Have you ever judged yourself for not being “spiritual enough?” And what does that even mean? Today in America we often find people speaking more about their spiritual journeys than their faith or religious journeys, and for many that is a much better approach. Religion and faith both have their places in our lives, but what exactly is spirituality anyway, and why would anyone want to chase a spiritual lifestyle or practices?

There are many definitions of spirituality. For many people it is about meaning-making in our lives, and about finding purpose and peace participating in activities that bring us a sense of well-being and connectedness to others, as well as to Something Bigger Than Ourselves. Spirituality isn’t about believing in something or following a particular book or holy person, instead it is more personal.

For some folks, a spiritual life includes specific practices that are engaged in regularly. Meditation, journaling, or chanting are all examples of practices that help draw someone out of their head space and into their heart space, or “sensing” space. Our own over-active minds can cause us to sink into difficult emotional and intellectual states, leaving us depressed and overwhelmed. Taking up a traditional spiritual practice can help relieve some of the stress and uplift us. Some practices are private and some are communal … we can participate in group meditation sessions or reflective listening and speaking. Others are more individual such as journaling or praying.

The problem can be that we don’t know what works for us, or as in my own case, we don’t recognize that the activities that truly fill us up or connect us to others on a deeper level are actually spiritual. Perhaps it is due to the influence of social media, or the widening gap between the religious sector and the secular world, but it is very easy to judge our religious or spiritual lives as somehow lacking. Everyone is seemingly a guru these days, or they have some sort of magical practice to share with you … for a fee. Facebook posts are shared which highlight silent retreats, Reiki practitioners and more. It can leave each of us feeling as if we are not living our best life unless we gain a little perspective.

While attending seminary, it was far too easy to unfavorably compare my spiritual life with the sacred practices of others. Everyone seemed to have powerful spiritual lives and the myriad practices described by my fellow classmates had me asking myself, “If they do all that, how do they have time for all the other daily tasks of life?” It also caused me to reflect more fully on what works for me, and I discovered that for far too long I had simply been blind to my own practices, but I certainly had them!

As I began to consider when I felt most connected to the world around me, to others, and to God/Spirit/Higher Power, I realized I did have practices I engaged in regularly which brought me new awareness and deep contentment … but I wouldn’t necessarily have named them as some sort of sacred practice. For example, walking has always been an activity that soothes my soul. I have some of my best conversations with God while wandering backroads or trails on foot.

The practice that touches me the most deeply, however, is one I initially thought of more as entertainment rather than some sort of sacred practice, and that is singing in community with others, or participating in anything involving music. Whether it is beating a taiko drum in rhythm with others, singing in our church choir, or singing with Rock Voices — a choir that sings only rock and roll music — something unique happens for me. It is as if a part of my brain breaks open that isn’t usually tapped, and I have new insights in this relaxed yet connected state.

Recently, our congregation hired a new and incredibly talented minister of music. As we began the new choir season last week and had our first rehearsal, I was reminded of how important singing is to me. Sitting in the familiar alto section, basses behind me with their booming voices vibrating, certain chords began to do their magic, and the collective sound of numerous voices joined together in harmonic unity transported me and almost moved me to tears of joy. This is a spiritual practice! It brings me into community with others, it gets me out of my complex thoughts, it transports me to a different realm, and in the words I can sense God’s presence very concretely.

We all need something that does exactly that for us. And once we find our “thing,” we need to ensure we allot time for it in our lives, for these are the things that make us whole, whether we call it an official spiritual practice or not. Finding that one special activity that draws your head and heart into a new state, or that places you firmly in the presence of the Holy, matters. If you stop to think about it, you may find you are far more spiritual than you realized.

Athol Congregational Church, UCC, is a local community of faith that is “small enough to know you, large enough to serve.” We celebrate in-person worship as well as offer Facebook livestream services under “Athol Congregational Videos.” Our pastors and members are available for conversation on our Athol Congregational Church Facebook page, and through private messages. We would love to connect! We offer long-distance Reiki through our certified practitioners, are willing to pray with you, and want to know you, whoever you are! We are located at 1225 Chestnut Street and can be reached at 978-249-6202.