spiritual journey group

Welcome To Spiritual Journeys

Spiritual Journeys is a division of Uniglobe Fleet Travel. Fleet Travel Kenya Ltd. was registered in September 1978, and since its inception has been catering for Zawars & Hujjaj from all parts of the world. We warmly welcome you to our website where you can have a look at various upcoming trips, register online, view photos and much more.

Spiritual Journeys

Ladies Ziyarat in Iraq 2018

Sister Mahjabeen Dahla

Sister Nasim W. Primohammed

Sister Romana Kazmi

Sister Raihana Mawjee

Sister Abir Safa

Ziyarat calendar.

We arrange to take our group for Ziyarat three times a year. Online registrations open up two months before the trip.

In Narration

Allah (swt) has appointed some angels at Imam Hussain (as)'s grave. When a Shia makes the intention for Imam Hussain (as)'s Ziyarat, Allah (swt) forgives all his sins. When he takes a step to go for Ziyarat, he erases all his sins. His virtues multiply and they increase till the time he becomes worthy of Paradise. - Imam Ja'far al-Saadiq (as)

Their Experience

A 501(c)(3)  Nonprofit

A 501(c)(3) Non-profit Organization

Changing Humanity's Future

Exploring Spirituality: A Guide to Understanding and Practice

Welcome to Humanity's Team's exploration of spirituality. In this detailed guide, we'll delve into the most commonly asked questions about spirituality, offering insights and guidance for your own spiritual journey.

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality is a concept that transcends a single definition, encapsulating a myriad of personal beliefs and experiences. At its core, spirituality involves a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, often leading to a quest for meaning in life. Unlike religion, which is often structured and doctrine-based, spirituality focuses more on individual belief and personal experience. It can include belief in a higher power, a sense of interconnectedness, a quest for self-discovery, and a lasting and beautiful search for answers to life's big questions.

How do we become more Spiritual?

Embarking on a spiritual journey is a deeply personal process. Central to this journey is the cultivation of inner awareness and mindfulness. This can be achieved through various practices including meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, or engaging in art and music. Helping to still the mind, these activities allow for introspection and a deeper connection with one's inner self. The key is to find the practices that most resonate with your soul and to incorporate them into your daily life.

What are the benefits of Spirituality?

Engaging in spiritual practices can lead to numerous benefits in both the mind and body. Studies have shown that spirituality can contribute to better mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can foster a sense of peace and well-being, enhance our resilience against stress, and improve overall quality of life. On a physical level, certain practices such as meditation can lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, and enhance sleep quality.

Can Spirituality and Science coexist?

The relationship between spirituality and science is a fascinating area of exploration. While they may seem contradictory, many find that the two complement one another. Science offers a way to understand the physical world, while spirituality provides a framework for understanding the non-material aspects of existence. By integrating both, one can find a more holistic understanding of life and existence.

What is the difference between Spirituality and Religion?

Spirituality and religion, while related concepts, have distinct differences. Religion typically involves specific beliefs, rituals, and practices often centered around a deity or deities and is organized in a structured community. Spirituality, on the other hand, is more about an individual's personal relationship with the divine or the universe. It is a broader concept that can encompass religious beliefs but can also be entirely separate from them.

How do we meditate for Spiritual Growth?

Meditation is a cornerstone of many spiritual traditions and a powerful tool for personal growth. To begin meditating, find a quiet space and dedicate a few minutes each day to practice. Focus on your breath, a mantra, or even a candle flame, and gently bring your attention back whenever your mind wanders. The goal is not to empty the mind, but to observe it, understand its patterns and learn to be present in the moment.

What are Spiritual practices?

Spiritual practices are activities that deepen one's spiritual connection and understanding. These can range from traditional practices like prayer and fasting to more contemporary practices like eco-spirituality or volunteer work. The key is to engage in practices that feel meaningful and enriching to you, whether they are introspective practices like journaling or more active activities like community service.

How do we find a Spiritual Path?

Finding a spiritual path is a journey of exploration and discovery. It often involves reading about different spiritual traditions, experimenting with various practices, and reflecting on personal beliefs and experiences. It's important to remain open-minded and patient, as finding a path that resonates can take some time. Keep tuning into your intuition and trust that in time the right path will reveal itself to you.

What is a Spiritual Awakening?

A spiritual awakening is often described as a profound realization or shift in consciousness. It can manifest in various ways, such as a newfound sense of clarity, a deep understanding of one's purpose, or a feeling of unity with all existence. Such awakenings can be spontaneous or the result of prolonged spiritual practice. They often lead to significant changes in one's perspective and lifestyle.

How does Spirituality affect Mental Health?

Spirituality can play a vital role in mental health and well-being. It can offer a sense of purpose, provide comfort in times of stress or grief, and create a sense of community and belonging. However, it's important to approach spirituality in a way that is healthy and supportive of your mental health, recognizing that it's just one component of a holistic approach to well-being.

Discover Your Spiritual Path: A Personalized Quiz

Embark on a journey of self-discovery with our quiz. Answer these questions to uncover insights into your spiritual path and find practices that may resonate with you.

What draws you most in your exploration of spirituality?

A. Understanding the deeper meaning of life.

B. Feeling a connection with a higher power or the universe.

C. Finding inner peace and mental clarity.

D. Experiencing a sense of community and belonging.

Which activity do you find most fulfilling?

A. Reading and learning about different philosophies.

B. Spending time in nature.

C. Practicing meditation or yoga.

D. Volunteering or helping others.

Which qualities do you seek most in your spiritual practice?

A. Wisdom and knowledge.

B. Mystery and awe.

C. Calmness and balance.

D. Compassion and service.

How do you prefer to explore spirituality?

A. Through structured study or religious texts.

B. Through personal experiences and intuition.

C. Through guided practices like meditation or retreats.

D. Through community service and social activism.

When facing challenges, you prefer to:

A. Reflect and seek insights from various teachings.

B. Connect with nature or a higher power for guidance.

C. Engage in mindfulness or calming techniques.

D. Seek support from a community or group.

Mostly A's: The Seeker of Wisdom

You are drawn to the intellectual aspects of spirituality. You may find fulfillment in studying spiritual texts, engaging in philosophical discussions, and exploring various religious and spiritual traditions.

Mostly B's: The Mystic

Your path is one of personal experience and intuition. You may be drawn to practices that connect you with the natural world, contemplative activities, and an exploration of the mystical aspects of spirituality.

Mostly C's: The Inner Explorer

You value inner peace and balance. Mindfulness practices, meditation, and yoga might be particularly beneficial for you as you seek to understand your inner self and find tranquility.

Mostly D's: The Compassionate Activist

Your spirituality is deeply connected with community and service. Engaging in social activism, volunteering, and being part of spiritual communities align with your desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Remember, your spiritual journey is unique to you. This quiz serves as a starting point for an exploration into various practices and methods. I encourage you to blend elements from each area that resonate with your personal beliefs and experiences.

Resources offered by Humanity's Team to support Your Spiritual Journey

At Humanity's Team, we are dedicated to supporting your spiritual growth and exploration. Recognizing that each journey is unique, we offer a variety of resources tailored to meet the growing diversity of needs and interests:

Free Programs and Masterclasses

Our free programs are designed to provide valuable insights and teachings from renowned spiritual leaders and thinkers like Gregg Braden , Neale Donald Walsch , Michael Bernard Beckwith , Suzanne Giesemann , Nassim Haramein , James Van Praagh, and many more. These masterclasses cover a wide range of topics, from mindfulness and meditation to deeper philosophical discussions about spirituality and its role in today's world.

Humanity Stream+

Our streaming platform, Humanity Stream+ , offers a wealth of spiritual content at your fingertips. It features a diverse collection of talks, workshops, and documentaries focused on spirituality, interconnectedness, and personal development. This platform is an excellent resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of spirituality in daily life.

As we've explored these common questions about spirituality, it's clear that spirituality is a deeply personal and unique journey for each individual. We hope this exploration has provided valuable insights and guidance for your own spiritual path. Remember, the journey is as much about the process of discovery as it is about the destination. Be well on your journey, and Namaste.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Ep. 214: ‘Love Never Dies’ with Suzanne Giesemann

Ep. 213: ‘Rediscovering Our True Selves’ with Charles Eisenstein

Ep. 212: ‘Unlock Your Potential: Quantum Leap in Transformation’ with Pam Oslie

Ep. 211: ‘Collaborating with Nature’ with Sarah Wu

Share this post!

LATEST BLOGS

Humanity’s Race Against Time

The Magic of Breathwork in Healing and Transformation

The Unified Field’s Healing Power: Aligning with Love’s Vibrational Frequency

Exploring Good vs. Evil: Navigating Today's Global Landscape

Free programs.

LISTEN TO ONE OF OUR RECENT PODCASTS

Sign up now so you never miss a blog post, podcast,

or free event with Humanity's Team!

Social Media

Humanity’s Team is a tax-exempt organization in the United States under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax ID: 86-1088741. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Humanity's Team, 2735B Iris Avenue Suite 3 Boulder, Colorado 80304 United States

A Mindful Guide To Spirituality For Beginners + 15 Steps For Beginning A Spiritual Journey

Maybe you’re looking to understand your purpose in this life, or you’re experiencing an existential crisis . 

Or perhaps you’re starting to examine the belief system you grew up with. Whichever the case, you’re contemplating a spiritual journey .

But where and how should you start?

To help you figure it out, we’ve created this beginner’s guide to spirituality.  

Below, we’ll unpack definitions, look at different spirituality types , review the process, and briefly discuss the available practice paths.

What Is Spirituality?

What is a spiritual journey, mystical spirituality, authoritarian spirituality, intellectual spirituality, service spirituality, social spirituality, they lack patience, they engage in enlightenment arrogance, they search for external answers, they crave external validation, they confuse spirituality and material goal-setting, the benefits of learning how to be spiritual, 1. declutter your spaces, 2. take stock of your current belief system, 3. develop a self-care routine, 4. read up on the possibilities, 5. decide whether you will share your plans, 6. reconnect with nature, 7. learn to be kind to yourself, 8. choose the path you want to try, 9. keep an open mind, 10. give everything you try a chance, 11. be on the lookout for scammers, 12. keep a record of your progress, 13. try rituals, 14. allow yourself to believe, 15. read, learn and absorb, path of knowledge, path of devotion, path of meditation, path of service, path of energy.

What are the basics of spirituality ? In some ways, it’s an impossible question to answer because spirituality means different things to different people. 

For some, it’s a religious pursuit. For others, it’s an individual exploration of spirituality.

The director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, Christina Puchalski, MD, contends that “spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred.”

Generally speaking, most forms of spirituality:

• Invite practitioners to connect with a higher power or source
• Encourage a transcendental end-goal through belief or energetic experiences
• Involve the search for greater meaning or feeling
• Feature a relationship between the practitioner and a divine force

What Are The 3 Elements of Spirituality? 

Back in the day, the three pillars of spirituality were truth, goodness, and religiosity. People’s definitions, narratives, and rituals differed, but nearly everyone saw spirituality as a religious undertaking.

But things are different these days. Sociologically speaking, spirituality is no longer tethered to a theological framework. And while religion colors many people’s spiritual pursuits, growing numbers are severing that tie.

As contradictory as it may sound, it’s not uncommon to meet deeply spiritual atheists — which begs the question: What are the three new elements of spirituality in an increasingly secular world? We’d argue they’re connection, love, and faith.

Most people pursuing spiritual journeys want to feel deeper connections with themselves, others, and the Universe. For some, the bond is cosmic and otherworldly; for others, it’s about communing with nature, neighbors, and the galaxy’s physical realities.

It’s been said that love makes the world go round, and we’d agree. When people love instead of hate, offer grace instead of judgment, and collaborate instead of competing, everything — (and by extension everyone) — is better.  

Faith has myriad definitions and is expressed in disparate ways. For some, it’s a religious undertaking. For others, faith is linked to personal development and fostering humble confidence. 

Have you been wondering how to start a spiritual journey?

One of the most important things to understand is that going through one can take physical and emotional effort since most of us cruise through life on autopilot.

The energetic shift required to change spiritual gears can be more intense than people imagine.

But it’s well worth the endeavor. Navigating a spiritual journey can help us become comfortable with ourselves and live more meaningful, joyful, fulfilling lives.

With courage, forgiveness, and honesty, we can examine our true natures and develop greater capacities for love and compassion.

People who successfully go through a spiritual transformation tend to be more content, calmer, and self-confident.

What Are the Types of Spirituality?

There are several types of spirituality. Some folks pursue all of them; others pick one or two to master.

The choice is yours and may depend on a “soul contract” you signed before diving into this life.

Mystical spirituality focuses on cosmic and intuitive aspects of existence. People who subscribe to these types of esoteric belief systems have faith in a force more powerful than what we can see and touch.

They also believe in a universal unity that transcends the physical world.

Practitioners of mystical spirituality may say things like “everything happens for a reason” and “there’s a cosmic explanation behind everything.”

Authoritarian spirituality involves devotion to a hierarchical structure in the heavens and Earth. Fundamentalist commitment to a religion or belief system is the most common type of Authoritarian spirituality.

Sometimes, this type of journey can safely allow individuals to immerse themselves in their chosen faith, like monks living in ashrams and temples. Unfortunately, it can take a more violent, destructive turn, as is the case with some sects of fundamentalist cults and religious movements.

People who travel down the authoritarian spiritual path may believe that their belief system is the only right way.

Intellectual spirituality is rooted in the notion that knowledge is power.

People who choose this path enjoy reading about and discussing theories. They find their way to the unknown through learning.

All spiritual disciplines have an intellectual sect or path to enlightenment, and many people drawn to intellectual spirituality combine it with service, devotion, or mystical ritualism.

Service spirituality involves attending to others’ needs. Mastery of the craft comes when an individual genuinely helps others without expecting anything, not even a “thank you.”

It can be a tricky path because many folks don’t recognize that they serve performatively. They feast on the praise showered on them for being “good people.” However, healing through service can only happen in a pure state of generosity without a need or thought of recognition or reward.

Some people are introverted, and others are extroverted. Folks who fall under the former umbrella may appreciate individualized spiritual journeys, whereas those in the latter may seek out socially spiritual events — like group retreats.

If you pick this path, think long and hard about your relationship with dependency. Are you choosing to seek communal salvation because of fear or a genuine desire to live selflessly among others?

Common Mistakes on The Spiritual Journey for Beginners 

Ethereal journeys can be exciting and fulfilling — but nobody ever said they’re easy, especially in the beginning. Finding one’s spiritual sea legs can be a bumpy ride! 

With that in mind, let’s unpack a handful of mistakes many people make at the start of their spiritual awakening.

Have you ever tried spirituality for a week (or ten) and gave up when miracles didn’t immediately rain down in your lap? Please don’t feel bad; you’re not alone; it always happens. In fact, it’s more common than successfully establishing a mindfulness or spirituality routine.

Remember that devotional work — (both religious and secular) — isn’t a magic bolt that instantaneously ushers “the dream” into your conscious realm. Heck, monks practicing for decades have yet to experience bliss, much less enlightenment.

In other words, it takes time. Lots and lots…and lots of time. So cultivating patience early in your journey is wise.

The benefits of mindfulness (spirituality’s backbone) can sometimes lead to judgment. Bluntly stated, “baby spiritualists” can be “all ego and no insight.”

Many also approach the journey myopically and think: Well, if X worked for me, it can work for anyone. Then, when people fall short of expectations, newly minted “gurus” attribute their failure to some moral failing rooted in laziness and victimhood. 

But each life carves a distinctive path in the sands of time and space, and what’s good for the goose isn’t necessarily suitable or feasible for the gander.

It’s also a bad idea to cut people out of your life because they aren’t on the same exact track as you. Like stars, lives have singular trajectories — and judging another’s is rarely an excellent karmic idea. 

Bottom line: When it comes to spirituality, worry about yourself — and only yourself.

Spiritual newbies love to search for answers outside of themselves. Sure, the Universe throws people proverbial bones in the form of “signs” every so often, but the work of spirituality is internal. 

Forming a conscious bond with the world around you is about learning to recognize your divine spark.   

As discussed, novices frequently search for external answers. They also crave external validation, which defeats the purpose of a soulful journey. 

Ultimately, it’s best to avoid spiritual competition at all costs. Your quest for meaning, connection, and purpose should never be a status contest.

Another common mistake is conflating personal and professional goal-setting with spirituality. Goal-setting is about what you want your life to look like, materially and professionally. Spirituality is about how you want to feel, see, and experience the world. 

Please don’t read us wrong. Goal-setting and spirituality can work in tandem, but they’re different. The former requires external effort and feedback; the latter is an internal process.

Embarking on a spiritual journey for beginners can be disorienting at the start.

Think of it as if you’re a 16th-century explorer. When you leave port, you’re anxious, detached from what you know, nervous, and unsure of what awaits you. 

You’re out to sea for a long time. Then, one day, you discover a new land; you’re elated and rewarded handsomely. In most ways, a spiritual journey follows that same arc.

A spiritual journey has many potential benefits, including:

• Experiencing a cosmic-level of love and respect for all living people, animals, and plants, instead of only feeling connected with folks and things with which you’re most familiar and comfortable
• Moving through experiences with faith, optimism, and joy
• Being aware of life’s divine nature
• Getting to know and love yourself unconditionally, even when you mess up
• Being able to see magic in the ordinary
• Being aware of the divine grace that helps fuel your life
• Coping better with stress, anxiety, and depression
• Restoring a sense of hope and optimism about life

Spirituality for Beginners: 15 Steps for Starting Your Spiritual Journey

Some peoples’ spiritual paths are clear from an early age. The rest of us usually need to put in a little effort to find the road that most resonates with our eternal beings. In some ways, it’s a trial and error process.

However, there are things you can do to prepare and make the journey easier.

The Universe is, at its most basic level, a web of interconnected energy. Living and working in clean, uncluttered places attract healthy, positive vibes and wavelengths to your space and aura.

It’s beneficial to know where you’ve been to figure out where you’re going,

When embarking on a spiritual journey, take stock of the belief system you grew up with or currently subscribe to. Does it serve you? Is it comfortable? Do you practice it because that’s all you’ve ever known, or does it genuinely resonate with you?

A significant part of spiritual journeys is getting to know yourself. Getting it right takes self-compassion , honesty, and self-forgiveness — which isn’t always easy.

As such, you must care for yourself, and developing a self-care routine is wise during this period of your life. Moreover, we can control habits, which adds a bit of stress-lessening stability to a sometimes rocky time.

More Related Articles

47 Heart Chakra Affirmations To Open Your Heart To Love And Joy

55 Beautiful Grounding Affirmations To Feel Present And Safe

Root Chakra Healing: How To Know It’s Blocked And 19 Ways To Clear And Balance It

Before you pick a path, read up on the possibilities. Think about your motivations and what you want to get out of the experience.

Don’t forget to consider the logistics of your life. Try not to pick something that doesn’t fit into your lifestyle. Sure, it’s fine to make some changes — like adding meditation and journaling.

But if you have a nine-to-five job, it’s not practical to pick a path that requires you to live in an ashram for 24 months straight.

You get to captain your spiritual journey and decide who gets to know. If it’s something you want to share with the world, post about it on social media. Start a blog about your journey.

And if you want it to be a personal experience between you and the higher forces, keep it 100% to yourself.

Nature plays a big role in spiritual journeys. After all, it’s the Earthly manifestation of otherworldly forces. Connecting with nature is akin to bonding with universal energy, and it helps during a spiritual transformation.

Spiritual journeys aren’t smooth sailing at all times. The waters can get rough, and you must learn to be kind to yourself to get through it.

Instead of listening to the negative voice in your head, give attention to the positive one. Learn to forgive yourself; understand that everyone messes up, including you — and that’s OK.

Once you’ve adjusted your mental facilities, done some research, and prepped your space for the journey, it’s time to pick a path you want to try.

Don’t worry about not picking right the first time. It happens to loads of people. Remember that this is a time of exploration and discovery, so feel free to try on different things till you find something that fits your soul.

Skepticism is bound to drop by for a visit during your spiritual journey. Do your best to keep an open mind. Some things you try may feel silly and improbable. But give it a shot anyway. Hey, you never know.

Giving everything a chance is another important aspect of a spiritual journey. You probably won’t get much out of the experience if you go through the motions half-heartedly.

So allow yourself to believe in magic and mysticism for a bit. Who knows, maybe there is a scientific explanation for why certain “spiritual” things work, and we just don’t understand it from a practical standpoint yet.

The spiritual market is filled with many aspiring cult leaders, grifters, and various types of scam artists. They prey on peoples’ vulnerabilities, and they’re usually skilled at leaching money from marks. So be careful about the orbits you inhabit.

Having a record of your journey is educational and fun. Think how satisfying it will be to go back a year or two from now and read how far you’ve come.

Rituals are a fun way to enhance the spiritual journey. Plus, they put you in the right frame. If you use candles, however, make sure to be safe.

One of the biggest hurdles some people face on their path to higher consciousness is that they refuse to believe.

But it’s a catch-22 because to perceive extra-sensory forces, you must believe in them. So try to put doubts aside and give yourself to the unknown for the time being.

Journeys can take decades. Heck, some people argue that one’s spiritual journey is never over as there’s always more to experience and learn.

Keeping up a reading and learning habit is the best way to keep your spiritual receptors tuned and receptive.

