8 Easy Ways to Find Your Spiritual Self

1. Meditation, contemplation, mindfulness. You might find it helpful to develop a regular meditation routine every day, or practice using mindfulness to stay aware of the present moment, spending some time in a quiet place to think about the meaning of your life, or to focus your mind on a positive idea or image. 

2. Reading for inspiration. There are a lot of inspirational books available, not to mention Internet resources. Spend some time reading, even just a page or two, to give you a hand in maintaining an optimistic attitude. Build in a few minutes first thing in the morning, or at the end of the day (or better yet, both). 

3. Enjoying what you most enjoy. It’s easy to fall into letting life happen around us, and forgetting to take time to honor ourselves by doing the things that we most enjoy. A medical condition can be a wake-up call to add more balance, including recreation and, yes, fun! 

4. Prayer. Most religions encourage some form of prayer, as a way of communicating with a Higher Power, expressing appreciation, seeking guidance, and asking for help for ourselves and others. Prayer can make a big difference in your life. Have you given it a try? 

5. Belonging to a spiritual community. Wherever two or more are gathered… Joining a church, synagogue, temple, or other spiritual community brings you into contact with people who share your spiritual values, who can help you to deepen your day-to-day experience of spirituality and provide emotional support. 

6. Enjoying nature. The natural world around us is a constant reminder that we are a part of something larger than our daily experiences. When the weather cooperates, take quiet walks, sit outside and enjoy the sun, the breeze, the sounds of birds chirping and children playing in the park. 

7. Embracing compassion. Accept yourself for who you are, celebrate your personal strengths as well as all the evidence that you are human and not superhuman. And then do the same for the other people in your life. Replace judgment with acceptance. Remind yourself: we are all in this world together. 

8. Sharing, caring, volunteering. Put your compassion to work by doing something for someone in need. Help out a friend or family member, or a stranger in need, offer a few words of encouragement. Lend someone a listening ear. Put in an hour or two helping out with a cause that’s important to you. 

Do know that the joys (and also the disappointments and sorrows) are all part of life. Life is an ongoing process of experiencing, learning, giving, receiving. Having a strong spiritual connection helps to provide you with a foundation to live life at its fullest.