D – DEVOTION  &  E – ENTHUSIASM

DEVOTION

Prayer ~ Prayer Circle ~ Mantras ~ Zikr or Remembrance of God ~ Bhakti Yoga ~ Chanting ~ Prayer Dancing ~ Icons ~ Prayer Beads ~ Altars ~ Prayer Flags and Wheels ~ Amulets ~ Milagros

Devotion is the practice of bringing yourself closer to your deity and spirituality which brings a sense of peace, calm, and connectedness. Many of the practices listed above are means for one to find that path. There are specific acts to help you achieve connection and peace, like prayer, yoga, mantras, chanting and dancing. These are ideal for focusing your energy in all aspects into your devotion and practice. They can help you release the temporal thoughts and worries.

The others are tangible means to connect to spirituality, like  beads, amulets, altars, milagros, flags, etc. These act as reminders of your connection and help keep you close to your spiritual connect. Many items hold much spiritual significance for people and are held sacred, like saint medals, prayer beads, and amulets.

Find things that have meaning for you. That may connect you to your spiritual peace and practice. It can be anything you feel deepens your connection, that feels peaceful to you.

ENTHUSIASM

Spiritual mentors ~ Emulation of Saints ~ Singing Hymns ~ Praise and Gospel Music

Music is powerful! It is one wonderful way that many religions build enthusiasm for God. Music of any type invokes emotional reaction. People are moved by music. Religious saints, deities, and figures represent an ideal of how we may to live our lives. They are the guides to our behaviors and beliefs. When we choose one to emulate, it helps us make healthy and clear decision, like WWJD (what would Jesus do).

Find music that moves you to feel good, open, warm and accepting of others. Chose someone you find inspiring and spiritual that you might want to emulate in life. You can find a mentor or do your own research to utilize certain beliefs, values and behaviors in your own life.

First Spiritual Practice Post