What Are The 5 Spiritual Paths?

Many paths can teach you how to learn about spirituality. Some people stick to one; others try on several.

The knowledge path is suited for people who gain depth and insight through wisdom and gathering knowledge.

Analytical meditation, contemplation, studying, and journaling are important tools for people on this path. They frequently delve into questions about self-knowledge and the greater good.

The path of devotion is all about surrendering to something greater than yourself. The ultimate goal is to liberate the soul from its ego. Praying, chanting, and using mantras are common.

Meditation is a spiritual path in and of itself. People who go this route usually are interested in connecting with a higher power. They also value stillness and calmness.

Active selflessness defines the path of service. But it can be a tricky road, as practitioners mustn’t focus on their efforts but instead on the needs of others. People who serve for the wrong reasons can find themselves in miserable places.

The energetic path is probably the least discussed and one of the most powerful. It combines several disciplines, including meditation and knowledge. People who go down the energy path typically use rituals.

We hope you found our guide to spirituality helpful. Whatever path you choose, and no matter how long it takes, your spiritual journey will help you have a deeper understanding of yourself and the meaning of your life. 

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What is a Spiritual Journey, and How Do You Start One?

July 4, 2024

Lauren Williams

Your spiritual journey is an expedition like no other.

It is not a path laid out by others, nor is it marked by common milestones. This journey is as individual as you are.

It’s a journey filled with questions more than answers, with discoveries that often lead to more wonderment. Peeling back the layers of your existence, layer by layer, revealing the core of who you truly are.

Why embark on such a journey? Why now?

The answers are as varied as the stars, but they all point to one undeniable truth: the journey within is the most significant voyage one can undertake.

Your spiritual journey awaits. Are you ready to take the first step?

What is a Spiritual Journey?

A spiritual journey is deeply personal and can be a transformative experience. It’s an individual’s quest for meaning, understanding, and connection.

This journey can stem from various motivations, such as seeking life’s purpose, inner peace, or a deeper connection to something greater than oneself.

It’s not confined to any specific religion or belief system.

The journey often starts with a moment of recognition, where one feels a need for deeper understanding. This could arise from a personal crisis, introspection, or curiosity about life’s mysteries. It could involve self-discovery and growth, utilizing tools like meditation, and mindfulness, or learning from spiritual texts.

Each journey is unique, shaped by individual experiences and beliefs. One can learn to listen to their inner voice, challenging preconceptions, and being open to new perspectives.

It is an ongoing process of personal evolution, and not about reaching an end destination.

Why Do People Embark on Spiritual Journeys?

People start spiritual journeys for various deeply personal reasons. A common motivator is the quest for deeper life meaning. Individuals often seek to understand their existence beyond material or superficial aspects, leading them to explore spiritual realms for greater truths about their place in the universe.

Another reason is the pursuit of inner peace and emotional healing. Life’s challenges, like personal losses or stress, drive many towards spirituality for solace and clarity. This path often involves mindfulness and self-compassion practices, aiding in emotional well-being and resilience.

Personal growth and self-awareness are also key motivators. This aspect of the spiritual journey focuses on overcoming limiting beliefs and negative patterns. Individuals aim to develop qualities like compassion and patience, striving to become their best selves.

Finally, some seek a connection with a higher power or a deeper reality. This varies from person to person – for some, it’s a divine entity, while for others, it’s an understanding of nature’s forces or the interconnectedness of life. This connection provides guidance, support, and a sense of belonging.

Steps to Embarking on a Spiritual Journey

1. Set Clear Intentions

Establishing clear intentions is the foundation of your spiritual journey. Determine what you hope to achieve, whether it’s gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, finding inner peace, or exploring your connection with a higher power.

These intentions will act as guiding lights, keeping you focused and aligned with your spiritual goals.

2. Start Small

Begin with manageable and realistic goals. Instead of overwhelming yourself with grand aspirations, start with simple, achievable steps. This could involve daily practices like short meditation sessions, reading spiritual literature, or spending quiet time in nature.

Small steps ensure consistent progress without the risk of burnout or disillusionment.

3. Develop a Spiritual Roadmap

Like planning a physical trip, your spiritual journey needs a roadmap. Decide on the practices and activities you want to incorporate. This could include joining yoga or meditation classes, participating in spiritual workshops, or dedicating time to be in nature.

Your roadmap should reflect your personal intentions and interests, guiding your journey in a structured yet flexible manner.

4. Incorporate Meditation

Meditation is a cornerstone practice in many spiritual journeys.

Begin with brief sessions, focusing on your breath or a simple mantra. As you become more comfortable, you can explore various meditation techniques like mindfulness, loving-kindness, or guided visualizations.

Regular meditation fosters deeper self-awareness and a stronger connection with your inner self.

5. Seek Knowledge

Immerse yourself in spiritual texts and teachings. This could range from ancient scriptures to contemporary spiritual books.

Find materials that resonate with you and provide insights pertinent to your journey.

These resources serve as tools for enlightenment, offering different perspectives and wisdom that can illuminate your path.

6. Find a Mentor or Guide

A mentor or guide can be invaluable on your spiritual journey. This could be a spiritual teacher, a learned friend, or someone within your community who possesses deep spiritual insight. Their experience and wisdom can offer guidance, support, and a different perspective, helping you navigate the complexities of your spiritual path.

7. Create a Reflective Space

Establish a dedicated space for reflection and meditation.

This could be a quiet corner in your home, a spot in your garden, or any place where you feel peaceful and undisturbed.

Personalize this space with items that promote tranquility, such as candles, cushions, or incense.

This sanctuary can become a vital retreat for introspection and spiritual exercises.

8. Embrace New Experiences

Be open to exploring new spiritual practices and traditions.

This might involve attending different types of spiritual retreats, workshops, or ceremonies.

Embracing new experiences can broaden your understanding and provide fresh perspectives, enriching your spiritual journey.

Remember, the path to spiritual growth often lies outside your comfort zone.

9. Maintain a Spiritual Journal

Keeping a spiritual journal is a powerful tool for self-reflection and tracking your journey’s progress.

Regularly write down your thoughts, experiences, and the emotions you encounter along your path. This practice not only helps in processing and understanding these experiences but also in observing your growth over time.

A journal can serve as a personal repository of insights and realizations, aiding in deeper self-awareness.

10. Stay Open and Adaptive

As you evolve and learn, be willing to adapt your practices and beliefs.

Your journey is dynamic, and new understandings may lead you down unexpected paths. Staying open to change ensures that your spiritual growth is not hindered by rigidity or narrow-mindedness.

Embrace the journey’s fluid nature, and allow yourself to be surprised by where it takes you.

11. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and mindfulness in your daily life.

Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance you possess, fostering a sense of contentment and peace.

Mindfulness keeps you rooted in the present moment, enhancing your awareness and appreciation of life’s experiences.

Together, these practices enrich your spiritual journey, grounding you in a positive and receptive state of mind.

12. Connect with Like-Minded Individuals

Joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging on your spiritual journey.

Whether it’s a local meditation group, an online forum, or a spiritual study circle, connecting with others who share similar paths can offer encouragement and a platform for sharing experiences and insights.

These connections can also provide diverse perspectives, further enriching your spiritual

What are Examples of a Spiritual Journey?

Embarking on a spiritual journey can take many forms, each offering unique insights and experiences. While the essence of these journeys is deeply personal and varied, they often share common themes of self-discovery, inner peace, and a deeper connection with the world around us. Here are some examples of spiritual journeys that individuals might undertake:

• Meditative Retreats Meditative retreats provide an opportunity for deep introspection and tranquility. These retreats typically involve periods of silence, guided meditation sessions, and teachings on mindfulness and meditation techniques. Participants often seek to deepen their meditation practice, develop greater self-awareness, and find inner peace. Such retreats are beneficial for those looking to escape the hustle of daily life and delve into the depths of their mind and spirit.
• Pilgrimages to Sacred Sites Pilgrimages involve traveling to places deemed sacred or spiritually significant, like temples, holy mountains, or ancient ruins. These journeys are often undertaken with the intent of seeking spiritual enlightenment, performing religious rituals, or experiencing a profound connection with a divine entity. Pilgrims may seek healing, blessings, or a sense of unity with the cosmos, and these journeys can be transformative, offering a blend of cultural, historical, and spiritual enlightenment.
• Yoga and Wellness Retreats These retreats combine the physical practice of yoga with holistic wellness activities. Participants engage in various yoga styles, complemented by activities like nature walks, spa treatments, and health-focused nutrition. The goal is to achieve balance and harmony between body, mind, and spirit, often in serene and natural settings. These retreats cater to those looking for a rejuvenating experience that nurtures all aspects of their being.
• Spiritual Workshops and Conferences Attending workshops and conferences led by spiritual leaders or experts offers an opportunity for learning and community building. These events cover a wide range of topics, from specific religious teachings to broader spiritual practices. Attendees benefit from the knowledge shared, the experiences of fellow participants, and the sense of community that comes from meeting others on similar spiritual paths.
• Personal Spiritual Practices Engaging in daily personal spiritual practices is a more intimate journey. This can include activities like prayer, meditation, reading spiritual texts, or performing personal rituals. The focus here is on continuous personal growth, self-reflection, and cultivating a deeper connection with one’s spiritual beliefs. This path allows for a highly personalized approach, adaptable to the individual’s needs and lifestyle.
• Nature Immersion and Eco-Spirituality Spending time in nature to connect with the Earth and its ecosystems forms the core of this journey. It involves activities like hiking, camping, or participating in environmental conservation, aiming to foster a sense of unity with nature. This path is ideal for those seeking spiritual growth through an ecological lens, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings.
• Volunteer Work and Humanitarian Missions Participating in volunteer work or humanitarian missions embodies the spirit of selfless service. This journey is marked by activities ranging from local community service to global humanitarian efforts. The focus is on developing empathy, compassion, and finding spiritual fulfillment through the act of helping others. This path appeals to those who find spiritual growth in the service of humanity and the betterment of the world.

Your Unique Spiritual Path

This journey is uniquely yours.

It’s a path defined by your choices, your steps, and your rhythm. Every decision, every moment of introspection, is a piece of the mosaic that is your life.

Let’s reiterate, just once more, because it’s crucial: Your spiritual journey is a solitary path. This isn’t to say it’s a lonely or daunting endeavor; rather, it’s a journey of self-discovery that requires courage and honesty.

Facing oneself can be challenging, but it’s also the most rewarding adventure you can undertake.

Why delay this exploration? Why not start this very moment?

Consider every action, every moment of kindness to yourself and others, as an investment in your spiritual legacy. These investments endure, transcending time and physical existence. They are never lost or forgotten.

So, how swiftly do you wish to journey?

What paths are you eager to explore? The answers lie within you, waiting to be discovered.

The question remains: Are you ready to embark on this profound journey of self-discovery and growth?

Lauren believes spirituality shouldn't be intimidating. She blends ancient practices with modern tools to help you unlock insight, improve your focus, and find deeper meaning within your everyday life.

Discover. Reflect. Grow. At Inner Growth Center, turn insight into meaningful change. Join our community and create a life with less stress and more joy. We are reader supported. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not impact our reviews and recommendations.

Privacy Policy

© 2024 Inner Growth Center. Empowering personal journeys, one story at a time.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

This topic is part of the Spiritual Calling stage of the Spiritual Wanderer's Journey

How to Start Your Spiritual Journey (7 Illuminating Steps)

by Mateo · Updated: Jun 15, 2024 · Published: Mar 23, 2016 · 215 Comments

There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled. There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled. You feel it, don’t you? – Rumi

Welcome, dear spiritual wanderer.

You’ve come to this page seeking guidance, and that’s what we intend to give you wholeheartedly.

Before you begin, we want to honor your self-sovereignty and inner instincts , so:

Please remember to not accept anything as being “true” that I write or anything that anyone on the spiritual journey says/writes/teaches without first checking in with your own inner knowing.

No one is infallible, no matter what degree of awakening they have embodied, so I strongly encourage you to think for yourself, find out for yourself, and always, always trust your intuition. (This advice can save you a lot of pain on your journey!)

With that said:

If you’re short on time, scroll down to see the Table of Contents . Otherwise, I guarantee that this article is worth reading from start to finish (that’s why it’s the ‘Start Here’ page!).

Get Your Spiritual Journey PDF!

Want to go deeper and reflect, integrate, and gain a greater perspective of your journey of awakening?

Let’s begin with the uncomfortable truth:

Most of us in the modern world have resigned ourselves to a cliched existence, indulging in endless distractions.

We go through life with minimal or pseudo-faith and avoid comprehending the emptiness of our lives. We are endlessly haunted by the shallowness of our relationships, neurotic issues, and  inescapable loneliness.

And yet there’s so much more to us as a species than what we really know.

Shadow & Light Membership:

You and I carry the most mysterious and magnificent qualities within us imaginable. Yet, we unknowingly guard and protect the greatest gift that is our  Souls from the world.

It’s so easy for us to feel meaningless when we perceive ourselves as mere cogs in society’s machine.

The truth is that we are much more than slaves of 9 to 5 jobs. We are capable of creating deeply meaningful, mystical, and fulfilling lives. We are capable of finding our true calling and personal destiny.

For centuries, indigenous people throughout the world have known that to fully explore the depths of the Soul and reunite with Spirit, we must go on a spiritual journey into the unknown lands within ourselves.

Many ancient cultures had Elders and Shamans to encourage and oversee these journeys toward a deeper spiritual existence.

Sadly, these days in our own culture, we have lost such sacred rites and rituals. Instead, orthodox religion has replaced living  spirituality with a theoretical god , dismissing, and outlawing personal experimentation and union with the Divine.

On this page, my aim is to help you start navigating your spiritual journey, be a lone wolf, and listen to your soul’s calling to reunite with Spirit.

(If you need extra in-depth support after reading this article, I highly recommend checking out our All-in-One Bundle and Shadow & Light Membership – these offerings can offer tremendous illumination and empowerment on your journey.)

Table of contents

What is the spiritual journey, 12 signs you’re called to the spiritual journey (the ancient hero/ine’s path), the 3 worlds of the spiritual journey (which are you inhabiting), inner work vs. soul work, 5 phases of the spiritual wanderer’s journey, how to start your spiritual journey (7 steps).

The spiritual journey is a personal quest we undertake to reconnect with our Souls, release attachment to the ego, and rediscover our True Nature .

In a nutshell, the spiritual journey is about returning to the Centre of our being : it’s a path traditionally undertaken by saints, shamans, mystics , and sages.

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!

I agree to also receive the free weekly newsletter

Your information will never be shared.

But in this day and age where times have changed, and we’re suffering from collective soul loss , the spiritual journey is open and accessible to all people (and no longer just ascetics, monks, and other holy people).

Indeed, listening to our Soul’s calling of reuniting with Spirit is our deepest longing and highest calling as a species.

People have felt a pull toward something greater than themselves since the beginning of time.

Ancient cultures had many stories that illustrated the journey to fulfilling one’s destiny and experiencing Wholeness or Enlightenment . These journeys are what mythologist Joseph Campbell described as the “ Calls to Adventure. “

A call to adventure is something we all experience at least once in life. When we embark on this adventure, we begin the process of gaining self-understanding, reclaiming our precious Soul gifts, and dissolving the blockages that obscure our Inner Light.

The archetype of the hero/heroine discovering their true spiritual nature goes back thousands of years.

The Greeks told the story of Orpheus , who descended into the underworld to rescue his bride, Eurydice, from Hades. The Nordic people had their hero-warrior Beowulf , and the Sumerians wrote of Inanna , who battled her sister in the dark world.

Throughout history, there have been so many stories of individuals who have struggled through hardship to find themselves. But of what importance are they to our path?

Essentially, these hero/ines symbolize our spiritual journeys , that is, leaving everything familiar behind, entering the unknown, encountering numerous unconscious monsters, and finally returning back home with a sense of renewed fulfillment and wisdom.

Here are 12 signs you’re being called to walk the spiritual journey of awakening:

• You feel lost in life
• You long for a place that feels like your ‘true home’
• You keep wondering what your meaning or purpose is
• You feel like you have a big destiny to fulfill (which is yet to be revealed)
• You sense that there’s much more to life than meets the eye
• You’re experiencing strange synchronicities, signs, and omens
• You’re shedding your old self and you’re transforming, but you don’t know who you truly are yet
• There’s a sense of nostalgia and nagging longing for something you can’t pinpoint
• You experience bouts of melancholy, depression, and existential crisis
• You feel extra sensitive and fragile
• A lot of what you once valued seems meaningless and empty
• It feels like the rug has been pulled out from underneath you, and you’re falling into a void

Can you relate to any of the above signs? If you can, you’re most certainly being called to embark on the spiritual journey.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep. You must ask for what you really want. Don’t go back to sleep. People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open. Don’t go back to sleep. – Rumi 

At some point in life, we all experience the “call to adventure.”

Often, our journeys start when we experience a sudden  spiritual awakening , kundalini awakening , or dark night of the soul . Often, without wanting to, we are cast onto the path of inner exploration.

Like you, I have wandered these paths and have, at times, wound up lost and confused. For this reason, I find it useful to map out the spiritual journey in a way that helps the human mind know where it is and where it will go next.

My Andean ancestry speaks of three worlds that we can experience in life: the Upper World (Hanaq Pacha), the Middle World (Kay Pacha), and the Lower World (Ukhu Pacha).

Receive every enlightening journal, workbook, ebook, bundle, deck, meditation, and download that we offer here on our lonerwolf store in this all-in-one bundle (80+ items included!)

In many traditions and mythologies, these three worlds correspond to the different realms of Self.

The Upper World is the home of Spirit, the Underworld the home of Souls, and the Middle World is the home of the physical body and human ego .

Different practices and techniques are used in each of the three realms to help us spiritually mature and rediscover joy, peace, and nondual wholeness .

Below, I’ll explore each of these three realms with you:

Middle World

Purpose: Personality development

In our everyday lives, we function within the middle world. The middle world is responsible for our ego development, and yet many people on the spiritual path ignore this vital element of inner growth.

Without developing a healthy personality, our spiritual growth reaches a dead end because we are more prone to falling into many spiritual traps and pitfalls down the line (such as spiritual narcissism , spiritual materialism, and more).

In life, we all begin within the middle world or physical realm. As children and teenagers, we go through various years of personality change and growth.

Finally, as adults, we have all developed unique personalities. Yet many of us fail to continue our self-development, getting lost in corporate jobs and the pursuit of money, status, and fame.

The goal of the middle world path is to develop a healthy personality or ego. Tasks involved in this process include the exploration of core emotional wounds, self-love , and the cultivation of authenticity.

A healthy adult ego will be able to love freely, be vulnerable, express creativity, and display empathy towards others – which are vital in every area of life.

We cannot develop a healthy personality by using techniques from the Upper or Under World, such as meditation or shadow work.

Instead, we must use inner work techniques that pertain to ego development and healing, such as assertiveness training, non-violent communication techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, NLP, and other psychological avenues of self-development.

Under World

Purpose: Soul discovery

Our Soul is the vital, mysterious, and wild core of our individual selves. It is the unique essence within each of us that goes deeper than our personalities.

Think of your Soul as a stream that is connected to the ocean of Spirit. Our Souls contain our destiny, purpose, gifts, and the ultimate significance of our individual lives. To access these deep layers and qualities, we must descend into the Under World of our unconscious minds.

Unfortunately, for thousands of years, our culture has “protected” us from the hardships and dangers of the descent into the Soul. This has been done through the establishment of comfortable, predictable, and clockwork lives that revolve around material pleasures and shallow values.

In fact, thanks to religious thought, the descent into our Under Worlds has been condemned as “evil” and wayward.  Only Shamanic cultures and a few Western mystical schools like Hermeticism and Alchemy have dedicated themselves to exploring the Under World.

The descent into the Under World has been so feared and avoided because it is a perilous journey. There is a reason why Christianity referred to this place as “hell.”

Within our Under Worlds lie our repressed thoughts, feelings, desires, traumas, and denied gifts. Often when we descend, or inscend, into ourselves, we come across many demons, ghastly creatures, and other parts of our Shadow Selves that we’ve been unconsciously hiding from.

Yet despite the fact that the Under World journey can be such a harrowing and haunting experience, it is ultimately a powerful odyssey. Only by descending into our personal Under Worlds can we truly embrace our true life calling, talents, gifts, and deepest values.

Under World, or deeper inner work techniques, include practices that allow us to access altered states of consciousness . These may include practices such as  lucid dreaming , drumming, shadow work , shamanic trances, breathwork , vision quests, etc.

Upper World

Purpose: Uniting with Spirit

The Upper World journey, or that of the ascent, is what we often refer to as Self-Realization .

There comes a moment in our journey between the middle world and the underworld in which an equilibrium or inner spaciousness forms , allowing us to move up into the Upper World.

For example, it’s much harder to spiritually awaken to the Upper World when our unconscious minds are plagued with deep childhood traumas (that stem from the underworld), trust issues (under world problem), and poor self-esteem (middle world problem).

The practice of inner work is what allows this inner space to emerge because it dissolves the contractions of the ego that hide our True Nature as Divine Consciousness.

We enter the path of ascent up into the Upper World when we learn to surrender our ego identification (known as ego death ) and Soul identification.

