Spiritual Growth and the 3 Habits that may be affecting your journey

Spiritual growth is a beautiful journey that involves self-awareness, inner transformation, and connection with the higher self and the universe. As we embark on this quest, we inevitably encounter various lifestyle choices and habits that can influence our spiritual journey.

It’s common to struggle with questioning what is supporting my spiritual growth and what is harming it. I know I’ve had times when I’m out with friends and I overthink whether I should order my dirty martini or not. Habits like smoking, drinking, and eating meat are the most common behaviors I find people struggle with on their journey.

 In this blog post, we will delve into the impact of these practices on spiritual growth, exploring the different perspectives and considerations surrounding them.

Smoking and Spiritual Growth

1. Detrimental Effects on Physical Health

We all know how terrible smoking is for you. Whether you are on a spiritual journey or not, you don’t want to be smoking. It has known detrimental effects on physical health, including an increased risk of various diseases. A healthy body is a temple for the soul; taking care of it is essential for spiritual growth. Health is really actual wealth and if you’re blessed with good health, then take care of that blessing and don’t take it for granted. 

2. Hindering Meditation and Mindfulness

Smoking can hinder one’s ability to meditate and practice mindfulness effectively. The addictive nature of nicotine can create distractions and cravings during these practices. If you can’t control your mind, your mind will control you. Nicotine cravings will allow you to lose your focus and concentration. Train yourself to stay on top of those cravings with certain coping mechanisms that work for you until you kick your habit and stop getting them! 

3. Potential Disconnection from the Present Moment

Smoking can become habitual, leading to a disconnection from the present moment. Spirituality often emphasizes being fully present and aware, which may be compromised by smoking when the craving comes to you. If you are currently a smoker, notice how your body feels next time you want a cigarette. Acknowledge the state you are in, even for a minute or two. This can be a good way to increase your strength of awareness. You can start with this simple step until you are ready to stop smoking. 

{ Related Post: A Complete Guide to Spiritual Wellness}

Drinking and Spiritual Growth

1. Impact on Clarity and Mindfulness

Excessive alcohol consumption can cloud the mind and hinder clarity and mindfulness, two essential aspects of spiritual growth. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink, but if you are drinking to change your state of mind, it’s just a sign you struggle with present moment awareness. Focus on the your senses and bring yourself to the present moment. You might find you don’t really need to have that drink. 

2. Emotional Masking

We know how alcohol can temporarily escape emotions, leading to emotional masking instead of genuine healing and self-awareness. If you’re drinking to escape the present moment, try sitting with yourself to see what the real problem. Work on that problem and don’t use alcohol as a temporary bandage. 

3. Encouraging Unhealthy Habits

Drinking may encourage unhealthy behaviors and excessive indulgence, which can hinder the pursuit of self-discipline and self-mastery on the spiritual path. This is a personal journey of improvement and self-love. Enjoy yourself but know how not to harm yourself in the process. 

Eating Meat and Spiritual Growth

1. Ethical Considerations

For some spiritual seekers, eating meat conflicts with their ethical beliefs, especially those centered on compassion for all living beings. Being a vegetarian is not for everybody and that’s okay. Like I stated before, this is a personal journey and everyone’s path is different. 

2. Impact on Energy Levels

Some spiritual traditions believe that a vegetarian or plant-based diet enhances one’s spiritual energy and connection with higher consciousness. In general, it’s just important to have healthy energy levels for everything you do in your life. When you can give something your energy that means it’s important to you. You always want to show up for what’s important for you but if you feel eating meat doesn’t negatively impact you, then you do you!

3. Mind-Body Connection

Eating choices can influence the mind-body connection. Some spiritual seekers prefer a clean, plant-based diet to maintain physical and emotional balance. Others prefer to focus on an overall balanced and colorful diet. Whenever you are going to eat something, think of the energy it holds. If it’s highly processed then it’s mostly going to put you in a low vibrational state. You can be on your spiritual journey and still eat meat, but buying your meat and chicken from a local farm might hold better than from a mass produced factory farm where animals are not treated great. In the end, a good general rule to go by is to use the power of your mind and listen to what your body is needing before making your decision. 

Steps to Spiritual Growth

While smoking, drinking, and eating meat can pose challenges to spiritual growth, it is essential to remember that spiritual growth is a personal and individual journey. The path to spiritual growth involves self-reflection, self-compassion, and non-judgment toward oneself and others. Love yourself always.

1. Moderation

It’s all about balance. Practicing moderation is best for spiritual growth. Moderation allows us to enjoy experiences without being attached to them, allowing us to live a balanced and mindful life.

2. Intention and Awareness

The intention behind our actions matters more than the actions themselves. Being mindful and aware of our choices and their impact on ourselves and others is crucial for spiritual growth. Make it a habit to reflect and see where you can bring more awareness into certain areas of you life.

3. Personal Growth and Compassion

Embrace personal growth with kindness and compassion. The journey toward spiritual growth is filled with ups and downs, and learning from our experiences is vital. If it wasn’t hard, we wouldn’t grow. We grow when we learn and we learn when we overcome struggles and hardships. Remember to be kind to yourself in the process. 

{ Related Post: Finding Harmony Within How to Balance the Ego & the Soul }

The impact of smoking, drinking, and eating meat on spiritual growth is a multifaceted and individual consideration. What is essential is the intention behind our actions and the awareness we bring to our choices. It is crucial to embrace self-compassion, non-judgment, and mindfulness to pursue spiritual growth.

Ultimately, the path to spiritual growth is a unique and personal journey, and each individual must find their balance and practices that resonate with their soul’s journey. By being mindful of our actions, cultivating self-awareness, and nurturing a compassionate and open heart, we can navigate the complexities of life’s choices while continuing to evolve spiritually.