“It doesn't interest me if there is one God
or many gods.
I want to know if you belong or feel
abandoned.
If you know despair or can see it in others.” David Whyte, Self Portrait
Why is spiritual connection important?
Why is spiritual connection important? Becoming more in tune with the spiritual part of ourselves can help us feel more at ease, more connected, and more peaceful. All human beings have a spiritual component inside us that connects us to ourselves, others, and Nature. When we are not connected to our body or nervous system we can feel more lonely and anxious. Learning about how to connect within our own breath and inside our bodily system with practices such as meditation or breathing can ease anxiety, grief, depression, and busy thoughts that keep us up at night. There are numerous sources in research validating the effects on wellness created by meditation and spiritual connection.
Are religious beliefs necessary for spiritual development?
Absolutely not. An Atheist, Agnostic, or the most scientifically minded person can develop a spiritual connections to themselves and to Nature. It’s part of being human and a sentient being. The concept can be thought of in terms of consciousness, and that every living person has a consciousness. Awakening to spiritual connection is, in effect, becoming more conscious of what your nervous system is capable of and how to explore and regulate the nervous system.
What are the steps to spiritual awakening or connection?
Spiritual connection starts with the breath and mindfulness to the body and breath, or development of the ability to witness and observe felt experiences within your awareness and body. You can develop a spiritual practice in as little as five minutes a day. As you practice simple breathing technique and mindfulness each day, see what, if anything, changes for you. What do you notice about the sensations in your body? What do you notice about the thoughts that are happening or not happening as you breathe? As you build a practice, a still place in the center of your chest can develop, and this place can help you get calm when you are feeling anxious or help you feel connected when you are feeling alone.
