Spiritual Awakening Through Secular Practices

Frustration and Yearning

Many of us are aware that there are realities (experiences) far deeper than the present-day distractions, distortions, and profound frustrations that come from being fed by our highly commercialised culture. We want to awaken to the best that humanity can be, as we conceive it. But it's difficult to tell where one should turn and whom to trust for this noble quest.

It helps to bring a large dosage of the scientific method to our desire for improvements to ourselves, others, and our planet. Thus, we might treat unverified claims as hypotheses to be tested and cultivate a large dosage of both scepticism and determination to find what really works for us and others. Of course the complexities of our individuality means that each general principle for personal improvement must be explored and tweaked to suit our personal influences, personalities, limitations, and opportunities.

Widespread assumptions and social agreement about phenomena deserve some respect but need to be evaluated (critiqued) and tested by the most credible standards we can muster.I am an advocate of secular spirituality precisely because I experienced serial disappointments and disillusionments with a variety of religious and non-religious organisations. I am clear that their claims, so deeply held by many, were neither credible nor satisfying for me.

My secular spirituality is not full of hurt and bitterness. How could it be when I gained something positive from each group I associated with – and can see how they can be wholesome and authentic for many of their members. Religious experience (heavy on common interpretations) does not ring true to me. But neither do non-religious communities and systems of thought when they demand an uncritical ‘Amen!’ from their members.

What is Secular Spirituality?

Secular spiritualty, as I understand the term, is not enticed and enchanted by promises that cannot be fulfilled in this one life we are living. A secular pursuit of a promise of a better life – satisfactions and self-discoveries – does not wait for heaven, paradise, or reincarnation. It seeks qualities of life , practices, and disciplines whose benefits can be expected in life we are living (‘here and now’). Secular spirituality looks to a banquet ‘here and now’ (in the life we are living), and resists the impossible quest for “pie in the sky by and by” (quoting Joe Hill’s 1911 parody, The Preacher and the Slave).

Secular spirituality purses meaning and connection without the framework of organized religion. It focuses on personal experiences, self-reflection, and the exploration of consciousness – individually and in the company of others. This approach allows us to find their own path to enlightenment, drawing from various philosophies and practices.

Key Principles of Secular Spirituality

1.   Personal Experience: Secular spirituality emphasizes individual experience over dogma.

2.   Mindfulness: Being present in the moment is crucial. Mindfulness helps you connect with your thoughts and feelings before judgmentalism distorts them.

3.   Connection: Finding a sense of connection to others and the universe is essential. This can be through nature, community, or shared experiences.

4.   Growth: Secular spirituality encourages personal growth and self-improvement. It is about becoming the best version of yourself, fuelled by an ever-increasing self-knowledge.

5.   Healing: Overcoming mental and emotional blockages, and distortions which keep us from both contentment and achievement.

Some Secular Practices Worth Considering

1.   Mindfulness, which is a common cornerstone of secular spiritual practices. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding. It can be cultivated through a variety of practices: sitting Zen, walking, music making/listening, and physical Exercise, to name a few of many options.

2.   Meditation can take two forms, which suit two different purposes: relaxation and insight. The first can be an end in itself, helping us to destress and slow down. But it is more powerfully healing and empowering when it is followed by an insight practice that helps solidify our purpose and values, heal psychological wounds and traumas, and discover fresh dimensions of our humanity.

3.   Journaling is a common and very powerful tool for those seeking to clarify and nurture their spirituality. One form is a daily diary to record your aspirations, frustrations, experiences and accomplishments. Mine have always been a kind of best friend to confide in. Another form is a gratitude journal, in which we can note our thankfulness, perhaps three different items a day. This thanksgiving leads to enriched living.

4.   Talking Therapy (among others) should not be overlooked as a spiritual practice. They can provide some of the insight, healing, and positive redirection that we urgently need.

“Just do it” – and keep it up.

In some sense each one of the above practices will sustain you through a lifetime. But their use might be confined to a particular phase of your life. Choosing what suits you is important. But much more important is keeping it up.

Every secular spiritual practice (there are hundreds) will have some benefit – and a significant benefit if you are wise in choosing which to commit to. But most important is the commitment to practice, day by day - and to re-establish your practice if you let it go.