Alternative Spiritual Practices for People Who are Wary of Cults

Cults are scary, I get it. If you are like me, you need a little something magical in your day. Call it a prayer or a higher power, whether you believe in the thing upstairs or not, many of us crave some sort of spiritual comfort. I grew up in a Christian home and believed it all until I went to college, so I have had this spiritual hole to fill ever since. Here are some things that fill that hole for me, since I am now afraid of any sort of group-think.

Movement

I was introduced to movement when I was taking an acting class in New York with the William Esper Studio. Before this class I didn’t really dance much anymore and I certainly didn’t do “movement.” Every once in a while I will practice movement instead of doing a traditional exercise and it is always a spiritual experience. Whether you are doing yoga, lifting weights, dancing, or riding a roller coaster, (I think that counts) movement can spark that crackling energy that comes with what used to be seeing your crush at youth group.

Meditation

I am super anti-woo woo and have still found that meditation challenges me in a way that few other activities can. It scratches that prayer… itch?

Journaling

When you’re journaling and get lost in it, the world falls away and those things you are writing about take over your mind in a way that only a flow state can. Reflection is not reserved for the religious type and daily devotionals do not have to include a bible verse.

Watching nature

Being in nature is one thing, but how about watching nature? If meditation is too much of a snooze fest for you, I highly recommend sitting and watching a bird or a leaf blowing in the wind. There’s something about it that makes me feel good, just like church used to.

Music

Listening to music or creating music is, to me, like stepping into another dimension. If it isn’t like that for you, maybe try a new kind of music or go to a live show. Maybe pick up the ukulele or start to learn piano. There’s so much out there to tingle your senses.

Making art

Drawing, playing with Play-Doe, singing, acting, teaching, or doing some other craft has proven to be so fulfilling to me, much like those Sunday sermons once were. 

Chilling with your pet

Animals are more in touch with the spirit world! Now I know I said I’m anti-woo woo but this is just a fact. Hang out with your dog and maybe you’ll get this warm fuzzy feeling, you know, the kind of feeling you get when a ghost is watching you.