List Of 12 Types Of Spiritual Practices:
#1 Meditation
Meditation is a method for people to explore their own spirituality. The purpose of meditation is to help us realize who we really are at the core of our being.
Other proven benefits of meditation include:
- increases emotional strength;
- reduces stress;
- helps with focus and concentration;
- promotes better decision-making skills;
- promotes better sleep;
- helps with memory;
- improves circulation;
- boosts immune health;
- increases self-awareness;
- slows down aging;
- regulates mood;
- helps with anxiety;
- promotes happiness.
#2 Prayer
Prayer is an intense communication with the Lord. It has been shown to improve your overall sense of well-being since it can increase your dopamine levels — a neurotransmitter that contributes to your experience of pleasure.
Daily prayer also allows you to forgive others as well as it has a profound impact on your physical health.
According to Dr. Stanley, prayer has the following benefits:
- helps us discern between busyness and fruitfulness;
- provides timely direction;
- opens doors of opportunity;
- prevents wrong decisions;
- protects us from discouragement;
- eliminates worry and anxiety;
- reminds us to act now;
- produces peacefulness;
- prevents distractions;
- invites God into our activity;
- gives us energy;
- gives us confidence;
- sharpens discernment;
- eliminates fretting.
According to Philippians 4:6-7:
”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
#3 Energy Healing (Self-Treatment)
Energy healing has been used for centuries in different forms. It works on every level of your life – spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
According to studies and practice, energy healing helps your body return to a state of relaxation, and more importantly, it purifies your energetic body.
#4 Running
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Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual leader who taught meditation in the West, believed that running can give an inner spiritual fulfillment. Sri Chinmoy said:
”Running unites us. At one point, every culture on Earth relied on running. It’s baked into our DNA.”
Sanjay Rawal, an Indian-American documentary film director, said about running:
”Running is a symbolic sport in the sense that it reminds us of spiritual seekers continuously running towards the goal; it resembles the seekers running inwardly to achieve the ultimate goal in meditation.”
#5 Yoga
Derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning union or yoke, yoga is a practice that brings together body and mind.
Physical benefits of yoga include:
- protection from injury;
- increased flexibility;
- improved athletic performance;
- increased muscle tone and strength;
- cardio and circulatory health;
- weight reduction;
- maintaining a balanced metabolism;
- improved energy, respiration, and vitality.
Linda Schlamadinger McGrath, the founder of YogaSource Los Gatos in Los Gatos, California, said about the benefits of yoga:
”On a physical level, yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, balance, and endurance.”
Linda continued:
”And on a psychological level, yoga can help you cultivate mindfulness as you shift your awareness to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that accompany a given pose or exercise.”
#6 Chanting Mantras
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Mantras are vibrations or sounds that create a desired effect, such as self-awareness, transformation, purification, or healing.
Chanting mantras is also a spiritual discipline that increases energy levels and helps develop more sensitivity toward others. It also calms the mind as well as deepens the practice of yoga.
#7 Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming is the art of developing awareness in your dream. Tibetan dream yoga is the first form of lucid dreaming ever practiced.
The objective of the Tibetan Dream Yoga practice is to perceive the waking stage as a dream state.
#8 Breathing Exercises
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Breathing exercises can reduce your blood pressure, better manage chronic pain, lower your stress levels, decrease fatigue, and regulate other important bodily processes.
By practicing breathing exercises we allow breath and energy to flow freely. Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama said:
”By consciously slowing down the breath and making it rhythmic so that consciousness is not disturbed by it, we can achieve a corresponding tranquility.”
#9 Reading Spiritual Books
Reading a lot of books about Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, mindfulness, the science around meditation introduces us to the reality of life and improves your mental and physical health. It can also help you become a better decision-maker.
READ MORE: Benefits of Meditation Backed by Science
#10 Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that aim to challenge previously held negative thinking patterns.
A daily practice of reciting affirmations also helps you become aware of your daily words and thoughts.
#11 Nature
Taking regulars walks in nature helps to switch off your mind and it connects you to a higher spiritual place.
Tip – early morning walks are the best since it is a good way to start your day.
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#12 Travel To Spiritual Places
A spiritual journey provides you the mental energy and space to open yourself up so you can immerse yourself in the experience.
Spiritual places with the strongest energy field around the world are:
- Sarmizegetusa Regia, Romania;
- Machu Picchu, Peru;
- Glastonbury Tor, England;
- Mount Kailash, Tibet;
- Mount Shasta, California;
- Mount Parnassus, Greece;
- Mount Gugu, Romania.
Featured image credit – My Ocean Production/Shutterstock
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