Which Spiritual Practice Do You Actually Need? A Spiritual Master's Guide

Are you looking to deepen your spiritual health and connect with something greater than yourself? If so, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll walk you through some powerful spiritual practices that can help you nurture your inner life and find a lasting sense of peace.

Spirituality is a deeply personal journey, and these practices offer different paths for self-discovery and growth. By engaging in them, you can cultivate a stronger sense of purpose, find comfort in times of hardship, and tap into your inner wisdom. They also help you explore your beliefs, values, and desires—aligning your daily actions with what truly matters to you.

In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, taking the time to nurture your spirituality can offer real solace and guidance. So whether you’re new to spiritual practices or looking to deepen what you’re already doing, join me as we explore the transformative power of these spiritual tools.

What are spiritual practices?

Spiritual practices are activities that help you feel closer to the divine and the world around you, grow in awareness, and cultivate inner calm and happiness. They can help you connect with God or with a higher presence beyond yourself, and they allow you to interact with your inner essence—your true nature as a soul.

Spiritual seeker on his spiritual journey

These practices can vary widely depending on different faith traditions and belief systems, but they typically include meditation, prayer, self-reflection, and mindful awareness. The core aim is always the same: to connect with the divine—however you understand it—and to support the spiritual dimension of who you are.

A quick note: soul awareness vs. body awareness

Throughout this article, I’ll mention whether each practice tends to support soul awareness or body awareness (or both). Let me briefly clarify what I mean by these terms, since they’re central to my teaching.

Your soul awareness (or soul vibration) reflects your level of consciousness—how deeply you understand Creation, your purpose, and your connection to the divine. Practices like meditation and gratitude tend to support this dimension of growth.

Your body awareness (or body vibration) reflects how efficiently your body exchanges energy with the surrounding Creation, including Earth. It’s deeply influenced by the limiting beliefs stored in your subconscious. Practices like connecting with nature and energy healing tend to support this dimension.

The two are related but distinct—and the most effective spiritual path addresses both.

Two main approaches to spiritual practices

Before we dive into specific practices, it helps to understand the two main approaches to this topic:

• Specific spiritual practices. These are targeted for a particular purpose—like enhancing soul awareness, body awareness, connection with Earth, or connection with higher entities. Choosing the right practice at the right time requires either significant experience or the guidance of a spiritual guide with strong spiritual discernment.

• Spiritual schools. A well-structured spiritual school will integrate different practices to cover all aspects of a student’s growth—soul awareness, body awareness, connection with Creation and God, grounding, and more. In this case, the spiritual guide or master selects which procedures will best meet each student’s needs at each stage of their development.

Categories of spiritual practices

Whether you use spiritual practices individually or within the framework of a school, here are the main categories to be aware of:

• Meditation and mindfulness. These ancient practices have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their proven effectiveness in enhancing spiritual health. They involve focused attention and self-awareness, helping you attain a state of inner tranquility and heightened consciousness.

• Ancient spiritual traditions (Yoga, Tai Chi, etc.). Physical movement and spiritual alignment converge in practices like Yoga and Tai Chi, which have their roots in ancient Eastern philosophies. These disciplines enhance physical flexibility while also stimulating spiritual growth. However, since they were developed for the consciousness level of humanity hundreds or thousands of years ago, they may be less effective for today’s modern seeker without some adaptation.

• Modern spiritual schools. Some modern spiritual schools are specifically designed for the current consciousness level of humanity and the realities of modern life—social pressures, technology, career demands, time constraints, and environmental challenges that our ancestors never faced.

• Prayer and rituals. Religious and spiritual rituals have been deeply ingrained in cultures and belief systems worldwide for thousands of years. These practices serve as a means of expressing devotion, seeking guidance, and cultivating a connection with the divine. They were the first steps in spirituality for any soul.

• Spiritual and psychic readings. Psychic readings and spiritual readings offer two distinct approaches to gaining spiritual insight. They include methods like Tarot, crystal, and palm readings. Psychic readings tap into the energetic realm, allowing psychics to connect with your energy and provide intuitive guidance about past, present, and future events. Spiritual readings go deeper into the soul and higher consciousness, helping you find clarity, meaning, and purpose in your life.

• Nature-based practices. The natural world has always held a special place in human spirituality. These practices emphasize the interconnectedness of all living things and our relationship with the environment. Examples include Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) and Ecospirituality.

• Energy healing. Energy healing practices work with the flow of energy within and around the human body, aiming to balance and harmonize it to promote health and well-being. Examples include distance healing, Reiki, crystal healing, and sound healing. This type of practice improves your body vibration.

• Shamanic and indigenous practices. These have been passed down through generations in various cultures and involve rituals, ceremonies, and a deep connection to both natural and spiritual realms. Examples include Vision Quests and Ayahuasca ceremonies.

• Self-reflection and journaling. Simple yet powerful, these practices allow you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. They promote self-awareness and personal growth.

• Limiting beliefs healing. Over the course of our lives, we accumulate many limiting beliefs from sources like family, school, society, religion, mass media, and friends. These beliefs shape our reality regardless of our IQ—they can override our intended destiny and throw us off the optimal path our soul planned before embodiment. By releasing these limiting beliefs, we can reconnect with our true essence and walk our optimal path in life.

Now, let me elaborate on several of these practices in more depth.

Meditation and mindfulness as powerful spiritual practices

Meditation is a practice that has been used for centuries to quiet the mind, find inner peace, and connect with the divine. By allowing yourself to sit in stillness and focus your attention on the present moment, you can cultivate a remarkable sense of clarity and tranquility.

