Bella Dyosa

Primary photo credit: Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash.com

Spirituality is a concept that some people may get intimidated or put off by, because as one of my good friends say, “They tend to think of hippies.”

Contrary to popular belief, many spiritual individuals (including me) don’t really subscribe to the hippie lifestyle (the 1960s one, in particular, because drugs and zero bathing? Not so cute).

What does resonate with me is their mindset of unapologetically going against the grain. Which is what spirituality for self-empowerment can be. It just depends on what your soul is calling you to do.

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The University of Minnesota defines spirituality as “a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life.”

As someone whose spiritual journey began roughly three years ago, I can say that this explanation sums it up perfectly.

That connection to something bigger than ourselves and search for meaning in life is where you’ll realize there’s so much magic around us–so much more to what can be seen with the naked eye.

Although I only got around to deepening my spirituality last year, I did find a few things that people wouldn’t usually associate with it right off the bat.

So, are you ready to jump in? Here are three action steps that will help you claim your universal magic through personal spirituality.

Be mindful

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I know, I know. This is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. I can feel a couple of eye rolls as I type this. Hold your horses and hear me out.

One of the key steps in creating a better outlook in life is self-awareness. Why? Because when you pay attention to your mind, heart, and body, you know how to take care of yourself better.

And this isn’t as easy as you think. Especially in the heavily tech-driven world we now live in. We get stimulation left and right, which may lead us to forget our own needs sometimes.

Spent time doom scrolling in social media? Next thing you know you’re convinced that the world is ending, all while unable to keep up with the achievements of your peers.

Binge watched a gripping series to the extreme? Oh, cool, it’s 3 AM and you’re wondering if you’ll get murdered next. No, Sasha. You may die of thirst before that actually happens.

Anyway, (jokes aside) my point is that the simple act of being mindful helps us keep track of what we need in the moment and reminds us to slow down and breathe.

A long-term permanent sanity pill, if you will.

It allows you to claim your universal magic, because it puts all the temporary nagging thoughts and unnecessary tasks to rest.

You begin to see clearly what is healthy vs toxic for you. You start to discover how exactly you’ve been living your life instead of being on autopilot. You realize what truly matters to YOU. Amid the noise, amid the clutter, amid the chaos.

As a result, your intuitive wisdom sharpens. And that is a great step to reclaiming your power.

Get to know yourself

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And, henny, that means ALL of you.

The good, the bad, the ugly, the weird–you name it.

After becoming mindful, it’s time to go DEEP. Like “under the sea” deep.

Getting to know yourself actually goes hand in hand with being mindful. Because the more you know about your needs and your train of thoughts, the more you know…well, you.

You find out if your interests are what you really like vs what everyone else in your friend groups likes. You explore a wide array of hobbies and activities that give you joy unlike ever before.

Then, there’s the more challenging part: getting to know your shadow. The hidden nooks and crannies of your being where the triggers and traumas live. The part of you that society considers shameful or taboo. Or simply, aspects of yourself that are on the darker side.

Facing these uncharted territories helps you take a step back and see yourself for you who you really are though. No judgement, no prejudice.

It will occur to you that light cannot exist without darkness and vice versa. It’s our duality that makes us human.

Once you come to terms with that, no one (not even yourself) can take that against you. Furthermore, you take accountability for untoward actions. Stepping in and reclaiming your power fully and authentically.

As that same good friend of mine (mentioned earlier on in this post) says, “Once you’re strong at your core, you can do anything.”

What’s more universally magical than that?

Practice compassion and empathy

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Once you’ve taken the time to look in, there is a beautiful opportunity to expand outward.

There is no way in hell after all that self-reflection that you don’t have at least an OUNCE of compassion. Because if you don’t, I highly advise re-routing elsewhere. Ideally, nowhere near me.

On a more serious note though, it is only within the kindness and grace we give ourselves that we are able to extend it to others.

Ironic, no?

You’ll be surprised at just how inevitably connected we all are. So, it never hurts to come from a place of empathy when interacting with people.

And you gotta admit, there’s a whole lot of universal magic in that.

Final thoughts

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Now, we’ve only scratched the surface of what spirituality brings in your life. If this alone has made you ponder about it, then that’s a good start. I encourage you to stay open.

Or perhaps you’re doing these action steps already. Then, congrats! It means you’re spiritual without the label.

Either way, I hope that this was an enlightening read. And that it helps you find your unique magic.

We’ve all got it in us and I can’t wait for not only you, but the whole ass freaking wondrous universe to see and experience it.

Don’t be afraid to claim what is rightfully yours. ✨🫶🏻