It’s at this point of the path that soul work is needed – soul work, in this case, refers to doing the soul’s work of letting go, opening, and merging back into its original home of Spirit.

The experience and realization that the personal identity (or ego) is an illusory thought construct, and who we truly are is Infinite Consciousness, is what has been referred to as Self-Realization , Christ Consciousness , Buddha Nature, Nirvana, or Enlightenment.

For over 12 years, we've poured our hearts into creating free content on this website. Unlike many platforms, we believe this guidance should be accessible to everyone. If this post empowered you in any way, please consider making a donation to keep us going. Any amount (one-time or ongoing) makes a huge difference.

This shift of consciousness involves our Infinite, Divine, Eternal, and Absolute Nature awakening from the dream of the separate egoic self.

Techniques used to induce this inner shift of being are often found in the mystical schools of Zen, Kundalini, Taoism , Sufism, and disciplines such as meditation, self-inquiry , and yoga.

Note:  Unfortunately, many people in the spiritual community believe that spiritual ascension is all that is needed to experience peace and wholeness. As a result, the middle world and under world paths have been cast aside as if they don’t matter.

However, only focusing on your “higher chakras,” cultivating positivity and Oneness with Spirit , creates lopsided individuals. When the darker and more down-to-earth elements of self-growth are ignored, the result is imbalanced and unhealthy individuals .

As such, here on lonerwolf, we try to focus on exploring all three realms (the middle, under, and upper world) to create balance.

In the previous section, I mentioned inner work and soul work a few times. But what’s the difference? And how do both relate to the spiritual journey?

Within this website and the work of Aletheia and I, inner work refers to the active exploration, illumination, and dissolution of blockages within the psyche.

Inner work is a psychological process that helps us to heal and find inner harmony and wholeness on a human level.

Examples of inner work practices include the practice of self-love, inner child work, shadow work, body work, and anything that involves actively finding and releasing the contractions within the mind.

On the other hand, soul work is the more passive and receptive process of opening, surrendering, and resting within our True Nature (also known as Consciousness, Presence, Nondual Awareness, and Spirit).

Soul work is, quite literally, doing the soul’s work of remembering and returning back to Source as our Ultimate Home and True Nature.

Examples of soul work practices include self-inquiry, prayer, contemplation, meditation, mirror work, and anything that involves cultivating a sense of being .

Both inner work and soul work are needed on our spiritual journeys to help us both wake up on a spiritual level and grow up on a human level.

To avoid lopsided development and getting possessed by unresolved inner shadows (which can and do arise no matter what level of realization we’ve had), we need to explore both our human psychology and relax into our birthless, deathless True Nature.

Inner work makes the inner space for soul work to take place. Soul work helps to illuminate and sharpen our inner work.

Sign up to our LonerWolf Howl newsletter

Get free weekly soul-centered guidance for your spiritual awakening journey! (100% secure.)

Both go hand-in-hand and are vital allies on our spiritual awakening journeys. As you get familiar with this website and our work, you’ll hear about both inner work and soul work.

Roughly speaking, there are about five phases of the spiritual journey (although, of course, there could be many more – but I’m just sharing the phases I’m presently aware of).

I refer to these as ‘ phases ‘ and not stages because the spiritual wanderer’s journey is not a linear process that has a start and end; it is cyclical. It’s like the moon. It’s a spiraling dance of energy that is ever-deepening and changing – there is no “end,” even after you’ve had an enlightened shift in awareness.

Here’s a visual diagram of the Wanderer’s Journey , which is the spiritual wheel of transformation that we base our work around on this website:

Below, you’ll find the five phases ruled by the Seeker, Apprentice, Warrior, Mystic, and Sage archetypes.

I’ve also linked each phase to the ten different parts of the journey that Aletheia and I have discovered, crystallized, and defined after many years on the path:

1. Soul-searching

(Ruled by the Seeker archetype.)

This phase is divided into the following two parts (also linked to on the Wanderer’s Journey page). Feel free to click on any for further guidance:

• The Spiritual Calling
• Resisting the Path

Summary: Phase one of the spiritual journey begins with a deep craving and longing for something more than mundane daily life.

There may be a sense that life has become a dry, desolate, meaningless, and barren wasteland without some kind of spiritual dimension.

This type of existential crisis can arise spontaneously due to a traumatic situation, mental or physical health issues, or simply due to one’s sensitive temperament.

The result is a search for meaning, purpose, and greater spiritual connection – or what is commonly known as soul searching .

2. Awakening & learning

(Ruled by the Apprentice archetype.)

• Finding Guidance
• Starting the Journey

Summary: Awakening and learning is the next phase of the spiritual journey. Once one has listened to the ‘call to adventure’ and has begun searching for answers, the sense of inner deadness and stagnation lifts. The veil is pulled from our eyes. We awaken to fresh possibilities, new horizons, and deep insights.

There is renewed hope, ecstatic zest for life, joyful anticipation, and a passion for learning, exploring, and growing. It’s as if the sun has finally emerged from its slumber, and we’re bathed in the dawning light of spiritual awakening .

3. Death & demons

(Ruled by the Warrior archetype.)

• Turning Inwards
• Facing the Darkness

Summary: As our spiritual journey matures, we eventually face a crossroads. To continue growing, we must enter through the gates of our personal Underworld and face our demons. We learn that the spiritual journey is beautiful, yes. But it’s also demanding.

If we’re sincere about authentic spiritual growth, we need to illuminate our inner darkness, explore our shadow selves, and heal our buried traumas. This death of the spiritual ‘high’ of the previous phase can lead to much fear and confusion.

The result is often an experience of the Dark Night of the Soul , a glimpse of ego death , or even a spiritual emergency where we step out of the ‘sunshine and rainbows’ world into the moonlit world of ghosts and ghouls.

4. Rebirth & reward

(Ruled by the Mystic archetype.)

• Illumination
• Traps & Pitfalls

Summary: Eventually, we emerge from the other side of the Dark Night of the Soul, existential crisis, or ego death glimpse. We have been to hell and back and we’ve had our hearts ripped open and our minds excavated. But we arise victorious with heart and Soul blazing bright with clarity.

This rebirth and reward phase often results in mystical experiences , moments of Satori (Enlightened awareness), and blissful heart openings.

We may go through a new level of awakening, this time at an energetic level, via an experience known as the Kundalini awakening .

However, this experience is not all love and light. There are many lurking shadows and spiritual traps to be wary of .

5. Illumination & sharing

(Ruled by the Sage archetype.)

• Integration

Summary: After the body, heart, and mind undergo this cleansing and purging journey, a deeper level of Illumination may begin to arise within us. We’ll begin to integrate all the lessons we’ve learned, bringing them into our daily lives.

This is the moment where we truly start walking the talk, integrating both the human and Divine aspects of our lived experience. As such, there is a strong desire within us to share what we’ve realized through the grace of Divinity (our True Nature) with those who need support.

We may adopt the role of teacher, guide, creator, or mentor – or otherwise, embrace new ways of helping others through the power of creativity.

Perhaps the key defining quality of this phase is a strong connection to one’s True Nature and sometimes a non-dual shift in awareness. There’s an intimate, inner-lived experience of the Divine as one’s true face, authentic essence , and ultimate home.

Again, the above five phases are by no means linear or static – they are cyclical and ever-deepening. Gradually, we discover that we are Life itself and that what we have longed and searched for has always been right here, right now !

Everyone’s spiritual journey is unique, ever-changing, and ongoing.

There is no single point at which we stop this inner transformation. In fact, the whole mistaken idea of reaching a state of “perfection” really only equals death and stagnation.

And what happens when things stop growing and flowing? They become lethargic, break down, rot, and disintegrate.

While the demands for constant growth and evolution may be difficult to handle at times, they are necessary grit for the inner pearl to develop.

If you wish to find truth, peace, profound love, deep freedom, and your ultimate home, beginning your spiritual journey is not only important but crucial.

Understandably, you might feel a bit intimidated and lost, not knowing where to start. As someone who has been on the spiritual journey for a long time and who has devoted their entire life’s work to the inner call, here are my tips:

1. Be gentle and go at your own pace

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and a little inundated by the influx of information when first beginning your spiritual journey. My advice is to go slowly, be gentle, and go at your own pace. You don’t need to know every tiny detail of every field of wisdom ever created. (I know it’s tempting!)

Besides, everything that you’re learning about is already within you. Yes, you have all the answers you need at a Soul level because you are an expression of the Divine at your core. Everyone else is just a mirror of that.

So cut yourself some slack. The key is to go gently but deeply – that is how you will learn and grow the most.

2. Tune into the deepest yearning of your heart – your holy longing

What is it that you truly, deeply yearn for, above all else? What is the most ancient longing of your heart and Soul?

There are a myriad of reasons why people enter the spiritual journey, many of them stories created by the mind to build a better-looking ego.

But beneath the desires of the mind, what does your heart want? Your heart is the doorway to your Soul, and your Soul is a unique expression of Spirit. So listen to your heart’s yearnings.

How do you listen to your heart? One of the best ways is to place a soft hand over your heart, let all thoughts go, and drop into a sense of stillness. Then ask yourself, “What is it that I truly, deeply yearn for, above all else?”

Do you long for peace, truth, freedom, love, happiness, healing, or something else? There are no right or wrong answers. The heart wants what it wants.

But be aware that the mind may jump in and try to concoct a bunch of ideas, artificial longings, and idealistic stories. What you need to do is listen for the still, small, quiet voice within that responds with gentle clarity (not the loud, anxious, and abrasive voice of the mind).

Finding your holy longing will provide you with the fuel and compass to direct your spiritual search.

Instead of being outwardly led by the egoic self, you’ll be inwardly led by the heart and Soul. You may even find that as you progress through your spiritual journey, your holy longing will evolve and mature. Let it!

3. Pay attention to philosophies, tools, or practices that intrigue you

Once you’ve figured out your holy longing, simply pay attention. Notice what spiritual fields, ideas, philosophies, and practices call to you that relate to your deepest calling.

The spiritual journey doesn’t have to be something dry, monotone, and repetitive (unless you want it to be). This is a quest that can be playful, joyful, and passionate.

In fact, you’ll likely get the most out of your spiritual path if you approach it from this heart-centered place.

Neuroscience has proven that we learn the most when we’re having fun – so find your bliss. Walk a path with heart. This is the path you’re meant to be on.

4. Go deep-diving

One of the main issues that often arises on the spiritual path is a certain kind of spiritual materialism or spiritual window-shopping .

Jumping from practice to practice can be useful at the beginning (to become familiar with the territory).

But if we get into the addictive habit of finding the “next and best” spiritual practice , tool, workshop, etc., we are doing ourselves a great disservice.

We are not only approaching spirituality with a materialistic mindset, but we’re also avoiding the fundamental purpose of the spiritual path: to discover our True Nature.

Once you’ve done some dabbling here and there (this might involve watching YouTube videos, reading books, attending workshops, etc.), it’s time to slow down and commit to something.

Don’t worry if you discover later down the road that the path you’re on is not for you – remember that you can always change routes.

What’s important is that you slow down and commit to something to begin with – this is the only way to extract the nutrients, deep essential truths, and embodied wisdom that contribute to your awakening.

So go deep-diving and commit to something all the way through to the end. What paths, practices, and teachings speak to you on a profound level? What has benefited you the most?

Begin to circle around that topic, practice, or path and dedicate your full attention to it. (And if there are a handful of paths, that’s okay too; stick with them, although it’s generally best to keep your focus simple.)

5. Be aware of sharks

You’ll meet many people on your spiritual path (whether online or in the flesh), and while some of these people will genuinely have your best interests in mind, others won’t.

Yes, there are many ‘spiritual sharks’ out there, aka., there are sleazy, snake-oil salesmen and women who are incentivized to use you for personal gain.

There are also some people – typically leaders of spiritual communities or certain gurus – who are totally unaware of their unconscious shadow motivations (but are equally as dangerous). So be discerning.

Learn to trust your intuition and gut instincts . Tap into your inner lone wolf : that primal wisdom you carry inside that drove you to begin this quest to begin with.

Even if you do fall into the jaws of a shark, know that you can get out. Not only that, but you can actually use the experience as a lesson and fuel to grow even stronger.

No one can take away your power from you unless you willingly give it to them. And even if you do, you can get it back.

6. Record what you’ve learned and experienced

We hear a lot of pretty-sounding words and mystical ideas on the spiritual path. But all of them mean little if we don’t actively find ways of absorbing them into our being.

One of the simplest ways of recording what you’ve learned and experienced is simply through the act of journaling .

Have a special journal or diary that you dedicate to writing down your thoughts, experiences, ideas, and discoveries. You don’t need to be a good writer (or even good at spelling/grammar) to do this – forget about that!

What matters is that you have a solid record that you can refer back to throughout your journey. (Learn more about how to journal .)

There are also other ways of recording what you’ve learned and experienced, such as creating pieces of art or composing music.

Find whatever creative outlet suits you the most – that might even include creating a vlog where you go into your daily experience (and you can keep this private or share it with others).

Here are a variety of inner work Journals that we’ve created that might help you get started. »

7. Integrate and embody your spirituality

It’s easy to go spiritual window shopping and jump onto whatever new and exciting bandwagon emerges. But it takes much more strength of character, sincerity, and courage to integrate and embody what you’ve learned actively.

To integrate means to absorb something into your being and to make it a living and breathing part of you.

To embody means to be an expression of what you have learned: to be the change you’re looking for, to infuse your life with the essence of what you’ve discovered.

There are numerous ways to integrate and embody your spirituality, but remember that this is an organic process that takes time. You cannot rush or force spiritual integration or embodiment – it is the natural product of spiritual ripening and maturation.

There are, however, numerous ways to begin the integration and embodiment part of your journey. Some of these inner work and soul work practices include:

• Mindfulness
• Contemplation
• Shadow Work
• Inner child work
• Self-Inquiry

Anything that helps you to slow down, be introspective, and go inwards while encouraging present-moment awareness will help you to integrate and embody what you experience.

Instead of being a magical-sounding idea, you will actively live and express qualities such as lovingkindness, presence, and wisdom. But first, you need to be sincere and dedicated to this path.

In my honest opinion, no spiritual journey is balanced (or healthy) without some level of psychological healing.

We need to focus not just on ascending to the Upper World but also on working with the Middle and Under World . See the following articles for more guidance:

• What is Inner Work? (& Why Most People Are Terrified By it)
• Spiritual Psychology: Why Meditation Isn’t Enough

The Spiritual Journey is a Valley, Not a Mountain

Wisdom tells me I am nothing, love tells me I am everything. Between the two, my life flows. ― Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Contrary to popular depiction, the spiritual journey isn’t like climbing a mountain.

We rarely start at the bottom and climb to the top. Instead, for most of us, the spiritual journey is like hiking through a series of beautiful but perilous range of valleys.

Our spiritual journeys alternate between periods of descending and ascending.

In one period of our lives, we may cultivate our connection with Spirit, while in other parts, we may descend to the Soul to heal core wounds or the middle world to develop self-care .

Finally, it is very possible and also quite common to get hung up in these valleys. Many of us become lost, distracted, and even forget why we were trying to get to the top of the mountain in the first place. (See our article on traps of spiritual growth for more guidance.)

However, with the appropriate guidance, sincerity, and persistence, we can make our way through.

In the end, you’ll find that the spiritual journey is like a mystical marriage between the ego, the Soul, and the Spirit. One cannot exist without the other. The whole experience is a nondual expression of Life living itself.

I truly hope this guide has given you a place to start. This whole website is based on giving free guidance for the spiritual awakening journey, so please feel welcome to poke around and learn some more.

It’s our calling in life to help you with this. And it’s an honor for the two of us to be your supporters on this journey.

To stay connected and get free weekly Soul-centered guidance, you’re welcome to subscribe to our LonerWolf Howl newsletter .

I also recommend checking out our collection of premium resources that can help you tremendously on your spiritual journey. You’ll find everything from books, journals, meditations, and more!

It’s a joy to continue this journey with you as guides and companions!

Whenever you feel the call, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. The Spiritual Wanderer Course: Need "big picture" direction, clarity, and focus? Our Spiritual Wanderer course is a crystallization of 10+ years of inner work, and it can help you find your deepest path and purpose in life as a spiritual wanderer. You get 3+ hours of audio-visual content, workbooks, meditations, a premium test, and more!.

2. Shadow & Light Membership: Want weekly intuitive guidance to support you on your awakening path? This affordable membership can help you to befriend your dark side, rediscover more self-love, and reclaim inner wholeness.

3. Spiritual Awakening Bundle: Looking for a collection of all our essential transformative resources? You get five enlightening ebooks, seven in-depth journals, plus two empowering bonuses to help you soul search, heal, and awaken.

More Spiritual Calling

About Mateo

Mateo is a spiritual educator, guide, entrepreneur, and co-founder of one of the most influential and widely read spiritual websites on the internet. Born into a family with a history of drug addiction and mental illness, he was taught about the plight of the human condition from a young age. His mission is to help others experience freedom, wholeness, and peace in all stages of life. [Read More]

Support Our Work

We spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours every month writing, editing, and managing this website – you can find out more in our support page . If you have found any comfort, support, or guidance in our work, please consider donating as it would mean the world to us:

Custom Amount:

I'd like to receive your latest weekly newsletter!

Hi I was wondering if it is possible to get hard cover/paperback books instead of ebooks? I am very eager to read and do the workbooks but prefer to reference them physically in my hands rather than virtual. Thanks for all the information you have provided. Blessings to both of you, I look forward to a long relationship 🙏

Free worksheet won’t open

what has happened to me is amazing……i have started this jurney back in 1999 new years eve in a phyicword…then spiritualey slept until 2019…after that i woke i am now aware of masculine and feminine devine energy within myself…then this year i grounded myself to the earth…better…and i realised that the background noise in the back of my mind was accually all the thoughts and feelings of everyone living on planet earth…..i am comforteble with this now….

I am so thankful to have found Lonewolf! I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I am just beginning my spiritual journey and am all over the place. At 55 my past has entered every aspect of my life. Past trauma and insecurities run the show. I am looking forward to taking this journey and learning everyday from people like you.

I am grateful that during my search to at least try to understand the changes I have recently experienced, to have come across your website. I do not feel overwhelmed by the information that is given.

I am not a person to take information at face value, but rather learn the small nuances to understand the bigger picture and then process what I’ve learned.

The information on your site allows me to do so, without all the yippee congrats. For me, that’s shouting, which takes my focus of wanting to learn away.

I am appreciative of not feeling that and can calmly process the situation, thoughts, emotions and reactions and reflections.

I had neck surgery 4 years ago that pretty much stole my life. I’m in a great deal of pain. It makes me forget what I’m doing, thinking, and feeling. I’m doing tapping with a doctor with much success. I’m scared I will. I’m scared! I feel like a drowning man I’m grabbing for anything. I want to be happy. I don’t like using the word want it just brings more sadness. I’m going to stick with this but I would really like someone to stick with me while I walk this path for a little while. What can I do?

I have been reading about spirituality for quite a while now. Especially reading and listening to Tara Brach, but I am so much in what I’ve learned to call my egoic brain that I can’t quite grasp it. What I’ve read about your work sounds more accessible.

I am in a situation thatI cannot donate any money, is that ok?

What Is the Meaning of Spiritual Journey? Self-Discovery

A spiritual journey is the process of introspection, self-discovery, and seeking answers to life’s deepest questions to gain a deeper understanding of oneself, the universe, and one’s purpose in life.

A spiritual journey is an individual and transformative process that often involves questioning beliefs, values, and identity.

It is a lifelong quest for truth, meaning, and wisdom, often leading to personal growth, healing, and enlightenment.

This journey can take many forms, including meditation, prayer, studying spiritual teachings, and engaging in spiritual practices to develop inner peace, compassion, and mindfulness.

Throughout the spiritual journey , individuals may face challenges and obstacles that test their resilience and commitment. By overcoming these hurdles, they foster greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.

This process of transformation ultimately serves to enhance their overall well-being and sense of interconnectedness with all living beings, cultivating deeper empathy and compassion for themselves and others.

8 Stages: Meaning of Spiritual Journey

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Five Facts About Spiritual Journey

Understanding the meaning of spiritual journey, defining spiritual journey.

A spiritual journey is an inward journey of discovery, an exploration of the self that allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their purpose in life and their connection to the world around them.

It is a quest for spiritual growth, guiding individuals towards a higher state of consciousness.

Here are some key points to help define what exactly a spiritual journey is:

• A spiritual journey is a subjective experience; each person’s journey is unique to them.
• It can be a long-term or short-term process, and it can involve different practices and techniques.
• A spiritual journey can be a conscious or unconscious process, depending on the individual’s level of awareness.
• It can be initiated by various factors, including a desire for personal growth, a life-changing event, or a crisis.

Connection To Spirituality

Spirituality is the foundation of a spiritual journey. It is the aspect of our being that longs for a deeper sense of connection to ourselves, others, and the universe. A spiritual journey is a quest to establish and strengthen this connection.

Here are some key points regarding the connection between spirituality and a spiritual journey:

• Spirituality is not necessarily linked to any specific religious or spiritual tradition.
• A spiritual journey is a path towards spirituality, rather than a destination.
• Spirituality is an essential aspect of a human’s existence, and it can impact their well-being, relationships, and sense of purpose.
• A spiritual journey involves practices that help individuals explore and deepen their spirituality, such as meditation, prayer, yoga, and self-reflection.

