Knowledge base
Spiritual Principles
Spiritual principles are governing principles that heal us from the inside out — teaching us the importance of qualities like patience and gratitude. They can be practised with ease, often by simply reminding ourselves that part of our purpose is to keep bettering ourselves.
Tag any shadow entry, daily reflection, or morning intention with one of these principles and Onwards Upwards will track how often you lean on each one in the Spiritual principles practised chart on your Insights page.
Acceptance #acceptance
Multiple times throughout the day, things may not go as planned. Practice acceptance when you've just missed the bus for work, or when they run out of coffee in the office. Acceptance is by far one of the most useful principles to practice.
Hope #hope
Hope can lend itself to you in any time of need, distress, or unhappiness. Sit down for a couple of minutes quietly and express your hope that things will work out how they should. If things don't work out, have hope that you will be okay either way.
Faith #faith
Practicing faith can look like praying, meditating, speaking to your higher power, etc. Putting hope into a power greater than yourself is faith.
Courage #courage
Be courageous by standing up for what you believe in today, whether that be you setting a boundary or telling your boss about an idea you have. Practicing courage can be scary, but it is also rewarding.
Honesty #honesty
Practicing honesty is pretty straight-forward. Practice honesty today by not lying, covering up the truth, without sugar-coating or leaving anything out. Did you show up to work five minutes late? Admit it. Do you really like your friend's outfit? Tell them the truth. Honesty is easier the longer you practice it.
Patience #patience
Instead of honking your horn at the car in front of you; take a deep, deep breath and exhale. Practice patience.
Humility #humility
Instead of arguing about how you're right (even when you know you're wrong), practice humility by apologising for your wrongs. It can feel like a defeat, but afterwards you will feel good about yourself and how you treat others.
Willingness #willingness
Practice willingness by saying yes to that after-work yoga class with your co-worker. Often we are quick to say that we want something — but we are unwilling to make changes to receive that thing. Practice willingness by showing that you will do something for the positive results!
Brotherly love #brotherly_love
Practising brotherly-love can be as easy as helping your neighbour carry in the grocery bags. Practice brotherly-love by doing anything from holding the door for someone, to supporting someone in need.
Integrity #integrity
Integrity is honesty with a strong set of morals. Practice integrity by not compromising your values in any situation today. Did the cashier accidentally give you $10 extra? Practice integrity by saying something. Is your co-worker asking you to take an extra 20 minutes on your lunch break? Say no, because you should only be making decisions that fit within your personal values.
Self-discipline #self_discipline
Practice self-discipline by being a good person when no one is looking. Did you have a long day at work, and want to cancel plans with a friend so that you can veg out on the couch for the night? Have the discipline to do what's right for you and your personal wellbeing despite what you feel like doing. Do you have the opportunity to be lazy at work because your boss is gone for the day? Practice self-discipline by doing the work despite who is there to oversee you.
Service #service
Service is a spiritual principle that many people cite as the principle that brings them joy. You can practice service by talking to someone who is struggling, helping a neighbour, offering advice to someone having a hard time, doing community work, or joining a local charity. Service opportunities are everywhere.