Spiritual Practices You Already Do Without Knowing It

By Dr. Katie Eastman & Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

When people hear the phrase spiritual practice, they often think of meditation cushions, chanting, or long retreats. While those can be meaningful, they are not the only ways to live spiritually. In truth, many of us practice spirituality every day without realizing it.

Think about the times you pause to appreciate a sunset, whisper a word of gratitude before eating, or sit quietly with a friend who needs comfort. These aren’t just habits or courtesies. They are acts of presence and connection. They are spiritual practices hiding in plain sight.

The power of spirituality lies in recognizing that ordinary moments carry extraordinary meaning. When you notice beauty, when you choose kindness, when you reflect on your day before sleep—you are practicing spirituality. You are reminding yourself that life is more than the to-do list, that there is depth beneath the surface.

For some, religion shapes these moments into rituals: prayers before meals, blessings at milestones, or songs sung in community. These structures can amplify the sacredness of everyday life. Yet spirituality does not require religious formality. You can find the same sacredness in taking a deep breath before speaking, listening with full attention, or writing a note of encouragement to someone who is struggling.

In Uplifting: Inspiring Stories of Loss, Change, and Growth, we shared stories of people who discovered meaning and resilience not only in grand moments, but in the smallest ones. One woman found peace in nature after loss. Another in walking each morning, where each step reminded her she was still alive and moving forward. These were not rituals from a book—they were practices born from presence, attention, and connection.

Recognizing your everyday spirituality is like discovering treasure in your own pocket. You don’t need to go somewhere else to find it—it’s already with you. The invitation is to notice and nurture it.

✨ Reflection Prompt: What ordinary practices in your life—gratitude, listening, walking, creating—already carry spiritual meaning for you?