While I don’t have any quantitative data, I have gathered qualitative data on spiritually embodied spiritual experiences and practices. Spirituality is increasing and I see this as an expression of the rising divine feminine, which isn’t structured or contained the way divine masculine energy is. The divine feminine whispers to you about an unseen world not wholly governed by logic and reason. She sings a song of creativity, joy, and connection that is for you and you alone. Identifying as a spiritual person may mean saying, “No thank you” to the hierarchy present in many religions and recognizing there is a Self within you that is wise, compassionate, and all-knowing. A spiritual practice helps you get in touch with this Self.

When you hear “meditation,” what comes to mind? Do you imagine sitting cross-legged with your palms up, resting on your knees, fingers in a mudra? That’s certainly one kind of meditation but it’s not the only one. As we mentioned in our blog on how to cultivate a spiritual practice, sitting completely still is not recommended for those with trauma histories, panic, and anxiety because it may not feel safe enough for those folx to sit quietly with their eyes closed. Their nervous systems associate that with “danger” so it can be hard to meditate in that way.

Listening within to the silence is a powerful practice that can help us connect with our inner selves and gain a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. In a world that is often noisy and chaotic, taking the time to listen to the silence can be a transformative experience that can bring peace, clarity, and insight into our lives.

Initiation is often accompanied by rituals and ceremonies that mark the transition from one stage of life to another. These rituals serve as a way of acknowledging the individual's growth and transformation and provide a sense of community and belonging. In many cultures, initiation is a collective process, with the community playing an active role in supporting the individual through their journey.

The big difference with spirituality is it’s not based on hierarchy. There’s no barrier between you and a spiritual figure or force. Instead of a middle person or religious leader telling you what to think or do, there’s direct access. With spirituality, there may be certain rituals (lighting a candle, playing certain music, etc.) but there also may not be. It’s up to you what you do and what you don’t do.

We human beings are complex and often, unconsciously and creatively, employ various strategies to avoid pain: primarily addictions and bypassing. Spiritual bypassing is sidestepping or avoiding facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks but talking the talk of an individual who is more “spiritually evolved.”