A Beginner's Guide To Spirituality

Introduction

In today’s world, more people than ever are in search of purpose and meaning. As life has become busier, many of us are feeling a disconnection between who we are and how we are living. People have begun turning to spirituality as a means to bridge that disconnection.

Spirituality encompasses a range of belief systems and isn’t limited to religious or cultural practices. Interest has grown in spirituality as a way for us to enhance our personal growth, and develop a deeper understanding of life. 

If you feel called to spirituality and are wondering how to become more spiritual, then our guide to spirituality for beginners is a great starting point for developing your understanding. Read on to discover all our tips for starting your spiritual journey in a way that is personal and accessible to you.

Understanding Spirituality

The concept of spirituality extends beyond our everyday physical and sensory experiences. Oxford Languages defines spirituality as “the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.” Spirituality invites us to form a connection with something bigger than the self, as we seek more meaning, purpose, and connection in life.

For some, this will center around organized religions with a specific belief structure and spiritual community. Prayer and rituals are commonplace - either in private or within a community - with followers finding comfort in the faith of that particular religion.

Others may find their relationship with spirituality through connecting with a higher power such as spiritual guides. Meaning can be found through spending time in nature, practices such as meditation, life experiences, relationships, or any other part of life that offers us an internal shift in perspective. 

The wonderful thing about spirituality is that it’s a very human experience. No matter your walk of life, beliefs, or faith, spirituality touches all of us and enables us to feel connected to our aliveness. 

Starting Your Spiritual Journey

Beginning your spiritual journey might be a conscious decision or one that has fallen into your path. Many personal journeys begin with a spiritual awakening, which can occur after sudden life changes, or at a point during your life when you feel called to seek answers to deeper questions. 

Becoming a spiritual person is an exciting journey. It’s a time for exploring different spiritual experiences with an open mind, getting curious, and seeing what resonates personally. Perhaps you are seeking more purpose or are ready to challenge the way you think about life. Whatever your motivation, allow your intuition to guide you towards whatever spiritual practice feels good for you.

Simple practices such as journaling, mindfulness, spending time in nature, and practicing self-care, can all help to deepen your inner connection and awareness and provide a space for practicing spirituality with yourself. Here are some great journaling prompts and guides to get you started.

Finding Your Spiritual Community

Some people find it helpful to connect and spend time with like-minded people within a spiritual community. For those who want to learn how to be more spiritual, or even learn to connect with a higher power such as spirit guides, this can provide a wealth of resources and support for the journey ahead. Shared experiences can provide great insights, which in itself will enhance spiritual growth. 

You may find some groups locally that meet to discuss spirituality or even courses and events that are held about your beliefs. Social media is also a good way to find a like-minded community and will open you up to people and events worldwide. 

Integrating Spirituality Into Daily Life

The simple act of slowing down enough to tune into yourself is often enough to experience an energy shift and set you on the path of spiritual growth. Spirituality can be woven into everyday life by giving ourselves space, setting aside time from reflection, and noticing how we are feeling. 

Keeping a gratitude journal can be a great way to tune into what we’re thinking and feeling, and explore spirituality on a more personal level. Whatever your belief system, journaling can help channel realizations from our faith, higher beings, or even messages from your guides. 

The practices we explore will help to maintain our spiritual perspective and contribute to our overall well-being. Journaling, as an example, is said to alleviate stress and promote wellness.

Common Challenges and Misconceptions

Exploring spirituality can feel challenging. With so many different options, as well as a wide range of opinions from other people, taking that first step can feel overwhelming. The good news is that once we overcome these challenges, we become open to all the possibilities that spirituality holds for us.

There are lots of misconceptions when it comes to spirituality. Many people believe it is tied to specific religions or mystical experiences, but it is a very personal concept that has something for everyone. While religion and spirituality are connected, one does not depend on the other. 

The other misconception about spirituality is that it holds all the answers. Whilst spiritual guidance can help us on our path, true spirituality is about connecting with our truth which can only come from within. 

Resources and Further Reading

When starting on your spiritual journey it can be helpful to have some resources at hand to offer deeper insights into various spiritual paths and practices.

Spiritual practice can encompass many different beliefs, values, and ways of life, and you can read about a variety of spiritual practices here. 

There are many different books written about spirituality, each will likely resonate in its way for different people. A few favorite beginner books are:

• The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
• The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
• The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success - Deepak Chopra
• Conversations with God - Neale Donald Walsch

If podcasts are your thing then check out the Gareth Michael podcast, ‘Practical Spirituality’, which explores some of the biggest and most meaningful questions we face in our day-to-day lives. 

Key Takeaways

Spirituality is a personal journey that invites us to believe in the possibility of something greater than the physical self. Those embarking on a spiritual journey are usually seeking more purpose, meaning, or answers to deeper questions they may have about life. 

Each person’s journey is unique to them. For some people, spirituality may cross over with religion, faith, or other beliefs, but it can exist without a structured belief system. 

There are some simple ways to open yourself up to spirituality, such as reading books, exploring different spiritual practices, and making time to tune into your spiritual side.

The spiritual journey is just that - a journey - and takes time and commitment. Be open to approaching spirituality with curiosity, allowing the path in front of you to unfold and evolve. Get ready to experience more peace, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of who you truly are!

Author Bio

Gareth Michael is a spiritual coach, teacher, channel of Michael, and author of the best-selling book Ever-changing Perspectives. He provides tangible, practical spiritual support stemming from his own life lessons and Michael’s profound wisdom and teachings. His personalized guidance helps people heal, find their spiritual direction, and understand their purpose.