Find Your Spiritual Side

1. Look within.

Whether you choose an organized religion or a more individual practice, the spiritual journey is a personal one. To begin, search within and ask, What do I want out of life? Why am I here -- what is my purpose? Reflect on what spirituality means to you and what role you want it to play in your life, and you'll have a better sense of how to embark on your own path.

2. Be present.

Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, slow down, tap into your feelings as they unfold, and find the beauty in the now, whether from a friend's laugh or a starry night. Open your eyes and heart and you'll feel a sense of connectedness to the world and see that you're a part of something bigger.

3. Let go.

Put faith in the unknown and give up trying to control how your life will play out. When you embrace your spiritual side, you're choosing to believe that God, the universe, or the divine has your best interests in mind. Trust that there's something positive to be found even during tough times and that everything is happening as it should.

4. Meditate.

Meditation involves turning off your mind so you can connect with your spirit and your own peaceful center. It can be as simple as adding a one-minute pause to your day or taking a few deep breaths to create an oasis of calm in your world. That moment of quiet helps you free yourself to find insights that are typically drowned out by the noise of everyday life.

5. Stay connected.

Living spiritually is a daily choice, which requires more than going to a weekly religious service. You need to stay in touch with your own spirituality and spend time with people on a similar path. And surround yourself with visual cues such as short prayers or pictures that remind you of the person you want to be.

Tapping Into a Higher Power: 3 Questions for Ariane

How will living more spiritually change my life?
Embracing your spirituality will help you feel happier and less stressed. I say that if life is a plate piled with friends, family, career, and hobbies, then the plate should be your spirituality--the solid part of your life that doesn't move no matter what gets threatened or taken away. If you have your spirituality as support, you can handle whatever life throws your way.

How can I let my spirit guide me instead of being ruled by my head?
Tap into your higher self--the part of us that is patient and kind and that thinks before reacting. And find the good in people: Think, If I saw this person only as a soul, what would I see that makes her wonderful? It'll help you focus on doing the loving thing instead of letting reason alone guide you.

What are some challenges I may face as I begin to live spiritually?
It can be confusing as you question long-standing beliefs. The insights you gain may lead you to cut off a toxic relationship, listen to something you don't want to hear, or even shift the direction of your life. But on the other side, you'll find a sense of peace and contentment.