Importance Of Spiritual Journey

A spiritual journey is a transformative process that leads to personal growth, self-discovery, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Here are some key points regarding the importance of embarking on a spiritual journey:

• A spiritual journey can help individuals develop a sense of inner peace and calmness.
• It can also lead to a better understanding of their role in the world and their impact on others.
• A spiritual journey can help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives, which can contribute to an overall sense of fulfillment.
• It can also help individuals develop greater empathy and compassion towards others, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

The Different Aspects Of A Spiritual Journey

A spiritual journey is a deeply personal experience that involves seeking a sense of purpose and meaning in life beyond material and physical possessions. It’s a quest to connect with a higher power or a deeper sense of self.

The following section will explore the different aspects of a spiritual journey, including mental and emotional development, understanding the self, development of inner peace, connection to nature, and cultivation of empathy and compassion.

Mental And Emotional Development

A spiritual journey includes developing one’s mental and emotional capacity. This involves learning to let go of negative emotions such as anger, guilt, and fear, and cultivating positive ones such as love, joy, and gratitude.

Below are some ways in which one can develop their mental and emotional capacities:

• Regularly practicing mindfulness meditation is a powerful technique for developing emotional regulation and mental calmness.
• Engaging in introspection and self-reflection is important for understanding our thought patterns and emotional triggers, which can help us become more self-aware and mindful.
• Learning to accept and forgive oneself and others is an essential aspect of emotional maturity. By doing so, we can release ourselves from the past and live in the present moment.

Understanding The Self

A spiritual journey also involves understanding the self. This includes knowing our strengths and weaknesses, values, and beliefs.

When we understand ourselves, we can make decisions aligned with our authentic selves, which can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Here are some ways in which we can understand ourselves better:

• Journaling is an effective way to gain insight into our thoughts, emotions, and values. By reflecting on our experiences, we can uncover patterns and identify areas we want to work on.
• Seeking out feedback from trusted individuals can help us gain a different perspective on our behaviors and attitudes.
• Engaging in activities that challenge us and push us out of our comfort zones is an effective way to develop self-awareness and self-understanding.

Development Of Inner Peace

Inner peace is a state of equanimity and tranquility that arises from within. A spiritual journey involves developing inner peace by letting go of negative thoughts and cultivating positive ones.

Here are some ways in which one can achieve inner peace:

• Practicing yoga is an excellent way to connect with the body and calm the mind. It’s a practice that focuses on breathing, meditation, and asanas, which can help bring a sense of balance and harmony to the body and mind.
• Spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor activities can help us connect with the world around us and develop a sense of awe and wonder. Being in nature can also help us find a greater sense of perspective and calmness.
• Engaging in self-care practices such as getting sufficient sleep, eating well, and practicing relaxation exercises can help us manage stress and anxiety, which can lead to greater inner peace.

Connection To Nature

Connecting with nature is an essential aspect of a spiritual journey. It involves developing a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural world.

Below are some ways in which one can connect with nature:

• Spending time in nature by going for walks, hikes, or simply spending time outside can help us connect with the natural world and develop a sense of wonder and awe.
• Engaging in environmental conservation and sustainability efforts can help us develop a sense of stewardship and purpose. By taking care of the earth, we can also take care of ourselves.
• Learning about the natural world, including plants, animals, and ecosystems can help us develop a deeper sense of connection and appreciation for the complexity and beauty of life.

Cultivation Of Empathy And Compassion

Empathy and compassion are essential qualities for a spiritual journey. They involve developing an awareness and concern for the well-being of others and the ability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes.

Here are some ways in which we can cultivate empathy and compassion:

• Engaging in volunteer work or community service can help us develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion by seeing firsthand the challenges faced by others.
• Engaging in practices such as loving-kindness meditation, which involves cultivating feelings of love and compassion towards oneself and others, can help us develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion.
• Engaging in empathetic listening, which involves actively listening to someone else and being able to understand their perspective, can help us develop empathy and compassion in our interactions with others.

Examining The Stages Of A Spiritual Journey

The call to adventure.

The beginning of a spiritual journey starts with a call. It’s often a feeling of discontentment, a longing for something more in life.

The individual feels lost, disconnected, or empty and starts seeking answers. The call may come in different ways, such as a significant event or an encounter with someone who inspires them.

• The call could be a desire to find a purpose in life.
• It could be a yearning for a connection with something greater than oneself.
• It could be triggered by a significant loss or a traumatic experience.

The Initiation

After receiving the call, the individual embarks on the initiation stage, the beginning of the spiritual journey.

It’s a phase of self-discovery, where the individual starts exploring and questioning their beliefs and values, and begins to seek answers to their questions.

• The initiation phase is where the individual starts to learn about themselves.
• They start developing an understanding of their inner strengths and weaknesses.
• The initiation phase is also where they start to understand their relationship with a higher power.

The Challenges

The spiritual journey is not always a smooth ride. There come challenges throughout the process. These challenges serve as lessons to the individual on their growth and development.

• Some challenges could be external, like facing discrimination or physical hardships.
• Other challenges could be internal, like overcoming fear, anger, or negative habits.
• Challenges may also arise as an opportunity to demonstrate self-discipline, resilience, or forgiveness.

The Road To Redemption

After overcoming the challenges and learning the spiritual lessons, individuals enter the road to redemption. They begin to see the bigger picture and how the experience fits into their life journey.

• A regained sense of purpose and meaning can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation can restore relationships and foster emotional healing.
• A better understanding of oneself can lead to better decision-making and a more grounded approach to life.

In the final stage of the spiritual journey, individuals return to their lives with newfound knowledge, perspectives, and practices.

They integrate their spiritual experiences with their everyday life, creating a more balanced and fulfilling existence.

• Individuals integrate their spiritual lessons into their daily routines.
• They apply their newfound sense of purpose to their work, relationships, and community.
• The final stage is where individuals share their newfound knowledge with others, inspiring and guiding them on their own spiritual journeys.

Each individual spiritual journey is different, but by examining these stages, we can gain insight into the patterns of spiritual growth and development.

The spiritual journey may be challenging, but it can lead to a more fulfilling life and a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us.

How Does the Spiraling Symbolize Life’s Journey in the Spiritual Context?

The spiraling symbolizes the spiritual journey of life , embodying the continuous search for meaning and growth. As we navigate through life’s ups and downs, the spiral reminds us that our path is not linear, but rather a constant evolution towards higher consciousness. Each turn represents new experiences, lessons, and opportunities for transformation, ultimately leading us closer to our spiritual essence. Embracing the spiral’s symbolic power connects us to the profound cycles of existence and our place within them.

Tools And Techniques For Navigating The Spiritual Journey

A spiritual journey is a personal quest to discover the meaning and purpose of life and to connect with something greater than oneself. It involves exploring one’s inner self, developing a deeper sense of awareness, and connecting with the divine.

The journey can be challenging and transformative, but the rewards are often profound. To navigate this journey, there are several tools and techniques that can be helpful.

We’ll explore some of these tools and techniques, including meditation and mindfulness, journaling and self-reflection, connection to a higher power or spiritual community, yoga and breathwork, and energy medicine and healing modalities.

Meditation And Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness are practices that involve quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment.

These practices are helpful for cultivating inner peace, reducing stress and anxiety, and developing a deeper connection with one’s inner self.

Here are some key points about meditation and mindfulness:

• There are many different types of meditation, including mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and transcendental meditation.
• Meditation can be done in many different settings, such as at home, in nature, or in a meditation center.
• Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment and noticing one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Meditation can be practiced alone or with a group, and can be done for as little as a few minutes per day.

Journaling And Self-Reflection

Journaling and self-reflection are powerful tools for gaining insight into one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By writing down one’s thoughts and experiences, it can help clarify one’s goals, values, and identity.

Here are some key points about journaling and self-reflection:

• Journaling can be done in a physical journal or online.
• One can reflect on their day, their relationships, their inner life, and their progress towards their goals.
• Self-reflection involves looking inward to gain clarity and insight into one’s experiences and relationships.
• Journaling and self-reflection can be done on a daily or weekly basis.

Connection To A Higher Power Or Spiritual Community

Many people find strength and guidance through connection to a higher power or spiritual community.

This can take many forms, such as prayer, attending religious services, or participating in spiritual groups.

Here are some key points about connecting to a higher power or spiritual community:

• Connection to a higher power can provide a sense of support, guidance, and meaning.
• Spiritual communities can provide a sense of belonging and connection with like-minded individuals.
• Connection to a higher power may involve following a particular religious tradition or may be based on a personal connection to the divine.
• Connection to a spiritual community may involve attending events, participating in service projects, or engaging in group activities.

Yoga And Breathwork

Yoga and breathwork are practices that involve linking movement with breath to develop flexibility, strength, and inner peace. These practices can be helpful for improving physical and mental health, reducing stress, and cultivating spiritual awareness.

Here are some key points about yoga and breathwork:

• Yoga involves practicing postures (asanas) to develop strength, flexibility, and balance.
• Breathwork involves practicing different breathing techniques to calm the mind and body.
• Yoga and breathwork can be done in a studio, at home, or in nature.
• Both yoga and breathwork can be modified to suit different levels of experience and physical ability.

Energy Medicine And Healing Modalities

Energy medicine and healing modalities are practices that involve working with the body’s energy fields to promote healing, balance, and spiritual growth.

These can involve various techniques, such as reiki, acupuncture, or shamanic healing.

Here are some key points about energy medicine and healing modalities:

• Energy medicine involves working with the body’s energy fields to promote healing and balance.
• Healing modalities can involve working with a trained practitioner or can be practiced independently.
• Different modalities may be more effective for different individuals depending on their unique needs and circumstances.
• Energy medicine and healing modalities can be used in conjunction with other spiritual practices to enhance their effectiveness.

There are many tools and techniques that can be helpful in navigating the spiritual journey. These practices can help cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and develop a deeper connection to oneself and the divine.

Whether one chooses to practice meditation and mindfulness, journaling and self-reflection, connection to a higher power or spiritual community, yoga and breathwork, or energy medicine and healing modalities,

The journey towards spiritual growth and awareness is a lifelong process that can be rewarding and fulfilling in many ways.

FAQ On What Is The Meaning Of Spiritual Journey

What is a spiritual journey.

A spiritual journey is a quest to connect with one’s inner self, seek spiritual enlightenment, and find purpose and meaning in life.

How Long Does A Spiritual Journey Last?

There is no defined timeline for a spiritual journey as everyone’s path and pace is unique. It can last for a few weeks, months or even a lifetime.

What Are The Benefits Of A Spiritual Journey?

A spiritual journey has many benefits such as self-discovery, inner peace, improved emotional well-being, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

How Do I Start My Spiritual Journey?

To start your spiritual journey, you can begin by meditating, practicing gratitude, seeking guidance from a spiritual mentor or a religious leader, and engaging in self-reflection exercises.

The spiritual journey is an individual experience that leads to self-discovery, self-transcendence, and ultimately finding meaning and purpose in life.

It is a path of growth that deepens our connection with our inner self and helps us understand the interconnectedness of all living beings.

The journey requires an open mind, patience, and a commitment to inner work. It is not an easy process, but it can be a transformative one. By getting in touch with our spiritual nature, we can find peace, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

It is important to remember that the journey is not about achieving a certain goal, but rather about embracing the process of experiencing life to its fullest. May we all find the courage to embark on this journey and discover the beauty and richness it holds.

Similar Posts

What is the Spiritual Meaning of Sweat Lodge? Purification!

What is the Spiritual Meaning of Salt in the Bible? Purity!

What is the Spiritual Meaning of Burping? Negative Energy!

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of a Diamond? Purity!

What is the Spiritual Meaning of Jerome? Holy Name!

What is the Spiritual Meaning of Milk? Nurturing, Purity!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• 1:1 Sessions

How to Begin a Spiritual Journey & Kickstart a Spiritual Awakening

Published: Nov 26, 2021 · Updated: Nov 12, 2022 by Jessica Dimas · 3 Comments · Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Today's post is all about how to begin your spiritual journey if you're feeling the call, but don't know where to start. It can feel overwhelming with all of the advice out there, but I'm here to remind you that you're always being led to the next thing intuitively.

You're more of an ancient pro than you realize. The fact that you're feeling pulled to learn more means you're aware, listening, and ready.

One of the things I've really come to know is that your impulses are not random–it's all inspired in some way by your higher self. Let's talk about how to follow that guidance and what to expect when you start actively uncovering you , the universe, and ultimate truth.

Table of Contents

What is a spiritual journey?

A spiritual journey is simply the on-going experience of uncovering and remembering who you really are on a soul level. It's a never-ending expansion of all that you are–a never-ending love story between you and your higher self . You're always on a spiritual journey whether you realize it or not. 

A stripper is just as much on a spiritual path as a priest is. Their souls are just experimenting with different challenges and themes. One thing that I've learned personally from my spiritual journey is that it's all spiritual.

How you choose to go about discovering your truth is your choice and no one else's. The beliefs you would like to explore, the books you want to read, the ways you choose to experiment and practice connecting with yourself...these are all going to be unique to you.

I mention this for a few reasons. One being that no one knows what path is best for you, and two being that there isn't anyone out there with the whole answer. You have a piece of the puzzle and so do I, which is why there is a wise Ram Dass quote that says "When you know how to listen, everybody is the guru speaking to you."

How do you know when you're spiritually awakened?

In my humble opinion, no one in human form is ever fully spiritually awakened. It's similar to teenagers in junior high who talk about kissing and getting to second base, and everyone assumes everyone else is so experienced and ahead.

Then you grow up and realize that everyone was trying to find their way, just like you were. 

You're always in a state of spiritual awakening . You go back to sleep, wake up for a little bit, doze off again...repeat. I don't know that there is ever one huge moment where you're now "spiritually awakened" (cue a gong sound). 

But there is such a thing as coming into yourself, of "waking up" from the stories we tell ourselves and each other here on this stage of illusions. A big chunk of your youth is spent anchoring into this reality and going through experiences that will shape and prepare you for spiritually awakening as you get older. 

If you came into this lifetime wanting to work on shame , for example, you will go through experiences in your youth that really perpetuate that emotion inside of you. You do this so that when you are ready, you will investigate this story you believe about yourself, this illusion . You'll dance with the shame, make friends with it, and eventually release it with love. 

The experiences in your life have been no mistake. They were all part of the plan for your eventual waking back up to truth.

How to begin a spiritual journey

Right here, where you are with what's calling you in this moment is where you begin. All it requires is some quiet reflection to get personalized answers for your spiritual journey and awakening.

1. Reflect & aim

Typically when we begin to wake up, it's because we're at a point in our lives when we're ready for change. You may be tired of drama, or people pleasing, or being broke, or attracting partners who aren't right for you, etc. 

Whatever it is, it's acting somewhat like a catalyst for you. It's likely some form of pattern you've been entangled with your whole life in some way or another and you're over it. For me, it was hitting financial rock bottom that began my quest for knowledge. My lack mindset affected me in more ways than just financial, but at the time I only recognized it by my cash flow.

Learning about the law of attraction is what (unknowingly to me) started it all. I learned how to use what wasn't going right in my life to help me manifest what I did want to experience. 

Think about where you are currently and start feeling into the direction you want to start moving in. This helps so much with tapping into your inner guidance. Since everything is FOR you, you can begin to see that even the contrast of where you are currently is there to push you towards its opposite. 

Use the following journal prompts to help you feel into the direction that's most desirable to you currently:

• How I'm currently feeling about life
• What's happening that I don't enjoy
• How I want to start feeling
• What I want to start experiencing 

2. Follow the crumb trail

Starting where you are now–begin to follow the crumbs. There may be a topic you want to learn more about, or a podcast that's intriguing you. Whatever it is, allow yourself to freely consume it without worrying if it's the "right" place you should be or not.

Whatever is lighting you up with interest and intrigue is where you should be.

You can't learn ALL THE THINGS in one lifetime, nor do you need to. I began studying astrology four years ago and one thing I've learned is that we are all learning different things, not just from birth but yearly we are going through different learning cycles. 

This tells me that you are being drawn to certain things all the time that match with your higher intention from a soul level. That's why no one's journey can look the same because we're all playing Marco Polo with our souls and being called in different directions. 

Don't stress yourself out worrying that you need to learn all there is to know spiritually. You already KNOW all of it anyway on a soul level. You're here to experience, explore and expand from the vantage point of this present personality that you currently know as yourself. 

Begin to trust your excitement and interest. It is always connected to a pulling from your higher self. Start with what you find yourself most interested in learning and then keep following that pattern. 

My journey has loosely followed this trail: law of attraction, self-care , shadow work , divination , astrology, self-healing , reincarnation, meditation, and most recently I've been learning about dreams and astral traveling.

3. My favorite resources for learning

When you're driving, cleaning, cooking, exercising or showering, you can easily devour knowledge about subjects that fascinate you. My favorite way to consume information is from audible resources. You can find information on pretty much any subject with the following sites. Here are my favorite ones:

• Youtube 
• Udemy  

If you're looking for a good podcast, whether you've been studying spiritual concepts for a long time or are just beginning, I highly recommend the podcast Spiritual Tune-Ups with Mike Dooley. He is awesome and explains so many spiritual truths in such a beautiful way.

Some of my favorite spiritual apps are:

• TimePassages (astrology)
• Audible (audio books, I highly recommend the membership )
• Beatfulness (crazy good binaural beats for meditation but currently only available on Apple)
• Udemy (affordable courses)
• Gaia  (like Netflix but with spiritual content)

I'm also a huge book lover. I've written a few articles on my favorites which you can find here:

• 5 Books That Will Trip You Out & Expand Your Mind
• Best Meditation Books for a Daily Self-Care Routine
• The Best Law of Attraction Books
• The Best Spiritual Books That Will Change Your Life  

There are many resources for learning. Create a folder on your phone for your spiritual apps and keep it in the front so you remember to utilize them. I find the most helpful benefit of this is actually just keeping your mindset and vibration elevated, because you're constantly being reminded of your spiritual nature.

4. Get curious & take a higher perspective

One of the best ways to understand spiritual concepts is by practicing becoming a witness and observer of life. Rather than choosing to experience knee-jerk reactions all the time, try to step back and see everything from a higher perspective.

Some spiritual truths I have discovered along my journey are the following:

• The universe is based in love; anything else is confusion 
• There are no victims or mistakes; every experience holds purpose behind the scenes

With these two thoughts always in the back of my mind, I observe my life and notice how much lighter things feel. If I feel fear or anger, I can investigate from a place of curiosity as opposed to feeling like a victim, or like something is out to get me. 

I know this is a tough concept for a lot of people because from the human perspective, it feels like blaming ourselves or others. I see it like a stage play; we play out certain scenarios because we know it's just acting and when the curtain falls, we're all friends who continue on in our higher awareness of who we really are.

Can you see how you would want to play out different experiences in each lifetime for the expansion and awareness it would bring you? How others would also be doing the same, no matter how it looks here from our limited perspective? Some events for personal evolution, others for our collective consciousness. 

Start practicing coming out of the limited human perspective and ponder from a higher vantage point. What are the positives that come out of hard experiences? What could be the invitation or nugget of wisdom? If everything is love, where are you resisting or attaching?

"In this universe, there is no such thing as a mistake. There is also no such thing as punishment. What this means, is that everything that happens to you is not an accident, and everything that happens to you has come to benefit you in some way. The key is to deliberately look through ego's illusion for that benefit." - Teal Scott

This is not saying that we allow for monstrosities to occur right under our noses. But it is saying that there is always order, and that very order flows from love. Your physical experience is an illusion of your own making for the purpose of expansion. There are no victims, no random diagnoses or accidents, no mistakes. 

Start to look deeper and longer. Where are you being called to investigate in your life? In your beliefs? Wherever you hold resistance is exactly where you intended to dig in on a soul level. Don't be afraid to do so.

Another spiritual truth I know without doubt, is that you are so much more incredible than you likely believe yourself to be. The more you uncover the truth of this, the more you uncover all there is to know about reality and the universe itself. 

I hope you enjoyed this article and found something to take away with you.  To receive free spiritual insights & new articles, sign up for the  Dwell in Magic Weekly Digest .

• Recent Posts
• How to Let Life Be Easy - July 7, 2024
• Dreamwork 101: How to Start a Dream Practice For Spiritual Expansion - June 16, 2024
• The Joy of Release: How the Law of Detachment Sets You Free - May 17, 2024

Related posts:

• Shadow Work: 4 Steps for Powerful Realigning with Self
• 5 Ways to Harness the Healing Power of a Selenite Wand
• What Divination Tools Are & How to Use Them to Enhance Your Life
• How to Trust Yourself Every Time With This One Simple Practice

More Spirituality

• How to Let Life Be Easy
• Dreamwork 101: How to Start a Dream Practice For Spiritual Expansion
• The Joy of Release: How the Law of Detachment Sets You Free
• 22 Magical Oracle Decks for 2023

About Jessica Dimas

Jessica is the founder of the site Dwell in Magic , where she shares how to practically apply everyday self-care for a more magical, joy-filled life. Her writing has been featured on Today, HuffPost, Scary Mommy, Redbook Magazine, Motherly, and many more. She is passionate about metaphysical studies, transformation and personal growth.

