Connect with More People Like You

It's natural to want to connect with people who share similar framework of understanding and outlook on life. Yet, it can often feel like we're distant from those who truly understand us—especially when it's difficult to find others walking a similar spiritual path. As humans, we long for genuine connection—where we feel seen, heard, and accepted. That’s why forming relationships with like-minded individuals can be one of the most meaningful and enriching parts of our journey.

With that in mind, I’ve created this short guide to help you recognise other actively embracing spiritual path and where to find them.

For 12 years, I didn’t even know what to type into the internet to find people who shared my interests. I explored religions, various philosophies, and academic psychological circles. Along the way, I did meet spiritually meaningful people, but I was still searching for a term that could make it easier to find like-minded individuals—and, on a personal level, a term that truly described the kind of person I was.

I was honestly surprised to discover the category "Spiritual But Not Religious." It made the whole journey of seeking kindred spirits so much simpler, as I found that I shared many of the values and experiences this category represents.

And since you’re here, it’s possible that this might resonate with you too.

People who see themselves as Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) often feel that true spirituality comes from within—not from following a set of rules or belonging to a religious institution. Instead of relying on dogmas, rituals, or traditions created by others, they focus on personal growth, inner peace, and a direct connection to something greater—whatever that may look like for them.

For many SBNR individuals, spirituality is a deeply personal journey. It’s about asking big questions, listening to your intuition, and staying open to mystery. It might involve meditation, time in nature, creative expression, mindfulness, or simply being present. There’s no “one right way” to be spiritual, and that’s the point—it’s about what feels true and meaningful to you.

There’s often a sense of freedom in being SBNR. You get to explore and make your own path, one that aligns with your values, experiences, and inner truth. It’s less about believing what someone else tells you and more about discovering what feels real through your own lived experience.

For many, it’s a way to stay connected to something sacred—whether that’s the universe, a higher self, nature, energy, love, or simply the wonder of being alive.

🤔Does this sound a bit like you?

Recognizing this category can be like discovering direction to your home. Millions of people across the globe resonate with this way of being. So truly we are not the only ones who awakened to something more. While the SBNR community is incredibly diverse, knowing its common characteristics can provide valuable clues on where and how to find your tribe.

🔹A Need for Personal Authenticity:
Many feel that established religions don't align with their personal experiences or evolving beliefs. They seek a spiritual path that feels more genuine and self-directed.

🔹Disillusionment with Organized Religion:
Some have had negative personal experiences with religious institutions or perceive them as rigid, dogmatic, overly focused on rules, or sometimes hypocritical.

🔹Desire for Intellectual Freedom:
SBNRs often value the liberty to explore a wide range of spiritual ideas, philosophies (from ancient wisdom to modern science), and practices without the constraints of a single doctrine. They embrace an experimental approach to their spiritual lives.

🔹Emphasis on Direct Experience:
Rather than relying solely on ancient texts or designated authorities, many SBNRs prioritize their own intuitive insights and direct experiences of the sacred or transcendent.

🔹Seeking Community on Their Own Terms:
While many SBNRs move away from formal religious settings, they still desire connection. Some join informal spiritual circles, online groups, or create new kinds of spiritual communities.

🔹Influence of Digital Tools:
Technology plays a growing role in shaping modern spiritual paths. Apps, podcasts, YouTube channels, and online gatherings have become common tools for spiritual exploration.

🔹Ethical and Social Justice Concerns:
Some individuals leave traditional religion due to a misalignment with their values—especially around inclusivity, gender equality, climate responsibility, or LGBTQ+ acceptance. They seek spiritual spaces that reflect their ethical priorities.

🔹Desire to Integrate Diverse Traditions:
Rather than committing to a single worldview, many SBNRs draw from multiple traditions—blending practices like meditation, tarot, mindfulness, or indigenous wisdom into a personalized spiritual approach.

🔹Age Demographics: This path often resonates with younger generations. Many Millennials (typically born 1981-1996) and Gen Z individuals (typically born 1997-2012) identify as SBNR. A significant portion of the SBNR population is under 50 years old.

🔹Gender Composition: There's a slight tendency for more women than men to identify as SBNR.

🔹Educational Background: SBNR individuals often have achieved higher levels of formal education.

🔹Socioeconomic Status: Some research suggests SBNRs may have a slightly higher social class on average, though the relationship with income can be complex.

🔹Geographical Presence: This way of thinking has a strong presence in North America (particularly the Northeast and Western regions of the US) and in many parts of Europe.

🔹Primary Languages: While SBNR is a global phenomenon, a large portion of resources and communities are English-speaking, with a notable and growing Spanish-speaking presence as well.

