Meditation for the Soul: A Simple Path to Inner Peace
Jul 23, 2025
I’m sure everyone has felt that the world is always buzzing — notifications, to-do lists, and constant noise — and in the busy-ness of life, it can be easy to feel disconnected. Disconnected from your true self, and disconnected from something deeper.
Meditation can help with this — not only is it a good way to relax, but it can also be used as a spiritual practice that can gently guide you back to what truly matters. (Note that meditation does not HAVE TO be a spiritual practice - it is up to what you want it to be. Meditation is known to be relaxing, however it can also be used as a spiritual practice - or not, depending on your own preferences.)
And living our Best Life involves knowing what matters to you, claiming our inner peace and balance, and having a sense of connection – to others, yourself, and perhaps to some sort of spiritual (or religious) belief (although meditation can be done without the spiritual/religious aspect too). No matter what your ultimate goal, meditation is a helpful practice to help keep you centred and balanced. I meditate most days – often before bed, to calm my mind and body, and also to ensure that I fall asleep to something positive.
What Is Meditation, Really?
Meditation is often thought of as sitting cross-legged with your eyes closed, trying not to think. And while it can incorporate that, there is so much more to it than that.
At its heart, meditation is simply the practice of being present. It’s the practice of going within. It’s listening to your breath, your body, and your soul. It's about pausing the outside world for a moment, so you can reconnect with yourself, and something greater — whether you call that the Universe, Spirit, God, Source, or simply peace.
There is also Kundalini Meditation, or the chanting of mantras. These can be considered spiritual or religious – or just affirmations chanted while sitting quietly. My yoga teacher told me that many people (including her) who struggle to quiet their mind find that the chanting of mantras help them get into the meditation, and that feeling of peace from within. And I must admit, that sometimes you can get swept up in the beauty and peace of the mantra, and the feelings of love and peace can be amazing. (If you’re interested in checking out some mantras, Spotify has quite a few. I’ll put some of my favourites in the 'additional resources' section below.)
How can Meditation be a Spiritual Practice?
Meditation can be considered spiritual because it helps you move beyond the surface of life. It allows you to slow down, and tune in to yourself — your inner wisdom, your intuition, and your heart. When you sit in silence, you're not just calming your mind. You're creating mental and emotional space — for clarity, healing, and a deeper sense of connection.
Regular meditation might help you feel more of the following, more often.
- Feel more connected to your values
- Receive gentle inner nudges or insights
- Release old wounds, or patterns, or beliefs
- Experience moments of deep peace, or joy
It’s in this quiet space that many people feel closest to the divine, however they understand it.
You Don’t Have to Do It 'Perfectly’
A lot of people worry they’re ‘bad’ at meditation. They say things like, ‘I can’t stop thinking,’ or ‘I’m too restless.’
However, the truth is that you can’t get it wrong. Meditation isn’t about stopping your thoughts (although that is possible for many people). It’s about noticing them without getting swept away. Even if your mind wanders 100 times, what matters is that you gently return to your breath, your mantra, or the present moment.
A popular way if you’re struggling to release thoughts is to think of them as clouds, that float away — or you can put them in the water, and watch them drift down the river. This sometimes works if you’re struggling — although other people find it helpful to focus on the breath instead (I tend to struggle with that one more, but test it out, and see what works best for you).
That returning to the present moment — again and again — is where the magic of meditation happens. And yes, it can take time, and practice. But that’s ok — many things we do take practice, and the practice still helps with lowering our stress levels, and feeling more peace.
Different Ways to Meditate Spiritually
Even a few minutes of meditation can make a difference. Yes, in a perfect world at the right time, you might like to meditate for longer. But you can fit it in around you own life, and schedule. You might also like to mix it up a bit, trying different types of meditation. I do a mixture of the meditations below, depending on my mood, what I need, and the amount of time I have available.
- Breath meditation – Focus on your inhale and exhale. Let your breath anchor your mind, and connect your mind and body.
