There’s a chasm between acknowledging our spirituality and completely ignoring it.

The distinction lies in self-awareness. Ignoring your spiritual side often means living a life that’s only focused on the physical aspects.

On the flip side, acknowledging your spiritual component can equip you to make more informed life decisions and give you a sense of purpose.

Getting in touch with your spiritual side doesn’t have to be a daunting task. And trust me, there are simple ways to kickstart this journey.

Here are 10 little steps to help you start nurturing your spiritual side, without overwhelming yourself.

1) Start with silence

Silence is golden, especially when it comes to spirituality.

Believe it or not, the hustle and bustle of our everyday life often hinders us from connecting with our inner selves. That’s where silence comes in.

Silence allows you to tune out the noise of the world and tune into your inner thoughts and feelings. It’s a moment to pause, reflect and listen.

Think about it. When was the last time you sat in absolute silence? Probably a while ago, right?

Well, starting today, try to carve out a few moments of silence every day. It could be early in the morning before everyone wakes up, or late at night when everything has settled down.

The beauty of silence is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or location. All you need is a quiet spot and a willingness to listen to what your soul has to say.

But remember, like any new habit, it takes time to get used to. So, be patient with yourself.

Embracing silence is the first step towards acknowledging and nurturing your spiritual side.

2) Find inspiration in nature

I’ve always found that one of the most effective ways to connect with my spiritual side is through nature.

There’s something about being out in the open, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, that brings a sense of peace and tranquility. It’s as though every tree, every leaf, every sunset has a story to tell.

A few years ago, I took a solo trip to the mountains. Away from the noise and distractions of city life, I found myself more attuned to my own thoughts and feelings. I would spend hours just sitting by a stream, listening to the water flowing, watching the sunlight filter through the trees. It was a profound experience that made me realize how disconnected I had been from my own spirituality.

Nature, in its own quiet way, has a power to heal and rejuvenate. It’s a reminder of the larger world outside our daily routines and responsibilities.

So next time you’re feeling disconnected from your spiritual side, try taking a walk in the park or spending some time in your garden. Let nature be your guide.

3) Incorporate mindfulness into your everyday routine

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.

Did you know that mindfulness can even change the structure of your brain? Neuroscientific research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can increase the density of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain associated with awareness, concentration and decision-making.

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, or paying full attention to the task at hand, whether it’s washing dishes or walking to work.

Practicing mindfulness not only helps to reduce stress and improve mental clarity, but it also allows you to tune in to your spiritual side by fostering a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

4) Keep a gratitude journal

Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that can transform your perspective on life.

The act of writing down things you’re grateful for isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It serves to shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s going right, helping you to appreciate the blessings that are often overlooked.

You don’t need a fancy journal or a specific time of day to practice gratitude. You can start right now, with whatever you have.

Try writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. It could be as simple as a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a call from an old friend, or the sound of birds chirping outside your window.

Over time, you’ll notice that this simple practice can have a profound impact on your spiritual well-being, fostering a sense of contentment and peace within you.

5) Explore different spiritual traditions

Our world is rich with diverse spiritual traditions and practices, each offering unique insights and perspectives.

Exploring different spiritual traditions can help broaden your understanding of spirituality and might even provide new ways to connect with your spiritual side.

You could read about Buddhism’s teachings on mindfulness and compassion, delve into the mystic poetry of Rumi in Sufism, or explore the nature-centric rituals of indigenous cultures.

Remember, this isn’t about adopting a new religion or belief system. It’s about learning and drawing inspiration from the wisdom that these traditions have to offer.

So take your time, keep an open mind, and see where this journey of exploration takes you. You might be surprised by what resonates with you.

6) Show kindness and compassion

There’s a profound truth that we often overlook: kindness and compassion are at the heart of spirituality.

When we show kindness to others, we’re not just performing a good deed. We’re acknowledging the interconnectedness of all beings. We’re recognizing that each of us, in our own way, is striving for happiness and trying to avoid suffering.

Compassion, too, is transformative. When we feel genuine compassion for others, it softens our hearts. It makes us more understanding, more forgiving.

It’s not always easy, of course. Showing kindness and compassion can be challenging, especially when we’re faced with difficult people or situations. But it’s in these moments that our spiritual growth truly happens.

So the next time you have the opportunity to show kindness or compassion, embrace it. You’ll find that the act not only benefits others but also deepens your own spiritual journey.

7) Embrace solitude

Solitude, contrary to popular belief, is not about being lonely. It’s about finding comfort in your own company, about discovering who you are when no one else is watching.

I used to fear being alone. The silence felt deafening, the emptiness overwhelming. But over time, I realized that solitude provided me with a space to reflect, to introspect, and most importantly, to connect with my spiritual side.

In those quiet moments of solitude, I could hear my inner voice more clearly. I could confront my fears and insecurities. I could understand my thoughts and emotions better.

So now, I make it a point to spend some time alone each day. It could be during a morning walk, or while sipping a cup of tea in the evening. These moments of solitude have become my sanctuary, a place where I can reconnect with myself on a deeper level.

Embracing solitude may not be easy at first, but once you discover the peace and clarity it brings, you’ll realize it’s worth it.

8) Practice forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful spiritual practices you can adopt.

It’s not about forgetting the wrongs done to you or absolving others of their actions. Rather, forgiveness is about letting go of the anger and resentment that hold you back, freeing yourself from the emotional burdens that weigh you down.

Forgiveness can be a difficult journey, requiring patience and courage. But the peace and freedom it brings are truly transformative.

Start by acknowledging the hurt and pain. Then, make a conscious decision to let it go. You might need to do this repeatedly, especially for deep-seated hurts.

Remember, forgiveness is not just for others; it’s also for yourself. Be gentle and forgiving towards your own mistakes and regrets. This act of self-forgiveness is crucial for your spiritual growth.

9) Be patient with yourself

If there’s one thing you should remember on this spiritual journey, it’s to be patient with yourself.

Spiritual growth is not a race or a competition. It’s a deeply personal journey that unfolds at its own pace. There will be times of clarity and insight, but also times of confusion and doubt.

And that’s okay.

The important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time. It’s about progress, not perfection.

So be gentle with yourself. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Learn from your setbacks, but don’t let them discourage you.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. So take your time, enjoy the process, and trust in your own unfolding.

Final reflection: It’s a journey

At the heart of it all, nurturing your spiritual side is a personal journey. A journey towards self-discovery, inner peace and a deeper understanding of your place in the universe.

It’s not about reaching a particular destination or achieving an ‘enlightened’ status. It’s about the journey itself – the experiences, the learning, the growth.

And while this journey might look different for each of us, there’s one common thread that binds us all: The desire to explore beyond what’s visible, to understand what lies beneath the surface, to find meaning and purpose in our existence.

So as you embark on this journey, remember to be patient, be open and most importantly, be kind to yourself.

And remember, every step you take towards nurturing your spiritual side is a step towards a fuller, richer and more fulfilling life.

May your journey be filled with peace, joy and countless moments of wonder.

Related article: Spiritual narcissism: When spirituality becomes a tool for self-aggrandizement