woman burning sage

5 Ways to Explore Spirituality If You’re Not Religious

By

Sober Recovery Expert Author

woman burning sage

Spirituality is an individual belief system that means something different to everyone. For many, spirituality is automatically related to organized religion such as Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, or something similar. You may be part of a particular congregation, or perhaps you believe in God but also believe you can find your own way to make a connection. For others, they may not have a specific definition for the word at all.

The idea of cultivating a spiritual life, no matter what that means for you, is a key aspect for those who are practicing the 12 Steps in recovery. In fact, Step two centers on the idea saying, “We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore our sanity.” People in recovery, among others, find healing and comfort in trusting that there is something greater in this world than what we see each day.

Spirituality is powerful and helps people believe in something outside of themselves, as well as inside.

Here are some suggestions to start you on a path that can work for any belief system.

1. Meditation

There are several types of meditation that people practice. It is a thoughtful technique for detaching oneself from anxiety and promoting harmony and self-realization using the repetition of a mantra or other mind-calming practices. If you have an overwhelming day, meditation can definitely help settle your brain down. There are many classes, videos, and books to help you practice meditation. Do some research on what type of meditation best works for you.

2. Motivational Speakers

A motivational speaker is someone who delivers speeches with the intention of motivating or inspiring their audience. This can be done in a non-religious manner or it can be Bible-based without using an organized religious ritual. You can attend a lecture and feel the positive energy in the audience while participating in many of the planned exercises. If you are unable to attend a speech in person, many motivational speakers have books, videos and taped lectures that you can listen to and have a wonderful spiritual experience.

3. Unity Churches

Most Unity Church services are held in a church or some other gathering place. They believe that Heaven or Hell is not a specific place but a state of consciousness that is created in your own mind. Additionally, they believe that everyone has the capacity to know God through direct experiences and that there is a spark of divinity within all people, just as there was in Jesus. Unity believes in prayer and that people are here to make a positive example, be role models for others and to make the world a better place.

4. Individual Study

If you prefer to keep your spiritual life private, there are ways to do this. The Science of Mind is a spiritual guide book written by Ernest Holmes. It proposes a scientific perspective of the relationship between humans and God. A Course in Miracles is another spiritual guide book written by Helen Schucman, containing a curriculum to bring about what is called a "spiritual transformation". The book consists of three sections entitled "Text", "Workbook" and "Manual for Teachers". There is also the I Ching, an ancient Chinese manual of divination that teaches you the process of awakening or unveiling your original spirit or higher self. These are just a few examples of self-study options. There are many out there that will fit your needs specifically. Do a bit of research and you will find your path.

5. Reading

There are many people who are not quite sure yet what spirituality means to them. Take your time in finding out what speaks to you. There are many books out there to guide you. Go to your local library and look in the self-help section for guidance. You may also find help reading about how to best respond to another person’s behavior or your own.

Spirituality is powerful and helps people believe in something outside of themselves, as well as inside. There are no rules as long as it gives you the tools to help facilitate a successful recovery for you.

If you or someone you know is seeking help from addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 800-772-8219 to speak to a treatment specialist.

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter to get addiction help, recovery inspiration and community tips delivered to your inbox.
No Thanks. I'm not Interested