Sustaining Spiritual Growth After Illness: Mindfulness and Healing Practices

Life-altering illnesses or profound trauma often serve as catalysts for deep inner transformation. During periods of physical suffering and limitation, we are naturally drawn inward, exploring existential questions, reassessing our priorities, and uncovering profound spiritual insights.

In my previous article, Overcoming Illness: A Spiritual Awakening and Path to Healing, I shared my personal journey of spiritual awakening and how it reshaped my understanding of resilience, surrender, and the impermanence of life. However, as the demands of daily life resume, holding onto these newfound perspectives has become increasingly challenging. I fear losing touch with the clarity I gained during my illness and throughout my continued recovery.

This concern has led me to explore practical ways to sustain my spiritual growth, ensuring that transformation continues to unfold beyond the immediate healing process. My intention is to approach each moment with fresh eyes, embrace the sacred in the everyday, and cultivate a continuous experience of grace.

The Challenge of Returning to Normalcy

Illness forces us to slow down, providing a rare opportunity to be fully present with ourselves—to mend what is broken, reexamine our place in the world, and notice aspects of life we previously overlooked.

Recovery, however, brings a flood of responsibilities, pressures, and expectations. The deeply reflective state cultivated during illness is now tested daily, as I feel the ever-elusive concept of time compressing even more. A nagging sense of needing to "catch up" often arises—one I must consciously quell by centering myself in the present. I remind myself that the only real urgency we should embrace is the pursuit of inner joy and peace.

Then, there is the physical aspect: moving too quickly without adequate rest inevitably prompts my body to slow down, a gentle but persistent reminder that healing is still ongoing. While the process cannot be measured in clear milestones, the body continuously communicates its needs—we must simply learn to listen and respond with care.

Many mornings, I wake up with pressing thoughts and questions: I can’t return to my old ways before illness because who I am today is the best version of myself. What should my new normal look like? How can I remain spiritually attuned while re-engaging with the world?

PHOTO CREDIT: ZOLTAN TASI ON UNSPLASH

Sustaining Mindful Practices for Spiritual Growth

During my illness, I committed to daily meditation and tapping. Even when hospitalized, I started my mornings with meditation and ended my nights with tapping. While my routine has evolved throughout recovery, I now find myself continuously adapting my schedule to ensure space for stillness and introspection. Here’s what my current practice looks like:

1. Daily Morning Pages for Healing and Clarity

In December 2023, a dear friend gifted me The Artist’s Way, which inspired a commitment to writing daily morning pages. Before dawn, I wake up and write a few pages in my journal—a practice I call a sacred dump, an emptying of anything weighing on my mind. This ritual not only grounds me but also serves as a space to cultivate gratitude, process trauma, and unlock creativity.

2. Divination (Tarot and Oracle Cards) for Spiritual Insight

Throughout my healing journey, my oracle cards have been a source of guidance. Pulling a card each morning provides a focal point for the day, reinforcing themes of self-discovery and transformation. Continuing this practice allows me to stay connected to my intuition and maintain spiritual alignment.

3. Mindful Walking for Inner Peace and Awareness

Late mornings, I step away from my computer and take a 30 minute walk to my neighborhood park, free from the tether of my phone. During this time, I engage in birdwatching or simply focus on each step, breath, and sensation—fully immersing myself in the present moment. This practice reconnects me with nature and serves as a moving meditation, restoring balance amidst daily responsibilities.

4. Meditation and Breathwork for Spiritual Awakening

Since my mornings are dedicated to journaling and divination, I reserve meditation for the evening, typically before dinner. I practice Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, which includes two forms of breathwork, or I sit in stillness for at least 30 minutes. At times, I integrate tapping through The Tapping Solution app or chanting to deepen my experience.

5. Bedtime Reading and Reflection for Conscious Growth

Ending the day with reflection reinforces mindfulness. Before sleep, I write a few lines documenting synchronicities, personal insights, and highlights of the day. On my nightstand, I am currently re-reading Awakening by Mark Nepo, Consciousness Is All There Is by Dr. Tony Nader, and The Hidden Lives of Owls by Leigh Calvez. These books have been invaluable in my continued spiritual growth, while the one on owls nurtures my fascination and love for birds.

Creating a Sacred Space for Spiritual Healing

A dedicated space for meditation and spiritual reflection helps maintain continuity in my practice. I keep a small meditation altar as a physical reminder of my commitment to inner stillness. Returning to this space regularly strengthens the habit of mindfulness and deepens my spiritual connection.

On my altar, I have pictures of family members who have passed, an image of my spirit animal (a scrub jay), and other meaningful objects like crystals, candles, and statues. These small elements evoke a sense of serenity and serve as touchstones for my spiritual journey.

The Journey Continues

My illness was not just a hardship; it was a doorway to deeper understanding. The journey of awakening does not end with recovery—it is an ongoing process of remembering, evolving, and aligning with our true essence.

Sustaining spiritual growth after illness requires conscious effort, but by integrating mindfulness, intentional practices, and moments of stillness into daily life, we can preserve the insights gained during our most transformative experiences. Rather than viewing recovery as a return to "normal," perhaps we can embrace it as an opportunity to cultivate a richer, more spiritually attuned existence.

I have come to realize that this path is not about perfection but about presence—meeting each moment with awareness, gratitude, and an open heart.

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Maya Sarin is a marketer, brand builder, and creator with 13 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Her recent journey of healing and transformation after an illness has brought her to the dynamic intersection of beauty, health, well-being, and holistic living. Maya redefines beauty as a path to inner bliss—reconnecting with your authentic self and aligning with the creative energy of the universe. Through her work, she explores themes of healing, self-growth, spirituality, and meditation. Maya is a soon-to-be-published author of a poetry book on self-renewal and the voice behind an upcoming Substack dedicated to these topics. You can connect with her on Instagram at @mayapens where she writes poetry and prose on these themes.