Walking a Spiritual Path

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

The subject of spirituality is sometimes a difficult one to navigate. There are those of us who speak about it and those of us who avoid it like the plague. It is often misunderstood, confused as a religious pursuit and associated with people that are a little bit “out there” in how they live their life. I was one of them. However, I have begun to understand spirituality and why a spiritual path in life is essential and available to all humankind.

What is spirituality? When you hear this term what your first thoughts and images that come to mind?

Spirituality is living with a quality of being concerned for the human spirit or soul compared to that of physical or material things. I think Josh Korda defined it best in an interview I did with him. In so many words he said spirituality is a focus on the intangible facets of life that bring humankind meaning. Not the tangible, physical or material elements of our existence. Quite profound!

The good news is that the intangibles associated with human life are available to everyone, as long as you’re human. As a society, we have become super obsessed with material processions. How many can relate to the thought, “If I have (fill in the blank) then I will be (happy).”

In the constant chase for the next biggest shiniest thing, we miss out on much of these intangible elements that genuinely bring us more significant meaning. When we achieve that goal or win that next prize, we are satisfied for a while but soon again find ourselves in search of more.

Want to know the meaning of life? It’s to live a meaningful life. And I for one accept that physical and material things have a role to play and agree that people do find joy in these things. I do! What I’ve noticed however in the race for more I’ve seen myself neglecting these non-physical aspects of my life. There is a lack of spiritual connection to life.

For a long time, I was in the chase for the bigger paycheque, so I could accumulate some more material wealth with the belief that is what would bring meaning to my life. I suffered in the process and found more dissatisfaction in life later, too. I forgot much of what it meant to be human. I disregarded my spiritual being. It’s no wonder I felt an emptiness in my life.

I didn’t find God, nor did I retreat to living a life in the trees with animals and insects. I did, however, start asking questions. What was the meaning of all this stuff? This life I was living? In my research and rediscovery, I found some answers that in hindsight are so blatantly obvious. It was merely about reconnecting to what it means to be human – the fundamentals of human nature.

There may be many elements that in practice I believe will deliver all of us much benefit and meaning. They are health, growth, relationships, service and creativity. In focusing on the constant and continual improvement of each one of these internal and intangible human fundamentals, we will discover more meaning in our lives. Over the last several years this has been my journey. It’s been my efforts to figure life out however I realise now that I’ve been walking a spiritual path.

Again, this doesn’t mean we abandon all those tangibles in life that do bring us real joy. Instead, it’s about balance. We can still have dreams, drive a nice car and find meaning in our career’s. However, we cannot afford to put ourselves at a disadvantage by forgetting about what it means to be human.

I’ve written and talked on these essential elements of the human experience in many previous podcasts and articles. My new book – The Ultimate Life Map (coming soon) focuses on these in great depth. Get a copy when it comes out by subscribing to www.theultimatelifemap.com. For now, here are a few thoughts on how to transition to a spiritual path in life.

Unsubscribe from everything you thought about how life should be lived and do some “soul” searching. Look internally for what brings you the greatest joy, and you will likely find the answers. Here are a few thoughts that may resonate with you.

I feel the happiest when I am exercising.

I am most proud and enlightened when I am learning about something new.

I am in heaven when I am hanging with my family or friends.

What brings me great joy is teaching or helping other people.

I can think of nothing better than spending hours painting or creating something new in my work-shed.

We will all find a more significant level of meaning when we:

• Take care of our health, both body and mind.
• Continue to learn and grow in our knowledge and wisdom.
• Bask in the comfort of people.
• Serving others in whatever way we can.
• Use our creative brains in efforts to express who we are and how we feel.

Find a daily practice within each category (health, growth, relationships, service, creativity) that you can do every day. It needn’t be lengthy. Start small and see where it leads. If you are unsure, do a Google for some cool practices. There are an abundant amount of good ideas and resources that can get you started.

Don’t follow the crowd, pursue your passions and what you enjoy. It’s too easy to do what everyone else does, but it’s not always sustainable. If you don’t like it, you most likely won’t keep doing it. Do what you love.

Experiment with anything and everything. It is the best way to find those hidden passions. Keep going until you see the fit. If you fall off the tracks or stop feeling the joy, change it up. Do something new. Think of all the new ways you can help others, connect with others, and improve yourself, extend your health and grow. Let the intangibles of our human experience become a big part of our life’s focus.

When we start walking a spiritual path, we will find an unlimited resource of meaning and happiness. And the most beautiful thing is that it’s available now.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.