Help Yourself to Intentional Spirituality

Spirituality is a lifestyle that’s lived intentionally. However, when a person chooses to do so they need to do what’s special to them because it will have more significance. Even if a person doesn’t feel the need to have an altar dedicated to a deity, it’s still important to have a sort of dedication to something or someone they cherish as they make space for them. Simply having photos of your friends and family (including your pets) is enough to pay homage. If not just the photos, trinkets that symbolize what you hold dear will work too since they were intentionally picked of what you hold important.

What’s that smell?

   I’ve recently learned that some people treat burning incense for their altar as a “task”. Usually, incense is utilized to clear the air, bless the space, or pay homage yet it has been explained that people simply burn it because it’s been done for each generation but with no explanation. Only with the idea it is a part of their spiritual beliefs that needs to be done. Based on my years of training and personal experiences this only causes a disconnect. 

A hard pill to swallow.

   This is just an example that when people are trying to connect spiritually and have no results I believe the reason is that there is no true connection except duty. Something that has to be done, checking off something from your checklist.  That is not how spirituality is done. It needs to be felt, to be sincere and to take the time to do the work. When I say, ‘Do the work,’ what I mean is to be curious, prod and poke at those deep, dark places you don’t want to touch or talk about. Be curious about your path, and your family’s past, present and future. Who are you and what are your family’s spiritual/religious beliefs and why? Even if at the end of the day you don’t subscribe to the traditional path your family has followed at least learn from it. 

Have discernment.

   As my favorite YouTuber LovelyTi says, “Eat the meat and spit out the bones.” The research and self-discovery won’t be for nothing. The idea of doing something because you have to isn’t sincere and shouldn’t be done until you find that rope of connection. Stop, take a pause and find something else to do to connect to your spirituality that is divine and true to you. Whether it’s cooking, meditating, cleaning with intention, singing, etc. Those are the more important ways to live intentionally within your spiritual path. An altar was only a physical example of dedication and intentional spirituality. Having hobbies that put you in a divine and intentional state is the best way to be connected sincerely to your source. Finding your purpose, understanding the whys the traditions and then creating your own. 

Unfortunately, this stuff doesn’t come with a step-by-step manual but with intuition and research. Stay curious, be true to yourself and don’t do things that truly don’t align with your spirit. These ‘tasks’ or the ‘have-to’s’ are what ruin the experiences and pause your journey.