Of course, these are general trends. You can find SBNR folks of all ages, sexes, genders, educational backgrounds, geographical locations, and linguistic groups. The label encompasses a rich tapestry of individuals.

🔹A Belief in "Something More": Many SBNRs feel a connection to, or belief in, a power, intelligence, or energy that is larger than themselves. This might be referred to as Source, Energy, the Universe, Consciousness, Life Force, or the Divine. While many report believing in "God," their concept often differs from a traditional, interventionist biblical God, leaning more towards an impersonal force or universal consciousness.

🔹Immanent Divinity: Often, there's a sense that the sacred or divine is found within the universe, nature, the community, and oneself (an immanent worldview), rather than solely existing as a separate, external entity (a purely transcendent worldview).

🔹Primacy of Personal Experience & Intuition: Direct, lived experiences and inner intuitive guidance are highly valued, often seen as more reliable spiritual compasses than external doctrines or authorities.

🔹Openness to Diverse Wisdom Traditions: There's often an appreciation for the wisdom found in various spiritual paths, religions, and philosophies (especially Eastern traditions like Buddhism or Hinduism, and often indigenous or nature-based beliefs) without needing to exclusively commit to any single one. Many feel that all paths can offer valuable insights.

🔹Healthy Skepticism of Dogma: Many SBNRs prefer to avoid rigid, dogmatic structures and may be cautious about aligning with any single organized religion or blindly following one specific teacher.

🔹Nature as a Portal to the Sacred: A profound and often deeply spiritual connection with the natural world is common.

🔹Awareness of Energy & Subtle Phenomena: Belief in, or personal experiences with, subtle energies (feeling energy fields, auras, the atmosphere of a place) is quite prevalent.

🔹Varied Beliefs About the Afterlife: Ideas about what happens after death are diverse and personal, ranging from belief in some form of heaven or reincarnation to the idea of the spirit recycling into the earth, or simply an undefined hope for "something more." These beliefs are often less tied to traditional religious narratives.

🔹Personalized Ethical Frameworks: Ethics are often rooted in universal values like love, compassion, understanding, and tolerance. Many believe in the inherent goodness of humanity and may embrace concepts like karma. Their ethical compass is often self-determined, emphasizing "individual truth" and the importance of selfless actions. This often translates into support for causes like environmental protection, peace, and animal rights.

🔹A Tendency to Question Societal Norms: As mentioned, SBNRs may question conventional scripts, which can extend to an interest in alternative perspectives or a healthy skepticism towards mainstream narratives.

🔹Mind-Body-Spirit Practices: Activities like yoga, various forms of meditation (e.g., mindfulness, focused breathing, body scanning, loving-kindness meditation), breathwork techniques, and dedicated self-reflection are popular. Journaling is also a common tool for exploring inner thoughts, uncovering values, and tracking spiritual growth.

🔹Commitment to Personal Growth: A strong and ongoing interest in self-improvement, emotional healing, expanding awareness, and understanding oneself on a deeper level.

🔹Holistic & Healthy Lifestyle: An interest in holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

🔹Exploration of Alternative Lifestyles: A pull towards ways of living that offer more freedom, autonomy, or connection to values.

🔹The Pursuit of Freedom: Freedom in its various forms is often a core driving value.

🔹Tech-Savvy & Connected: Active use of technology and social media for learning, inspiration, and community.

🔹Interest in Psychedelics (for some): Responsible and intentional exploration of psychedelics for spiritual insight may be an interest.

🔹Personal Rituals & "New Age" Practices: Many SBNRs create their own meaningful personal rituals, like lighting a candle, reciting affirmations, or engaging in creative activities (art, music) as spiritual expression. Some may also find value in tools often associated with "New Age" spirituality, such as crystals, astrology, or tarot, viewing them as aids for personal empowerment and insight.

🔹Acts of Kindness & Service: Helping others and contributing to the well-being of the community or planet are often seen as integral parts of a fulfilling spiritual life.

⭐Explore Local Spiritual and Wellness Hubs:

🔹Dive into online platforms like Facebook Events, Eventbrite, Meetup.com. Even a simple search on Google Maps for relevant terms in your area can yield results.

🔹Use specific keywords in your searches: "Spirituality," "Meditation Classes," "Yoga Workshops," "Mindfulness Groups," "Healing Circles," "Conscious Living Events," "Breathwork Sessions," "Sound Baths," "Men's Circles," "Women's Circles," "Nature Walks" or niche terms like "Psychedelic Integration Groups".

