Deconstructing your spirituality to find something that works for you in a little like pulling out a junk drawer and dumping it upside down on the kitchen floor. You’ll find things that are useful that you may have forgotten about, and you’ll pick those out of the pile and put them back in the drawer. There may be things that no longer serve you, or that you no longer need, and those you throw away. And there will be some things that you’re not sure where they go or what they do, and you may decide to keep or toss them depending on whether they’re interesting or something you might want to research later.
Our spirituality is very much like this. There may be the spirituality we grew up with and all of the inherent ways that it shaped our knowledge of our self and our world. If we’re really fortunate this spirituality is either something we can continue to use, or understand why it doesn’t work for us and leave it by the wayside. If it harmed us, then we’re going to have to deal with that as well, and possibly untangle thoughts and teachings that weren’t good for us.
But much like we throw extra packets of soy sauce, or an extra set of plastic silverware into the drawer for use later, your spiritual toolbox can look like a hodgepodge of items that don’t really make sense, and yet, when you start to put them into practice they fit perfectly.
Creating Your Spiritual Toolbox
Your spiritual toolbox is anything that helps you connect to your spirituality or more generally into the wider world around you. Your spiritual toolbox can contain a variety of items, including, but not limited to:
- yoga
- reiki or other energy work
- mindfulness
- meditation
- gentle movement
- being in nature
- spending time with animal companions
- contemplative practices
- creative practices
- community service and volunteering
- journaling
There are a lot more practices to include, but those cover a lot of the larger groups of practices, and in general, spiritual people use one or more of them to connect with their higher selves and the universe.
How do you know what to put in your toolbox?
The good news is that your toolbox can change as your needs change. Begin with what works for you. If you already have an existing practice, then that is part of your toolbox. If you want to try something new, then do so. One of the sayings around our farm is “life is an adventure” and creating your spiritual toolbox is part of that adventure. Give yourself a chance to step out of your comfort zone if you wish and find new ways to connect with your higher self.
Nothing has to stay in your toolbox forever. If a practice doesn’t work for you (and keep in mind there are many different ways to meditate, for example and it’s not just about quieting your mind), then try it differently or try something else. There is no judgment and no shame as you build your spiritual toolbox.
And if you have questions? Reach out! Book a free discovery call with me and let’s talk about how we can build your toolbox together.
