Exploring spirituality: The reality and background of SBNR in Japan

A journey to meet a new me that will make your heart flutter – The way of life is SBNR
As every day is hectic, have you ever suddenly stopped and thought, "Is this okay?" As you play a variety of roles, including work, family, and relationships, there may be some people who feel uneasy about how your true self is left behind.
If you are feeling something deep inside you are feeling unfulfilled right now, why not stop for a moment and listen to this "SBNR (spiritual butt not reliably)" lifestyle?
What exactly is SBNR?
- SBNR refers to the way of life that "we value spiritual things, although we do not belong to religion." Rather than affiliated with a specific religious organization, the style is to listen carefully to your inner voice and seek spiritual fulfillment that is unique to you.
- When you hear the word "spiritual," some people may have the impression that it is a little suspicious. However, spirituality here does not simply refer to any special force invisible.
- For example, have you ever experienced a feeling of moving your heart when you see a beautiful sunset, or breathing deeply in the wilderness makes you feel at ease? That is also one of your own spiritual feelings.
- SBNR is a way of life that makes you more sensitive to "stimulating the heart" and "joy of the soul" and cherishes what is truly important to you. It's like a journey of freely deepening your spiritual quest, following the compass of your own mind, without being bound by specific teachings or rules.
Why is SBNR attracting attention now?
The background to SBNR's attention is intertwined with various factors unique to modern society in which we live.
- Respect for diverse values
With the spread of social media, we have increased the number of opportunities to experience various values from around the world. Among these, more and more people are hoping to pursue a spirituality that is unique to them, rather than being bound by traditional religious views.
We are constantly under stress in a society where information is overloaded
. SBNR is attracting attention as an effective way to restore balance to the mind through meditation, yoga, and interacting with nature.- Improve your self-esteem
In your busy daily life, have you ever been blaming yourself? SBNR values the process of encouraging self-exploration and accepting oneself. It will help you improve your self-esteem and help you live more like you are. - Questioning Formal Religion
Many people doubt formalized religious activities or feel reluctant to be bound by doctrine. The SBNR allows us to freely pursue our own spirituality beyond those existing religions.
What is the SBNR-like lifestyle like?
The way SBNR lives is different for each and every one. There is no fixed form. However, there are some factors that we all respect in common.
1. Have time to face yourself
Start by getting out of your busy days a little and having time to face your own mind.
- Meditation: Close your eyes in a quiet place and focus your attention on your breathing Meditation helps you to clear up any distractions in your mind and find inner peace.
- Journaling - Journaling writes down what you feel and think in a notebook helps you objectively grasp your own state of mind and deepen your self-understanding.
- Spend time in nature , just taking a walk in the park or just dazzling by the beach will make you feel the energy of nature and soothe your heart.
- Time for yourself - Relax in the bath, listen to your favorite music, and do what makes your heart happy, fill your heart.
2. Sharpen your five senses
Even among the things that you casually overlook, there are many beautiful things that will move you.
- Appreciate beautiful things , enjoy paintings at art museums, watch your favorite movies, and listen to beautiful music to improve your sensibility.
- Dining carefully . By carefully eating while carefully tasting the aroma and flavor of the ingredients, satisfying your five senses and increasing your emotional satisfaction.
- Feeling natural scents , such as smelling the scent of nature and flower, earth after the rain, and forest scents, will make your mind feel peaceful and soothed.
- Enjoy a comfortable feel - Fill your senses in your daily life by wearing clothes made from your favorite material or enjoying the feel of the mug when drinking warm tea.
3. Do your heart fluttering
Feelings of "love" and "fun" are nourishing for the mind.
- Enjoying your hobbies and doing what you love is avidly done will satisfy you and help relieve stress.
- Trying out new things and being interested in new things, but by trying things you've never done before, you will be able to discover new discoveries and joys.
- Perform creative activities , drawing, singing, writing, and creating something will free your expression of mind and give you a sense of joy in self-expression.
- Going on a trip and visiting a different place brings new values and discoveries, enriching your heart.
4. Respect your connection with others
SBNR is not an individualistic way of thinking, but also value connections with others.
- Finding friends you can relate to and interacting with friends who share similar values can provide emotional support and encourage growth.
- Participating in volunteer activities - Being useful to someone will increase your self-esteem and give you a sense of joy and fulfillment.
- Expressing gratitude - Expressing gratitude through words and actions in everyday life will help smooth relationships and share happiness.
- Listen carefully to others: Listening to and empathizing with others is essential for building deep trust.
5. Develop your own values
SBNRs do not restrict themselves to existing values, but rather value their own values.
- Be aware of your sense of ethics , be aware of what you value and act based on ethical judgments, and you will gain confidence in yourself.
- Respect for diversity - Respect for people with values that differ from our own, and acknowledge diversity is important to create a more prosperous society.
- Accept change and develop a flexible mind and broad perspective by not being afraid and accepting any changes in your life.
- Take care of yourself . Listen to your mind and body, don't overdo it, and don't forget to take care of yourself.
Things to know when starting SBNR
SBNR is a great way of life, but there are some things to keep in mind.
- Beware of spiritual business: Relying on spirituality in expensive seminars and merchandise sales can actually disrupt your physical and mental balance.
- Don't fall into self-satisfaction: If you become trapped in your own world or avoid interacting with others, you may lose opportunities for growth.
- Respect for diverse values: Be careful not to take a critical attitude towards values that are different from yours.
SBNR is your own journey
SBNR is nothing special. Anyone can incorporate an SBNR-like lifestyle by simply changing their mindset in their daily lives.
The important thing is to listen carefully to the voices of your heart, not be fooled by the opinions of those around you. And finding what's really important to you.
Sometimes you may get lost. But that is also the real joy of traveling.
SBNR's journey will guide you to a new self. Now, why not follow the compass of your heart and start your own "stimulating heart" journey?
Now, let's take a step forward! Tips for getting started with SBNR
- Start with small things , try meditation for just five minutes, drink tea at your favorite cafe, or take a walk around the nearby park, etc., and start as far as you can expect.
- Collect information , gather information about SBNR through books and the Internet, and deepen your interests.
- Join the Community - Join online and offline communities and interact with peers who share similar values.
- utilize professional support and seek the support of an expert, such as a counselor or therapist, if necessary.
- Don't rush and take your time on your SBNR trip, it is important to enjoy the process rather than aiming for the goal.
SBNR will lead you to a more freer and more personal life. I hope you will discover heartfelt happiness on this journey.