Begin Your Spiritual Journey - 2

Stepping out to explore yourself can be scary. No matter how happy or miserable you may be currently, you are used to it. It is your comfort zone, and to begin this journey, you will be required to step out of it. The first step on a spiritual journey often begins with self-inquiry—a moment where you pause and ask, “Is there more to life than what I see?” That spark of curiosity, that inner tug toward something deeper or more meaningful, is usually the gateway. Know that you set the pace of your discovery, and that there is nothing to lose, other than what or whom is no longer serving you. You will be able to shed what is not part of the authentic you. If you are willing to submit to the journey, you will find a new level of fulfillment. Every revelation about yourself will bring a reassurance that you are on the right path.

So, make the first step. All you have to do, is commit to yourself.

I strongly recommend starting a journal, if you don’t already have one. As soon as you make room for your higher self and your subconscious mind (intuition), you will have thoughts, new ideas and emotions bubble up from deep inside. Write them down, some may sound familiar, but you just never paid attention to them, and others will feel brand-new though may feel faintly familiar. You are exploring what is all stored within you, some of which had been pushed to far corners when we were really young, because our true nature was conditioned to conform.

From here, many people start by:

• Reflecting on current beliefs—What do you truly believe in, and are those beliefs your own or inherited?
• Creating space for stillness—Whether through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature, quiet moments help you hear your inner voice.
• Opening up to new perspectives—Reading spiritual texts, listening to teachers, or exploring different traditions can expand your understanding.

But here’s the beautiful twist: there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Your journey is yours alone, and the first step is simply the one that feels most honest to you

Reflecting on current beliefs— Here are a few ways to dive deeper:

• Trace the origin: Pick a belief you hold—about life, love, purpose, or the divine—and ask, “Where did this come from?” Was it taught to you, or did you arrive at it through your own journey?
• Test its resonance: Does this belief still feel true to who you are now? Or does it feel outdated, limiting, or even borrowed?
• Notice how it shows up: How does this belief influence your choices, your relationships, or your sense of peace? Sometimes we say we believe one thing, but live as if we believe another.
• Be open to evolution: Beliefs aren’t set in stone. They can grow, shift, or even dissolve as you evolve. That’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.

Creating space for stillness-Creating space for stillness isn’t just about finding a quiet corner—it’s about cultivating an inner sanctuary where your spirit can breathe.

Here’s how you can go further:

1. Designate a Sacred Space

Choose a spot that feels safe and calming. It could be a cozy nook, a seat by a window, or even a spot in nature. Keep it uncluttered and add elements that invite peace—soft lighting, a candle, a plant, or objects that hold personal meaning.

2. Establish Rituals

Rituals signal to your mind and body that it’s time to slow down. Light a candle, take three deep breaths, or say a simple intention like, “I am here now.” These small acts create a rhythm that helps you enter stillness more easily.

3. Limit Distractions

Turn off notifications, silence your phone, and let others know you’re taking time for yourself. Stillness thrives in the absence of interruption.

4. Use Breath as an Anchor

Mindful breathing is a powerful gateway to stillness. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for four. Let your breath guide you inward, away from the noise of the day.

5. Let Nature Hold You

If you can, spend time outside. Sit under a tree, walk barefoot on grass, or listen to the wind. Nature has a way of quieting the mind and opening the heart.

Stillness isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about being fully present. And in that presence, something sacred often stirs.

These are just suggestions. If you don’t have a space you can dedicate, sitting at the dinner table with a candle or a crystal to focus on will work just fine.

Opening up to new perspectives-Opening up to new perspectives is like cracking a window in a stuffy room—you let in fresh air, light, and the possibility of transformation. Spiritually, it’s about loosening the grip on certainty and stepping into curiosity.

Here are some ways to invite that openness:

1. Practice Humble Curiosity

Approach new ideas with the mindset of a student, not a judge. Instead of asking “Is this right or wrong?” try “What can I learn from this?” That shift alone can soften resistance.

2. Engage with Diverse Voices

Read spiritual texts from different traditions, listen to people with beliefs unlike your own, or attend a gathering outside your usual circle. Exposure doesn’t mean agreement—it means expansion.

3. Notice Your Reactions

When something challenges your beliefs, pause. Ask yourself: “What part of me feels threatened?” Often, resistance is a signpost pointing to where growth wants to happen.

4. Embrace the Mystery

Not everything needs to be figured out. Letting go of the need for immediate answers creates space for deeper understanding to unfold over time.

5. Reflect and Integrate

After encountering a new perspective, take time to reflect. What resonated? What didn’t? What might you carry forward? Integration is where openness becomes transformation.

As one guide puts it, spiritual openness is about “recognizing that no single belief system holds a monopoly on truth”. It’s not about abandoning your path—it’s about walking it with eyes wide open.

Here, you can go back to the first guided meditation if that spoke to you, otherwise, here is a new one that is also geared to beginners. It will connect you to your higher self. In this video we will imagine a meadow that is personalized to you. You can imagine it, however you want. Be sure, however, that you have space for a stream as it represents cleansing, grounding, and protection as well as a special tree for the same reason. We will return to this place, and you can set it up differently or enhance and expand it, however you need to.

https://youtu.be/7irT7Co2yfg?si=1eGLbogCiCOu7bGA

I hope you join me soon when I will talk about different breathing techniques and why we should incorporate the praxis of deep breathing.

I will also talk more about different ways to meditate. Guided meditation is certainly helpful, especially in the beginning when you might find it hard to calm you mind chatter. There are so many options. No need to sit in an uncomfortable Lotus position!

You can send questions or comments to passagebeyond@gmail.com, or join my Facebook Group to discuss.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1751061452422793