I don’t know about you, but I find myself becoming more spiritual as I age. Let me begin this post by saying that spirituality can come in many forms. I like to think of God as the higher power. But, it can be a belief in something greater than yourself. This belief provides you with a sense of purpose or the reminder to be a little kinder, more giving, and gentler in this crazy world. I started thinking more about this after I listened to a podcast from none other than Mel Robbins. She interviewed author Lisa Miller PhD on her new book “The Awakened Mind.” In this book, she provides scientific evidence that if you embrace and find your spiritual side, you will live a happier, healthier and more resilient life.
Looking for signs of a Higher Power in everyday life
In our fast-paced world it can be difficult to notice the signs that are guiding you or helping you find more peace in your life. But the signs are there. It is just a matter of slowing down to look and listen for the signs. In Mark Nepo’s “The Book of Awakening,” he provides short (one page) stories to help the reader slow down and be more present. His subtle references to God and spirituality help the reader to meditate through reading and reflecting on the ways spiritual signals show up in your life.
For example, when my niece passed away many years ago, at the young age of 19, I asked for a sign that she was o.k. To my surprise, a butterfly appeared almost instantly and flew into my face. To this day, when I need to remember to slow down or focus on happiness, I almost always have a butterfly that will start flying around me or even land on me. Even my husband has noticed this phenomenon. And we both say “Oh Hello Jenny!”
I have had other friends who find comfort and spirituality in seeing a red cardinal as a remembrance of a loved one. It’s the little things in life where you can find your higher power. It could be through nature; it could be a coincidence when meeting someone. Or it could be a door shutting that helped guide you in a different direction. In looking for these signs, you can begin to build your spiritual muscle.
Science backs this up: Studies show that spiritual engagement can support better mental health and even longer life.
Try This Exercise to Strengthen Your Spiritual Muscle
Choose a symbol that holds meaning for you—maybe it’s a heart, a butterfly, a bird, or something uniquely personal. Once you start looking for it with intention, you might be surprised how often it shows up. This simple practice helps you tune in and stay spiritually aware.
Even something as small as a penny can carry significance. I often see it as a reminder. If I find a penny on the ground with the heads side up, I notice the words engraved: “In God We Trust.” That tiny phrase reminds me, in that moment, to trust God—whatever is happening in my life.
And if it’s heads down? I flip it over and leave it behind, hoping the next person who finds it gets the same little nudge of faith and reassurance.
How Spirituality provides Peace, Happiness and Connection
There’s a reason spiritual practices have stood the test of time. As we grow older, many of us seek to leave behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and love. Whether it’s through acts of service, sharing our stories, or simply being present for those around us, spirituality provides the framework to make those connections. It’s about recognizing that our lives are part of something larger. Through that recognition, we can give and receive more freely. When we approach life with an open heart, we allow ourselves to become instruments of peace, joy, and compassion—something we all need more of in today’s world.
Meditation, prayer, or even quiet reflection can help reduce anxiety, ease loneliness, and create a sense of purpose—especially during life transitions like retirement, downsizing, or caregiving.
Simple practices to bring more peace:
- Morning walk around the block. Notice the birds, trees and details of the day unfolding. I am lucky enough to have a dog that needs to go out every morning and is a big sniffer. I get lots of time to reflect.
- Read a devotional or spiritual text. Just a few lines can reframe your mindset. I have a couple free apps on my phone with quick devotionals – Joel Osteen – Your Best Life Begins Each Morning (also a book on Amazon) and Power Thoughts Devotional. Each has 365 inspirational readings.
- Listen to music or podcasts that uplift your spirit. Let words or melodies move you.
Why Spiritual Reflection Becomes More Important as We Age
Aging brings change—sometimes challenging, sometimes beautiful. As we reflect on our legacy, mortality, and what we’ve learned, spirituality can help us find meaning in it all. Questions like “What truly matters? Who are important people in my life? What do I want to do in this next chapter of life?” come into sharper focus.
Hopefully, as you move into your 60s the distractions from work obligations and hustle begins to fade. You have more time to do the things you have been putting on the back burner – travel, hobbies, reading, longer workouts etc.
Conclusion: Embrace the Spiritual Journey
There’s no “right way” to be spiritual. Whether your path is rooted in faith, nature, community, or personal reflection, the journey itself is valuable.
In this stage of life, spirituality can offer more than comfort—it can offer clarity, connection, and deep joy. And that may be the greatest gift of growing older: seeing the sacred in what used to be ordinary.
“The Great Awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.” M. Scott Peck