Where to Start in Your Spiritual Practice: A Guide to Healing, Growth, and Empowerment

Peace and welcome to the world of spiritual wellness. I am Shaani, also known as High Priestess Zela Nimaya Abura, and I am the founder of Healing through Visions, a spiritual wellness platform dedicated to helping people unlock their true potential and tap into the infinite wisdom of the Universe.

Having a spiritual practice is an essential aspect of living a healthy, balanced life. It can help you connect with your inner self, find meaning and purpose, and cultivate a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment.

In this article, we will explore the basics of starting a spiritual practice. We will discuss the importance of understanding your why, exploring different modalities, creating a daily practice, overcoming obstacles, and finding support. Whether you are new to spirituality or have been on the path for some time, this article will provide you with practical tips and insights to help you enhance your spiritual journey and achieve your desired outcomes.

Understanding Your Why

The first step in starting a spiritual practice is to understand why you want to do it. Understanding your why will help you stay committed to your practice and give you the motivation to overcome obstacles and challenges that may arise.

There are many reasons why people begin a spiritual practice. Some common reasons include a desire for inner peace, a deeper sense of purpose, a need for healing and transformation, a desire for connection with a higher power, or a search for answers to life’s big questions.

Whatever your reasons may be, it is essential to reflect on them and understand how they relate to your personal goals and values. For example, if you want to start a spiritual practice to find inner peace, you may need to reflect on what inner peace means to you and how it relates to your overall wellbeing. If you want to connect with a higher power, you may need to reflect on your beliefs and values and how they align with your desired outcomes.

By understanding your why, you can create a more meaningful and purposeful spiritual practice that aligns with your personal goals and values. It can also help you stay focused and motivated when challenges arise, and you may need to push through obstacles to achieve your desired outcomes. To reflect on your why, take some time to journal or meditate on your reasons for starting a spiritual practice.

Questions to ask yourself

1. What do I hope to gain from a spiritual practice?
2. How does spirituality align with my personal values and beliefs?
3. What challenges am I hoping to overcome through spirituality?
4. How will spirituality enhance my life and wellbeing?

When reflecting on these questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of your why and create a spiritual practice that aligns with your goals and values. Your spiritual journey is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to approach it. The key is to be true to yourself and your desires, and to be open to the possibilities that spirituality can offer. If you find that you are struggling with understanding your why or need some guidance in exploring your spirituality, I am available to help in one-on-one sessions. Together, we can work to create a spiritual practice that is meaningful and aligned with your personal goals and values.

Exploring Different Modalities

There are many modalities and tools that can support a spiritual practice, and exploring different options can help you find what resonates with you and your unique needs. Here are a few modalities to consider:

1. Meditation: Meditation is a practice that involves training your mind to focus on the present moment, usually by focusing on your breath or a specific mantra. Meditation has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and increasing overall wellbeing.
2. Breathwork: Breathwork is a practice that involves intentionally changing your breathing pattern to access different states of consciousness and promote healing. It can help you release trauma and emotional blockages, increase self-awareness and self-acceptance, and cultivate a deeper connection with your inner self.
3. Energy Work: Energy work involves using various techniques to balance and restore the energy flow in your body. It can include practices like Reiki, acupuncture, and acupressure, and can help promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
4. Dreamwork: Dreamwork involves exploring the messages and symbolism in your dreams to gain insight into your subconscious mind. Dreamwork can help you better understand your fears, desires, and emotions, and can offer guidance on your spiritual journey.
5. Astrology: Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs and natural world. By analyzing your birth chart, astrology can provide insight into your personality, strengths, weaknesses, and life purpose. It can also help you understand the energies present in different phases of your life.
6. Human Design: Human Design is a system that combines Astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, and Quantum Physics to provide a unique blueprint of your energy and life purpose. It can offer insight into your strengths, weaknesses, and decision-making strategies, and help you align with your true self.
7. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and non-judgement. It can help you develop self-awareness, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of peace and happiness.
8. Tarot: Tarot is a tool for divination and self-discovery that uses a deck of cards with symbolic imagery. By interpreting the cards, tarot can offer guidance on your path, help you gain insight into your relationships and inner life, and support your spiritual growth.
9. Sound Healing: Sound healing involves the use of sound vibrations, such as gongs, singing bowls, or tuning forks, to promote relaxation and healing in the body and mind. It can help you release tension and emotions, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote a sense of calm and balance.

There are many other modalities and tools available, and the key is to find what resonates with you and your unique needs. Consider exploring different options and experimenting with what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to spirituality, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If you’re looking for resources to further explore these modalities, there are many books, websites, and courses available. Some recommendations include The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle for mindfulness, The Dream Dictionary by Tony Crisp for dreamwork, Crystals for Beginners: A Guide to Healing and Energy Balancing by Raven Stone for crystals, and The Definitive Book of Human Design by Lynda Bunnell for Human Design. You can also search for local classes or workshops in your area or online.

Creating a Daily Practice

A daily practice is an essential part of any spiritual journey. Consistency is key in a spiritual practice, just as it is in any other aspect of life. By setting aside time each day to connect with yourself and the Universe, you create a routine that helps you stay grounded, centered, and focused on your goals.