- Guided meditations – Listen to a voice guiding you through a meditation journey. There are so many different types of guided meditations – I love to explore, and mix it up, depending on my mood, and what I feel I need at that particular moment.
- Loving-kindness meditation – Silently send love to yourself, and others. I often visualise white light from my heart to various people, and places. I also often send love out to the world, visualising earth, and sending my loving white light around it.
- Mantra meditation – Repeat a sacred word or phrase that brings you peace. You could also play a mantra, and chant the mantra with the singer. I personally find that easier, with music and voice anchoring it in. (It helps stop my mind from wandering as much, too.)
- Nature meditation – Sit outside, and quietly connect with nature. I often do this while walking — I am attuned to the trees, the earth, the birds, the butterflies — I find it easy to connect to nature, and feel the ‘all is one’ connection.
Whatever you choose, let it feel good. Allow the peace in, and let it nourish and nurture you.
How Meditation Helps You Live Your Best Life
When you start meditating regularly — even just a little bit — things change. Life feels a little easier, and you’re a little more relaxed and centred. You feel less scattered, and more grounded. You react less, and respond more. You start to feel like yourself again, without all the pressure that has built up over time. In addition to these benefits, there are a few more, which can also help you live your Best Life.
- More clarity – You make decisions that feel aligned with your own truth.
- More calm – You feel less overwhelmed, and more in control of your emotions.
- More connection – You feel more connected to your purpose, your people, and your soul path.
- More joy – You notice beauty in the little things, and feel more grateful for all you have in your life.
Meditation can help you remember who you really are — a wise, whole, radiant being who is worthy of love and joy, just as you are. We are all on our own unique journey, and we are each worthy of love, peace, and joy.
Final Thoughts
Meditation isn’t about escaping life — it’s about going within, and connecting with yourself, and the community around you. It’s a spiritual practice that brings you back to your center, again and again, no matter how far you may have drifted away from feeling relaxed and balanced. Whether you meditate for five minutes in the morning, or sit in stillness under a tree, know that every moment of presence is a gift to yourself — a chance to relax, unwind, reflect, and re-balance.
And the more you show up for yourself in this quiet, sacred way, the more your Best Life begins to unfold — gently, naturally, and beautifully.
🙋FAQ for Meditation as a Spiritual Practice
- Do I have to be spiritual or religious to meditate?
No, not at all. Meditation is simply a way to connect with yourself, slow down, and find peace. It can be spiritual, but it doesn’t have to be – it’s your choice.
- How long should I meditate for it to ‘work’?
Even just 5 minutes a day can make a difference. What matters more than time is the consistency, and your intention.
- What if I can’t stop thinking during meditation?
Don’t worry, that’s normal. Meditation isn’t about having no thoughts at all — it’s about noticing them, and gently bringing your focus back (to your breath, mantra, etc.) without judging yourself. And it’s a continual practice. You might even like to try mantras, to see if they are more your style, and help with thoughts.
- Can I meditate lying down?
Yes, that’s fine, especially if you find sitting uncomfortable. Just try to stay alert so you don’t fall asleep (unless you're using it to help with sleep)!
- Is guided meditation okay, or should I do it in silence?
I find both to be great. Guided meditations can be especially helpful for beginners, as you have a voice to follow, which is often helpful. Silent meditation is lovely too, but can be harder to start with for some people. Do what feels best for you — there is no right or wrong.
- What’s the best time of day to meditate?
Many people like to meditate in the morning to start their day grounded, or in the evening to wind down. But in all honesty — whatever time works for you is perfect.
- Can meditation really help me live a better life?
Yes, it can. Meditation can help reduce stress, calm your nervous system, connect with your inner wisdom, and live with more clarity and joy. It supports emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
- Do I need special music or candles?
No, not really. While peaceful music, candles, or aromatherapy can create a peaceful vibe, they’re not necessary. All you really need is yourself, and a few quiet moments where you can relax.
- What’s a mantra, and do I need one?
