When: December
We all know that there are several very big and well known holidays during the December holiday season, but one that I like to observe for the month is Spiritual Literacy Month.
It was begun in 1996 by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. Spiritual Literacy Month is not about promoting the doctrine of any organized religion or following specific beliefs. It is simply about enriching our spiritual life.
This month is a time to celebrate and learn about the different aspects of spirituality. This includes exploring the world’s religions, different spiritual traditions, practices and belief systems.
It is also a time to reflect on our own spiritual journeys and how we can incorporate spirituality into our everyday life, thus creating a view of the world that becomes a sacred adventure.
Doing so helps us learn to live more fully and connect more deeply with the mystery and meaning of life.
Spiritual Literacy Month was founded by two authors, Frederic and Mary Brussat in 1996 with a goal of advocating for respect for the religions of the world, and the spiritual traditions that come along with them. They said the way to do this was to encourage people to read text from all different kinds of religions. – NationalDayCalendar.com
The Brussats felt that the world is full of meaning, but not everyone can see the signs of this. They wanted people to develop a new habit of looking for and reading signs that show up in our daily life. With practice, we can learn to see the sacred meaning that connects us to a higher power.
Although the authors intended for this holiday to be about expanding our education about worldwide religions and spiritual practices, I personally use it to expand my spirituality.
To feed my soul and to help me to be a better overall human being.
And to do so in December seems appropriate. With a new year approaching, it’s a great time to reflect on the events and our actions throughout the past year and how we can improve on those for the new year to come.
So in addition to celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanza or Festivus or whatever holiday you traditionally celebrate in December – I encourage you to add Spiritual Literacy.
I think you will find that it will help to make you the best version of yourself.
How To Celebrate Spiritual Literacy Month
Being spiritually literate and reading the spiritual texts of our lives isn’t new. Medieval Catholic monks referred to the practice as reading the “book of the world.”
Similarly, Native Americans use signs to help them navigate the forests or to find their path in a wild area.
In the same way, spiritual growth can open a new range of thinking and help us “see” a whole new world we were unaware of before.
I personally celebrate this holiday in two ways…
- I pick up a new book to read on my Amazon kindle device. One whose topic I feel that I need to work on.
- I search for a new spiritual teacher / lessons to follow on Youtube.
Sometimes the information I choose for the month is more “self help” than actually spiritual but honestly – I think that one tends to feed the other.
Last year I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, It was a great story and reminded me a little of the Celestine Prophecy which I read decades ago.
This year, the book I’ll be delving into is The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide To Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
I have to admit I haven’t found many decent videos on Youtube on the topic of spiritual enlightenment – a lot of the videos are all saying the same thing but that’s okay – it’s good to be reminded of them.
I usually end up watching something by Ted’s Talk.
Here Are Some Spiritual Books I Recommend
The Book of Secrets: Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life – by Deepak Chopra, M.D.
I’m Grateful Every Day – One Year of Gratitude: Daily Gratitude Journal – by Edith Smith
The Gifts Of Imperfection: Let Go Of Who You Think You’re Supposed To Be And Embrace Who You Are – by Brene Brown
You Are The Universe: Discovering Your Cosmic Self And Why It Matters – by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and Menas C. Kafatos, Ph.D.
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered – by Lysa TerKeurst
Tuesdays With Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lessons – by Mitch Albom
You Are A Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life – by Jen Sincero
Go Celebrate Spiritual Literacy Month
Use Spiritual Literacy Month to tap into the active presence of spirit in the world around you. Set aside reading time to check out a meaningful book or make your own traditions to celebrate this great holiday!
You never know, it may just be the boost you need to help you make the new year coming up an amazing one!