Meditation primarily supports soul awareness growth.

During meditation, you can explore different techniques—mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, or guided visualization, to name a few. Each offers its unique benefits, helping you deepen your spiritual connection and tap into your inner wisdom.

Regular meditation practice can reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase self-awareness. It allows you to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering compassion for yourself and others. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you create a sacred space for spiritual exploration and growth. There are many types of meditation, so I’d encourage you to explore and find the one that best fits your needs.

Journaling for spiritual growth and self-reflection

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and spiritual growth. By putting pen to paper, you can delve deep into your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, gaining valuable insights into your spiritual journey.

Journaling supports both soul and body awareness growth—soul awareness through the reflective process of examining your beliefs and patterns, and body awareness by helping you identify the subconscious beliefs and emotional reactions stored in your body.

Through journaling, you can explore your beliefs, values, and desires, gaining a better understanding of yourself. It allows you to express gratitude, release negative emotions, and set intentions for personal growth. You can write about your experiences, dreams, and aspirations. You can also reflect on your spiritual practices, record meaningful quotes from spiritual texts, and explore how they resonate with you. By journaling consistently, you create a valuable resource for self-discovery and spiritual development.

The power of affirmations and positive thinking

Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself with the intention of shifting your mindset and attracting positive experiences into your life. They can be a helpful tool for enhancing your spiritual health and transforming your perspective.

Affirmations primarily support the process of subconscious belief awareness. While they don’t directly release deep limiting beliefs from your subconscious (that requires deeper inner work), affirmations can help you become aware of negative patterns and begin to shift your mental focus toward more empowering thoughts.

By regularly affirming positive beliefs, you can start to counterbalance ingrained negative self-talk, boost self-confidence, and foster a sense of gratitude. To make affirmations more effective, repeat them consistently, visualize the desired outcome, and pair them with genuine feeling. By incorporating affirmations into your daily routine, you can create a more positive mindset—which, over time, supports deeper spiritual transformation.

Engaging in mindful activities for spiritual well-being

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the current moment, without judgment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and simply observing them without getting caught up in them.

Mindful activities primarily support soul awareness growth.

Spiritual path

Engaging in mindful activities—such as walking, eating, or even washing dishes—can help you cultivate mindfulness and connect with the present moment. By bringing your full attention to your senses and immersing yourself in whatever you’re doing right now, you can experience a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

Mindfulness can lead to a greater sense of peace, reduced stress, and improved emotional well-being. By weaving it into your daily life, you enhance your spiritual health and begin to experience the beauty and richness of each moment.

Connecting with nature for spiritual rejuvenation

Nature has a powerful ability to nourish the soul and enhance spiritual well-being. Spending time in natural surroundings can help you reconnect with the earth, find inspiration, and experience a sense of awe and wonder.

Connecting with nature primarily supports body awareness growth.

By immersing yourself in natural environments, you can tap into the healing energy of the earth and gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, sitting by the ocean, or hiking in the mountains, spending time in nature can be a truly transformative spiritual practice.

This practice is especially powerful for opening your root chakra and deepening your connection with Mother Earth. Take the time to observe the beauty around you, listen to the sounds of nature, and feel the earth beneath your feet. Allow yourself to be fully present and let nature guide you on your spiritual journey.

The role of gratitude in enhancing spiritual health

Gratitude is a practice that involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life. By cultivating a sense of gratitude, you can shift your focus from what is lacking to what you already have, fostering a sense of abundance and contentment.

Expressing gratitude primarily supports soul awareness growth.

Practicing gratitude can be as simple as writing down three things you’re grateful for each day, or taking a moment to silently give thanks for the blessings in your life. By doing this consistently, you begin to rewire your brain to notice the positive—which naturally attracts more positivity into your life.

Gratitude can enhance your spiritual health by deepening your connection with yourself, others, and the divine. It opens your heart, increases your compassion, and brings a sense of joy and fulfillment to your life.

Exploring different spiritual practices and finding the right ones for you

As you walk your spiritual path, it’s important to explore different practices and find what resonates with you. What works for one person may not work for another, so listen to your inner guidance and choose practices that align with your unique needs and beliefs.

I’d strongly recommend seeking the help of an experienced spiritual guide when deciding which practice you need at any given point in your journey. A guide with strong spiritual discernment can save you years of wasted effort and help you focus on what will actually move the needle for your growth.

Whether it’s exploring different forms of meditation, attending spiritual retreats, or studying sacred texts, allow yourself to be open to new experiences and teachings. Embrace the process of self-discovery and trust that the right practices will reveal themselves to you. Remember, spirituality is a personal journey—the key is to find practices that bring you joy, peace, and a deeper connection with yourself and the divine.

Conclusion: Embracing spiritual practices for a balanced and fulfilling life

Embracing spiritual practices can greatly enhance your overall well-being. By weaving practices like these into your daily routine, you can improve your spiritual health and find a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

It’s worth remembering that happiness is not a goal to be pursued, as popular culture often suggests, but a natural byproduct of a fulfilling and purposeful life!

Remember that spirituality is a journey, and it’s important to be patient and gentle with yourself. Give yourself the time and space to explore different practices, and trust that you’ll find what truly resonates with you.

So take the first step on your spiritual journey today. Embrace the transformative power of these spiritual practices and set out on a path of self-discovery, growth, and spiritual enlightenment. The possibilities are truly endless.