What is Spirituality Day?

So, there you are, half-asleep, scrolling through your feed with a mug of coffee. And then you see it: "Happy Spirituality Day!" You blink for a second. Wait, what? Spirituality Day? Is that even a thing? Apparently, it is and, you know what? It's actually pretty interesting once you dig a little deeper.

But hang on—before your mind goes running off, let's clear something up. This isn't about reclining on a cloud or chanting stuff you don't even understand. Spirituality Day is more like... taking a breath from everything. Work, stress, the whole deal. Just let it all go. Take a minute—or even an entire day—to tune into something bigger than your usual routine.

Maybe you always need to be doing something, continually moving. If that's you, then spirituality might be going for a walk. Just you and the trees. Or, perhaps you're more of an expressive person, in which case it's about diving into your art. Paint, write, dance—whatever lets you lose yourself for a while. Who knows? You might end up seeing things in a whole new way

Why Do We Need a Spirituality Day?

What is a Spirituality Day, and why do we need one? Good question. I mean, the world is full-on these days, right? Inboxes, notifications, reminders, stuff that never goes away. You can get sucked in if you let yourself. You could get so caught up in the day-to-day, do you ever have that feeling? Where you’re just doing things without even really thinking about it.

This is the reason Spirituality Day is important. It’s a small flag you wave to say: ‘Pause here for a breath,’ ‘Slow down,’ ‘What am I really doing?’ ‘What do I really believe?’ ‘Connect with something that matters to me.’

It’s kind of like spiritual spring cleaning. Ever notice how good you feel when you finally clean out that one closet you’ve been avoiding or organise that drawer you know is a disaster waiting to happen – it feels so good, doesn’t it? Well, that’s what Spirituality Day is to me, but it’s a cleaning for the insides of you, your mind and spirit, the things in you that tend to get crammed, dusty and neglected. It’s a day to knock off the cobwebs, dust those inner corners, and get back in touch with what’s important to you. And who couldn’t use a little bit of that every now and then?

How to Celebrate Spirituality Day

If you hear 'spirituality' and picture incense, chanting, and words you can't pronounce, don't panic. You don't have to be an avid yogi from the age of six to celebrate Spirituality Day. This is your chance to do whatever feels right for you. Here are some tips to help discover your spirituality – no mountaintop needed. Meditate, take a stroll in nature, keep a journal of your thoughts, practice gratitude, and read some inspirational words; there are numerous ways to find a practice that helps you connect with your inner self.

Meditation for People Who Can't Sit Still

I’m not trying to downplay the difficulty of meditation, it can be very challenging, especially if you struggle to sit still for more than five minutes without checking your phone. Meditation doesn’t need to be this intense, seated, eyes-closed thing that you might have in mind. You can meditate while walking, eating, or even in the shower. Yes, you can even shower meditate.

To begin you should first focus on your breath - slowly in and out. Notice what it feels like to breathe? If your mind wanders, and it will, gently bring it back. Try this for five minutes a day. It will make a world of difference to you. You will feel much better.

Take A Nature Walk

Nature can be a fantastic way of anchoring yourself. One of the most straightforward spiritual practices is spending time outside. Pay attention to the details of your walk:

• The leaves rustling in the wind

• The sunlight filtering through the trees

• The sound of birds singing

Be fully present in the moment. Not only is this a great way to declutter your mind, but you will also feel more in tune with something more significant than yourself, breathe some fresh air, and exercise. Win-Win.

You could also try Forest bathing, known as 'shinrin-yoku' in Japan. It involves immersing yourself in the tranquility of a forest environment to enhance your overall health. Unlike hiking or other outdoor activities, forest bathing encourages you to slow down and truly absorb your natural surroundings. A perfect activity on Spirituality Day.

Try Journaling Your Thoughts and Feelings

For your journal keepers or those who are averse to exercise and meditation, putting pen to paper is another brilliant way to cultivate your spiritual potential.

Write whatever you want - how you feel. Get cluttered thoughts out of your head - writing might help you work through them, and it can be a great form of self-reflection.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a soul superpower. Just think for a few minutes about things you’re grateful for, and you won’t be so preoccupied with what you don’t have. You’ll also train yourself to see more of what you have. Start by writing down three things you feel gratitude for – either at the beginning or the end of the day. Your family? A good cup of coffee? The kind word a friend said to you a week ago?

Read Something Inspiring

Go to a reliable friend or family member who likes to read, and ask them, ‘What’s one book that changed your life?’ Browse the shelves of your local bookshop in the spirituality or mindfulness section or read a bestselling spirituality blog or podcast. Pick up something with a title that catches your attention or a back cover blurb that you find curious or intriguing or that somehow resonates with you or gives you some feeling of wonder.

Connect with Others

Sometimes, connecting with others who share your beliefs - or at least your interests - can be an incredible experience. This might be as beautiful as a deep conversation with a friend. It might be a public Facebook group discussing spirituality, self-growth, or mindfulness.

A bit of understanding and encouragement from loved ones can help you feel less alone in your spiritual path. You might learn something new or ask a question you have never considered.

The Magic of Making Spirituality Day Your Own

The best part of Spirituality Day is that there is no wrong way to celebrate it, and there is no one prescribed ritual to follow. This day can be as simple as silence and introspection or as complete as a joyful, creative activity. The goal is to engage with yourself and your environment meaningfully.

Wrapping It Up: Embrace the Journey

Ultimately, Spirituality Day is about the process, not the destination - the discovery of connection. It is not about reaching some enlightened place or having all the answers; instead, we should open-endedly allow ourselves to see what it may be about being spiritual that calls or inspires us.

In short, the next time you scroll by 'Happy Spirituality Day' in your feed, take a pause long enough to consider what this means to you and if you feel moved to do so, why not throw your version of a Happy Spirituality Day for yourself, whatever that means in your life.

So make it a date, put the 31st December, 2024 in your diary and enjoy your first Spirituality Day!

Let me know in the comments below what you are planning and how it goes.