Reader Interactions

March 22, 2022 at 11:08 pm

I really enjoy your posts. Thank you for sharing.

May 16, 2022 at 1:31 am

I love your posts! Big fan ❤️

Jessica Dimas

July 09, 2022 at 1:34 pm

Thank you so much Laura!

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How to Go on a Spiritual Journey

By embarking on a spiritual journey, you can discover who you truly are. A spiritual journey is a very individual and intimate quest to consciously deepen your insight about life. Some people decide to go on a spiritual journey in order to pose themselves profound questions about their life. The journey can, for instance, help them to better understand their purpose in life. Others seek to intensively study the nature of reality or wish to grow their understanding of God. Whatever it is, a spiritual journey can greatly help you to be more at peace with yourself and the world. It can be a fantastic opportunity to let go of the past and to stop worrying about the future. You can also use the spiritual quest to straighten things out with yourself and the world. By doing so, you may discover beneficial insights about the problems and challenges you’re confronted with. The following presents you everything you need to know about embarking on a spiritual journey.

Naturally, each spiritual journey is quite unique. In fact, the term means a great number of things to different people. For some, it is the decision to live a faithful life in service to other people and their faith. Others consider their entire life as a spiritual journey. After all, isn’t life in itself a journey in one way or the other?

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

But it isn’t so important how each of us defines the term. What is important, however, is that you have the right tools at hand to make the most out of your spiritual journey. While every journey is unique, they all share certain commonalities. They all rely on common, or at least very similar, steps. These steps might not always be arranged in precisely the same order. Some people will develop an interest in their spiritual journey when they are old, whereas others embarked on it at a very young age.

Have the courage to embark on a spiritual journey and see where it leads you.

The intention of the following is not to force you in a specific direction. Instead, consider the advice as a fundament and framework upon which you can build a spiritual journey according to your own beliefs.

How to embark on a spiritual journey

Each and every one of us is living an entirely different life. We all come from different backgrounds and have different pasts. We make different experiences during our lifetimes. Even further, every one of us believes in totally different things. Your life is absolutely not comparable to mine. Therefore, it’s only too understandable that everyone’s journey in life is quite unique. This is the reason why we all have to embark on our own spiritual journey. We all need to embark on a journey that aligns with our own beliefs (and/or faith). And this is how it should be. Walking in the footsteps of another man or woman may be inspiring at first. However, it might not necessarily be beneficial to simply try and copy another person’s accomplishments. Have the courage to create your own path. If you go on a journey other people designed or intended for you, you may never experience the profound insights that come from traveling on your own and unique journey.

Table of contents Spiritual journey definition How to go on a spiritual journey Best spiritual journey books

Let’s begin with a short explanation of the term “spiritual journey.”

Definition of the term “spiritual journey”

In general, a spiritual journey describes the process of a person embarking on a quest to deepen their knowledge, understanding and wisdom about themselves, the world and/or God. The phrase can refer to a person seeking to lead an intentional and conscious lifestyle in order to gain various insights about themselves and life. But it can also refer to the intentional search of a deeper understanding about God and perhaps also their faith.

While some believe a person needs to decide to embark on a spiritual journey, it may prove more beneficial to consider our entire life as a spiritual journey. Doing so can help us to realize that all the experiences we make in life are important steppingstones in our journeys.

How to go on a spiritual journey

The following will give you a better understanding on what you can do to embark on a spiritual journey. Understand these tips as marker posts that point you in the right direction. They are not intended to be a step-by-step instruction. You also don’t need to follow their specific order. Simply see if these tips resonate with you. If they are applicable to your own life and situation, apply them and see if they are useful to you.

1. Where do you want to go?

It’s always best to know where you’re going. This holds true for those who travel in real life, but also for those who embark on a spiritual journey. If you don’t have a clear destination in mind, you’ll be more likely to walk mindlessly without making progress. But if you do have an approximate idea of where you want to go, it will be much easier to steer your actions in one direction. It may be incredibly difficult to know exactly where you want to go with your life. At the same time, it can be challenging to discover your purpose in life . However, the idea is to roughly know where you want to go.

This does not mean that you already have to know the ultimate destination of your journey. In fact, the destination might change over the course of time. This is perfectly fine and absolutely not a problem. In fact, it’s encouraged to adapt your goals as you progress in life. However, this does not mean that you shouldn’t have a clear destination in mind when you make your first step. Have a goal and keep adjusting it.

2. Have the courage to embark on your own journey

There are many people who try to force you in a specific direction. They will tell you that there is only one path and that all others are leading you nowhere. However, should we really assume that the path an individual embarks in is any better or worse than another person’s journey? What is important is that you find YOUR path. But it is even more important that you have the courage to follow where this path leads you. If you allow others to force you in a given direction, you may not find the necessary motivation and perseverance to stick to it.

3. Develop a roadmap

Once you have a rough idea where your journey should lead you, it’s a good idea to develop a roadmap. The map is nothing else but a written strategy on how you intend to come closer to your destination. The strategy could detail the specific goals about going on a spiritual journey. But it could also detail what exactly you intend to do in order to reach these goals. [Don’t worry if you don’t know precisely where you destination lies. The following tips will address this issue.]

When you develop your roadmap, it’s important to think about some meaningful goals you wish to accomplish. Write these goals down and rank them according to their importance. For instance, you may wish to set yourself the goal to explore the nature of reality. Or you wish to develop a deeper connection to God. Perhaps you wish to have more compassion for others or to be less afraid of death. Whatever it is, set a goal and develop a strategy to reach this goal.

4. Keep a journal of your journey

It’s important to understand that your spiritual journey did not begin when you set the intention to embark on it. Instead, it began with your birth. All your life’s experiences culminated in who you are today. All the joy and suffering, the victories and the defeats made you the person you are today. Therefore, all these experiences contributed important insights and lessons to your spiritual journey. They may not always be pleasant memories, but they all helped you to grow stronger and wiser.

A journal can be an excellent way to record the experiences you make along your journey. By writing down the major events in your life, you’ll be able to better see the golden thread that spans through your life. But it may also prove very beneficial to take a reflective approach about past experiences as well. Doing so may help you to discover important lessons and insights from the various things that happened to you in life.

5. Decide what role your journey should play in your life

For some people, there’s no greater goal and purpose in their life than to follow where their spiritual journey leads them. Some even dedicate their entire life to this journey. This is perfectly fine, but it may not be the right path for everyone. It’s therefore quite helpful to decide for yourself which role your spiritual journey should play in your life. Ask yourself how important the spiritual aspects of your journey are to you. Think about the extent of your journey.

You may simply want to integrate new aspect of a more spiritual approach into your existing life. But it’s also possible that you seek to develop a better understanding about yourself, your life, God or your faith. So it’s always good to decide firsthand how important the spiritual journey is to you. For some people, it’s simply an important aspect of their lives. To others, it’s the very reason for their existence.

Those who are more experienced and have walked for a little longer than us often report that the pace of their spiritual journey gradually increased. At first, their curiosity (or an inner longing) made them explore certain concepts, which they slowly integrated into their life. Step-by-step this led to a profound transformation of their entire life.

Don’t think of your spiritual journey as a short excursion with a fixed beginning and end. Instead, try to think of it as a lifelong journey of growth.

6. There are no mistakes

No good spiritual journey comes without mistakes. It’s not possible to plan every small detail of your journey in advance. As a result, you will sometimes walk in the entirely wrong direction. In other cases, you might make mistakes that hinder your progress for a little while. Don’t let these challenges discourage you from pursuing your spiritual journey. See what happens to you on your path as valuable experiences. In many cases, we need to take one or two misleading paths in order to find the path that leads us to our goals.

So don’t punish yourself for making a mistake. It’s entirely human. That’s why we’re here. We’re here to experience, to learn and to grow. We all mess up sometimes. When this happens, it’s important that we learn our lesson and give our very best to avoid making similar mistakes in the future.

7. Conquer your mind and ego

Engaging on a spiritual journey means to take responsibility for your life and actions. It means to take control of your mind and ego. An essential aspect of a person’s spiritual journey is to learn what they can do to become more virtuous human beings. Two major factors that contribute largely to who you are is your mind and ego. By conquering these two and by making them abide your will, you can make quick progress in your journey. Otherwise, your mind and ego will steer you off-course.

Learn to control the chatter of your mind. Notice the subtle influence of your thoughts on your behavior and how you perceive reality. Develop strategies to cleanse your mind and to gain control over your thinking processes. Find ways to think more positively .

8. Start learning from the hardships of your life

Life confronts each and every one of us with great difficulties, challenges and suffering. What most people do in these situations is that they endure the suffering and move on. However, if you embark on a spiritual journey you may want to take a step back and have a look at the bigger picture. If you ignore what happens to you in life, you went through all this suffering and misery for no good reason. But if you consider the hardships of your life as great educators that teach you valuable lessons, you will truly make big leaps in your journey.

Life is not just black and white. Difficulties and challenges in your life may be incredibly painful. But if you look back and reflect on your past, you will see that all these experiences somehow changed you for the better. Realize that everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by accident. And everything that happens leads to something better.

9. Follow where your intuition leads you

Many people who go on a spiritual journey have no clear idea where this path leads them. They simply feel an inner urge that prompts them to take the first step. Deep inside themselves, they know that is the right decision. They don’t outweigh the pros and cons but trust that their decision leads them in the right direction.

If you go on a spiritual journey, have the courage to follow your intuition, wherever it may lead you. No matter if you call it intuition, higher guidance or gut instinct, pay attention to what it says. Don’t let your worries and doubts decide in which direction you go. Instead, have the courage to experiment and to see where your intuition leads you.

10. Draw inspiration from the Bible.

There’s an almost infinite amount of profound wisdom and practical advice to be found in the Bible and it has inspired billions around the world to become better human beings. Unfortunately, a great number of people reject these teachings. Similarly, many people are simply not interested in “thousand-year-old books.” All these people miss out on incredibly valuable teachings that can be wonderful companions on a spiritual journey.

These texts will help you to get a new perspective on your life and your beliefs. Many of these texts provide excellent inspiration for your spiritual journey. They put the challenges of your journey into context and show you opportunities for growth and spiritual progress.

As you read these texts, you will notice that they can enrich your life and broaden your perspective.

The inspiring teachings of sacred texts might prove to be the right fertilizer that helps you to blossom during your journey. The same holds true for the wise words of sages and saints.

11. Embrace the unknown

If you always walk the path that you’ve always known, you will always go where you’ve always been. Embrace the mystery of the journey. Have the courage to explore new paths and see where they lead you.

Not everything in life can be planned. The illusion of certainty only limits our progress. Especially when it comes to a spiritual journey, you never know for sure what experiences you’ll make and the people you’ll meet. We never truly know how things will unfold during our journey.

If you have the courage to embrace the unknown, you will be presented with great opportunities.

12. Start meditating

All the major religions practice forms of meditation, they are known under different names. But it is important to understand that meditation is simply a tool. You can use it to train your mind but also to make progress in your spiritual journey.

Meditation helps you to calm your mind and to reduce many of its negative influences on your behavior. At the same time, meditating regularly will help you to get in touch with your true self and higher aspects of yourself.

See How to Meditate for more information.

Best spiritual journey books

In the following you can find a hand-picked selection of excellent books that can accompany you on your spiritual journey:

• Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

In conclusion

Throughout the course of a person’s life, there will be many calls to embark on a spiritual journey. These calls to action may come as life-changing experiences, dreams or inspiring conversations that we have. Unfortunately, a great number of people ignore these calls. They refuse to embark on a spiritual journey because they are afraid where it may lead them. They are not particularly comfortable with the unknown and fear change. As a result, they keep living their life as they always did and deny the increasing urgency of the call.

Instead of running away from your call, try to embrace it. Seek for the mission and purpose of your life. But once you do develop an understanding of your purpose, have the courage to pursue it. Your journey will confront you with uncertainties and challenges. But all these experiences will eventually help you to realize your full potential.

“If you lead me astray, then my wanderings will bring me to my destination.” Michael Bassey Johnson

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the different ways to go on a spiritual journey. Have you ever been on this type of a journey? We’re excited to hear from your experiences in the comments section below.

Stay victorious!

About Author

Steve is the founder of Planet of Success , the #1 choice when it comes to motivation, self-growth and empowerment. This world does not need followers. What it needs is people who stand in their own sovereignty. Join us in the quest to live life to the fullest!

Related Posts

101 good questions to ask a girl you like, 40 telltale signs of emotional abuse in a relationship, how to be yourself.

Very insightful! Thank you for this incredibly detailed article. Will be using this as I embark on my new spiritual journey.

This article was extremely helpful. The steps and detailed explanations will really help guide me as I gain courage to step out on Faith and start on my personal journey of becoming a better me and understanding who “me” really is. Thank you for sharing.

Your Comment Am really bless, now i know the meaning of life. may God bless you for opening my eyes!

Thank you for putting this out there. I agree with your opinion and I hope more people would come to agree with this as well.

I found it interesting when you said meditating is key to a spiritual journey. I’ve never been a believer in anything, but lately, I’ve been reading spiritual books and articles. I have found them interesting, and I’m on the path of discovering my own spirituality. I think your article will help with that. Thanks for the tips about how to start your journey towards spiritualism.

Very detailed! Thanks for the insight and step by step guide to spiritual development. I believe this will inspire many people to step in faith to pursue their divine assignment.

It was interesting when you mentioned that you should seek the mission and purpose of your life. If you are having a hard time figuring out the purpose of your life, it could be a good idea to talk to a spiritual expert. A spiritual expert would probably be able to give you insight and lead you in the right direction.

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How to Start a Spiritual Journey [6 Tips and Strategies]

Are you looking for something more in life? Maybe a deeper connection or a sense of peace? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Table of Contents

Starting a spiritual journey can be an amazing path to self-discovery and fulfillment. In just a few moments, you’ll find practical tips and insights that can empower you to explore this beautiful adventure of the soul.

Get ready to awaken your spirit and discover the true essence of who you are.

Understanding the Call to a Spiritual Journey

If you’re ready to embark on a spiritual journey, it’s important to understand the call that has led you to this path. Recognizing signs and connecting with your higher self are essential steps in this process.

The universe has a way of communicating with us, providing subtle hints and messages to guide us towards our spiritual path. Pay attention to synchronicities, coincidences, and gut feelings that arise in your life .

These are signs that the universe is trying to get your attention and guide you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your purpose.

Take the time to quiet your mind, listen to your intuition, and reflect on the messages that come to you. By connecting with your higher self, you’ll gain clarity and insight into your spiritual journey, setting the foundation for a transformative experience.

Exploring Different Paths and Practices

To fully immerse yourself in a spiritual journey, it’s important to actively explore and engage with various paths and practices that resonate with you. Embarking on this journey means embracing the unknown and being open to discovering new ways of connecting with the divine.

Here are some avenues you can explore:

• Meditation techniques : Meditation is a powerful tool that allows you to quiet your mind and connect with your inner self. Explore different techniques such as mindfulness, guided visualization, or mantra meditation to find the one that suits you best.
• Shamanic rituals : Shamanic rituals have been practiced for centuries by indigenous cultures around the world. These rituals involve connecting with nature, spirits, and ancestors to gain wisdom and healing. Explore practices like drumming, smudging, or working with power animals to tap into the ancient wisdom of the shamanic path.
• Energy healing : Energy healing practices like Reiki or acupuncture can help you balance your energy and promote healing on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. These practices work with the subtle energies that flow through our bodies, bringing about a sense of harmony and well-being.

Cultivating Mindfulness and Inner Awareness

Continue your spiritual journey by cultivating mindfulness and developing a deeper awareness of your inner self . Mindful meditation is a powerful tool that can help you achieve this.

Set aside a few minutes each day to sit in silence and focus your attention on your breath. As thoughts arise, simply observe them without judgment and gently bring your attention back to the present moment.

This practice won’t only help you cultivate a sense of calm and peace, but also allow you to connect with your inner being on a profound level.

In addition to mindful meditation, connecting with nature can also deepen your inner awareness. Take time to go for a walk in the park, hike in the mountains, or simply sit by a lake.

Allow yourself to fully immerse in the beauty and serenity of the natural world. As you do, observe the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice how you feel in the presence of nature.

This connection with the natural world can awaken a sense of interconnectedness and remind you of the inherent wisdom within you.

Seeking Guidance and Support From Spiritual Communities

As you continue your spiritual journey, seek guidance and support from spiritual communities that can provide a nurturing and uplifting environment. Connecting with like-minded individuals who share your beliefs and values can be a powerful source of inspiration and growth.

Here are three ways in which spiritual communities can assist you on your path:

• Finding enlightenment through meditation : Many spiritual communities offer meditation classes and retreats, providing you with the tools and techniques to deepen your practice. Through regular meditation, you can cultivate inner peace, clarity, and a deeper connection with your true self.
• Connecting with higher realms through prayer : Spiritual communities often gather for group prayer sessions, creating a sacred space where you can connect with higher realms and seek divine guidance. These collective prayers can amplify your intentions and foster a sense of unity and support.
• Receiving guidance from experienced practitioners : Within spiritual communities, you can find experienced teachers, mentors, and practitioners who can offer guidance and support based on their own spiritual experiences. Their wisdom and insight can help navigate the challenges and obstacles that arise on your spiritual journey.

Nurturing the Journey With Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

As you embark on your spiritual journey, nurture your path through self-reflection and personal growth. Self-discovery is an essential part of this process, as it allows you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your connection to the world around you.

Take the time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Ask yourself meaningful questions and listen to your inner voice. This self-reflection will lead to transformative experiences that can shape your spiritual journey .

Embrace personal growth by challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone and explore new perspectives. Be open to learning and expanding your knowledge. Remember, growth requires effort and dedication, but the rewards are immense.

Embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and watch as your spiritual path unfolds before you.

I'm Christy, founder of Spiritual Ark and a dedicated writer and spiritual explorer. My journey is all about transformation and personal growth. In my articles, I share insights and practical wisdom on various spiritual topics and show you how you can grow spiritually. I'm committed to learning and invite you to join me in exploring the depths of spirituality for a deeper connection, understanding, and empowerment.

View all posts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Browser Security Check…

What Happens on a Spiritual Journey? 5 Stages You Will Experience

Going on a spiritual journey can be exciting, but it can also be an overwhelming experience. Many unexpected things can happen on a spiritual journey, and it can be a completely different experience from person to person. So, what happens on a spiritual journey?

Things to Know:

• A spiritual journey is a deeply personal and individual experience. ✓
• There are five stages: Soul Searching, Awakening, Facing Your Fears, Rebirth, and Applying Your Wisdom. However, not everyone will experience all these stages. ✓
• When embarking on a spiritual journey, it’s important to be cautious of ‘greedy gurus’ who may try to take advantage of your vulnerability. ✓

Table of Contents

What Is a Spiritual Journey?

A spiritual journey is a personal exploration of self and life. It’s embarked upon for personal growth, inner peace, and self-understanding . This journey can lead to self-discovery or answers to life’s profound questions. It often culminates in a deeper self-awareness or a spiritual awakening, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life.

5 Stages You’ll Experience on a Spiritual Journey

Stage 1 – soul searching.

The first stage of a spiritual journey is soul searching, which is when you decide whether to embark on this journey or not. This stage is often met with a lot of confusion and consideration. You begin your inward search and ask questions like:

• “Who am I?”
• “What am I here on Earth to do?”
• “What is the purpose of Life?”

As you start to seek answers to your questions, your thoughts and actions will likely change too.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 1: Trust me, journaling is a game-changer during the soul-searching stage. Pouring your thoughts, feelings, and questions onto paper can bring so much clarity. And don’t underestimate the power of nature and quiet reflection – they’re your allies in this journey. I can’t stress enough how much daily reflection has cleared my mind during my own soul-searching stage.

Stage 2 – Awakening

The second stage of a spiritual journey is the awakening stage. Now is the time when you’ll begin to see the world differently, and many once confusing things will now make sense to you. You’ll become more self-aware and start to see things through a spiritual lens.

This stage is often compared to waking up from a dream and seeing the world around you more clearly. You can now break down your life experiences into different levels of understanding and interpretation.

At this point, you may find yourself drifting away from friends , hobbies, and other interests that don’t fit into your new spiritual beliefs. If this happens, don’t worry because you will find new like-minded people and interests on your new journey.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 2: This is where mindfulness practices really shine. Meditation, yoga, breathwork – they’re all going to help you cultivate a deeper awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Meditation, in part

Stage 3 – Facing your fears

The third stage of a spiritual journey is all about facing your fears and seeing the good, bad, dark, and light. During this stage, you will find that you can let go of things that were holding you back.

You need to be strong and have faith in yourself because you will go through a lot at this stage, but it will all be worth it when you reach the end of your transformation.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 3: Brace yourself – this stage is all about confronting and releasing old fears and limiting beliefs. Therapeutic practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-informed yoga, can be a lifeline. And don’t forget about journaling – it’s been a crucial tool for me to understand and face my fears.

Stage 4 – Rebirth

The fourth stage of a spiritual journey is rebirth, and this is when you will start to become who you were destined to be. You will find that you are more confident, positive, and ready to take on the world. You’ll want to start living your life with a newfound purpose and direction.

The rebirth stage can also bring new, like-minded people into your life. I think this is one of the most positive stages of the spiritual journey because it brings happiness and contentment into your life.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 4: This is your time to shine! Engage in practices that nurture your sense of self and your connection with the world. Spend time in nature, get creative, practice self-care. Nurturing my body through healthy eating and regular exercise has been a game-changer in my own rebirth stage.

