New age spirituality refers to a non-unified set of beliefs and practices that emerged towards the end of the twentieth century in the western world. The beliefs of new age spirituality are based on both eastern and western religious traditions, and the belief system includes ideas from self-help books like The Secret and the Law of Attraction, a holistic approach to health, motivational and positive psychology research, studies in both consciousness and awareness, and scientific principles like those explained in quantum physics. “New agers,” as they are called, don’t limit their belief system to one particular doctrine.
Beliefs in reincarnation, astrology, psychics and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects such as mountains or trees are examples of "New Age" beliefs.
A Sign of the Times: History of the New Age Spirituality Movement
New age spirituality started to appear in the early nineteen-sixties as people began to reject formalized institutions and question the cultural values of their parent’s generation. As the masses spoke out in favor of racial equality, gender equality, sexual freedom, and peace, there was a movement towards pluralistic religious beliefs. A number of people began to reject religious institutions in favor of a personalised belief system encompassing a wide range of metaphysical ideas.
The shift represented a change in the way that people view their own spirituality. People realised that they could take their spirituality into their own hands in order to get closer to the divine creator, rather than confirming to inflexible, restrictive, and outdated religious dogmas. Further to that, because new age spirituality is inclusive, there is a sense of acceptance and liberalism toward other belief systems and values.
New Age Spirituality Today
The new age spirituality movement is still alive and well today. Many people reject organised religions or pick and choose which beliefs they identify with. This method of spiritual development is based on the idea that spirituality is innate and that each person must find his or her own path to spiritual nourishment.
Meditation has become a central pillar of new age spirituality. With recent research highlighting the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of meditation, many people have chosen to use this technique to improve their overall well-being. Meditation can benefit even those who identify with an organised religion, such as Christianity because it promotes relaxation and is non-intrusive to one's pre-existing beliefs. Meditation is a technique for cultivating inner stillness and drawing closer to the divine.
New Age Spirituality and You
New agers have no specified spiritual leader and no rigid belief system. As such, if you are looking to further understand your spirituality, you can adopt this worldview. Within the realm of new age spirituality you are free to believe what it is that you want to believe and engage in the religious traditions that help you to connect with God. Regardless of what you believe or what you may have been taught growing up, you’re given the freedom to understand the world from a viewpoint that makes sense to you. Instead of conforming, you choose your own set of spiritual guidelines.
Meditation is a fundamental practice of new age spirituality from which you can truly benefit. Regular meditation not only provides a practical solution to a hectic, stress-filled lifestyle, but it also has health benefits such as increased longevity, reduced susceptibility to the common cold and flu, and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. People who meditate have been found to be happier in general and more likely to show compassion in their daily interactions with others.
The concept of Stillness is so simple but so powerful. New age spirituality recognises this important goal and enables followers to find it through their own means. When you join the Stillness Movement you open the door to experiencing a spiritual re-awakening. You gain the knowledge and the tools you need to take your spirituality into your own hands and start nourishing your connection with your creator. Take some time to learn more about this exciting spiritual endeavor with this simple Meditation practice if you want to start practicing Stillness.