Tips to help you create a daily practice

1. Set aside time each day: Make a commitment to yourself to set aside time each day for your practice. This can be as little as five minutes or as much as an hour, depending on your schedule.
2. Find a quiet and comfortable space: Choose a space in your home where you can be alone and undisturbed. This could be a corner of your bedroom, a meditation room, or even a space outside in nature.
3. Experiment with different practices: There are countless spiritual practices to choose from, including meditation, yoga, breathwork, prayer, and more. Try different practices to see what resonates with you.
4. Keep it simple: Your daily practice doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Simple practices like journaling, gratitude lists, or mindful breathing can be incredibly effective.

Examples of simple daily practices you can try

1. Journaling: Set aside time each morning or evening to write down your thoughts, feelings, and goals. This can be a great way to reflect on your spiritual journey and track your progress.
2. Gratitude practice: Take a few minutes each day to think about the things you’re grateful for. This can help shift your focus away from negativity and toward positivity.
3. Mindful breathing: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply, paying attention to the sensation of air moving in and out of your body.
4. Shadow work: Engage in practices that help you explore and work through your unconscious patterns, limiting beliefs, and repressed emotions. This can involve journaling, therapy, meditation, or other introspective practices.

Your daily practice should be something that feels good and resonates with you. Don’t feel like you have to stick to a particular practice just because it’s popular or someone else recommended it. Experiment with different practices and find what works best for you.

Resources for further exploration and learning

• Insight Timer: A free meditation app with thousands of guided meditations – https://insighttimer.com/
• The AstroTwins: A website with resources on astrology and horoscopes – https://www.astrostyle.com/
• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer: A bestselling book on spirituality and inner peace – https://untetheredsoul.com/
• Headspace: A meditation app with guided meditations for beginners and experienced meditators – https://www.headspace.com/

If you need help creating a daily practice that works for you, I am available for one-on-one sessions to provide guidance and support.

Overcoming Obstacles

No spiritual practice is without challenges, and it’s important to acknowledge and prepare for these obstacles. Below are some common challenges and tips for overcoming them:

1. Lack of time: Many people feel that they don’t have enough time to dedicate to a spiritual practice. However, it’s important to remember that even a few minutes of daily practice can have a significant impact. Try setting aside a specific time each day, even if it’s just five minutes, to prioritize your spiritual practice.
2. Self-doubt: It’s common to experience doubts or insecurities about your spiritual practice, especially if you’re just starting out. Remember that everyone has their own unique journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes or have setbacks. Instead of getting discouraged, use these moments as opportunities for growth and learning.
3. Distractions: It can be challenging to stay focused on your spiritual practice when there are so many distractions in daily life. One way to overcome this is to find a quiet and comfortable space to practice, free from distractions. You can also try using guided meditations or other tools to help you stay focused.
4. Resistance: Sometimes we resist our spiritual practice, even if we know it’s good for us. This can be a sign that there’s something deeper going on that needs to be addressed. Try journaling or talking with a trusted friend or spiritual advisor to explore what might be holding you back.
5. Comparison: It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, especially in the age of social media. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth and progress.

Your spiritual practice is a journey, not a destination. Be patient and kind to yourself, and don’t give up when obstacles arise. By overcoming these challenges, you’ll develop resilience and strength that will serve you well in all areas of your life. If you find yourself struggling with obstacles, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Whether it’s through a one-on-one session with a spiritual advisor or a group meditation class, there are many resources available to help you on your journey.

Finding Support

Spiritual practices can be deeply personal and transformative, but they can also be challenging to navigate alone. That’s why having a support system is crucial to sustaining a consistent and fulfilling practice. In this section, we will discuss the importance of finding support and offer some suggestions on how to build a supportive network.

One of the best ways to find support is by joining a spiritual community. Whether it’s a local group or an online community, being part of a group of like-minded individuals can offer a sense of belonging and validation. It can also provide opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Look for groups that align with your values and goals, and don’t be afraid to try out different communities until you find one that resonates with you.

Another way to find support is by seeking guidance from a mentor or spiritual teacher. A mentor can offer personalized guidance, accountability, and support as you navigate your spiritual journey. Look for someone who has experience in your preferred modality or who embodies the qualities you admire and aspire to. Remember that finding a mentor is a two-way street, so be prepared to invest time and energy into the relationship.

Finally, remember that support can come from unexpected places, and it’s essential to stay open and receptive to all forms of support. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a stranger you meet on your journey, be open to receiving guidance, encouragement, and insight from those around you.

Finding support is crucial for maintaining a sustainable and fulfilling spiritual practice. Joining a spiritual community, seeking guidance from a mentor, and staying open to unexpected sources of support are all excellent ways to build a supportive network that aligns with your values and goals.

Final Thoughts

Starting a spiritual practice can bring immense benefits to our lives, including increased self-awareness, inner peace, and a sense of purpose. In this article, we have covered various aspects of building a spiritual practice, including understanding our why, exploring different modalities, creating a daily practice, overcoming obstacles, and finding support. By understanding our motivations for starting a spiritual practice and exploring different tools and practices that resonate with us, we can create a daily practice that supports our personal growth and wellbeing.

It is essential to remember that building a spiritual practice takes time and effort, and obstacles may arise along the way. However, these challenges can provide opportunities for growth and learning. Having a support system can also be beneficial in navigating these challenges and staying committed to our practice.

I invite readers to explore my spiritual wellness platform and learn more about how I can help support their spiritual journey. I offer one-on-one sessions where we can work together to create a personalized plan for building a spiritual practice that aligns with their goals and values. Remember, building a spiritual practice is a lifelong journey, and every step we take towards greater awareness and inner peace is worth it.