Stage 5 – Applying your wisdom

The final stage of a spiritual journey is applying the new wisdom you have gained to your everyday life. This stage is when everything falls into place, and you realize that everything in life happens for a reason and things never stay the same forever.

You will find that you can see the bigger picture and know that each experience is helping you become who you were always meant to be.

Beneficial Practices for Stage 5: This is the grand finale of your spiritual journey – applying your newfound wisdom to your everyday life. Mindful living, conscious decision-making, teaching, and guiding others – it’s all part of the journey. Sharing my experiences and insights with others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.

Final thoughts

Starting on a spiritual journey is exciting and new, and you will learn a lot from it. Having a clear understanding of what you hope to get out of it and what your spiritual journey means to you will help keep you on the right path. Integrate what you have learned into your day-to-day life to make changes that will move your life forward. Remember, spirituality is a life-long journey, so make sure you enjoy it.

• https://www.wikihow.com/Go-on-a-Spiritual-Journey
• https://lonerwolf.com/spiritual-journey/
• https://chopra.com/articles/the-7-stages-of-spiritual-development

Journey Groups

Moved to Alive & Well

Journey Groups have moved with Amy Brown to one of our partner ministries, Alive & Well! Learn more and register for these online relational discipleship groups that are transforming lives on Alive & Well’s website.

Meet God in a Powerful, Personal Way

Seize the Moment

Have you been craving authentic connection and deeper relationships? Despite attending church, reading your Bible, and praying, you may still feel disconnected or stagnant in your spiritual growth. You are not alone. Sadly, most Christians are not experiencing the fullness of God’s joy because they lack a real sense of community. Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo experience and growing in Him doesn’t happen by accident. We need each other. Someone a few steps ahead to walk with us and help us grow.

This is exactly what I have been craving and needing! Powerful connections and a bond of joy. – Michelle W, TN

Extroverts, introverts, and omniverts — no matter your personality, you were designed to be in community.

It is wonderful seeing God working in each one, and I’ve become more compassionate and understanding.

– Leonard L.

Since 2018, Deeper Walk International has offered Journey Groups to believers like you who are hungry for a deeper relationship with Christ and thirsty for authentic community. Journey Groups are unique in that both Scripture and brain science are built into the lessons, which activate the renewing of your mind according to God’s design. Journey Groups help align your heart, mind, and spirit so that everything in your life works more smoothly — your emotions, health, relationships, faith, sense of belonging, and maturity.

This will change you

It’s funny how just one small decision can change the course of your entire life. We can wholeheartedly attest that joining a Journey Group will be one of the best decisions you make this year. Once you join, you’ll get the sense that you’ve found “your people.” 

Encouraged. Seen. Heard. Valued.

These lessons and this group have absolutely changed my life..

– Kim C , MN

People just like you who care as much as you do about strengthening healthy relationships and investing in spiritual growth. And even better — you’ll learn and grow more than you have in years from the shared wisdom, love, and advice in the group. Reasons for not doing things will always come up. Doubts and fears may nag you. But if you take a deep breath (and a leap of faith)… being part of a Journey Group will re-energize your heart and spirit, leaving you refreshed and deeply satisfied. And by deciding to join NOW, you won’t have to wait until next year when groups reopen. Together, you and your group can expect God to be revealed in amazing and beautiful ways.

Try before you commit!

Want to see one in action before signing up? Try a free sample Journey Group live. Register below to be invited to attend a meeting in the next 30 days. Meetings are available at various times and dates so you can choose what works best for you.

Answers to the questions you may have

A Journey Group is a small group that meets once a week either online or locally. We currently have over 100 groups going strong, with 25 new groups starting this fall. The groups typically have 7-12 members. Through this one-of-a-kind experience, Journey Groups walk you through a curriculum of faith-building exercises based on Biblical truths and neuroscience to help you hear God’s voice, dig deep, experience inner healing, and live the abundant life God designed. We share our journey of growth in freedom and identity in Christ, relational skills, maturity, walking by the Spirit, creating connection and community, and cultivating a deeper walk with God.

Not every small group is equipped to go deep. Our groups take seriously the practice of spiritual habits that transform us. We actively listen to God’s voice and discover His will. You don’t cruise in a Journey Group, rather you are truly seen, cared for, prayed for, encouraged, and supported to see and experience true growth.

In 2016, Amy Brown brought together a group of friends who wanted to go deeper with God, and thus began Journey Groups. Beginning in 2018, Deeper Walk facilitated Journey Groups under Amy Brown’s leadership. As more groups were formed, Amy created the Certified Journey Group Leadership Community to provide excellent in-depth training to others who wanted to offer Journey Groups online or locally.

Given the huge growth and popularity of Journey Groups, Deeper Walk supports Amy in her move to Alive & Well, one of our partner ministries, where we pray Journey Groups can be offered by many churches, organizations and individuals. Deeper Walk continues to champion Journey Groups for members of our community. 

Amy Brown is the Director of Journey Groups and the Certified Journey Group Leadership Community, a relational skills trainer with THRIVEtoday, and author of the Journey Groups curriculum and co-author of Relational Skills in the Bible. She has a passion for developing local and online communities that build strong bonds between members, accelerate emotional and spiritual growth, and increase intimacy with our ever-present Immanuel.

Join from anywhere — meet online. Just find a group that best fits your schedule and sign up. You can begin with Level 1 Journey Group or a Discover Group (a 9 week introduction), and move into Level 2, or select from any number of Electives which cover related materials. See the Alive & Well website for more information on what is available now. 

https://www.alivewell.org/journey-group-registration

Weekly topics include life-changing material from Life Model Works, Deeper Walk, Alive & Well, and THRIVEtoday. Your group will follow a curriculum that includes walking in freedom, growing your identity in Christ, developing emotional maturity, participating in a multi-generational community, practicing relational skills, and so much more! Unit 1 lasts for 4 weeks and covers check in, appreciation, relational circuits, listening to Jesus together and sharing what we sense. After you complete Level I, you can advance to  Level II, Level III, or one of our Electives.

We meet weekly for an hour. There’s flexibility of days and times to fit your schedule.

The Journey Groups listed on the Alive & Well website are offered by Certified Journey Group Leaders. These certified leaders have participated in a Journey Group, completed the Certified Journey Group Leadership Training Program and will be experienced with Life Model concepts of belonging, attachment, maturity, healing from trauma, and tuning in to God’s perspective.

• Our Unique Model
• Our President
• Our Founder
• Our History
• Statement of Faith
• Where do I Start?
• Online Events
• Learning Library
• School of Ministry
• Share a Testimony!
• RareLeadership.net
• 4 Habits of Joy-Filled Marriages

Stay in the Know!

© 2024 All rights reserved | Deeper Walk International is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Add address

First name  *

Last name  *

Company name  (optional)

Country / Region  * United States (US)

Street address  *

Apartment, suite, unit, etc.  (optional)

Town / City  *

State  * Select an option… Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Armed Forces (AA) Armed Forces (AE) Armed Forces (AP)

ZIP Code  *

Spiritvibez

How to Start a Spiritual Journey for Beginners + What to Expect

Last Updated on March 9, 2024

When you start your spiritual journey, you will begin to change your perceptions and see a new meaning of reality. It’s a journey to higher consciousness and fuller awareness. You will learn to heal yourself from the pain you carry, social customs, and the typical “traditional thinking”. You move on from being unconscious to being a capable, conscious, caring, holistic, and fully functional person and you will finally begin to understand the mysteries of life.

In today’s post, you’ll learn how to start a spiritual journey with nine powerful tips, and also discover why you should choose a spiritual path with examples included!

Table of Contents

What Is a Spiritual Journey?

A spiritual journey is a personal process to deepen your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding about yourself, the world, and a higher power. It’s an opportunity to discover who you truly are and find your calling in life.

As your awareness increases, you will realize that there is only one of you. Who you are, will develop to include all parts of life. Perceptions and feelings related to the complete self will unfold in stages. That’s because there are certain degrees of truth in the process of realizing the full truth. It’s a continual process of exploring yourself and others, engaging in relationships and groups, and learning from your higher self.

• How to develop spiritually for beginners
• 25 spiritual journal prompts to grow spiritually
• What is the difference between spirituality and religion

What You Can Expect on Your Spiritual Journey

On a spiritual journey, you can expect a wide range of experiences and personal growth. Here are some things you might encounter:

1. Self-Discovery

Your spiritual journey will likely involve deep self-reflection and exploration. You may uncover aspects of your personality, desires, fears, and beliefs that you were previously unaware of. This self-discovery can lead to a greater understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

See also: Printable self-discovery journal

2. Seeking Meaning And Purpose

Many people embark on a spiritual journey to find a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life . You may question the nature of existence, the meaning of suffering, and the purpose of your own life. This search for meaning can be transformative and lead to a greater sense of fulfillment.

See also: 18 journal prompts to find your purpose in life

3. Connection to Something Greater

A spiritual journey often involves seeking a connection to something greater than oneself. This can manifest in various ways depending on your beliefs, such as connecting with a higher power, the universe, nature, or the collective consciousness. The sense of connection can bring a profound feeling of unity and belonging.

See also: 7 signs you are spiritually connected with someone

4. Inner Peace And Contentment

As you progress on your spiritual journey, you may experience a greater sense of inner peace and contentment. This can come from cultivating mindfulness, practicing gratitude , and letting go of attachments and desires that no longer serve you. You may learn to find peace in the present moment and accept things as they are.

5. Healing And Growth

Spiritual journeys often involve healing emotional wounds and addressing unresolved issues. As you delve into your inner world, you may encounter past traumas , limiting beliefs, and negative patterns of behavior. Through various practices such as meditation, therapy, or energy work, you can work towards healing and personal growth .

6. Expanded Awareness And Consciousness

While on your spiritual journey, you may experience shifts in consciousness and expanded awareness. This can involve moments of clarity, intuitive insights, or transcendent experiences. Your perception of reality may broaden, and you may develop a greater sense of interconnectedness with all beings.

7. Practice And Discipline

Spiritual growth often requires regular practice and discipline. This may involve engaging in activities such as meditation, yoga, prayer, journaling, or mindfulness. Consistent practice can deepen your understanding and connection to your spiritual path.

8. Challenges And Setbacks

Like any journey, your spiritual journey may have its share of challenges and setbacks. You may encounter doubt, and resistance, or face difficult emotions along the way. These challenges can be valuable opportunities for growth and self-reflection, pushing you to overcome obstacles and deepen your commitment.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s spiritual journey is unique, and what you experience may differ from others. The key is to remain open, curious, and compassionate toward yourself as you explore and navigate your own spiritual path.

How to Start a Spiritual Journey

The spiritual journey often begins when experiencing a personal crisis or a spiritual awakening . This can trigger an inner desire to find the depths of what is happening to discover deeper meaning and your life purpose.

Sometimes the spiritual journey begins without even having any conscious thoughts. It may be that you are experiencing problems, or your habits need to be changed, or you are in a non-functional relationship. These are often problems we want to get professional help with, such as therapy and different therapy forms can open the door for a deeper search.

Any catastrophic event such as illness, divorce, unemployment, or death of a family member will often force you to search for answers. This is because you are feeling confused, hurt, or angry. When you are in this state of mind, you can open the door to new perceptions.

Below is some guidance to help you get started on your spiritual journey:

1. Take the Journey Step by Step

When you decide you want to go on a spiritual journey it might feel overwhelming in the beginning. However, just take it slow and look for things that interest and resonate with you.

2. Reflect On Your Beliefs

Take the time to evaluate your current beliefs and values. Ask yourself what you believe in, what is important to you, and what spirituality means to you. Consider writing down your thoughts to help clarify your beliefs.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment. You can practice mindfulness through meditation , yoga, deep breathing, or simply by paying attention to your thoughts and feelings at the moment. By developing a mindfulness practice, you can improve your mental clarity and better understand yourself and your place in the world.

4. Practice Kindness

Connect with your heart and practice kindness to both yourself and others. But remember, to bring kindness and compassion into the world you must first start with yourself.

5. Connect With Nature

Spending time in nature can help you feel more connected to the world and the universe. This can include activities such as hiking, camping, or simply taking a walk in the park. By connecting with nature , you can develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and find inner peace and tranquility .

6. Find a Community

Joining a spiritual group or community can provide support and encouragement as you explore your spirituality. This can also allow you to connect with others who share your beliefs and values and to learn from their experiences.

7. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. By focusing on what you have, rather than what you lack, you can cultivate a positive outlook and build a more spiritual connection with the world. You can practice gratitude by keeping a journal, writing thank-you notes, or simply reflecting on the things you are thankful for each day.

See also: 50 gratitude journal prompts

8. Find a Spiritual Teacher or Mentor

Having a spiritual teacher or mentor can provide guidance and support as you navigate your spiritual journey. This person can help you deepen your understanding of spirituality, provide a different perspective, and help you find your own path. It is important to choose someone who aligns with your beliefs and values, and who has a proven track record of helping others on their spiritual journeys.

9. Be Curious

As your awareness increases with new information, your perspective will change. Try to be curious and ask questions, even when you think the answer doesn’t exist. Keep an open mind and educate yourself by researching things that interest you.

There will be many questions coming up for you to puzzle over. Below are some you might have thought about before. If you haven’t, I recommend you take some time to reflect on each question to truly get to know yourself and what you want out of life.

• Who am I really?
• Why am I here?
• What can give my life more meaning and purpose?
• Why did these things happen to me?
• How can I help myself?
• Why am I worried about what my family and friends think?
• How can I treat flawed thoughts, emotions, and behaviors?
• What can I change so I can truly like the life I’m living?

These questions and much more need to be answered. Searching for these answers will allow you to enter a deeper pursuit of life.

Life always answers your inner questions by bringing you answers and new experiences. These experiences may come through books, religious and spiritual teachings, or just by listening and learning as you grow. However, you must be prepared to see, feel, and hear these insights.

Get the Printable Spiritual Journey Journal with 45 powerful prompts I created for more questions to ask yourself .

My Spiritual Journey includes 45 powerful prompts to help you grow spiritually and learn from your inner self. A super helpful printable workbook for your spiritual journey, no matter where you’re at!

Remember that spirituality is a personal journey and what works for others may not work for you. The most important thing is to stay open, be curious, and continue exploring until you find what resonates with you.

Why Shadow Work Is Necessary on Your Spiritual Journey

Integrating shadow work is probably the most important part of educating yourself further on your spiritual journey. The Shadow is the part of you that is unknown to your conscious mind, yet influences every aspect of your life. It is natural and universal, capable of creating and destroying.

Within yourself, the shadow will show up as your subconscious patterns, addictions, motivations, and triggers. In many ways, it’s the force that runs your life.

Working with our Shadows is what is needed during these times. This is a brave undertaking, and also joyful, heart-opening, and meaningful. Few things fulfill us as deeply as discovering our true sacred mission and how to bring our light to a world that needs us. Check out my in-depth guide on Shadow Work to learn more!

Books for Your Spiritual Journey

If you enjoyed this post on how to start a spiritual journey for beginners, I would be very grateful if you shared it on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest! Thank you!❤️

📌 PIN THIS POST FOR LATER

Hello, my name is Sara and I am the founder of Spiritvibez, I’m here to guide you on your spiritual journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. I believe that true transformation occurs when the mind, body, and spirit are aligned and working in harmony. Through Spiritvibez, I hope to inspire and empower you to deepen your spiritual practice, embrace your authentic self, and begin living your best life.

Related posts:

• How to Develop Your Inner Spiritual Guidance
• Why Is Spiritual Wellness Important & How to Improve It
• What Synchronicity Means & How to Attract More
• What Is Shadow Work and How to Do It?

4 Responses

Thank you very much for this text. I will take information from it for my coaching sessions with my futur clients. Thank you for inspiring me.

Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom for beginning a spiritual journey. This information was very helpful

You are welcome, Im happy to hear you found it helpful!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Spiritual Journey and Seven Stages of Spiritual Development

The spiritual journey is a transformational process that takes us through seven stages of our spiritual development. The path we take is built into us, in our expanding minds, hearts, and energy system. It’s an integral aspect of our desire to be alive – to live fully and grow, to expand in fulfilling ways and make a positive difference in the world.

The spiritual journey reveals the fullness of our human potential.

Essentially, the spiritual journey takes us from fear, separation, and limitation to love, connectedness, and expansion. For life coaches, understanding these stages and developing the ability to help clients to move through them with ease has tremendous value. When you understand where the people you serve are on the journey, you can relate precisely to their needs and desires, which may be very different from yours.

Interest in the Spiritual Journey and Stages of Development

We’ve had a deep interest in the spiritual journey for more than three decades. Over time, we recognized seven stages of spiritual development we all pass through along the way. This map of the path to wholeness is the result of extensive research and understanding of the human energy system, along with a wide range of experience with ourselves, our clients, and students. The seven steps or stages roughly correspond to seven spiritual activations that transform our perspectives on who we are, why we are here, and what is possible.

As we evolve, our perspectives evolve, so we can think and process information about our reality more expansively and inclusively. We now understand the focus of these stages as a shift in our experience of reality we call the “Ultimate Paradigm Shift.”

The Nature of the Spiritual Journey

We begin the first two stages of the journey with our feet firmly planted on the physical plane, viewing ourselves primarily as limited physical beings. Our consciousness is ruled largely by fear, which makes us easy targets for being controlled by others. Many people in these early stages view themselves as victims of circumstances that are beyond their control.

As we evolve, our “world” expands, and we glimpse beyond the material world into the realms of the human soul. Fear recedes and love blooms.

Spiritually, each of us is challenged to open to the Infinite, along with more joy and aliveness.

The transformation, then, is a redefinition of ourselves from limited physical beings who are victims of external forces to magnificent spiritual beings who are creators of the lives we were born to live.

Holistic Life Coaching and the Spiritual Journey

Coaching clients to progress with greater ease on the spiritual journey is powerful. If you are a life coach, imagine the tremendous benefits you can offer to clients. When you understand precisely where clients are on the journey, you can pinpoint the challenges and opportunities that are inevitably playing out in their daily lives. This helps them to progress more quickly and receive exponentially better results.

Knowledge of the seven stages of spiritual development and their impact on your life may be your most practical tool on the spiritual path. Once you understand the sequence, you can track your development step-by-step and bring deeper meaning to the events of your life, along with those you serve. You can also avoid the pitfalls that prevent people from evolving , and manifest the life you deeply desire.

The Seven Stages of Spiritual Development

As we evolve, our minds develop and our souls become more and more present in our lives. In the first two stages of spiritual development, people function largely on auto pilot, based on programming in the unconscious mind. This state is characterized by a lack of self-awareness , along with a high degree of fear and a narrow range of thinking. The result is a tendency to follow the crowd and play it safe.

An Overview of the Seven Stages

1. Recognition: From a place of lack of self awareness, something wakes up and we recognize that we have some choices. We are going with the crowd, but we are starting to awaken. The mind is becoming more active and new possibilities are emerging.

2. Breaking Loose (Renunciation): Now we recognize the opportunity to free ourselves from the herd and jump over the fence to freedom. This takes courage. We have to sacrifice the perceived safety of the crowd to open to more individual opportunities. As we prepare to take charge, fear starts to lose its hold.

3. Claiming Our Power: This is where it starts to get interesting. Now we get our first taste of freedom as we claim our right to live the lives we were born to live. The mind is expanding further now as we explore new possibilities. At this point, we enjoy the benefits of independence. Free from the herd, people often do uncharacteristically different things at this stage. They may start to dress differently, travel, change jobs, develop new interests, and change behaviors.

4. Embracing Our Greatness: Exploring freedom leads to a deeper exploration of who we are. This is when people begin to experience soul searching and recognition that the truth lies within, in the power of our hearts and souls . It’s the time when we bridge the gap between the restrictions of the physical plane and expansiveness of the spiritual plane. We are preparing to make the ultimate paradigm shift into a new way of being in the world, but don’t know where we are going.

5. Expressing Our Uniqueness (Sovereignty): As we embrace ourselves as spiritual beings, we rise a new level now, onto the spiritual plane. Now we are guided by the truth in our hearts. This stimulates a desire to express our deeper purpose and share our greatness with the world.

6. Integrating Our Roles as Creators: Our integration of this creative reality includes mastering our thinking and ways of being on the spiritual plane. Becoming more aware of the big picture now, we recognize how our actions can have a positive impact on larger numbers of people.

Love blossoms and fear recedes with the recognition that everyone has infinite possibilities and the supply of the good we seek knows no limit.

7. Transcendence: Now we complete the process of becoming fully functional as creators of the lives we were born to live. We are highly aware now that we create from the inside out with our minds and our hearts. We know how manifestation works and how our thoughts and feelings are responsible for the results we are getting in our lives. We are learning to live in harmony with the laws of the universe and reaping the rewards of our efforts on the journey.

More Notes on the Stages of our Spiritual Development

The first two stages of our spiritual development (Recognition and Breaking Loose) could be viewed as preliminary. Our personal transformation really begins when we free of the hold of the herd with the completion of the second activation. At this stage, we recognize the need to think for ourselves and release the grips of those who seek to control our lives. Having the courage to free ourselves from these ties provides us with the momentum we need to make the ultimate paradigm shift. Then we can move forward and become creators of the lives we were born to live.

