Whether it’s working out, cutting back on screen time or starting a new hobby — setting a New Year’s resolution is the perfect way to motivate and improve yourself. Spirituality might not be the most popular form of resolution, but for many people, starting a new spiritual practice can help them feel happier and more at peace with day-to-day challenges. If you don’t belong to any specific church or religious organization, finding your own path to God can be difficult. Here are some goals to help you find spirituality in 2020.
- Try prayer or meditation.
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This can be a tough practice to get used to, especially if you were never taught how to pray, or who to pray to. The key is finding a method that works best in your lifestyle. Maybe it’s a quick moment of silence while you sip your morning coffee, you prefer to schedule 30 minutes or so on the yoga mat. It might even be a few deep breaths during your morning commute. There is no wrong way to pray. Think about it as a time to center your thoughts and energy each day. You will notice the positive effects almost immediately.
- Practice gratitude…
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If you’re unsure what exactly to pray about, gratitude is a great place to start. Even if you don’t necessarily believe in God, you can thank the universe for all the amazing opportunities, things and people in your life. In fact, studies have shown the tremendous benefits of expressing gratitude, including improved mental health, relationships, and self-esteem.
- … And Patience.
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Gratitude is great when things are going well, but let’s be honest — some days it’s hard to find things to be grateful for. It is in these moments that we need patience. Patience allows us to see the world from a different perspective, especially on the days when it feels like everyone is conspiring against you (Here’s a hint: they’re not). Be patient with the universe, be patient with others and most importantly, be patient with yourself.
- Take time to notice life’s beauty all around you.
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In the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to notice the beauty of the world — it doesn’t mean it’s not there. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s more important than ever to actively appreciate nature and humanity. Whether you believe the world is a brilliant coincidence or a part of some divine plan, try to spend time in nature and admire your surroundings. Doing so will also help you feel more grateful and can also be a great time to practice prayer.
- Learn about other belief systems.
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One of the most important steps to connecting with the divine is to study how other people have connected with the divine. What you learn may surprise you. Learning about world religions and mythologies can help us understand our shared humanity. This can also help you choose what aspects of god you believe in and which you don’t. As Elizabeth Gilbert said in Eat, Pray, Love: “You have every right to cherry-pick when it comes to moving your spirit and finding peace in God.”
- Find a spiritual community.
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Finding a group of people who share your beliefs is incredibly rewarding. Not only will it give you a safe space to explore and express your ideas, but you will also learn from those around you. Keep in mind this does not have to be an organized religion. It can be a Facebook group, a club on campus or even a few like-minded friends. There are no wrong answers in the path to spirituality.
Hopefully, these tips help you to become more spiritual this year.