Question for the non-religious: What practices and/or techniques have helped you grow spiritually?

Question

This question is intended for those who are spiritual, yet non-religious.

What practices or techniques help you or have helped you to grow spiritually?
Do you practice meditation or things of that nature?
Do you have a person or mentor that has guided you spiritually and how did you find that person?
Have you read certain texts that you feel have helped you learn and grow spiritually?

(I apologize for all the questions but I tried to condense this as much as possible and still ask everything I wanted to know.)

Answer 1

I'm an atheist but not a "materialist."

I've practiced Buddhist and Hindu meditation techniques. Buddhism is at least neither dogmatic nor superstitious at core (although many Buddhists are). It's a practical system that leads to definite results.

I've read most of the great religious classics, and I've made a lifelong study of comparative religion and anthropology, and the mysticisms of various traditions.

Since Dr. Sarcasm mentions it, I've also practiced "astral projection" with some degree of success. I can't say what the "astral plane" is exactly, or even whether it exists objectively; but I can say I've been there!

Answer 2

Extensive reading has been a major spiritual endeavor.

I also enjoy meditation and relaxation techniques.

The texts that have most helped me grow spiritually were Conversations with God by Neale Walsch... but only the first volume. After that it starts to get doctrinal, and it loses me. But the philosophy of the first one really helped me learn to think outside the box.

Secondly I took a World Religions class in grad school. That was where I introduced to Taoism and the Tao Te Ching. I also came into some Hindu spiritual readings which, although I'm not remotely Hindu, helped me think in a new way.

Answer 3

Meditation, definatley:P And exercise, take care of yourself

Help people out, voulnteer, I do it ALOT

umm, what else

read yea:P read tons, read deep books, like kite runner, that make you question things

and also read about religons and other peoples belifs so you understand them better

Kite runner always comes to mind for me, not sure why, but there are other books that changed how I view the world too

Answer 4

I meditate sometimes, and am learning yoga... Most of my spiritual growth has come from researching other different beliefs and practices, but I don't think I could reference one specific source as the "best".
There are several people who deserve credit for helping me find my own path. Pablito and Epona. Also Tawaen, thanks for the encouragement! (I actually found all of the above mentioned people here in R&S) =)

Answer 5

Since I broke the carafe on my cappuccino machine I've lost a bit of spirituality. I've been trying to find new ways to keep my spiritual life alive like keeping my coffee grounds in the freezer.

Answer 6

I actual have published non- suitable questions right here earlier. it is the area I actual are transforming into gentle with, i comprehend the individuals right here and revel of their company. i do no longer desire to hearken to from a team of strangers. I actual have won e-mails which at the instant are not interior the friendly type, my reaction relies upon I usually answer , yet whilst its merely stupid I forget approximately approximately it. as quickly as I surf for a question i'm no longer forced to respond to any question I chosen it and that person can do the comparable.

Answer 7

Self-Reflection

Answer 8

Music, especially singing.
Exercise (to good music) gives me an all-over boost, spiritually as well.

Answer 9

No, no, sort of. (Read some texts regarding Buddhism and Taoism, neither of which I practice, but who aid in my understanding of the world).

Answer 10

I found the more I grew spiritually, the worse I became intellectually. So I decided to reverse that situation.