Awakenings Institute’s unique Holistic Coaching and Healing Certification Program includes in-depth teaching of the stages of development. To learn more about how you can participate, CLICK HERE .

More articles that relate to the spiritual journey and stages of spiritual development:

Seven Essential Tools for Personal and Spiritual Transformation

The Ultimate Paradigm Shift

Life Coaching Home

Life Coaching Blog

gettingthru.org Home

What is Awakenings Institute?

This site has been created and maintained by Awakenings Institute and Holistic Communications.

Copyright 2024 by phillip mountrose and jane mountrose, terms of use, privacy policy.

• Published on June 16, 2023
• June 16, 2023

5 Steps to Launch Your Spiritual Journey, According to Mindvalley Experts

Jump to section

In a world that’s constantly changing, life can often feel overwhelming and purposeless. You may find yourself questioning your place in the grand scheme of things or yearning for a deeper connection with the world around you. 

But what if the answers you seek lie within you, waiting to be discovered on a transformative spiritual journey? 

As the name suggests, it’s a voyage into the deepest corners of your being. And it’s not just about seeking divine connection but also about fostering holistic personal growth.

Every spiritual journey is an invitation to find purpose in the chaos, peace in the tumult, and wisdom in the ordinary. It’s a journey home—a return to the essence of who you truly are.

What Is a Spiritual Journey?

At its heart, a spiritual journey is like an intimate expedition—a personal adventure where you dive deep into understanding and connecting with your inner self. And the ultimate goal? To achieve a profound sense of your spiritual essence. 

This kind of exploration often paves the way for a closer bond with a higher power, the universe, your higher self , or whatever embodies the ultimate truth in your belief system.

With that in mind, the meaning of “spiritual journey” is unique for everyone. It’s typically drawn from their personal ideas, experiences, and desires. 

For example, here’s how some renowned Mindvalley experts view a spiritual journey:

• Neale Donald Walsch , the author of the renowned Conversations With God series and trainer of Mindvalley’s Awaken the Species Quest, sees spiritualism as a heart-to-heart conversation. It’s a private chat between you and your divine essence.
• Ken Wilber , a philosopher and trainer of Mindvalley’s The Integral Theory Quest, describes it as like a metamorphosis. It guides you through various stages of consciousness until you achieve a harmonious blend of all of life’s aspects.
• Mahatria Ra , a spiritual leader and trainer of Mindvalley’s A Journey to Infinitheism Quest, believes it to be a pursuit of boundless spiritual and material abundance.

Your spiritual journey can morph into different shapes, from a quest for self-discovery or a search for life’s meaning to a pursuit of spiritual enlightenment or even a path to healing. In fact, a Pew Research Center study tells us that 49% of American adults say they’ve had a religious or mystical experience—that is, defining moments in their spiritual journey.

No matter its form, the spiritual journey offers a transformative pathway to understanding your true nature and purpose in this vast universe. It brings you face-to-face with your deepest fears and highest hopes. 

What Happens On a Spiritual Journey?

Your spiritual journey unfolds in unique, often unexpected ways. 

Initially, it could start with a surge of self-awareness, illuminating the parts of you previously hidden in the shadows. Or you could start noticing signs from the Universe . And as a result, you may begin to understand your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors more deeply, making sense of how they influence your relationships and experiences.

To illustrate, let’s consider the spiritual journey examples of notable figures like Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Teresa. Their journeys started with an internal quest—a longing for truth and service—and gradually radiated outward, impacting millions. 

In the same vein, your spiritual journey may ignite a spark within you that eventually lights up the world around you.

Once you understand what’s going on, the purpose of all of it, the divine process, you take part in it in a brand new way… You see every golden moment of now as an opportunity to recreate yourself anew in the next grandest version of the greatest vision you ever held about who you are. — Neale Donald Walsch, trainer of Mindvalley’s Awaken the Species Quest

Research indicates that spiritual experiences are not uncommon, either. Specifically, a study published in the Journal for Scientific Study of Religion found that nearly half of the participants reported having a spiritual experience, such as a sense of deep interconnectedness or unity with the universe.

In essence, embarking on a spiritual journey is like turning the pages of a book—your own personal story—that’s been waiting to be read. You learn, you grow, and you transform. 

The Different Stages of Your Spiritual Journey

Taking a close look at the spiritual journey, you might find it’s a bit like solving a maze. It becomes less daunting if it’s broken down into clear stages. 

These stages of spiritual development —awakening, exploration, and enlightenment—are steps on your path that each offer unique experiences and insights. 

Actually, moving through these levels is what we call the process of growing up, because that’s what humans do. Virtually from the moment of conception, human beings grow, develop, and evolve. — Ken Wilber, trainer of Mindvalley’s The Integral Life Quest

Now let’s take a closer look at the breakdown:

• Awakening. This is the initial stage where you might feel a sudden jolt, a stirring in your soul that nudges you to start asking life’s big questions. It’s akin to Neo in The Matrix realizing there’s a reality beyond his daily existence.
• Exploration. As the name suggests, this stage is all about venturing into the unknown territories of your inner self. It’s like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, full of curiosity and bewilderment. Here, you explore spirituality —the different practices, philosophies, and teachings—and find one that resonates most with your spirit.
• Enlightenment. The final stage is about reaching a state of profound understanding and acceptance. Picture it like “Avatar Aang mastering all the elements”—you feel deeply connected to everything around you. But remember, reaching this stage doesn’t mean it’s the end, but rather a continuous process of growth and learning.

“ There are no small changes in life ,” says Mahatria in his Mindvalley Quest. “ Every small change, in the long run, is a monumental transformation .”

And seeing these spiritual journey stages laid out can give you a roadmap for your own transformative adventure. It helps you see where you’re going and reminds you to enjoy it, not just rush to the end.

After all, as they say, the journey matters more than the destination.

How to Start Your Spiritual Journey

Let’s face it, the spiritual journey for beginners can be exciting but also a little overwhelming. It can even be that way for those who’ve walked the path before.

Where do you start? Which path do you take? And how do you navigate this uncharted terrain? 

No matter where you are spiritually, this may just be the compass you need. It’ll help equip you with practical, actionable steps to embark on this epic quest.

Here’s a simple guide on how to start your spiritual journey:

1. Set your intentions

Like preparing for a marathon, the first step is to establish your goals. This means identifying what you hope to achieve or discover. 

Are you seeking to understand spirituality versus religion ? Are you looking for inner peace, a deeper understanding of your life purpose, or perhaps a closer connection with a higher power? Maybe you’re looking for answers to life’s big questions or seeking to develop qualities like compassion, wisdom, or patience. 

By determining your intentions, you create a baseline for your progress. And as you navigate your spiritual journey, you can reflect on these intentions, reminding yourself of why you started and what you’re striving for. 

Insights from Mahatria Ra: “ Everything in life need not be done for an ultimate reward. Sometimes getting your life right itself is a reward in itself. But even if you want motivation for this, let me tell you this: The greatest setback in life is to fall in your own eyes, and the greatest pride in life is to grow in your own eyes .”

2. Start meditating

Think of meditation as your guiding compass, steering you through the labyrinth of your inner world. It’s a practice that facilitates quiet introspection, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with your inner self. 

Starting a meditation practice can seem like a lot, especially if you’ve never done it before. But understand that it’s not about achieving a state of perfect tranquility; it’s about observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

You can begin with just a few minutes each day, creating a quiet space for yourself where you can focus on your breath or a simple mantra. 

And as you grow more comfortable, you might want to extend the duration of your practice or explore different meditation techniques, like mindfulness, transcendental, or loving-kindness meditation.

Insights from Mahatria Ra: “ Experience this engulfing peace for some more time, and come out only when you feel like coming out. You plus your faith are such a miraculous combination. May this journey lead you higher, deeper, and beyond .”

3. Read and learn

Consider books about spirituality and personal growth as your survival manuals on this spiritual expedition. From ancient scriptures to contemporary bestsellers, these resources are packed with valuable insights, thought-provoking exercises, and practical advice that can illuminate your path.

Many Mindvalley trainers have written personal development books that delve into such spirituality. Here are a few you could look into:

• Conversations With God by Neale Donald Walsch
• A Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilber
• Most and More by Mahatria Ra
• The Buddha and the Badass by Vishen Lakhiani
• Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy by Sadhguru

Keep in mind, it’s not about gathering heaps of information but finding the wisdom that truly speaks to your journey. So take moments to ponder these ideas, see how they fit with your experiences, and notice their influence on your perspective.

Engaging in this kind of intentional learning can make the difference between merely reading about spirituality and truly living it.

Insights from Ken Wilber: “ Consciousness is a spectrum, a rainbow of many different colored bands and different approaches to consciousness. And the therapy and self-improvement approaches, in general, had each focused on one of these bands, and if we wanted to understand consciousness itself, our own reality—understand that fully—then we needed to include all of those approaches, all of those paradigms .”

4. Find a mentor

Just as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings had Gandalf provide invaluable counsel and support, a mentor can serve a similar role in your spiritual quest. Research also shows that those with mentors experience higher levels of personal growth, self-efficacy, and satisfaction than those without.

And your “Gandalf” could be anyone—a spiritual teacher, a trusted friend, or even a family member—who has a profound understanding of the spiritual terrain. 

They’ve journeyed through the ups and downs, faced challenges, and emerged enlightened. Their wisdom, therefore, can be a beacon for you, illuminating your path and making the journey feel less overwhelming.

Insights from Neale Donald Walsch: “ The purpose of relationships is not to have another who might complete you, but to have another with whom you might share your completeness .”

5. Maintain a spiritual diary

This diary is more than a mere journal—it’s a tangible reflection of your inner explorations, and it plays a vital role in your spiritual progression. 

As you jot down your experiences, thoughts, and feelings, you’re essentially laying down a trail of breadcrumbs. These can serve as important markers, helping you track how far you’ve come and illuminating patterns you might not have otherwise noticed.

Writing regularly can foster mindfulness and enhance self-awareness, acting as a mirror for your thoughts and emotions. It can also help you articulate and solidify your understandings, offering a safe space to question, contemplate, and celebrate your spiritual journey.

Finally, this spiritual diary can act as a tool for reflection, allowing you to revisit and contemplate past entries, recognize your growth, and draw inspiration for the future.

Insights from Mahatria Ra: “ The simple steps of loving yourself, celebrating yourself, cherishing your uniqueness, looking forward to the future, and believing the future is going to be infinitely greater than your entire past .”

Unfold the Universe Within

A spiritual journey is a deeply personal odyssey into one’s inner self—a quest for understanding, connection, and a profound realization of one’s spiritual essence. Its importance cannot be overstated; after all, it fosters personal growth and transformation as well as builds bridges of empathy and compassion that connect us all.

Now that you’ve uncovered the what, why, and how of a spiritual journey, the real adventure begins—your adventure. And on this voyage, Mindvalley can be your trusted companion, your Samwise to your Frodo. 

Here, you don’t just learn; you learn from the best—the likes of Neale Donald Walsch , Ken Wilber , and Mahatria Ra . They’ve traversed their own spiritual journeys and are now here to guide you on yours.

Why not get a taste of this transformative experience? Sign up for a free Mindvalley account and get access to the initial lessons of their quests. 

Remember, the beauty of a spiritual journey isn’t just about the destination. It’s also about every single step you take toward it.

It’s like Mahatria says, “ Every small change held long enough creates humongous possibilities in you. ” And this small change on this adventure brings you one step closer to your true, magnificent self.

Welcome in.

Try Mindvalley for free

Unlock Your Free Mindvalley Access Today

Begin your path to greatness with free quest lessons, guided meditations, special community events, and more Get started

Tatiana Azman

Ken Wilber is an internationally recognized philosopher, the creator of Integral Theory, and the trainer of Mindvalley’s The Integral Life Quest .

Often referred to as “the Einstein of consciousness studies,” his work focuses on organizing humanity’s expanding knowledge to enhance and deepen its impact.

Ken’s theories have led to comparisons with intellectual giants like William James and Freud. This has earned him accolades from former President Bill Clinton as “ one of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever met .”

Mahatria is a spiritual teacher, best-selling author, and global speaker renowned for his unique approach to spirituality and self-mastery.

He has the ability to simplify complex spiritual concepts into practical steps—something he teaches in his A Journey to Infinitheism Quest on Mindvalley.

His philosophy, Infinitheism, merges over 25 years of spiritual study with Western science and Eastern wisdom. Its aim is to guide people of all backgrounds to enhance their lives and achieve their full potential.

Neale Donald Walsch is best known for his Conversations with God series. They have been translated into 37 languages, a testament to how deeply they have influenced millions worldwide.

Nearly two decades after what was thought to be the final book, Neale experienced another unexpected conversation with God. This resulted in Awaken the Species , a revelation intended to guide humanity’s next evolutionary step.

He continues to inspire and provoke significant life changes in his Awaken the Species Quest on Mindvalley, encouraging people to explore deeper spiritual connections and understandings.

How we reviewed this article

Does mentoring matter a multidisciplinary meta-analysis comparing mentored and non-mentored individuals, 2017 study on spiritual development, the construction and preliminary validation of a measure of reported mystical experience, 1975, mystical experiences prc 2009 study, you might also like.

Get Started

• Try Mindvalley for Free
• Free Masterclasses
• Coaching Certifications
• Vishen Lakhiani
• The Mindvalley Show
• Partnerships
• In English 🇺🇸
• En Español 🇪🇸
• Editorial Standards
• © 2024 Mindvalley, Inc.
• English (EN)

Fact-Checking: Our Process

Mindvalley is committed to providing reliable and trustworthy content. 

We rely heavily on evidence-based sources, including peer-reviewed studies and insights from recognized experts in various personal growth fields. Our goal is to keep the information we share both current and factual. 

The Mindvalley fact-checking guidelines are based on:

• Content Foundation: Our articles build upon Mindvalley’s quest content, which are meticulously crafted and vetted by industry experts to ensure foundational credibility and reliability.
• Research and Sources: Our team delves into credible research, ensuring every piece is grounded in facts and evidence, offering a holistic view on personal growth topics.
• Continuous Updates: In the dynamic landscape of personal development, we are committed to keeping our content fresh. We often revisit and update our resources to stay abreast of the latest developments.
• External Contributions: We welcome insights from external contributors who share our passion for personal transformation and consciousness elevation.
• Product Recommendations and Affiliations: Recommendations come after thoughtful consideration and alignment with Mindvalley’s ethos, grounded in ethical choices.

To learn more about our dedication to reliable reporting, you can read our detailed editorial standards .

Celestial Manifest

Spirituality Group Activities: Connecting, Healing, and Empowering Together

Are you looking for ways to deepen your spiritual practice and connect with like-minded individuals? Group activities can provide an opportunity for growth, healing, and empowerment. In this article, we’ll explore different forms of spirituality group activities, their benefits, and how to get involved.

The Power of Community: Why Group Activities Matter

Spirituality is a personal journey, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a solitary one. Community support can provide encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Group activities can also offer a safe space for exploring new ideas, receiving feedback, and sharing experiences. Here are some reasons why spirituality group activities matter:

• Connection: Group activities offer a chance to connect with others who share similar beliefs and values. This can be especially important for those who feel isolated or misunderstood in their daily lives.
• Healing: Group activities can provide a supportive environment for healing from past traumas, emotional wounds, or spiritual crises. Sharing your story with others who have been through similar experiences can be a powerful tool for healing.
• Empowerment: Group activities can help you feel empowered in your spiritual journey. By learning from others, sharing your own insights, and contributing to the group’s growth, you can develop a deeper sense of purpose and confidence in your path.

Different Forms of Spirituality Group Activities

There are many different forms of spirituality group activities, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are some common examples:

• Meditation groups: These groups focus on practicing mindfulness, relaxation, and inner peace. They may involve guided meditations, chanting, or silent sitting.
• Study groups: These groups focus on exploring spiritual texts, philosophies, or traditions. They may involve discussions, lectures, or experiential learning.
• Ceremony groups: These groups focus on celebrating rites of passage, seasonal changes, or other significant events in the spiritual calendar. They may involve rituals, music, or dance.
• Service groups: These groups focus on giving back to the community or the environment. They may involve volunteering, activism, or fundraising.
• Healing groups: These groups focus on supporting each other through physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. They may involve sharing circles, energy work, or body-mind practices.

How to Get Involved: Tips for Finding and Joining a Group

If you’re interested in joining a spirituality group activity, here are some tips for finding the right one for you:

• Research: Look online, in local newspapers, or at spiritual centers for groups that align with your interests and needs. Read reviews, descriptions, and schedules to get a sense of what each group offers.
• Attend events: Many groups hold open events or gatherings that allow newcomers to explore without a long-term commitment. Attend a few events to see if the group is a good fit for you.
• Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the group leader or members about their values, goals, and expectations. This can help you determine if the group aligns with your own beliefs and needs.
• Respect boundaries: When joining a group, it’s important to respect the rules and boundaries set by the leaders and members. This includes confidentiality, participation, and communication guidelines.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Group Activities

Like anything, group activities have their pros and cons. Here are some common benefits and drawbacks to consider:

• Support: Group activities can provide a sense of belonging, validation, and feedback from others who share your values and goals.
• Learning: Group activities can offer opportunities for learning and growth through new experiences, insights, and perspectives.
• Accountability: Group activities can help you stay committed to your spiritual practice and goals through regular meetings, check-ins, and shared responsibility.
• Conflict: Group activities can sometimes lead to conflicts or disagreements among members, which can be challenging to navigate.
• Pressure: Group activities can create pressure to conform to the group’s norms or expectations, which may not align with your own beliefs or values.
• Time commitment: Group activities can require a significant time commitment, which may be difficult to balance with other priorities in your life.

Conclusion: The Power of Group Activities for Spiritual Growth

Spirituality is a personal journey, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel alone. Group activities can provide a powerful source of support, learning, and empowerment for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice. Whether you’re looking to meditate, study, celebrate, heal, or serve, there is likely a group out there that can help you reach your goals. By taking the time to research, attend events, ask questions, and respect boundaries, you can find the right group for you and experience the power of community in your spiritual journey.

Self-Love Journal Prompts PDF: A Comprehensive Guide to Loving Yourself

Spirituality UK: Exploring Manifestations, Affirmations, and Astrology for a Deeper Understanding of the Self

© 2024 Celestial Manifest

"I have stood on stage during some difficult situations": Journey's Jonathan Cain on band animosity, the long life of Don't Stop Believin', and why they don't play Germany

AOR giants Journey are currently on tour, and will bring the show to the UK for the first time in over a decade later this year

Considered to be a true kingpin of 1970s American hard rock, Journey need no introduction. Don’t Stop Believin’ might be more than four decades old now, but the song has brought the San Franciscan band a whole new level of fame in recent times. Below, we catch up with Jonathan Cain, who co-wrote it with guitarist Neal Schon and former singer Steve Perry.

Journey are currently on tour in the US with Def Leppard , with an 11-date arena tour lined up for the UK and Ireland later in the year. Tickets for all shows are on sale now . 

Official verification is still required, but Forbes magazine recently claimed that Don’t Stop Believin’ is the most popular song of all time, so congratulations for that.  

There are many, many, many great songs in our time, and that distinction is such an honour. And of course being on the road, the accolade was also pretty timely for us. 

Steve Perry, one of the song’s co-writers, said he was “emotionally stunned” by the news. He’s been out of Journey since 1998. Do you or the rest of the band have much contact with him these days? 

Not really, though I know him vicariously through my son-in-law Trev Lukather [son of Toto guitarist Steve] who gives me up updates. Trev often says: “Someday I’ll get you together with Steve over a cup of coffee,” to which I reply: “Send him my love” [a reference to the song Send Her My Love from Journey’s 1983 album Frontiers ]. Steve has been active singing backgrounds on people’s records, and he was on Dolly Parton’s record [ Rockstar ]. It’s good to see that happening. 

As part of the band’s ongoing fiftieth anniversary celebrations, Journey’s upcoming UK tour is their first visit here since 2013.  

Classic Rock Newsletter

Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox!

That’s a long time! It’s been too long. We were caught up touring here [in the US]. We would ask our management, and they’d tell us there has to be a demand. We know full well that places like Germany are not our market. Even when we go there, nobody comes. Our true fans are in the UK, and when we looked into things it was time to bring the lads back.

It’s difficult to believe that Arnel Pineda, Journey’s current vocalist, has been in the band since 2007. 

After sixteen years Arnel is no longer the new guy. I call him The Crusher, because every time we throw him a challenge he crushes it. I still remember when we played with Def Leppard and it was the first time Joey [Elliott] had heard him. Joey looked at me, raised an eyebrow and said: “Woah, that kid can sing.” Steve Perry will always be recognised as the architect and the voice, but Arnel is the keeper of our legacy. We’re awfully proud of him.

Many of Journey’s songs are very demanding to perform, and the burnout rate of the band’s past singers speaks for itself, and yet Arnel is still doing great. 

We brought in a voice expert from LA to work with him. This guy brought in a kind of metal straw that allows the vocal cords to warm up without putting strain on them. I was sceptical, but this thing really works. It’s genius. 

Special guests on the upcoming tour are the acclaimed Illinois power-pop quartet Cheap Trick, who celebrate their own fiftieth anniversary this year. How well do you know those guys? 

