The Jewish faith is one that offers guidelines for living, and those guiding principles help us to maneuver between the physical and spiritual worlds. For some, the observance of Jewish traditions is not enough to create a meaningful connection with something greater than themselves. For some, religious practice and spirituality are two separate entities.

Daily practices, such as davening (praying), tzniut (dressing modestly), and keeping kosher, are designed to elevate our attention from the mundane to something more sacred. These customs and laws are clearly a path toward a deeper connection with G-d, from which comes a greater sense of purpose and destination.

When traditions become habits, it is easy for us to lose touch with their meaning. That is one reason, for example, that we are supposed to read from a prayer book when praying – even if we know the prayer by heart. Each of us, along with the Halachic (Jewish Law) guidelines we have been given, needs to create our own pathways to G-d.

Hitbodedut (personal prayer) is one method I first learned about in Rabbi David Cooper’s Renewing Your Soul: A Guided Retreat for the Sabbath and Other Days of Rest. In my mind, the perfect scenario for Hitbodedut is a walk in an isolated part of the desert, somewhere that is comfortable and safe but free of inhibitions and the intrusion of other hikers. The scene continues as I begin to walk, walk and talk. At first, the talking is, most likely, taking place inside my head but, soon, I begin to talk out loud. I lose myself in my words and my steps, and I’m talking about everything and anything – talking and crying and laughing.

For some reason, this creative path of prayer is quite powerful. At the end, there is a peaceful emptiness. Worries, fears, joys and contemplations flow away with the wind. I feel heard, relieved, and inspired. Hitbodedut is a fantastic way to “pray” in your own words.

The Jewish religion provides a structure for living – in everyday life as well as during holiday times. Within those structures, there are many ways to achieve the spiritual depth that we crave as human beings. Hitbodedut is one way to transcend the mundane – allowing both our own verbal expression as well as contact with nature, another powerful way to connect with Spirit. The element of mindfulness in our own spiritual practice allows us to nurture our soul and stay connected with a deeper purpose. The very essence of life comes from this connection with something greater than ourselves.

Whether it be Hitbodedut or some other path of spirituality, our religious expression is enhanced by our ability to create sacred connections with the Divine.