Spirituality is something that makes us think and brings us closer to the thoughts of our soul. It helps us become aware of our inner consciousness, so that we are clearer on what we really want as human beings. Did you ever think of your hobby as a spiritual experience? Well, studies now claim that your favourite pastime may be bringing you closer to your spiritual side than any other activity!

Read more about the connection between your hobby and spirituality.

Is My Hobby Spiritual?

When you have a spiritual experience, you feel relaxed, fresh, calm and peaceful. Does your hobby bring out these reactions in you? If it does, then it is possible that you may be receiving the benefits of a spiritual session through your hobby. There are, however, hobbies that do the exact opposite. For example, violent gaming, racing, martial arts etc. may be bringing you more in contact with the real world. A good balance of both is necessary for a fulfilling life.

Radha, a software engineer, would turn to her stamp collection each time she needed to forget her office tensions and domestic problems. “Each time I had a fight with my husband, I would go and sit down with my stamp collection, and re-arrange it. But I would be thinking about the argument all along. The peace of mind I found in re-arranging my stamps would eventually have an effect on my logic and rationale, and I’d feel much better!” she says.

However, your hobby need not necessarily be an escape from issues that bother you. A lot of us have hobbies that come to us naturally. Therefore, it puts your mind at ease, letting your mind wander within itself. A lot of spiritual awakenings occur when you are busy doing something, anything that keeps you calm and your mind peaceful. This only emphasizes the importance of having a hobby, to balance the chaos of your daily life.

Hobbies that you could take up

Painting – Paintings are supposed to reflect the state of mind of an artist. A work of art is nothing but an extension of the artist himself. And painting can be a very spiritual experience. When you paint, you are in touch with your innermost self. The colours and strokes all play a part in your spiritual exploring. Go ahead and give it a try, but focus on painting instead of trying to think. It will come to you naturally!

Gardening – Gardening is officially recognized as a hobby that relieves stress and blood pressure. In fact, there are classes for bonsai culture that train people to take care of bonsai plants. It is supposed to be a spiritual experience too, as bonsai trees require a lot of time and attention to grow properly. But spending time tending to plants in your garden or balcony can work just as well. Make sure you spend ample time with your plants, and you will emerge feeling rejuvenated!

Walking – Whoever thought something as simple as walking could be spiritual too? Walking rejuvenates both the mind and the body. The blood and oxygen supplied to your mind will definitely relax you. Make sure you choose a peaceful, calming area for walking. Relax your body and walk at a comfortable pace. Eventually, you will feel much better as you will be able to think more clearly. Give it a try!

Reading – Visit a library and the aura of the place swallows you. The library is one of the most peaceful places you could visit. In fact, libraries have rules to make sure that the ambience is maintained. You can often see people in libraries sitting with books but lost in thought. Libraries can offer the perfect environment for you to discover your spiritual side. Alternatively, you could pick a quiet park or sea shore and enjoy a quiet book. Reading is one of the better techniques of exploring spirituality, especially if you are reading a book on the same.

So go ahead and give your hobby a second look today. It may be doing a lot more for you than you think!