People Around the World Share Stories of Their Spiritual Practices
Regular pursuits of spiritual growth, self-awareness, and a connection to something more than oneself—such as a higher power, the natural world, or other people—are known as spiritual practices.
Religion is a social-cultural framework that usually links people to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements. It might include principles, beliefs, worldviews, texts, holy locations, prophecies, ethics, or organizations.
Prayer, meditation, yoga, writing, reading religious texts, and spending time in nature are a few examples of spiritual activities. The objective is to promote inner serenity, reverence, gratitude, and other beneficial states of being, however specific practices vary greatly throughout religions and personal beliefs.
One aspect of the human experience is the yearning to connect with the Divine; our individual spiritual practices are how we do this, and our communal access to something greater than ourselves shapes our culture.
Because they foster a sense of community, moral principles, and shared values, spiritual practices are frequently a dimension of cultural identity. A culture's values are frequently based on spiritual ideas, which have an impact on everything from daily living to an individual's perception of right and wrong. Spiritual traditions have the power to create moral standards and shape social interactions within their communities.
Spiritual practices that are shared by members of the community foster a sense of belonging and purpose. A culture's art, music, literature, and architecture are all greatly influenced by its spirituality. A culture's spiritual identity can be powerfully expressed through rituals, festivals, and other traditions that are passed down through the generations. Spiritual convictions might affect dietary choices and other aspects of daily living.
Spiritual practices around the world frequently serve as a bridge connecting disparate locations and are a window into the history and culture of a nation or region. Additionally, hallowed locations with rich cultural histories that encourage pilgrimage are shared by numerous religions.
DOCUMENTING INDIAN ART IS CALLING FOR BENOY K. BEHL
New Delhi Photographer and Film Maker Benoy Behl shares his adventures across India in search of history and meaning behind art in India.
THE PURPOSE OF AN ICONOGRAPHER EXPLAINED BY RENOWNED ICON PAINTER
Iconographer Father Kallinkos of Cyprus, himself an icon, reveals his technique & inspiration in this interview held shortly before his death.
CELTIC PRIEST ON SPIRITUAL HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS OF ARAN ISLANDS
Fascinated by Celtic spirituality? Want to know more about Celtic Rituals? Meet Dara Molloy, a Celtic priest and author.
GOOD FRIDAY TRADITION IN TRAPANI SICILY HONORS FAITH AND HERITAGE
Sicily’s Good Friday tradition of Misteri di Trapani is one of Europe’s most ancient religious festivals, and honors Trapani’s heritage.
INTERVIEW WITH MAYAN SHAMAN ON SPIRITUAL PRACTICES AND PHILOSOPHY
A Mayan shaman reveals his knowledge about Mayan culture, cosmos, Mayan healing practices and Mayan spiritual beliefs in this interview.
SAN JUAN CHAMULA COMMUNITY SHARES BUT PROTECTS TRADITIONS
Visit the town of San Juan Chamula in Chiapas Highlands to experience the Tzotzil community’s spiritual blend of Catholicism and shamanism.
CURACAO SYNAGOGUE IS OLDEST JEWISH CONGREGATION SITE IN NORTH AMERICA
Curacao Synagogue Mikve Israel-Emanuel is the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Western hemisphere.
CULTURE IN MALTA FEATURES FAITH, FAMILY AND PAGEANTRY
The culture of Malta is known for its colorful celebration of the Catholic holiday, Good Friday, with an elaborately-costumed parade.
ESTONIA’S ONION ROUTE AND THE OLD BELIEVERS
In southeastern Estonia, the Russian Old Believers live on the Onion Route; the history behind their chief crop on the Russian/Estonia border.
TAIZE IN FINDHORN ECO VILLAGE SCOTLAND
The Findhorn eco village community was founded fifty years ago by Eileen and Peter Caddy and Dorothy Maclean, each of whom had followed disciplined spiritual paths for many years.
WHAT INSPIRES SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS? EXPLORE THE WORLD’S PILGRIMAGES
Spiritual journeys can be to a sacred place or inner destination. We explore the meaning of pilgrimages and some of the world’s holy sites.
EASTER BASKETS IN SLOVENIA AT TUSTANJ CASTLE
Ever wonder how other countries celebrate Easter? Or how and where certain universally-practiced traditions originate from?
EVA MICHAELSEN ON WALKING MEDITATION AND EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
El Camino de Santiago is one of Spain’s greatest walks, but it’s more than that to Eva Michaelsen as she is a teacher in meditation.
WHAT IS PILGRIMAGE? SPIRITUAL SEEKERS SHARE EXPERIENCES
What is pilgrimage? Spiritual seekers share their experiences of El Camino, Hajj, Shraddha, Shikoku temples, Israel birthright, and more.
ICON PAINTER IN CYPRUS HONORS BYZANTINE AND FAMILY TRADITIONS
Icon painter Myrianthi Constantinidou in Cyprus shares insights into Byzantine traditions and her personal process in this intimate interview.
AUTHOR ERIC WEINER ON “MAN SEEKS GOD”
In this interview with author Eric Weiner we asked him about spiritual adventure, searching for god, and the quest to find a meaningful life.