🔹Don't forget to check bulletin boards or event schedules at local yoga studios, holistic wellness centers, independent bookstores, and metaphysical or new age shops or sometimes even on swimming pools sticky boards.

⭐ Immerse Yourself in Conscious and Transformational Festivals:

🔹Consider attending events like Consciousness Festivals, Transformational Festivals (e.g., focusing on art, music, and personal growth), some Psytrance Festivals (which often have significant workshop and spiritual elements), Permaculture Gatherings, or dedicated Spiritual Festivals. For extensive list of Festivals in Europe click here 🔎

🔹These vibrant gatherings are wonderful opportunities to experience a wide array of workshops, connect with diverse teachers, and meet a large number of like-minded individuals in an open and celebratory atmosphere.

⭐ Connect with Nature and Community at Eco-Villages & Intentional Communities:

🔹Many eco-villages, co-housing projects, and intentional communities are founded on principles of sustainability, shared values, and community living.

🔹Look for opportunities to visit, volunteer, or even attend workshops. This can be a profound way to experience deep human connection while living closer to nature and shared ideals. For extensive list of Eco Villages click here

⭐ Deepen Your Journey and Connections at a Retreat:

🔹Spiritual or wellness retreats offer a dedicated space and time away from your usual routine.

🔹They provide a focused environment for self-reflection, stress reduction, learning new practices, and deepening your spiritual connection, all while being in the company of others on a similar path.

⭐ Consider Travel to Like-Minded Destinations and Hubs:

🔹Certain geographical locations around the world have become magnets for spiritual seekers, digital nomads, wellness enthusiasts, and those interested in alternative lifestyles.

🔹Research places known for their spiritual communities or vibrant alternative scenes (e.g., parts of Southeast Asia like Bali or Thailand, specific towns in Central or South America, or known spiritual hubs in Europe or North America).

⭐ Dive into the Vast World of Online Communities:

🔹Reddit: A treasure trove of niche communities. Explore subreddits like r/spirituality, r/Meditation, r/Yoga, r/awakened, r/Soulnexus, r/Consciousness, r/Mindfulness, and even r/agnostic can lead to insightful discussions and connections.

🔹Facebook Groups: Use the search function to find groups tailored to your specific spiritual interests. You might find local groups (e.g., "Spiritual Awakening [Your City]") or global communities focused on particular practices or philosophies.

🔹Dedicated Platforms & Forums: Some websites and newer apps are specifically designed to help spiritual individuals network and connect. There aren't many for example; https://www.spiritualforums.com/

🔹Instagram, YouTube, TikTok & Podcasts: Follow inspiring creators and hashtags like #spiritualawakening, #goodvibesonly, #consciousness, #mindfulness, #healingjourney. Engage respectfully in comment sections and live streams – you'll often find others who resonate.

Sometimes, the most wonderful connections happen when you least expect them. You might meet a kindred spirit in a local bookstore, a quiet coffee shop, an art class, or through a mutual friend who knows your interests. Spiritual open people are often on their own unique journeys of self-discovery, so keep your heart and mind open wherever you go.

When you do meet someone with whom you feel a genuine connection, don't hesitate to ask if they know of other groups, events, interesting people, or communities that align with your shared interests. Word-of-mouth is an incredibly powerful tool, as many grassroots gatherings and connections aren't heavily advertised online.

🔹Cultivate and Trust Your Discernment: As you explore new groups, teachers, or communities, always listen to your intuition – that inner knowing. Does the environment feel welcoming and respectful? Do the teachings or practices resonate deeply with your own inner truth, or does something feel 'off' or misaligned? It's perfectly healthy to ask questions and to ensure that any group or philosophy genuinely supports your well-being and growth. Not every group or individual claiming a spiritual path has the purest intentions, so maintaining critical thinking alongside an open heart is essential.

🔹Stay Open and Curious: Remember that the spiritual landscape is vast and diverse, just like the people within it. Even within communities that seem like a good fit, you'll encounter many different expressions of spirituality and unique individual paths. Embrace this diversity with an open mind and a curious spirit. You might learn something new from an unexpected source.

Finding your tribe is a beautiful and evolving journey, not a final destination. Be patient and compassionate with yourself and the process. The more you honor your authentic self and actively, yet gently, seek connection, the more likely you are to attract and find those wonderful souls who resonate with your unique spirit.

P.S. You are invited to join MySpiritWay Community, our vision is to create space that could serve as shelter for all spiritual seekers. We are currently present on Whats APP group but as the community will grow we will consider other Mediums. If you would like to join you can leave your name and email below, and you will receive link to the group.