African spirituality is a way of life. Its beliefs cannot be separated from a person’s external factors. Instead, the two go hand and hand and influence a person’s everyday behavior. This principal of behavior is also known as holistic spirituality. In fact, African spirituality takes everything into consideration. To learn more of the basics on what is African spirituality, read on.
African Spirituality: A Mini Guide
1. African Spirituality Basics
African spirituality does not lend itself to exclusivity in practice. In fact, this spirituality recognizes that all beliefs must encompass and incorporate each phase of life. That’s why this belief isn’t separate from a person’s culture, environment, and society.
2. Imbalances
This spirituality views sicknesses as a holistic imbalance. However, it not only considers factors inside the body. Instead, it goes beyond that and considers how sicknesses can be linked to external factors. This includes a person’s social life.
One’s family relations can also provoke sickness in this spirituality’s beliefs. However, it’s important to note that these relations not only include the present timeline. Those wishing to heal themselves must also consider their ancestors.
3. Diversity in African Spirituality
African spirituality has the ability to adapt easily to other people’s convictions. In fact, this belief system often accommodates other ideas. Africa’s diversity allows them to be more accepting of other religions. This is because they don’t recognize other religions as competitors. Instead, they welcome these foreign beliefs of faith as complements. Moreover, they use the additional insights to enrich their beliefs and practices.
4. Flexibility in African Spirituality
To have a deeper understanding of African Spirituality, it’s necessary to understand African civilisations https://t.co/G6dPrZ8XQe
— Pan African Thought (@panafricanuk) August 4, 2017
Unlike other beliefs, African spirituality isn’t bound by a formal text. Rather, it’s an oral tradition at heart. As a result, it adapts easier to other religious ideas as needed.
5. Developing Spirituality
There are 3 ways to develop this spirituality:
- Practicing meditation is the first step because meditation helps increase a person’s self-awareness. Therefore, allowing you to increase your focus.
- Fasting is another step for spiritual development. Abstaining from food lets the body develop emotional balance. Certain food items tend to destabilize a person’s emotions. However, fasting can help reset this. It cleanses the body by getting rid of the toxins and chemicals that may have become backed up in the body.
- After fasting, it’s best to practice conscious eating. Mindful eating means eating and drinking food items that reflect a sustainable lifestyle. Still, this doesn’t mean meat should be completely taken out from a diet. Instead, try to reduce your meat, dairy, and sugar consumption.
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Ultimately, African spirituality is noteworthy and especially relevant because of its openness. Its flexibility is one of the advantages that allows it to survive several generations. In addition, it’s inclusive, allows for diversity, and keeps a holistic perspective.
What are your thoughts on this type of spirituality? Have any questions? Share them with us in the comment section below!
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