Finding Your Spiritual Path 

Spirituality is the journey of finding meaning and purpose in one’s life. It also involves connecting with a higher power and/or the universe. There is no right or wrong way to explore spirituality, everybody’s spiritual journey is unique. 

Here are some ways that can help guide your spiritual journey and path:  

Religion 

One way of exploring spirituality is engaging with an organized religion and its religious practices.  

Religion differs from spirituality in a few ways. Religion is usually practiced in groups and spirituality is often experienced on an individual level.  Also, religion usually contains certain practices and rituals.  

Spirituality does not involve following rituals and ceremonies. Finally, religion follows religious books and the worship of a God or Gods, while spirituality focuses more on the meaning and purpose of life. 

Connecting with a Higher Power or the Universe 

Having a connection to a higher power or the universe can help to cultivate guidance from the universe or some higher power. 

These past five years, I have become more spiritual after losing multiple family members. Grief is very profound, and the suffering experienced through is painful. But losing my family members allowed me to begin to develop a closer connection with God and the universe. 

I realized that I could not get through grief alone, so I begun a relationship with a higher power. This relationship with God allows me to ask for help and it also allows me to thank God for everything good in my life. I believe that having a connection with a higher power has given me strength to get through adversity in my life. 

Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life 

My struggle with grief has also allowed me to become spiritual in other ways. I’ve been on a perpetual journey of finding meaning and purpose in my life, a journey in life that never ends. I’ve learned to find this purpose and meaning through everything in life, whether it be my studies, work, family, friends and suffering. I reflect on these topics frequently which helps me to feel fulfilled. 

According to Austrian neurologist, psychologist, philosopher, and Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl,      meaning and purpose can be found in three ways: 

1. Performing duties that are meaningful to us 

2. Being fond of someone 

3. Being able to find achievement in inevitable hardship  

These three suggestions from Frankl allows individuals to become more spiritual, helping people to discover more about their life. 

Nature and Spirituality 

Immersing oneself in nature is a great way to feel connected to the Earth, the universe and even to a higher power. Nature also is a great place for personal reflection. In addition, being in nature allows individuals to continue their journey of finding meaning and purpose in their lives. 

I’ve learned to become spiritual by learning how to appreciate nature and the outdoors better. Thus, I’ve begun to associate nature with peace and tranquility. Being in nature also reminds me of the beauty of the Earth which allows me to feel more connected to God and the universe. 

What Spirituality Looks Like 

• Engaging with questions about the meaning of suffering 

• Profound relationships with others 

• Compassionate Understanding 

• Sense of marvel 

• Experiencing happiness beyond possessions  

• Having the desire to spread good in the world 

How Spirituality Can Help Enrich Our Lives 

According to Elizabeth Scott, spirituality can help enrich our lives in four ways: 

• Mental Wellbeing: Studies show that spirituality can help people’s mental health by being less anxious and depressed. 

• Overall Happiness: There is research that shows that those who are spiritual lead overall happier lives. Research also shows that spiritual individuals are also satisfied with their lives. 

• Reduced Stress: Studies show that spirituality can increase inner strength which can allow individuals to learn how to better manage daily stress. 

• Maintaining a Positive Outlook on Life: Spirituality can help individuals to develop hope and optimism in all aspects of their lives. 

Overall, spirituality can be a guiding path to finding meaning and purpose in our lives. Being spiritual can help bring peace and comfort into the lives of many. There is no right or wrong way to be spiritual. Ultimately, spirituality looks different to everyone and can hold different meanings to different people.