How to Become More Spiritual

If you want to become more spiritual it only takes a few short steps and the results will astound you.  You'll feel better, think clearer and bring more joy into your life.  Spiritually has very little to do with organized religion, prayers or chanting.  It's more of a lifestyle and a state of mind.  If you loathe stress and living with a dog-eat-dog attitude, here's how to become more spiritual.

Instructions

1.  Meditate to find inner peace.  Often in the turmoil of daily life, people forget about the true meaning of life and what's really important.  Sit on a pillow or mat in a quiet place and clear your mind.  This will be hard at first, but with practice, you'll be able to eliminate extraneous thoughts and relax.

2.  Read spiritual works.  This can mean anything from the Bible to the Hindu sacred text, like the Upanishads and Vedas, from pop culture books like "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" to books about Buddhism and Taoism.  Explore a wide variety of spiritual and religious texts to find what appeals to you.

3.  Help others.  Actions speak louder than words, so consider volunteer work for your favorite charity or simply baby-sit a neighbor's child so she can go to night school.  A spiritual person thrives on turning thoughtful words and feelings into reality.  Reciting Bible passages may calm the nerves, but help others to achieve true spirituality.

4.  Write and create by keeping a diary of daily feelings and observations.  You can include drawing collages, photos and other artwork in it.  Use the journal as one part healing therapy, and one part spiritual quest.  By combining the two, you'll learn how inward observation and selflessness can make you live a calmer, more centered life.

5.  Mind your manners--and your words.  Become kinder to people each day, in your personal life and work situations.  Be aware of other people's thoughts and feelings, and offer to help them when you can do so.  This will create good karma for you--but of course, that shouldn't be the motive for being kind.

6.  Commune with nature.  Go for a walk in the woods or on the beach instead of going to a crowded health club.  Hike a nature trail or take in a stray cat or two.  Forsake the usual materialistic pursuits and you'll feel better and become more spiritual in the long run.