I toured with them a lot in my band The Babys – Cheap Trick and The Babys was a hot ticket back then [at the end of the 70s]. It was always wall-to-wall young girls. John Waite [Babys frontman] was such a huge fan, he would always want to stay on at the venue and watch Cheap Trick. They made us realise we had to step up to the next level. 

There has been some well-publicised animosity within Journey [in 2022 Neal Schon filed a Cease And Desist order against Cain, whose wife, the televangelist Paula White-Cain, is the former US president Donald Trump’s spiritual advisor, after the Journey man performed Don’t Stop Believin ’ at the White House]. How does that manifest itself while the group is on tour?  

We take all of that down a notch for the sake of the band. The music is louder [than the negativity]. No matter who has said what, or anything that’s going on in the background, it’s all about bringing the best show that you can bring. 

Do the protagonists have separate dressing rooms on tour these days? 

[Side-stepping the question] It doesn’t mess with our chemistry. I have stood on stage during some difficult situations. But once you get up there and start playing those songs, all of us in the band are where we are supposed to be. It would be selfish [to let personal issues] affect the show. We owe our fans more than that. Our fans are everything. 

How many songs from Journey’s current album Freedom will be on the set-list for this tour?  

Right now we’re only playing one [ Let It Rain ], but we are working on a new, new song, and if we can get that up to speed we may be playing that one too. We’ll see. 

When you say ‘new, new’ you mean completely unheard, and maybe something that could be on the next album?  

Brand new, right out of the box. If it gets accepted then who knows… it might be a single.

Can you share the title?  

[Slightly warily] It’s called This Town . It’s about the fans. That fifty-year relationship we’ve had with them. We wrote it about their loyalty. The hook is: ‘ Tonight, it’s all about this town .’ 

Are you currently working on and stockpiling material for what would be a follow-up to Freedom ?  

I don’t know yet. It’s so tough out there. We had hoped for better results with Freedom , even though it was cut-and-paste, a bit of an experiment during covid. The covid song I wrote with Neal, The Way We Used To Be , was tongue-in-cheek all the way, and we weren’t able to release it in time, so it didn’t get much love. I heard a lot of bad covid songs – I mean some really bad ones – so we needed to do something that was really slick. That’s when I had the idea of two lovers not being about to see one another. 

What do you think of the special attention that Don’t Stop Believin’ receives, especially after its connection to a brand new audience after it appeared in the US TV series Glee , ahead of all the other songs in Journey’s catalogue?  

I don’t think that’s strange. It’s always been a special song to me because it gives us all permission to dream. When I first joined the band, my message to them was that we needed to write a song that spoke to the fans. Don’t Stop Believin’ was a conscious attempt for Steve and I to bring them into our song. There’s a lot of smalltown girls and boys out there wanting to get on to the midnight train to anywhere. And you know that we broke all of the rules with that song? 

In what way?  

Well, the chorus only happens once, and it comes right at the end. And Neal solos even before Steve sings. And yet it became the most downloaded rock song of all time. 

Who was the most surprising person to tell you that they dug Don’t Stop Believin'?  

Bruce Springsteen. There was a charity gala, and Bruce, Elton Joh n and Lady Gaga sang it on stage somewhere. It’s out there on the net somewhere, you can check it out.

Dave Ling was a co-founder of Classic Rock magazine. His words have appeared in a variety of music publications, including RAW, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Prog, Rock Candy, Fireworks and Sounds. Dave’s life was shaped in 1974 through the purchase of a copy of Sweet’s album ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’, along with early gig experiences from Status Quo, Rush, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Yes and Queen. As a lifelong season ticket holder of Crystal Palace FC, he is completely incapable of uttering the word ‘Br***ton’.

Jon Bon Jovi masterminded one of the biggest and biggest-selling bands of his era, and became one of its biggest rock stars. But there's more – so much more

Giants from the golden age of AOR: The REO Speedwagon albums you should definitely listen to

"Murder and mayhem never had their way, though the potential was there": A story of Moby Grape, chaos and courtrooms, acid trips and white witches

Most Popular

Korolyov or Korolev is an industrial city in Moscow Oblast, Russia, well known as the cradle of Soviet and Russian space exploration. As of the 2010 Census, its population was 183,402, the largest as a science city. As of 2018, the population was more than 222,000 people. It was known as Kaliningrad from 1938 to 1996 and served as the leading Soviet center for production of anti-tank and air-defense guns. In 1946, in the aftermath of World War II, the artillery plant was reconstructed for production of rockets, launch vehicles, and spacecraft, under the guidance of Russian scientist and academician Sergei Korolev, who envisioned, consolidated and guided the activities of many people in the Soviet space-exploration program. The plant later became known as the RKK Energia; when the Vostok space vehicle was being developed, this research center was designated as NII-88 or POB 989.

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korolyov,_Moscow_Oblast

Official Website http://www.korolev.ru/

Coordinates 55°55'13.763" N 37°49'57.464" E

Sygic Travel - A Travel Guide in Your Pocket

More interesting places

• Privacy Policy
• STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS

Who were the Inklings? An essential explainer and listening guide

Here’s everything you need to know about the legendary group of thinkers and creatives that changed literature through their thoughtful conversation, spirited debates, and steadfast connection.

You might know that fantasy giants J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were friends and contemporaries, but did you know they were part of a literary group of like-minded writers and scholars who met at Oxford University during the 1930s and 1940s? Read on to learn all about the Inklings and their continuing legacy.

Who were the Inklings?

The Inklings were a group of writers and scholars, mostly associated with Oxford University, who met each week to read and discuss each other's work through the 1930s and 1940s. The group was not an official literary society—they had no officers or elections, set rules, or formal meeting agendas. Instead, they were connected by their shared interest in narrative fiction and fantasy, philosophy, and Christianity. The members read aloud from their own unfinished work, offered each other critiques, and engaged in discussions about both their works-in-progress and writing and reading more broadly. During the Inklings's heyday, monumental works such as Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings saga, C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet , and Charles Williams's All Hallows Eve were read aloud to members. Though the reading, sharing, and critiquing of unfinished work was the main objective, the Inklings also held jovial, rousing conversations and friendly competitions—such as who could read aloud from bad prose for the longest without giving in to laughter. The work of Irish writer Amanda McKittrick Ros often featured in these competitions.

How did the Inklings get their name?

The group's name was borrowed from a literary society established at Oxford in the early 1930s. This earlier group was made up of both students and dons, who met to discuss unfinished work. When that group's founder, Edward Tangye Lean, graduated from Oxford, the society dissolved. Tolkien and Lewis did not revive it but borrowed the Inklings as the name for their own informal literary gathering.

Where and when did the Inklings meet?

For most of the two decades during which the Inklings flourished, they met twice a week. On Thursday evenings, they gathered in C.S. Lewis's rooms at Magdalen College. On Tuesdays, they met at a local pub, The Eagle and Child, which was frequented by Oxford students and professors alike. Known informally as The Bird, the pub provided a public place for the Inklings to meet, often with friends who didn't always attend the Thursday meetings. The owner invited the Inklings to use his private parlor, providing them with some distance from the goings-on of the pub at large. The Eagle and Child is still best known for its association with Tolkien, Lewis, and the Inklings.

Who were notable members of the Inklings?

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were at the heart of the Inklings and remain the group's most famous members. However, several other notable British writers, scholars, and academics were also involved. Many of them went on to publish books and have long literary careers. The Inklings also included more casual members—writers who would drop in occasionally but did not attend meetings regularly. The unincorporated, non-hierarchal nature of the group allowed for this kind of fluid membership.

J.R.R. Tolkien

It's hard to overstate J.R.R. Tolkien's influence on the literary world. His The Lord of the Rings Trilogy remains one of the most beloved fantasy epics of all time, and his legacy is nothing short of tremendous. Considered by many to be the father of modern fantasy, Tolkien remains unparalleled in his world-building and wield of language.

Best known for his beloved fantasy series The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis was also a literary scholar, academic, and Christian philosopher. The Inklings played an important role in his religious journey. After drifting away from faith as a young man, he returned to Christianity in his 30s, thanks in part to his friendship with Tolkien and conversations they had with other members of the Inklings throughout the 1930s. Faith is a prominent theme in all of his work.

Charles Williams

Charles Williams was a poet, novelist, playwright, critic, and publisher. He worked for the Oxford University Press from 1908 until his death in 1945. He's best known for his series of fantasy novels — War in Heaven , Descent into Hell , and All Hallows' Eve , among others —a ll of which are set in this world (as opposed to a made-up world like Tolkien's Middle-earth). Alongside Lewis, Williams is considered one of the most prominent 20th-century writers of Christian fantasy.

Owen Barfield

Owen Barfield was a philosopher, poet, and author. He was an active member of the Inklings and remained close friends with C.S. Lewis for the remainder of his life. Many of his ideas about language, metaphor, myth, and philosophy, first discussed in meetings of The Inklings, heavily influenced the work of both Lewis and Tolkien. While Barfield wrote novels as well as nonfiction, he is best known for his philosophical and critical works, including Poetic Diction and History in English Words .

Other members of the Inklings

Other members of the Inklings included Nevill Coghill, a literary scholar who published a modern/contemporary English version of Canterbury Tales ; David Cecil, who published biographies and histories of influential British writers; and Dr. Robert Havard, the physician of both Tolkien and Lewis, who invited him to join the Inklings due to their shared literary interests. Havard was not the only doctor member of the Inklings. Ear, nose, and throat surgeon Dr. James Dundas-Grant also attended meetings sometimes, as did Catholic priest Father Gervase Mathew and historian R. B. McCallum. Though the group was a literary one, the Inklings attracted thinkers and philosophers from a variety of fields. Lewis's brother Warren and Tolkien's son Christopher also attended meetings regularly.

Listens to learn more about the Inklings

The fellowship.

In the first comprehensive biography of the Inklings, Philip and Carol Zaleski paint a vivid picture of the group's four most lively members: Tolkien, Lewis, Charles Williams, and Owen Barfield. This audiobook makes a fantastic introduction for anyone curious about what went on during those meetings at Oxford—the arguments won and lost, the ideas wrestled with, and the unshakable friendships forged. Narrator John Curless strikes a perfect balance between imparting information and spinning a good story.

A Hobbit, A Wardrobe and a Great War

This is a thoughtful and fascinating history of World War I and its tremendous influence on J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. British historian and scholar Joseph Loconte traces the spiritual and creative journeys of both acclaimed authors, from young men who fought in the trenches to writers whose experiences of unfathomable loss spurred not only some of the greatest work of the 20th century but also a deepened commitment to their Christian faith. Dave Hoffman's clear, deep voice lends this audiobook the gravitas it deserves.

The Inklings

Oxford native Humphrey Carpenter was briefly acquainted with J.R.R. Tolkien and some of the other Inklings. In this riveting work of literary history, he invites listeners to share in the magic of those evenings spent in Lewis's rooms at Oxford. He highlights the deep friendships that formed between many of the Inklings, as well as the lively conversations about faith, morality, ethics, philosophy, and literature that informed the later work of many of the group's members. Narrator Bernard Mayes's engaging style makes it feel as if you're right there alongside Tolkien and his peers.

Bandersnatch

Though the fame of writers like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis often makes it feel as if the Inklings were some kind of lofty, untouchable society of geniuses, they were actually just a bunch of friends who got together to read and critique each other's work—a practice familiar to many writers today. This audiobook focuses on the friendships and creative collaborations among the group's members. Diana Pavlac Glyer explores the influence of the Inklings on classics like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. Using the Inklings as a jumping-off point, she delves into the merits of creative collaboration more broadly, looking at how discussion and critique can foster unique talent. Michael Ward's friendly, colloquial narration makes this a perfect listen for history buffs and aspiring writers alike.

Who Is J.R.R. Tolkien? Celebrating the Incomparable Creator of Middle-earth

Journey there and back again with "The Hobbit"

"The Chronicles of Narnia" is a cultural touchstone for the ages

Navigation menu

Discover this place

What is the most streamed BLACKPINK song? Girl group's musical journey explored as they celebrate 8th anniversary in August 2024

B LACKPINK has become one of the most successful Korean girl groups, boasting a global fan base. Formed by YG Entertainment, the group consists of Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa .

In August 2024, the band is about to celebrate their 8th anniversary. In these years, the group has officially released 32 songs, playing a significant role in the Hallyu wave. The group has been marked as one of the most streamed artists on Spotify.

Among numerous chart-topping hits, How You Like That is the most-played song by the band. The track has officially crossed one billion streams on Spotify, making them the first-ever K-pop girl group to do so. The song, released in 2020, has achieved five Guinness World Records and has been trending on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for its electrifying energy, powerful rap, and dynamic beats.

The music video of How You Like That has gained more than 1.2 billion views on YouTube.

BLACKPINK's musical journey explored

The girl group, which debuted in 2016 in Korea, has gained massive popularity across social media and YouTube, breaking multiple records and consistently charting on the most-played lists. Later, the band was introduced in Japan and the United States in 2017 and 2019, respectively.

In 2016, the band launched its first mini album, SQUARE ONE, which was a blending of dance, rap, hip-hop, pop, R&B, and EDM together. Whistle was the debut song, while Boombayah became the first song to enter the Billboard chart. The popularity of the album brought them the New Artist of the Year award at the 31st Golden Disc Awards and the 26th Seoul Music Awards.

Read more: 5 brands endorsed by Jisoo in 2024

In 2018, the group released their first Korean EP, Square Up , which debuted at the top of the Gaon Album Chart and at number 40 on the US Billboard 200. They became the highest-charting female K-pop act on the Billboard Hot 100 and 200 with Ddu-Du Ddu-Du and Square Up .

This was followed by their second Korean EP, Kill This Love, released in April 2019. It debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200, making them the highest-charting female Korean act on the chart.

Blackpink then released How You Like That as a pre-release single from their debut studio album, The Album, in June 2020. The song debuted at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. They followed the success of their first studio album by releasing their second in 2022.

The girl group released the pre-release single Pink Venom from their second studio album, Born Pink, in August 2022. The song became their first number-one single on the Billboard Global 200 and peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.

They are the first K-pop girl group to top Billboard's Emerging Artists chart and have multiple number-one singles on the World Digital Song Sales chart. They were also the fastest K-pop group to hit the top two spots on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart with their debut.

Read more: YG Entertainment suffers a reduction in sales & performance following BLACKPINK's absence

The band is hosting a fan signing event to celebrate their 8th anniversary . Announced on July 19 via Weverse, the event will take place on August 8. Fans are invited to share posts showcasing their love for the band, using the hashtag #OUR_AREA_WITH_BLINK, to enter the selection process.

The official announcement reads,

"Hello, on August 8th, BLACKPINK will celebrate their 8th debut anniversary with a fan signing event! We invite all BLINKS who love BLACKPINK to freely express your special feelings in various ways and share them using the hashtag #OUR_AREA_WITH_BLINK!"

The announcement further reads,

"To celebrate the 8th debut anniversary, 88 participants who best express their love for BLACKPINK through fan letters, drawings, photos, or stories about their precious memories with BLACKPINK, will be invited to the fan signing event! Any BLINK MEMBERSHIP (GLOBAL) member can participate."

Read more: BLACKPINK members Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé show support to Jennie on her collaboration song ‘SPOT' with Zico

The top 88 posts will earn an invitation to the event. Only one entry per person is allowed, and inappropriate content will disqualify participants. This event is exclusive to Blink Member Rest (Global) members. Details about the event's time and location will be provided to the winners later.

3 takeaways from Trump’s speech, final night of the Republican convention

Trump delivered an initially powerful but ultimately bizarrely meandering speech, as the convention played up the assassination attempt against him.

MILWAUKEE — Welcome to The Campaign Moment. This week, we’re running through the big moments and trends from the Republican National Convention.

(Did a friend forward this to you, or are you seeing this on the website? If so, sign up for this newsletter here . And make sure to check out the Campaign Moment podcast .)

The big moment

The 2024 GOP convention came to a close Thursday night, with former president Donald Trump formally accepting his party’s nomination just five days after surviving an assassination attempt.

But even that story wasn’t necessarily the biggest of Thursday, as the potential exit of the opponent Republicans had spent four days attacking — President Biden — loomed larger and larger .

Here’s our final set of takeaways from the convention week that was.

1. A tale of two Trump speeches: powerful and perplexing

The first 15 minutes of Trump’s speech were powerful, as he recounted Saturday’s assassination attempt.

The rest of the more than 90-minute-long speech was thoroughly confusing. It meandered between points, often going off-script with ad-libs that left a standard-issue Trump campaign speech without the kind of coherent, lofty theme that defines traditional presidential convention fare. And Trump’s initially subdued manner and calls for unity didn’t match the content of an often-divisive speech.

Trump grabbed the audience with a promise to discuss what happened Saturday, but qualified it by saying he would only do it once, “because it’s actually too painful to tell.”

He celebrated slain firefighter Corey Comperatore and two others who were shot.

Perhaps the most powerful moment came when Trump said, “I’m not supposed to be here tonight.” The crowd began chanting, “Yes you are!” Trump ultimately responded, “Thank you, but I’m not.”

“Despite such a heinous attack, we unite this evening more determined than ever,” Trump wrapped up that section. “I am more determined than ever. So are you. So is everybody. … Our resolve is unbroken, and our purpose is unchanged.”

Also unchanged: Virtually the rest of his speech, undifferentiated from a normal Trump stump speech.

Despite the call for unity, Trump soon referred to “crazy Nancy Pelosi,” repeatedly cited false allegations of stolen elections, called for the firing of the head of the United Auto Workers, cited the “China virus” and the “invasion” at the Southern border. He called a Democratic senator a “total lightweight.” He even repeated a puzzling allusion to “ the late, great Hannibal Lecter ,” from “The Silence of the Lambs,” which he’s used before.

All of it was familiar from Trump’s speeches — as was the extensive ad-libbing. But this wasn’t just any Trump speech. This was a different venue, his introduction to many more casual voters who might not eat up his many musings.

The assassination attempt probably drew even more eyeballs to him, and it’s not clear what those new viewers took away, beyond that Trump was nearly killed five days ago.

“So I’d better finish strong,” Trump said at one point. “Otherwise we’ll blow it. And we can’t let that happen.”

2. Republicans trolled Democrats on replacing Biden

As Democrats appeared to inch closer to replacing their 2024 standard-bearer, Republicans decided now would be a good time to stir the pot.

Previously, some high-profile Republicans made clear their preference for facing Biden and began attacking Vice President Harris more . But Wednesday, their move was to try to stoke Democratic divisions, casting any attempt to replace the nominee as a brazen and even undemocratic one.

Top Trump campaign adviser Chris LaCivita, at a CNN/Politico event, called it an attempted “coup” and an effort to “ depose ” Biden “that’s going to create a whole host of different issues.”

At another event, former Trump acting director of national intelligence Richard Grenell called efforts to switch nominees “ outrageous ” and urged the media to declare that “you don’t get to dump this [president]. This is what happens in other countries, not in America.”

On X, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) labeled it an “ insurrection .”

None of these descriptions actually fit; Democrats are trying to persuade Biden to drop out, not overturn the primary results themselves. But as the Biden loyalists get a little quieter , there’s certainly value for Republicans in framing things this way in hopes of riling them (or perhaps even Biden) up.

At the very least, Republicans seemed to be having some fun trolling Democrats over their discord.

3. They leaned in on the assassination attempt — and maybe God’s favoritism

Trump wasn’t the only one to focus extensively on the assassination attempt.

Speakers repeatedly pitched it and Trump’s response as evidence of Trump’s resolve, courage — and possibly even God’s will that he be president.

Eric Trump focused on it, calling Trump “a man who survived a bullet that was intended to eliminate him permanently from our future and from our family.”

“You wiped the blood off your face,” Eric Trump said. “And you put your fist in the air, in a moment that will be remembered as one of the most courageous acts in the history of American politics.”

Trump lawyer Alina Habba said Trump “did not just take a bullet in Butler, Pennsylvania. He has and will continue to take them for each and every one of us.”

While other Trump supporters have posited that God intervened to save Trump, a couple of speakers seemed to go a little further to suggest it showed God’s favoritism.

Evangelical leader Franklin Graham, unlike many others pointing to possible divine intervention, noted that firefighter Corey Comperatore was not spared.

“I cannot explain why God would save one life and allow another one to be taken,” Graham said. “I don’t have the answer for that.”

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested that he did have that answer.

“When he stood up after being shot in the face, bloodied, and put his hand up, I thought at that moment that was a transformation. This was no longer a man. Well, I think that I think it was divine intervention,” Carlson said, adding: “This was the leader of a nation.”

Carlson added: “I think a lot of people are wondering, what is this? This doesn’t look like politics. Something bigger is going on here. I think even people who don’t believe in God are beginning to think, well, maybe there’s something to this, actually.”

Take a moment to read:

• “ What happens if Biden drops out of the presidential race? ” (Washington Post)
• “ Pelosi has told House Democrats that Biden may soon be persuaded to exit race ” (Washington Post)
• “ Obama tells allies Biden’s path to winning reelection has greatly diminished ” (Washington Post)
• “ The right is attacking the Secret Service’s women agents. Trump hasn’t joined in. ” (Politico)
• “ Pelosi, Long Fixated on Winning, Is in No Mood to Lose With Biden ” (New York Times)