In recent years, the world has witnessed a noticeable shift, particularly among Gen Z and millennials, from traditional religion towards New Age spirituality. With Singapore being a multicultural city, the warm welcome towards this movement comes at no surprise. You may have seen more and more shops selling clusters of crystals or heard people talk about their latest tarot reading. If these things have caught your attention, read on as we do a deep dive on the New Age movement and the ways in which you can practise this in Singapore!
What is New Age spirituality?
New Age spirituality is a multifaceted movement, and there is no one definition that can fully capture its essence. However, it is a movement that is characterised by a belief in the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of personal growth and development, and a bond with their higher consciousness.
This movement invites individuals to explore their inner worlds and create a unique spiritual path tailored to their own beliefs and experiences.
What are some common New Age practices?
The New Age movement encompasses a wide range of spiritual and metaphysical beliefs and practices that emerged in the late 20th century and continue to evolve. While it's important to note that there is no single set of beliefs or practices that define the New Age movement, here are some common practices and themes often associated with it:
Holistic Health and Wellness: Many New Agers emphasise the importance of holistic well-being, including practices like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and alternative medicine.
Spirituality and Self-Discovery: People often explore various spiritual paths, seeking enlightenment, personal transformation, and a deeper connection to the universe.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Various meditation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, transcendental meditation, and guided visualisation are widely used to achieve inner peace, reduce stress, and connect with higher consciousness
Energy Healing: Concepts like energy fields, chakras, and auras are commonly discussed in New Age spirituality. Practices like Reiki, crystal healing, and energy balancing are used to promote physical and emotional healing.
Alternative Spirituality and Belief Systems: New Agers often explore and synthesise beliefs from various spiritual traditions, including Eastern religions (Buddhism, Hinduism), indigenous wisdom, paganism, and even elements of Western esotericism. They may also incorporate astrology, numerology, and divination practices like tarot or tea reading.
Channelling and Spiritual Guides: Some individuals in the New Age movement claim to communicate with spiritual entities or guides through a process called channelling. These entities are often seen as sources of wisdom and guidance.
Crystals and Gemstones: Crystals and gemstones are believed to have various healing and spiritual properties. They are used for meditation, energy work, and as tools for balancing and aligning one's energy.
Esoteric and New Age Literature: New Age practitioners often read books and literature on spirituality, metaphysics, and self-help. Authors like Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and Louise Hay have gained popularity in this context.
What are some ways you can practise New Age spirituality in Singapore?
As a newcomer to the New Age spiritual path, there are several activities and practices you can explore to help you understand and navigate this journey. While these activities and practices may be specific or suitable to Singaporeans or south east asians in general, keep in mind that spirituality is a highly personal and individualised pursuit, so feel free to adapt these recommendations to suit your preferences and needs:
1. Exploration of Spiritual Texts: Dive into spiritual literature from various traditions, including New Age authors as well as texts from Eastern philosophies, Western mysticism, and indigenous wisdom. These readings can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Singaporean New Age stores like Life by Design and Qi New Age Healing offer a variety of new age books and resources (make sure to ask their friendly staff for advice on what to get!).
2. Yoga and Energy Work: Consider taking up beginner yoga classes in Singapore or exploring energy work practices like Reiki or Qi Gong. These physical and energetic practices can help you align your body, mind, and spirit and promote overall well-being.
3. Meditation and Mindfulness: Begin a regular meditation or mindfulness practice. This can help you connect with your inner self, reduce stress, and increase your awareness of the present moment. There are various meditation techniques to explore, so find one that resonates with you. Additionally, you can find meditation centres in Singapore with experienced instructors that will guide you during your first meditation session.
4. Self-Reflection and Journaling: Start by reflecting on your beliefs, values, and what draws you to your spiritual path. Keep a journal to document your thoughts, experiences, and any insights you gain along the way. This can help you track your progress and deepen your self-awareness. Aside from starting a journal from scratch, we highly recommend guided journals that are crafted with templates, prompts, and beautiful designs to make your journaling a fun and engaging activity. Some of our favourites from our collection are the Crystals Journal, the Tarot Journal, and the Timeless Black Journal.
5. Nature Connection: Spend time in nature to connect with the natural world and its energies. This can involve hiking, forest bathing, or simply sitting quietly in a park. Nature can be a powerful teacher and a source of spiritual inspiration. We highly suggest going to secluded or hidden hiking trails in Singapore - these places have less human traffic which will allow you to sit in peace with nature.
6. Crystal and Gemstone Work: If you're interested in crystals and gemstones, start learning about their properties and how to use them for healing and energy balancing. You can also collect crystals that resonate with you and create a personal altar or grid. Embrace crystal healing with our different types of crystals and new age products - from healing crystals and natural earth stones to gemstones and geodes.
7. Connect with Local Spiritual Communities: Aside from finding like-minded people in yoga or meditation classes, seek out local spiritual or New Age groups, meetups, or discussion circles. Building connections with others who share similar interests can provide support and a sense of community. You may look for these meetups or New Age groups in Meetup, Facebook Community pages or Reddit.
8. Dreamwork and Intuition: Pay attention to your dreams and intuitive insights. Keep a dream journal and practice techniques for interpreting your dreams. Trust your intuition and inner guidance as you make choices on your spiritual path.
9. Personal Rituals and Ceremonies: Create your own rituals and ceremonies to mark significant moments in your life or on your spiritual journey. These can be as simple as lighting a candle, setting intentions, or practising gratitude. Be it finishing a book or buying your first tarot deck, remember to celebrate your small and big wins in this spiritual journey of yours!
10. Practice Patience and Open-Mindedness: Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and it's okay to evolve and change your beliefs and practices along the way. Stay open-minded and patient with yourself as you explore and discover your unique path.
Ultimately, the New Age movement is about personal exploration, self-discovery, and finding what resonates with your heart and soul. Take your time, follow your intuition, and trust your inner wisdom as you embark on this journey.
We hope you enjoyed this list of practices and wish you the best of luck in your newfound spiritual journey among the New Age movement! Check out our other blog posts regarding New Age beliefs, the Singaporean lifestyle, and novelty items for yourself and friends.