According to Hindu culture, the third stage of our lives should be devoted to “vanaprastha,” which signifies retiring to the forest. In other words, retirement is the time of our lives when we need to focus less on extrinsic rewards and way more on intrinsic motivation.
It’s also that time when we need to go within ourselves and develop our inner lives. For some of us, we might discover our faith, and for others, we might discover faith for the first time. When it comes to religion and spirituality, finding a faith or a path to a higher power, which many prefer defining as the universe, the divine, or God, there’s only one thing we can agree on: it’s not easy.
We might even prefer practicing one over the other to find an ideal mix between the two, or even develop a very personal faith tailored to our needs. Whatever it might be, incorporating faith into our daily lives provides us with the needed foundation and direction. Most importantly, it gives us the comfort of knowing that we are never alone.
Embrace solitude
Oftentimes, retirement comes with a lot of free time, and this could lead to long periods of solitude. While it might seem scary at first, solitude could potentially become a very powerful tool, depending on your spiritual journey.
Solitude isn’t so much about being lonely. It’s more about being alone with your own thoughts and letting yourself properly reflect and grow. It’s also about reconnecting with yourself on a deeper level and staying away from the constant hustle and bustle of life.
You can use this new time to meditate, pray, or just sit in quiet contemplation. Whatever works for you and your personal beliefs. This healthy practice could help you connect more deeply with your inner self and also develop a stronger sense of peace and contentment.
Create a sacred space.
In my own journey of spiritual depth, I managed to discover this huge value in creating a sacred, clean space in my home. This specific area became like a personal sanctuary, a place where I could retreat and connect with my spirituality on a much deeper level.
My sacred space is basically a small corner of my study, full of items that hold deep spiritual significance for me. Whether it’s a plush chair, a small table for my books and journals, or simply a mix of candles, it works. That’s where I like to read, pray, and reflect.
Having a designated space at home has proven to be quite instrumental in my spiritual life. It also serves as a constant reminder of my spiritual journey and commitment. Every morning, after sitting in that designated area, it feels like stepping into a totally different world. A world where I can simply shut out the noise of everyday life and focus on healing my inner self.
Engage with nature.
Nature is by far one of the most powerful and complex spiritual tools we have on hand. Its beauty and complexity are beyond what we can comprehend, and it’s an infinite source of awe and wonder. In nature, we are able to develop and foster a deep connection with something bigger than ourselves.
Studies have repeatedly shown that spending time in nature could have many benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. More than that, it has been found that individuals who constantly connect with nature manage to reach higher levels of spiritual well-being.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is one of the strongest practices you could try to tap into your spiritual side. It brings a deeper level of awareness and connection to ourselves. It’s also about being fully present every single moment, paying attention to your own thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without any kind of judgment.
Practicing mindfulness can also help you connect with your spiritual self. You will start to notice subtle insights, emotions, and experiences that you would otherwise overlook because of how hectic life can get.
There are plenty of ways to cultivate your mindfulness. You can start with basic activities like mindful eating, where you “pause” the time and savor each bite of the food, or mindful walking, where you try to connect with every step.
Seek wisdom in books.
Reading is a wonderful way to deepen our spiritual lives. There are so many books out there that can offer profound insights into spirituality, from many perspectives you haven’t even thought of yet. Whether it’s ancient scriptures, philosophical texts, autobiographies of spiritual leaders, or just contemporary works on mindfulness and personal growth, all these books can expand your mind in ways you never thought were possible.
So try to set aside some time every day to read and reflect on these words of wisdom. You could even find that they can illuminate your path, challenge your beliefs, or just provide comfort and guidance in your own spiritual journey.
Connect with others.
Our relationships are another profound source of spiritual growth. Connecting with your loved ones (and people in general, for that matter), whether it’s family, friends, or even strangers, can teach you plenty about love, empathy, kindness, and understanding.
In retirement, we get the opportunity to invest more time in this kind of relationship. You get to carry on deep conversations, offer your support and love, or just enjoy shared experiences. All these moments of connection could enrich your life and also deepen your understanding of the human condition.
Moreover, the connection goes beyond personal relationships. You should consider joining groups and communities that truly align with your spiritual beliefs.
Explore different spiritual practices.
When you retire, you will realize how curious you have become about different spiritual practices. My exploration opened the doors to yoga, meditation, and tai chi. To my shock, these practices provided me with a certain sense of peace and calm that I’d never experienced before.
Yoga also helped me connect my body and mind, bringing a renewed sense of balance and harmony. Meditation opened a brand new window into my inner self, teaching me how to study and observe my thoughts without being judged. Tai Chi brought flow and grace into my life. Suddenly, I was aware of how beautiful each moment was.
Volunteer your time.
Being of service to others is yet another spiritual practice. When you give your time and energy to help others, you can also experience a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. Volunteering will open up a whole new path for you, teaching you how to step out of your own “bubble” and focus on contributing to the well-being of others.
This beautiful act of selflessness can bring a certain sense of connection and love, which are at the core of many spiritual traditions. You might want to look for opportunities to volunteer at a local non-profit organization. It can be literally anything, from helping out at a local food bank and mentoring young people all the way to participating in community clean-up efforts.
Listen to your inner voice.
At the core of deepening your spiritual life, you will learn how to listen to your inner voice. It’s the voice of your true self and wisdom, which is unmatched. Oftentimes, it might be quiet, subtle, and drowned out by the noise of others. But now, you have the chance to tune into this voice profoundly. It will be a process of self-discovery, of peeling back all the layers that you need in order to uncover your authentic self.
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