Quest for Spirituality ~ Actual Situation and Background of SBNR in Japan

In the midst of the hectic passing of each day, do you ever stop and think, "Is it okay to stay like this?" Work, family, relationships... In the midst of taking on various roles, some of you may have such a feeling that your true self has been left behind.
If you're feeling something deep down in your heart right now, why don't you stop for a moment and listen to this way of life called "SBNR (Spiritual Butt Not Legal)"?
An exciting journey to meet a new me – The SBNR way of life
What the hell is SBNR?
- SBNR is a way of thinking and living that does not belong to a religion but values spiritual things. Rather than belonging to a specific religious organization, it is a style of listening to one's inner voice and seeking one's own spiritual fulfillment.
- When you hear the word "spiritual," you may have a slightly suspicious image. But when I say spiritual, I don't just mean some special power that is invisible to the eye.
- For example, have you ever been moved by a beautiful sunset or comforted by breathing deeply in nature? It's also one of your own spiritual feelings.
- SBNR is a way of life that is sensitive to the "excitement of the heart" and "the joy of the soul" and cherishes what is truly important to you. It's like a journey where you are free to follow the compass of your mind and deepen your spiritual exploration without being bound by any particular teachings or rules.
Why is SBNR attracting attention now?
SBNR is attracting attention due to a combination of factors unique to the modern society in which we live.
- Respect for Diverse Values
With the spread of social media, there are more opportunities to come into contact with various values from around the world. Among them, an increasing number of people want to pursue their own spirituality without being bound by conventional religious views. - Freedom from a stressful society
In an information-overloaded society, we are constantly under stress. SBNR is attracting attention as an effective means of rebalancing the mind through meditation, yoga, and contact with nature. - Increased self-esteem
Do you find yourself blaming yourself in your busy life? SBNR values the process of self-exploration and self-acceptance. It will increase your self-esteem and support you to live more like yourself. - Questioning Formal Religion
Many people have doubts about formalized religious practices or are reluctant to be bound by dogma. SBNR allows you to go beyond the boundaries of existing religions and freely pursue your own spirituality.
What is the SBNR way of life like?
SBNR's way of life is different for each person. There is no fixed form. However, there are a few elements that we have in common.
1. Take time to reflect on yourself
Start by taking a break from your busy life and taking some time to face your own mind.
- Meditation: Meditation, in which you close your eyes in a quiet place and focus on your breathing, can help you clear your mind of distractions and find inner peace.
- Journaling ・Journaling, in which you write down what you feel and think in a notebook, helps you objectively grasp your state of mind and deepen your self-understanding.
- Spend time in nature ・ Even if you just take a walk in the park or just hang out at the beach, you will feel the energy of nature and heal your soul.
- Time for Yourself ・ Relax in the bath, listen to your favorite music, or do something that pleases your heart to fill your heart.
2. Sharpen your senses
There are many beautiful things that move our hearts even among the things that we usually overlook casually.
- Appreciating beautiful things Brush up on your sensibilities by viewing paintings at museums, watching your favorite movies, and listening to beautiful music.
- Eat carefully ・ Eat carefully while savoring the aroma and taste of the ingredients to satisfy your five senses and increase your mental satisfaction.
- Smell the scent of nature ・ Feeling the scent of nature, such as the scent of flowers, the scent of the soil after rain, and the scent of the forest, will calm your mind and heal.
- Enjoy a pleasant touch ・ Satisfy your senses in your daily life by wearing clothes made of your favorite materials and enjoying the feel of the mug when drinking hot tea.
3. Do something that excites your heart
The emotions of "like" and "fun" are nourishment for the mind.
- Enjoy your hobbies ・ Spending time doing what you love is fulfilling yourself and relieving stress.
- Try something new ・ By challenging yourself to do something you are interested in but have never done before, you will discover new things and find joy in them.
- Do creative activities Drawing, singing, writing, or creating something can liberate the expression of the mind and make you feel the joy of self-expression.
- Embark on a journey ・ Visiting a different place brings new values and discoveries, and enriches the mind.
4. Cherish your connections with others
SBNR is not an individualistic mindset, but also values connection with others.
- Find a companion you can relate to ・ Interaction with peers who have similar values provides emotional support and promotes growth.
- Volunteer ・ Being useful to others increases self-esteem and gives you a sense of joy and fulfillment.
- Express gratitude ・ Expressing gratitude in words and actions in daily life can facilitate relationships and share happy feelings.
- Listen carefully to people: Listening and empathizing with others is essential for building deep trust.
5. Cultivate your own values
SBNR values its own values rather than being bound by existing values.
- Be Conscious of Ethics ・ By being aware of what you value and acting based on ethical judgments, you will gain confidence in yourself.
- Respect for diversity ・ Respecting people who have different values from your own and recognizing diversity is important for creating a more prosperous society.
- Embrace change ・ Don't be afraid to accept all changes in your life to develop a flexible mind and a broad perspective.
- Take care of yourself Listen to your mind and body, don't overdo it, and don't forget to take care of yourself.
What you need to know when getting started with SBNR
SBNR is a great way to live, but there are some things to keep in mind.
- Beware of Spiritual Business: By relying on spirituality, such as expensive seminars and merchandise sales, there is a possibility that you will lose your mental and physical balance.
- Don't get complacent: If you shut yourself in your own world or avoid interacting with others, you may lose opportunities for growth.
- Respect Diverse Values: Be careful not to acknowledge values that are different from your own and not to be critical.
SBNR is your only journey
SBNR is nothing special. Anyone can adopt an SBNR way of life by simply changing their mindset a little in their daily lives.
The important thing is not to be misled by the opinions of those around you, but to listen to your heart. And find out what really matters to you.
Sometimes, you might get lost. But that's also the best part of traveling.
SBNR's journey will take you to a new version of yourself. So why don't you follow the compass of your heart and start your own "heart-pounding" journey?
Let's take a step forward! Tips for getting started with SBNR
- Start small Try meditation for just 5 minutes, drink tea at your favorite café, or take a walk in your local park.
- Information Gathering ・Gather information about SBNR from books and the Internet to deepen your field of interest.
- Join the community Join online and offline communities to interact with like-minded peers.
- Get professional support It is also useful to seek professional support such as a counselor or therapist if necessary.
- Don't rush, take it slow ・The SBNR journey is not about aiming for the goal, but about enjoying the process.
SBNR will lead you to a freer, more personal way of life. I hope that on this journey you will meet sincere happiness.



