Revive, Renew, Reconnect: 7 Practices for Spiritual Awakening in Modern Times

The relentless pace, anxiety-inducing news stream and pervasiveness of technology in today’s modern world often leaves individuals feeling detached and adrift, yearning for deeper meaning and connection. To help alleviate this many are turning to age-old practices to find balance, rediscover inner peace, and achieve spiritual awakening. Let’s explore these practices in more depth as you begin to consider ways you might incorporate these into your everyday life. 



1. Mindful Meditation: A Sanctuary of Silence

Historical Context: Meditation, deeply rooted in various traditions including Buddhism and Hinduism, has always centered on the exploration and cultivation of inner peace. Ancient sages practiced meditation for purposes of enlightenment.

Deep Dive: While meditation dates back thousands of years, its relevance in today's world cannot be overstated. Carving out moments of silence amidst the noise, we get to observe our thoughts without becoming entangled. Mindful meditation doesn't demand hours; even ten minutes daily can shift your awareness and bring about tranquility. Apart from providing greater clarity and peace of mind,  meditation is scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost memory. The aim of meditation is not to silence the mind but understand its patterns. With that knowledge we can begin to improve our discernment – making wiser and more well-intentioned decisions in our day-to-day lives. 

How to Practice:. Get into a comfortable position in a quiet place (sitting or lying down is best for beginners). Begin with a few deep inhale and exhale breaths. Keep focused on your breath, inhaling positive feelings and emotions and exhaling negative or unwanted feelings and emotions. Start with 10 minutes and gradually increase your duration. As thoughts arise, simply acknowledge them without judgment and return your focus to your breath. If it is helpful, imagine your thoughts as clouds and your mind as the sky. These clouds are forever changing, expanding and dissipating; fading in and out as the sky remains constant. Over time, the space between thoughts expands, ushering in deeper states of clarity and peace. Finally, you may want to consider joining local meditation groups or using apps for guided sessions. Setting music to your meditation or lighting a candle or incense can be helpful as well. 

2. Digital Detox: Reclaiming Your Time and Energy

Historical Context: Before the digital age, people naturally had moments of disconnect. This recent phenomenon of constant connectivity is still a new experience for humankind. 

Deep Dive: The digital age, while advantageous in some ways, often leaves us feeling mentally and physically drained. Excessive screen time strains the eyes, disrupts sleep, and increases anxiety. By consciously taking breaks from our devices, we can revive our over-stimulated minds and renew and strengthen our connection with relationships in the real world. 

How to Practice: Experiment with digital detoxing. Designate certain hours or even full days where you are entirely offline. Revel in nature, read a book, or simply be. The world won't crumble without your online presence, but your spirit will certainly flourish without the digital chaos. 

3. Nature Immersion: The Healing Touch of Mother Earth

Historical Context: Indigenous cultures worldwide have long understood the healing properties of nature, often conducting rituals and outdoor ceremonies.

Deep Dive: Nature has an uncanny ability to heal, restore, and reconnect our souls. The rhythms of nature – the rising sun, the flowing rivers, and the rustling leaves – speak to our primal self. Nature immersion reduces cortisol levels, enhancing mood and energy. It boosts creativity, reduces inflammation, and can even improve immunity. Spending ample time in nature can replenish you in ways never imagined. 

How to Practice: Commit to spending time outdoors every week. Be it a walk in the park, a hike, or just sitting under a favorite tree. Let nature’s serenity wash over you. If you like, bring along a journal to jot down your reflections or a camera to capture what sparked your soul. 

4. Conscious Consuming: Feeding the Soul, Not Just the Body

Historical Context: Ancient practices, like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, emphasize holistic well-being, considering both the nutritional and energetic qualities of food.

Deep Dive: Whether it's food, media, or even our conversations, what we consume impacts our spiritual well-being. Surrounding oneself with positive energy, be it nourishing foods, uplifting media, or inspiring company, has the ability to direct ourselves into proper alignment and balance. By becoming more discerning about our intake, we begin to nourish our souls in profound and beneficial ways.

How to Practice: Choose foods that are not only nutritious but also ethically sourced. Limit the time you spend with negative media and engage in uplifting conversations. Feed your mind, body, and soul with positivity and purpose.

5. Journaling: Dialogue with the Inner Self

Historical Context: From the reflective notes of Marcus Aurelius to the introspective diaries of Anne Frank, journaling has been a tool for self-exploration for centuries.

Deep Dive: Writing is therapeutic. By journaling our experiences, thoughts, and feelings, we initiate a dialogue with our innermost self, fostering self-awareness and understanding. Journaling aids in emotional regulation, boosts creativity, and helps in setting and achieving goals. 

How to Practice: Set aside a few minutes daily or weekly to write without inhibition. Don’t worry about grammar or coherence. Let the words flow as you take a pen or pencil to the paper. Or, you may want to use the computer to jot down your thoughts. Either can serve as a mirror to your soul. A good place to start is with a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you are thankful for. Over time, you may want to progress to deeper reflections, such as writing a letter to your past or future self. 

6. Sacred Rituals: Anchoring the Spirit

Historical Context: Every culture, from the Native Americans to the ancient Celts, has its own set of rituals emphasizing the sacredness of daily life.

Deep Dive: Rituals, whether ancient or personal, have a grounding effect. They provide stability, anchor our days and act as reminders of the sacredness of life and our connection to the universe. 

How to Practice: It could be lighting a candle before meditation, saying a prayer before a meal, or any other act that feels sacred to you. Consistency is key in sacred rituals. Over time, these can become sanctuaries of peace in your daily life. One example could be starting your day by reading a daily affirmation, playing music that brightens your spirit, or practicing sun salutations. Before sleep, consider reciting some gratitudes from the day or engage in silent prayer. 

7. Compassionate Acts: Kindness as a Spiritual Practice

Historical Context: Virtually all spiritual traditions, from Christianity’s Golden Rule to Buddhism’s emphasis on loving-kindness, highlight compassion.

Deep Dive: Our spiritual journey is not just inward but also outward. By practicing compassion, we recognize the interconnectedness of all beings, furthering our own spiritual evolution. Compassion releases oxytocin, often coined the “love hormone”. Acts of kindness, whether to oneself or others, create ripples of positivity in the universe.

How to Practice: Engage in acts of kindness, big or small, without expecting anything in return. This could be helping a stranger, volunteering, or simply offering a smile. Every act of love brings the universe a step closer to unity. Begin with self-compassion, being gentle with your own journey.

In the journey of spiritual awakening, we are both students and teachers. As we navigate these practices, we not only find our path but also light the way for others. Remember, in the words of Lao Tzu, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Take yours today.

Awaken Your Power to Self-Regulate Longevity, Deep Intuition, Resilience and Healing