unity that binds everything together, and recognizing this interconnectedness is central to spiritual understanding.
Everyday Spirituality:
All of life is spiritual. Everything we experience is fundamentally spiritual. Spirituality is not confined to religious practices or specific rituals. Instead, every aspect of life, including daily experiences and relationships, is infused with spiritual significance.
God is Not Separate:
God, the source, the universe, life energy, whatever your name is for this spiritual “higher power”, is not a separate and distant entity. Divinity is an integral part of the self and individuals can directly experience a connection with the divine in their daily lives. This connection to our divine selves is always present, it’s just a matter of whether we are aware of it or not.
Life’s Events as Spiritual Lessons:
Every event in life, whether perceived as positive or negative, holds a spiritual lesson. Embracing life’s challenges with awareness can lead to personal growth and spiritual evolution.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE DEFINITION
In the context of spirituality in practice: A spiritual practice is a practice, that aims to connect you with your divine self: The source, God, the Universe, whatever you wish to call it. Your connection with the divine exists at all times. A spiritual practice helps you get in touch with this connection more often and at will. A spiritual practice can therefore bring about a sense of meaning, purpose, and transcendence in the practitioner’s life. It will usually cultivate and enhance one’s spiritual well-being, inner peace, and connection with a higher power, higher consciousness, or the divine.
Spiritual practices are not limited to religious rituals and can include a broad range of activities aimed at nurturing the soul, fostering self-awareness, and promoting personal growth. These practices are deeply personal and vary widely based on individual beliefs, traditions, and preferences.
EXAMPLES OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Examples of spiritual practices include:
Meditation
Prayer
Mindfulness
Yoga
Contemplative reflection
Acts of kindness
Gratitude journaling
Engagement with nature.
SPIRITUALITY BENEFITS
While spirituality is a deeply personal and subjective experience, some studies suggest that engaging in spiritual practices and having a sense of spiritual well-being may be associated with various positive outcomes.
It’s important to note that research in this area can be complex due to the individual and multifaceted nature of spirituality.
Here are some potential benefits of spirituality in practice:
1. Physical Benefits:
Stress Reduction: Engaging in spiritual practices has been associated with lower stress levels, contributing to improved physical well-being.
Enhanced Immune Function: Some studies suggest a potential link between spirituality and a strengthened immune system, promoting overall health.
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Certain spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, may be correlated with better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of heart-related issues.
2. Psychological Benefits:
Reduced Depression and Anxiety: Individuals with a strong sense of spirituality or religious involvement may experience lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Enhanced Emotional Well-Being: Spirituality has been associated with increased levels of life satisfaction and positive emotions, contributing to psychological well-being.
Coping Mechanisms: Engaging in spiritual practices can provide adaptive coping strategies, helping individuals navigate and cope with life’s challenges.
3. Spiritual Benefits:
Increased Sense of Meaning and Purpose: Spirituality often provides individuals with a framework for understanding life, leading to an increased sense of meaning and purpose.
Enhanced Resilience: A strong spiritual foundation may contribute to increased resilience, helping individuals bounce back from adversity.
Deepened Connection and Inner Peace: Spiritual practices often lead to a deepened sense of connection with oneself, others, and the universe, fostering inner peace and contentment.
Remember, while these benefits are observed in some studies, individual experiences with spirituality can vary widely, and these effects are not universal.
EVERYDAY SPIRITUALITY IS TRUE SPIRITUALITY
To me, one of the best teachers of everyday spirituality is Neale Donald Walsch. He has a way of taking esoteric spiritual concepts and making them understandable to the “common folk”.
Neale’s teachings about spirituality build around the idea that spirituality is not a distinct practice or a set of rituals – instead, spirituality is the overarching truth about life. All of life is spiritual, therefore everyday spirituality is true spirituality.
Walsch’s insights guide us toward a realization that the sacred permeates every aspect of our daily lives.
ONENESS AND UNITY
Neale Donald Walsch’s teachings convey a universal truth about the interconnectedness of all life. There is a fundamental unity that runs through the very essence of existence, binding together every living being.
This interconnectedness is not just an abstract concept but a tangible force that, when acknowledged, becomes the foundation of genuine spiritual comprehension.
Recognizing our shared existence within this intricate web fosters a sense of oneness and unity that surpasses the boundaries of individuality.
EVERYDAY SPIRITUALITY: SPIRITUALITY IN PRACTICE
In contrast to traditional beliefs, Walsch suggests that spirituality is not limited to holy places or specific moments of religious practice. Instead, we should recognize the spiritual significance in every moment, interaction, and relationship.
The ordinary and mundane gain a sacred quality, and the everyday transforms into something extraordinary.
In the world of everyday spirituality, the divine is not a distant force, but a close and constant companion on our journey through life.
GOD IS NOT SEPARATE
Walsch challenges the idea of a distant and uninvolved deity. Instead, he proposes a new perspective that sees divinity as an inherent part of the self.
This transformative idea allows for a direct and personal connection with the divine in everyday life. The sacred is not limited to specific places or times but rather is a constant presence in the journey of each individual.
LIFE’S EVENTS AS SPIRITUAL LESSONS
Amid life’s many experiences, there are deep spiritual lessons to be learned. Every twist of fate, every joy, and every challenge is a chapter in the book of spiritual evolution.
Embracing life’s events with awareness and openness is the key to unlocking personal growth and navigating the intricate pathways of spiritual enlightenment. True spirituality lies in everyday experiences, rather than in religious practices and rituals. Understanding this can help us transcend conventional boundaries and deepen our connection with the divine.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR BEGINNERS: CONSCIOUS LIVING
When you want to live spirituality in practice, consider making it an integral part of your daily life. You can do this by incorporating the concept of conscious living into your life.