A mantra is a word or phrase you repeat during meditation to help focus your mind. You don’t need one, but some people find it helpful. The mantra can be something simple like ‘peace,’ ‘love,’ or ‘I am enough.’ Give it a shot, and see what you think!
- Will meditation help with anxiety or overwhelm?
Yes, many people find that regular meditation helps them feel calmer, and more relaxed. Meditation helps you find the mental and emotional space to pause, and breathe, giving you the space to respond more gently to stressful situations.
- Can I use meditation to connect with my higher self or intuition?
Yes, absolutely. Meditation creates space to relax, and listen more deeply to your inner guidance. In this way, it can allow you feel more connected to your Higher Self, or the Universe.
- Do I need to sit cross-legged to meditate properly?
No, not at all! You can sit on a chair, lie down, or even walk slowly and mindfully in nature. Comfort is more important than posture. (Although to be fair, my meditation teacher did explain that the more we sat in meditation, the more our bodies adjusted to the posture.)
- Is it okay to fall asleep while meditating?
Yes, especially if you’re tired — it’s a sign your body needed rest. Over time, you’ll usually learn to stay more present, while still being relaxed. (Yoga Nidra also has something called Non Sleep Deep Rest, if you’re interested in giving your mind, body and soul more rest without sleep.)
- How do I start if I’ve never meditated before?
There are a number of ways to start meditation. You could try a 3–5 minute guided meditation (free from Hay House Meditations or YouTube), or alternatively, you could just focus on your breath. Another option is to lie down, and send love and acceptance to each part of your body. Regardless of which option you choose, remember to be gentle with yourself, and treat it like an exploration, not a test. Meditation can take practice, and also exploration to discover which types of meditation you like best.
- What’s the biggest benefit of using meditation as a spiritual practice?
Using meditation as a spiritual practice helps you feel more connected — to yourself, your truth, and to something greater. It brings a sense of calm, purpose, and meaning to everyday life.
Additional Resources
As mentioned, I discovered a few mantras during my Kundalini meditation teacher training that I fell in love with. If you’d like to try some of them out, these are a few of my favourites:
- Ant Na Siftee by White Sun
- Ang Sang Wahe Guru by Carrie Grossman
- Har Har Waheguru Meditation by Matthew Schoening, Nirinjan Kaur, Ram Das
- The Miracle of Healing (Ra Ma Sa Sa), Jai-Jagdeesh
Bonus song in English: Bountiful, blissful, and beautiful by Siri Sandhana Kaur or Bachan Kaur.
Want more practical ideas and thought-provoking content on a regular basis? Don’t miss out on all the hints & tips that you can implement over time! Sign up for weekly input to help you uplift your life – one week at a time!
Our blog on The Power of Guided Meditation: Your Path to Peace and Calm gives more information on guided meditations, if you'd like to check that out.
If you'd like to explore your spirituality more, My Spiritual Self-Discovery Journal might be just the thing to help you! It's a great way to explore, go within, and keep a record of your spiritual journey!
We have also created stand-alone pages in the 7 life segments with all blogs, freebies, and paid products grouped together, so you can easily find and review items of interest to you. Click on the links below to find the areas of most interest to you! Life Purpose & Best Life - Health & Wellness - Relationships - Abundance - Personal Growth - Peace of Mind - Spirituality & Energy.
References/Further Reading
https://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/spiritual-meditation
https://uh.edu/adbruce/wellness/spiritual-meditation/index
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational and inspirational purposes only and does not provide medical, psychological, or spiritual advice specific to your situation. Always consult with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Meditation is a supportive practice, but it is not a replacement for professional care when needed. Listen to your body, trust your instincts, and do what feels right for you.
Your Best Life Newsletter
✨ Your Weekly Dose of Inspiration to Live Your Best Life! ✨
✔️ Get practical tips to feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled.
✔️ Discover easy ways to bring more joy and purpose into your life.
✔️ Be the first to know about new blogs, free resources, and special offers.
💌 Join our supportive community today — it's free!
