Practicing Faith

Faith is a verb. Action is required. It always refers to a practice, regardless of the context. I've discovered the following to be a useful definition of faith: Anything you feel strongly enough to implement. Faith is a part of everyone's life. The idea is the same even if there is no supernatural element involved. Because you believe in a bridge's strength, you end up crossing it. You eat the food you are given today because you believe it is safe to consume. You continue reading because you believe that fresh content will appear as you scroll down this page.

You might be let down in each of these situations. The bridge might fall. The food can be contaminated and outdated. The end of this article is imminent. But you simply put your beliefs into action. You continued reading because you thought this article had more to offer.

How to Practice Faith

1. Meditate

Put an end to whatever you're doing and focus entirely on slowing down or being motionless. Shut your eyes if it helps. Recognize that your breath is breathing itself. Pay close attention to one whole inhale-exhale cycle. Bring your attention to the here and now and let yourself become more receptive to it. Try to focus on the grandeur surrounding you wherever you are. Imagine yourself in a place where you can see all around you. Enjoy your feelings and find serenity in them.

2. Zoom Out

Examine your life from a position that gives you perspective and helps you realize that we have no control over everything that occurs in our lives. We occasionally lose sight of the larger picture because we are too preoccupied with the minutiae. Despite the adage that "God is in the details," faith is frequently something we encounter when we take a step back and let amazement overwhelm us.

3. Develop Awe

Give oneself permission to develop amazement. Recognize where you stand in the lengthy lineage. Experience the vastness of the global family and our tiny yet crucial role within it. Consider yourself a citizen of the universe. Feel interconnected in a large temporal and spatial network. Get to a place where awe dwarfs you and makes you feel little. Observe how our faith grows when we are able to relinquish some control. Experience your own sunrise.

4. Love and Serve Others

Make a service or act of compassion anonymously. Don't expect anything in return. Increase the number of times you serve others and see how it will alter your outlook on life. Additionally, remember to love someone unconditionally and abundantly. Forget about 50/50 and show someone else how much you care, and you'll see a change in your life.