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In February, we engaged our audience with the question: What does your spiritual practice entail? This inquiry was part of a broader exploration into how individuals forge a connection with something transcendent. Journalist Ruth Tam reported that participating in rituals and traditions can foster a deeper feeling of spirituality.
Over 80 readers from diverse backgrounds shared their heartfelt reflections. Among them, a Christian spoke about the growth and understanding she experiences within her church community. A Muslim described finding a connection to Allah in the simple moments of life, like the warmth of sunlight and the sounds of nature. An atheist articulated his belief in personal agency, emphasizing that his own actions define his moral compass.
Below are excerpts from readers that highlight their sources of spiritual comfort, spanning from literature to nature and everyday interactions. These responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
“This guide grounds me in the natural world”
Mary Oliver’s short poem, Instructions for Living a Life, resonates deeply with me:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
This simple guide connects me to the natural world and encourages me to appreciate my unique perspective while sharing my sense of wonder. —Mark A. Steiner
“I cherish moments with my grandchildren”
For me, the most profound spiritual experiences come from engaging with my three grandchildren, who are eight, five, and two. Sitting with them and answering their curious questions feels like a sacred dialogue. I deeply treasure those interactions—they embody spirituality for me. —Frank Monachello
“Spiritual growth would not be possible without others”
Attending the United Methodist Church and being part of a small group committed to spiritual growth is vital to my personal development. It’s in this community that I learn through shared experiences and understand the impact of my words and actions. —Margaret H. Lane
“Bow to the One who flung the stars into space”
The concept of “something greater” is not an abstract idea for me; it is Allah, intimately connected to my life. In the tranquility of my sunroom or while doing the dishes, I feel His presence. Islam beautifully intertwines community with personal spirituality, allowing moments of prayer with others and personal reflection beneath the stars. —Maaz Patel
“We alone are responsible”
I view myself as my highest authority. Personal accountability governs my choices and actions. Being socially aware drives my behavior; I strive to be a good neighbor and contribute positively to society. —Jesse Ohlsson
“Sunday mornings in the garden became my place of worship”
Raised in a Catholic environment, I often wrestled with traditional views of a harsh deity. Embracing gardening transformed my spiritual journey, reinforcing my connection to a nurturing higher power. The notion that “there is no closer place to God than in the garden” became central to my beliefs, evolving my Sundays into sacred, meditative experiences. —Gail Kelley
“Daily I rediscover my place in the universe as I gaze out at the immense ocean”
After relocating to Myrtle Beach, S.C., I began visiting the nearby beach at sunset, which has become a significant spiritual practice for me, regardless of the season. This ritual allows me to connect with nature, observe the beauty around me, and continually reassess my place within the vast universe. —Rodger Dicks
“I believe in things I can measure”
As a materialist, I focus on the tangible aspects of life, often skeptical of traditional spiritual beliefs. While I find meditation beneficial for stress relief, I approach it from a pragmatic perspective rather than a mystical one. —Marvin Straus
“We have always cared about all living things”
After my husband began exploring various religions leading up to his heart transplant in 2008, he discovered the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, which resonated with us deeply. We became involved in a Vietnamese Buddhist community, embracing mindfulness practices that continue to shape my spiritual life following his passing. —Bob Williamson
“I finally settled upon a belief system I call ‘universals'”
My spiritual journey led me through various belief systems, from Christian to Sufi to Eastern philosophies, ultimately guiding me to a personal synthesis I refer to as “universals.” This perspective acknowledges a fundamental consciousness behind the universe, promotes the golden rule of treating others well, and affirms the enduring nature of existence in some form. —Debbie Giles
We appreciate everyone who contributed their thoughts to our inquiry. We invite you to explore more discussions like these.
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