It's every Christian's goal to get closer to God. However, can you foster a relationship with Him unless you have a spiritual identity? Spiritual identity is the blueprint of connecting with the spiritual realm and God. When we start to define our spiritual identity, we have to start with what's meaningful to us. Consider the things that get your juices flowing. What are the activities that you do, and time seems to fly? These are clues that guide you to a more spirit-filled lifestyle. Your spiritual practice is unique to you, just like everyone else's. If you feel a pull of spiritual musing, here are some suggestions you can try to help you discover your spiritual path.
Set Your Intentions
The first step in establishing a spiritual practice is acknowledging that you want one in the first place. Your intention can be as simple as telling yourself that you want to learn more about spirituality in general, or it could be as formal as creating a ritual to mark the start of your lifelong journey. If you consciously acknowledge your yearning and curiosity, even if it's only to yourself, it is like opening a door and firmly setting your feet on the path of the seeker.
Feed Your Mind
The next step to finding your spirituality is to gain knowledge. It would be best to read everything you can get your hands on. You can start with something like “Soulcraft” by Bill Plotkin or “Care of the Soul” by Thomas Moore, which are excellent primers on focusing sacredness in your everyday life. You could also try watching documentaries or talking to a local spiritual leader. Also, consider going to a bookstore and asking for recommendations. Feed your curiosity. Knowledge and curiosity are the cornerstones of a prosperous spiritual life. You may be surprised by what you learn.
Be Still Everyday
Lao Tzu said, “The way that can be spoken of is not the true way.” Our connection to the spirit or God is primarily a felt experience. That’s why most spiritual traditions include some kind of formalized stillness practice, like meditation, chanting, or prayer. A great way to establish a solid spiritual practice is to set aside time every day to quiet your thinking mind intentionally. Take some time away from any distractions and focus on getting closer to your spiritual goal. Once you add stillness into your routine, it will become a way of life.
Don’t Neglect Your Body
While on your path to finding your spiritual identity, you mustn’t forget to take care of your mind as well. Mind, body, and spirit aren’t separate, so don’t forget to employ your physical body in your pursuit of spirituality. The experience of inhabiting a body is one of the most profound spiritual experiences available to humans. Moving your body can be a great way to define your spiritual identity. Dancing, drumming, yoga, or singing are deeply intuitive bodily ways of expressing our spiritual selves. Not to mention, you’ll probably feel better afterward.
Watch For Signs
As you start to cultivate a spiritual practice, you may find that the universe sends you little nudges or clues to encourage you on your seeker’s path. You may also start to notice strange coincidences or undeniable signs that point you deeper into your connection with God. It may be something like having three different people recommend the same book or connecting with a kindred spirit through a seemingly random occurrence. If you want to speed things up, you can ask for a sign or write God a letter. In your letter, thank God for what He’s done and ask Him to keep you on the right path of His will.
Approach Your Practice With Good Humor
You may not think spiritual practice must be solemn and severe. However, that’s not always the case. Your spiritual journey is your own, so approach it with good humor and laughter. Joy is one of the five noble emotions, and laughter is its language. So above all else, approach your budding practice with a light heart. Laugh at yourself and the sheer silliness of the human experience.
Connect With Your Tribe
Many believe that spirituality is a solitary endeavor. However, that’s not true at all. If you want to feel your practice open up, you should get together with other seekers. Try attending workshops, classes, or retreats. You could also join online communities. There’s a reason that most spiritual traditions are built around congregations. An energetic resonance only comes from being part of a group. That is where spirit resides the strongest. It doesn't have to be a formal gathering. It can be any circle of individuals who support and encourage each other’s spiritual journey.
Experiment
The best thing about building your spiritual identity is that your journey is yours. You get to choose what works for you and what doesn’t. It would help if you didn’t let anyone tell you what to do or make you feel like you’re doing something wrong. There are no rules, so don’t be afraid to explore. Pick from any discipline, idea, or philosophy that speaks to you and your journey. Try everything and trust your gut. Do whatever fuels your interest or resonates with your heart and feeds your soul.
Discovering your spiritual identity will not only get you closer to God, but it can make you feel better about yourself. When you do the things you love, you’re bringing yourself closer to God and your spiritual identity. On your journey to your spiritual essence, consider doing activities that you enjoyed as a child and haven’t done in a long time. These activities are your ticket to getting closer to your spiritual identity. God wants us to find our spiritual identity because He wants us to get closer to Him.
When you start your journey, make sure that you start with pure intentions. It would be best if you didn’t do it because someone told you to or because everyone else is doing it. Find your way to your spiritual identity because you feel a pull from God and because you’re ready to make the change.
