How to Connect with Your Spiritual Side

Set intentions for yourself.

Being aware of your spiritual goals can help you grow. Ask yourself why you want to connect with your spiritual side. Is there something you wish to learn about yourself? Something you want to achieve? Turn this awareness into your motivation by creating an intention or mantra. Here are some questions to get you started: “Who am I?” “What is my purpose?” “What do I value most?”

Start a daily meditation practice.

Find a moment of silence every day to connect with yourself. Meditating for just 5 minutes can help you feel zen during a busy day. Schedule time to close your eyes and take deep breaths every day, letting worries and obligations slip away, if only for a moment. Guided meditations are great for beginners or those looking to get something more out of their meditation practice. YouTube has a wide selection you can choose from—simply search “guided meditations.” Meditation allows you to hear your inner voice and your higher self.

Schedule time in nature.

Open your mind by connecting spiritually with nature. Take time out of your day to go for a walk, breathe in the fresh air, or sit in the sun. There’s an organic, powerful spirituality energy in nature, and aligning yourself with it each day can help you connect with your greater purpose. Gardening is a wonderful mindful activity that gives you the chance to connect with nature hands-on. If you can’t go outside, watch the world from your window, look up nature photos online, or set potted plants around your living space.

Interact with like-minded people.

Friendships can greatly affect your spirituality. Get out there and do what you love—whether that’s playing sports, browsing the library shelves, or eating at your favorite coffee shop. Strike up a conversation with someone doing the same thing as you. Not only is this a great way to make friends, but it also strengthens your relationship with yourself. Interacting with others is not only a great way to connect to yourself, but it allows you to be a part of other people’s spiritual journeys. Center yourself around people you trust, and soon you’ll have a welcoming community you can always turn to.

Move your body mindfully.

Do a physical activity every day that makes you feel good. A big part of connecting with your spiritual side is aligning your mind and body. Take time out of your day to move mindfully. Maybe you start the day with a yoga flow, go on an afternoon walk, or dance around your bedroom. Mindful movement helps you get out of your head and into your body, promoting emotional and physical wellbeing.

Listen to what your body needs.

Being mindful everyday can help you connect with your spirituality. Nowadays, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the world. Tap into your body’s wants and needs by listening to your body’s cues. This could be as simple as having a snack when you feel hungry, doing stretches when you feel stiff, or logging off the computer when you get a headache. Push aside society’s ideals of perfection and focus on you. Accept how you feel and honor your body’s craving—this is a no-judgment zone!

Look after your health.

Taking care of your body can improve your spiritual life. The mind, body, and spirit work together, and in order to balance each other, they need to be healthy. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and focusing on mental health won’t just help your spirituality, but it’ll also help you feel your absolute best. When preparing a meal, consider using the Healthy Eating Plate method: ½ of your plate being vegetables and/or fruits, ¼ being whole grains, and a ¼ protein. Find a physical activity that makes you happy, so you’ll be excited to move every day. Asking for help with your mental health is a brave and admirable thing to do. Sometimes talking things out with a friend, family member, or counselor can make your feel whole again.

Allow yourself to feel your feelings.

Accepting emotions as they come and go can open your mind. Spirituality is all about your relationship with yourself, and a big part of that is noticing feelings. Feelings are designed to come and go, so you have to make the conscious decision to acknowledge them. These mindfulness techniques can help you listen, understand, accept, and let go of your feelings: Name the feeling. Are you feeling sad, happy, confused, ashamed, etc.? Be open to feeling sensations. Give your body permission to do what it wants in the moment. Focus on what’s driving the emotion. Did something trigger your pain or joy? Be kind to yourself. No matter the emotion, know that you are not alone in feeling it.

Appreciate what you have.

Finding peace in the present can help you be more spiritual. When you’re practicing spirituality, it’s important to express gratitude for yourself and the world around you. Try to find contentment in the little things you do have, rather than focusing on what you want or don’t have. It’s okay to want and wish—that’s a part of life! Just remember to reflect on and acknowledge all you have to be grateful for. Start a gratitude journal where you list what you're thankful for at the end of each day.

Learn to forgive and accept.

Mending your relationship with yourself and others can improve your life. High levels of spirituality have been proven to increase compassion and improve self-esteem. But in order to get to this point, you need to strengthen your relationships. Let go of the past and live in the present moment. Rather than holding grudges, learn to forgive and move on. One of the best things you can do to increase your spirituality is to keep moving forward. Instead of focusing on the past, think about the current, present moment. Even dreaming about the future can help you accept past traumas.

Do things that make you happy.

Finding the joys in life can connect you to your higher self. Prioritize the activities that make you feel good and full of light. When you do things that make you happy, your energy shifts. You’re at peace, enjoying the world and your vessel in the present moment. Keep an open mind, follow your heart, and you may discover something new about yourself. Try to find joy in the most mundane things. If you like the way your breakfast tastes, savor it. If waking up early to watch the sunrise brightens your day, try to do it more often.

Focus on the positives.

Having a positive mindset can help you view life in a spiritual way. Try to reframe your mindset to look at the glass as half full instead of half empty. Being optimistic in difficult situations can help you stay calm and realign your mind, body, and spirit. When intrusive thoughts come up, focus on a happy memory or imagine yourself in a peaceful, serene place. Meditating during uneasy moments can also help you stay positive and relaxed.

Volunteer in your community.

Lending a helping hand is an excellent way to connect with others and yourself. When you volunteer, you make new friends, increase self-confidence, and open your mind to a greater purpose. Reach out to neighbors to see if anyone nearby needs help, or ask your local library or church if there are any volunteering opportunities you can participate in. VolunteerMatch and Idealist can help you find local and international volunteer opportunities based on your needs.