Find Your Spiritual Side~5 ways to get started:

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.

Mahesh Bhatt