Spiritual Practices have always been at the heart of the world’s religions. Practices help us to be grounded and more fully present in our daily life. One way to view practice is the path we travel on our spiritual journey. It is a way of experiencing being fully present to our spiritual reality. It is a path that has no beginning and no end. All we need to do is to step onto the path.

Many people think of spiritual practice as weekly worship, bedtime prayers or grace before meals. While these are wonderful practices, we must be alert that they do not become just another task on our “to do” list.

There are a variety of practices that match the diversity among us. Some of us connect with God, the Other or the Divine with our mind while others focus on the body or emotions. Spiritual practices may include group worship, private prayer, physical exercise, study of scripture or sacred text, sacred ritual, community building, emotional transformation or motivational change all experienced through intentional living.

Practices may be something as basic as lighting a candle or as complex as a Native American Vision Quest. It may be spontaneous Christian prayer or the structure of a Muslim five-times-a-day prayer. Africans express their spirituality through dance, Jewish people study the Torah, Buddhists practice mindful meditation and Hindus look for divine signs in common objects.

Many people practice compassion, justice, forgiveness, joy, letting go, being present, patience, hospitality, gratitude, listening, generosity, peace, silence, intention, awareness, and connection.

Think about your spiritual practices. Here are some suggestions to enhance or alternate your current practices:

morning prayer, praying with images or beads, intercessory prayers, liturgy of the hours, hospitality, centering prayer, retreats, Taize prayer, spiritual direction, companionship with saints, forgiveness, prayer mantras, tea ceremony, chanting, fasting, journalling, hiking, walking, reiki, dance, spiritual study, quiet time, sacred service, gratitude, yoga, meditation, art, Lectio Divina, family prayer, gardening