By: Kemora Dent, a Mason student majoring in Psychology
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you truly love. It will not lead you astray”- Rumi
My journey with spirituality has helped me grow in my well-being. Here’s what I’ve learned in my own faith journey, and how you can connect more deeply with your own spirituality in ways that strengthen your well-being.
Discovering My Spiritual Path
Growing up, I always believed in God but wasn’t deeply connected to him. I prayed The Lord’s Prayer on holidays and before bedtime, but my understanding of God was limited. Despite this, I knew there was a higher power watching over me.
My mom, raised Baptist, followed strict traditions. Going to church meant wearing your Sunday best: fluffy dresses, lace socks, or pressed suits and ties. Certain rules were unspoken but firmly upheld. For example, when someone “caught the Holy Ghost,” we knew not to interrupt. Those who caught the Holy Ghost encountered the power of the Holy Spirit and responded to it emotionally – clapping, shouting, or dancing.
As a child, I attended church sporadically, mostly on holidays like Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s. My mom chose not to pressure me into becoming a Baptist Christian. Instead, she encouraged open discussions about God without imposing rigid expectations.
Everything changed in middle school when a friend invited me to a youth-focused church event. The experience was life-changing. The church fostered community through games and fellowship, and attending services left me with an undeniable sense of belonging. I felt the presence of a higher power guiding me – a connection that felt personal and profound.
This was the beginning of my journey toward spirituality, distinct from organized religion. I realized I was a spiritual person rather than a religious one.
Spirituality Versus Religion
Many researchers differentiate between religion and spirituality. Religion often involves adherence to structured beliefs and practices to honor a higher power. Spirituality, on the other hand, emphasizes self-discovery and personal connection with that higher power.
A definition that resonates with me is: “Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than us and typically involves a search for meaning in life” – Louise Delagran. For me, spirituality is about finding purpose and nurturing a deep connection with God.
How to Grow Your Spirituality
Spiritual growth is deeply personal, and the practices that resonate with one person can differ for another. Here are some methods that have helped me and that you can try, along with research that shows the well-being benefits of these practices:
- Prayer and meditation: Quiet your mind, relax your body, and deepen your connection to the divine. Research from Harvard University’s affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital indicates that prayer and meditation can significantly improve overall well-being. This research from the Institute of Noetic Sciences, published by the National Institutes of Health, discusses the evidence for how prayer and meditation can strengthen well-being in many different ways.
- Yoga: This practice reduces stress and anxiety while encouraging mindfulness and presence. Studies from the International Journal of Yoga have shown that regular yoga practice enhances mental clarity and emotional resilience.
- Journaling: Reflect on your day, explore your thoughts, and connect with your inner self. According to research from the University of Rochester Medical Center, journaling can help manage anxiety, reduce stress, and improve coping abilities.
- Serving others: Acts of service bring joy and foster meaningful relationships. Research from the Mayo Clinic highlights that helping others through volunteer work can lead many well-being benefits, including greater physical and mental health, a stronger sense of purpose, and better relationships.
- Cultivating empathy and compassion: Deepen your emotional intelligence and strengthen connections with others. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology links compassion practices to greater psychological well-being.
- Connecting with nature: Spending time in nature can help promote gratitude and improve emotional well-being. According to research from the University of Minnesota, connecting with the natural world reduces stress, enhances mood, and promotes mental clarity. Nature immersion can even boost feelings of awe.
Each of these practices can help you grow spiritually if you’d like to try them. Spirituality has profoundly changed my life. It’s made me more caring, grateful, and well-rounded. The practices I’ve shared have helped me grow, and I hope they inspire you on your own spiritual journey.
Additional Resources
To explore spirituality further, check out these resources:
- The Psychology Today.com article “What Is Spirituality?” is a comprehensive guide to understanding spirituality.
- The Park Ministries.org article “How to Pray the Lord’s Prayer?” features insights into one of Christianity’s foundational prayers.
- The Connect to the Core.com article “10 Easy Ways to Get in Touch with Your Spiritual Side” offers practical tips for spiritual growth.
- This Goodful mindfulness meditation video can help you learn meditation techniques to enhance your spiritual practice.
- The Medium.com article “Spirituality Vs. Religion” explores different approaches to a spiritual journey.
- The CNN.com article “The Psychological Benefits of Prayer: What Science Says about the Mind-Soul Connection” explores how prayer connects the mind and soul.
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