Can social networks such as Twitter or Facebook increase your connection to God or a Higher Power? You better believe it! These six benefits of social networking may change how you see social media and improve your spiritual health.
Before the tips, a quip:
“Everything in your life is there as a vehicle for your transformation. Use it!” ~ A Course in Miracles.
You can use everything in your life to improve your spiritual health and increase your connections to God or a Higher Power. And, since social networking is ingrained in our culture, we might as well use it for good. The above quotation is from A Course in Miracles – a collection of sayings and teachings that emphasize spirituality in daily life, published by the Foundation for Inner Peace. Click it for more information, and read on for tips on increasing spirituality through social network sites…
6 Ways Twitter and Facebook Can Improve Your Spiritual Health
1. Social networks provide more and different spiritual information. On Twitter (I’m @QuipsAndTips); I follow several people who share Scripture verses, spiritual sayings, and encouragement to connect with a Higher Power. This helps me stay spiritual at work, and makes me feel more connected to God and other spiritual beings – even in the midst of a busy day, when I’m writing about non-spiritual topics.
2. Social networks connect people who have the same beliefs. Psychological research shows that feelings of connection lead to longer, healthier, happier lives. Social networks such as Twitter or Facebook can connect you in ways that aren’t possible in person or offline, and help you feel less isolated and more supported.
3. Social networks can challenge beliefs and still encourage spiritual growth. I enjoy hearing perspectives that are opposite to or different than mine. I think we need to be open-minded and attached to nothing (thank you, Wayne Dyer!) – and sites like Twitter and Facebook can expose us to different types of beliefs.
4. Social networks can provide opportunities to pray or meditate. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into prayer, meditation, or visualization – Twitter or Facebook can help you tap into your deeper self and connect with your Higher Power at any moment. For instance, just now @DaveCarpenter on Twitter shared this quotation: “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. ~ Garth Brooks.” When I read this, I immediately shifted into a powerful feeling of gratitude towards God and a connection with someone I’ve only met online – because I suspect he, too, is touched by unanswered prayer!
5. Social networks allow you to share your inner world. “The more you give, the more you get,” is a popular saying because it’s true. In most online networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, you have the freedom to share your information, resources, quips, and tips openly. You realize how you can influence others and make a difference in the world – which can improve your spiritual health.
6. Social networks help you express what’s important to you. If you’re on Twitter, you need to create short, succinct sentences that summarize your thoughts, opinions, and feelings. This forces you to figure out exactly what you mean to say, which helps you clarify your beliefs and opinions. Similarly, Facebook helps you focus on the people, photos, and interactions that are most meaningful to you – which can improve your emotional and spiritual health.
What do you think – have social network sites such as Twitter or Facebook improved your spiritual connection with God or a Higher Power?
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Hi Laurie,
Interesting article – you come up with the most interesting topics that I might not think of! I enjoy your perspective as I was recently thinking that Twitter may be a waste of time and that people are only using it to promote their work, make sales etc. so thank you for reminding me of the uplifting quotes and messages many give (including myself with my daily insights).
Plus, as it says in your quote from A Course in Miracles – anything can be used for transformation, so even when I am triggered by the obvious self-interest promotion on sites like Twitter (which I use it for too:) I can use that as a way to release old judgments etc. and move towards healing and transformation.
I love a Course In Miracles (athough it’s a bit heady to read) as it has so many healing principles on truth and forgiveness. Thanks for the reminder of it too (it was the first gift my hubby gave me shortly after we met).
Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Intuition =-.
I never thought that social networking sites could bring me closer to God, until I started following a few Christians who post Scripture verses. I love it, because I’m reminded to be more spiritual at work when I need it most!!!
Gini — I know what you mean about Twitter possibly being a waste of time…especially when time is so precious! Sometimes I think about letting it go, but I really enjoy the interaction with other people. It’s not necessarily all about spirituality for me, but it makes me feel more connected with the outside world (and as a full-time writer and blogger, I can feel awfully insulated sometimes).
Sophia — thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you’re finding spirituality in your social networking sites!
Blessings,
Laurie
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post: Fear of Success for Writers – Signs of Self-Sabotage in the Writing Life =-.