Define spirituality. People often have their own personal views as to what that means. One’s spiritual nature is certainly something that can be defined in any way the individual wants.
The same is true with religion. Did you know there are thousands of different types of religions worldwide? That proves that what qualifies as a religious practice or belief for one person might not for another.
Some people don’t follow any particular religion. Some of these folks don’t consider themselves very spiritual, either. There are countless ways to view spirituality and religion.
Your view is right for you, and what someone else believes is right for them.
Now let’s look at how meditation applies to spirituality and religion. People in the Western world often relate meditating with Indian spirituality. This is because that’s where meditation began thousands of years ago. It slowly worked its way west and is now found all over the globe.
What began as a spiritual practice, a way to connect with something bigger than the individual is used today for non-spiritual and non-religious purposes. You will still find religions that practice meditation as an important part of their belief system. You are just not required to practice a certain religion or embrace a particular spiritual discipline to benefit from meditation.
Do What Works Best for You
In Western societies, meditation is sometimes thought to be a way to develop a closer relationship with God. Many Asian practices are more about exploring a person’s individual spirituality.
Catholic prayers are intended to send messages to God or to the saints. They are a form of meditation. Mindfulness is a practice that doesn’t ask for or require any belief in spirituality or religion. You become mindful of yourself and your surroundings to improve focus and attention and relieve stress.
We mentioned that there are thousands of different types of religions. There are dozens of different forms of meditation. Most of them don’t require that you have a particular religious outlook or spiritual belief system.
Taking a few minutes to calm your thoughts and reflect inward is a form of meditation. You mentally remove yourself from a busy, hectic world and enjoy peace and quiet. Whatever method of meditation you practice, you aren’t required to join a religion or become spiritual if you aren’t.
Additionally, your religious preference probably won’t view meditation as something that’s off-limits. It’s proven to offer so many mind and body benefits. Religious and nonreligious people can simultaneously improve their health and wellness with this ancient practice.
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