Conscious living is a mindful and intentional approach to life that involves being fully present in the current moment, and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. It goes beyond simply going through the motions of daily life. It emphasizes a heightened awareness of our choices, our responses to situations, and the impact of our actions on ourselves and the world around us.
THE KEY ASPECTS OF CONSCIOUS LIVING
Present Moment Awareness: Conscious living involves being fully engaged in the present moment. It encourages individuals to let go of worries about the past or anxieties about the future and instead focus on the richness of the current experience.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a core component of conscious living. It entails cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Through mindfulness practices, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of their inner experiences.
Intentionality: Conscious living is marked by intentionality in thought and action. It involves making choices that align with one’s values and aspirations rather than reacting impulsively or being driven by external influences.
Authenticity: Living consciously involves being true to oneself. It encourages individuals to express their authentic selves, embracing their values, beliefs, and uniqueness. Authentic living entails aligning one’s actions with personal integrity.
Gratitude: Practicing gratitude is a common element of conscious living. It involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, fostering a sense of contentment and a deeper connection with the present moment.
Simplicity: Embracing a simpler lifestyle is often associated with conscious living. This may involve decluttering physical spaces, simplifying daily routines, and focusing on what truly matters.
Responsibility: Conscious living emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s choices and their consequences. It involves recognizing the impact of individual actions on oneself, others, and the environment.
Connection: Building meaningful connections with others and with the world at large is integral to conscious living. This involves nurturing relationships, fostering empathy, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.
DEVELOPING THE PRACTICE OF CONSCIOUS LIVING
Start Small: In the nascent stages of your spiritual journey, simplicity is the key. Begin by incorporating small, manageable practices into your daily routine. This could be as brief as a few minutes of mindful breathing or a moment of quiet reflection. By starting small, you build a foundation that is sustainable and gradually expand as your comfort and familiarity with the practice grow.
Schedule It: Integrate your spiritual practice into your daily schedule. Whether it’s a quiet moment in the morning, a brief pause during lunch, or an evening reflection, setting aside dedicated time reinforces the importance of your spiritual journey. Consistency is key to reaping the full benefits of your practice.
Be Consistent: Consistency is the heartbeat of any spiritual practice. Approach it with a commitment to regularity rather than intensity. A few minutes every day can have a more profound impact than sporadic, lengthy sessions. Consistency fosters a sense of ritual and discipline, anchoring you in the transformative process of spiritual growth.
TOOLS FOR CONSCIOUS AND AUTHENTIC LIVING
Mindfulness Meditation: Take a page from Deepak Chopra’s teachings and incorporate mindfulness meditation into your practice . Begin with short sessions, focusing on your breath and cultivating awareness of the present moment. This practice not only enhances self-awareness but also lays the groundwork for conscious living.
Honest Self-Reflection: Incorporate honest self-reflection into your routine . Take moments to assess your thoughts, actions, and emotions. Embrace your uniqueness and explore how you can express love and compassion in your daily interactions.
Express Your True Self: Living authentically involves embracing your true self. Identify your values, passions, and beliefs , and allow them to guide your actions. Authentic living is about aligning your external life with your internal truth.
RESOURCES: SPIRITUALITY BOOKS AND SPIRITUALITY
PODCASTS
Spirituality Podcasts:
These transformative audio journeys offer a gateway to diverse conversations, insights, and contemplations on spirituality, mindfulness, and personal development. Whether you seek wisdom, practical guidance, or simply a moment of reflection, tune in to these podcasts and let the conversations guide you on a path of self-discovery and inner growth.
Humanity’s Team Podcast: Nurturing Spirituality and Conscious Awareness
Mike Dooley’s Spiritual Tune-Ups
Spirituality Books:
These books act as guiding lights, illuminating the path to self-discovery, heightened consciousness, and inner tranquility. Each title is filled with profound insights and offers unique perspectives on spirituality, personal growth, and the limitless potential within.
Conversations with God Neale Donald Walsch 4 Books Collection Set
Deepak Chopra: The Book Of Secrets: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here?
Deepak Chopra: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
Deepak Chopra: Living in the Light: Yoga for Self-Realization
CONCLUSION: THE KEY TAKEAWAYS OF SPIRITUALITY IN PRACTICE
In wrapping up, the core message is clear: spirituality isn’t a separate aspect of life; it is life. Neale Donald Walsch’s teachings encourage us to ditch the conventional view of spirituality tied to rituals and religious practices. Instead, he prompts us to make our entire existence a continuous spiritual practice.
Walsch’s perspective challenges the idea of a distant God, emphasizing that the divine is part of us. This isn’t about religion; it’s about recognizing the sacred in the ordinary moments of our daily lives. In this practical spirituality, unity and interconnectedness take center stage. Life’s events, both good and bad, become lessons for growth.
This approach isn’t confined to religious traditions; it’s a personal journey that goes beyond institutionalized practices.
To put it simply, you don’t need a perfect set of rituals.
You need to recognize the divine in yourself and in everyday life.
It’s about embracing the interconnectedness of all things, living authentically, and finding
meaning in the mundane. Through this down-to-earth approach, we can unlock a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.
Atte Nissinen
is the founder of Happiness On Demand , a company realizing his vision of a world where people can live free from depression and anxiety. Atte is also a co-founder of Coach Professionally , a platform that connects people with expert coaches to help them overcome life’s challenges. Additionally, Atte is the author of the book: Happiness on Demand : 3 Simple Steps to Overcome Negative Thoughts and Emotions, and Create a Life Filled with Joy.
