Senior Voice -

Spiritual Literacy Month is an annual designation observed in December. This December, broaden your mind and challenge yourself to read a book (or five) about spirituality, faith or religion. It’s important to remember that you can be spiritual without being religious. Religion is organized and has specific beliefs, that usually come with a strict set of rules. Spirituality is more of just believing in something bigger than humanity and being empowered, but not necessarily sticking to a set of rules or believing precisely what someone else believes in. So, whether you’re spiritual, religious, or just plain curious, get reading this month to learn more about what stirs up the souls of others around you.

How to observe

When you’ve decided which book(s) you want to read this month, snap a photo and share on social media using #SpiritualLiteracyMonth or #SpiritualLiteracy. Here are some reasons why reading a spiritual book or two will be beneficial for you.

1. Simply put, it’s good for your soul. Reading a spiritual book will open your mind in ways you probably didn’t realize it could, and offers an uplifting, refreshing view of the world and universe we live in.

2. It’ll lower your stress levels. Studies show that reading spiritual literacy can improve mental and physical health, as well as help keep you calm in stressful situations.

3. You’ll get introduced to a whole new world. Reading these types of books can awaken you spiritually and mentally, and will open up your range of thinking and imagination to an entirely different level.

4. It’s exciting and fun. Even if you don’t agree with some of the viewpoints that you’re reading about, learning other perspectives and ideas will help you understand other people and be well-rounded with your knowledge.

History

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.

“A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors.” - Henry Ward Beecher

Reprinted from nationalcalendarday.com.