The most important Principle is also the most resisted - spiritual seeking. Spirituality is often confused with religion. People opposed to organized religion sometimes have a knee-jerk reaction to the idea of including spirituality as a part of everyday life. The truth is that spirituality is simple, requires no special rituals, and can be included in your daily routine.
First of all, why is important to be spiritually connected to God, a Higher Power, Nature, or whatever you might believe in? Many of our problems stem from our fear that we are alone in this world and need to figure everything out ourselves, somehow willing the world to work in the way we want. And given the chaotic nature of life, it can indeed seem that there is no plan to the universe. When we give into that feeling, we are lonely, afraid, and tend to make desperate, often self-destructive, decisions.
Although I am not religious, my day is filled with activities that connect me to the feeling that there is some presence in the universe that cares for me and wants the best for me. I pray in a formal way in the morning and at night. I pray silently throughout the day. And, on good days, I even include a little meditation. But some of the other activities that bring me comfort and a feeling of spiritual connection may surprise you.
Laundry - Laundry? Yes, believe it or not. The slow, methodical process of doing laundry can make me feel calm and peaceful. There is something about seeing the clean clothes, folding them carefully, and neatly putting them away that makes me feel like all is right with the world. Does that mean the chaos of the world has gone away outside of my house? Of course not. But for those few moments I feel safe and I term that feeling as spiritual.
Getting Up Early - I love getting up early while it is still dark and my family is still asleep in their beds. I stand at the kitchen window, waiting for the coffee to perk, and look out at the dark sky as the sun slowly rises. A few lights begin to come on in the neighborhood. I can hear the city begin to rumble as it awakes. I feel connected to the world.
For me, that is spirituality.
Walking - I live in Los Angeles where so much of life is consumed by sitting in traffic. So I force myself to walk every day, even if it is only for a few minutes. Out of my car, I suddenly become aware of the palm trees swaying in the wind or the warmth of the sun. Even in a city this large with many problems, nature reminds me of the insignificance of my petty worries. Nature brings me down to size.
I think that if we can simplify spirituality and make it a normal part of life, instead of an activity that takes place only in special settings at special times, more people will avail themselves of this tool and lead lives based in The Principles.
