6 Ways My Psychologist Explained I Can Hack Spirit

There was a moment, sitting across from my psychologist, when I realized I was craving something deeper—not just happiness, but a sense of spirit, of being truly alive. I wasn’t talking about religion, but that inner fire that keeps you going even when life throws its worst. I wanted to feel connected to myself again. That’s when she told me: You don’t need to wait for a revelation. You can hack spirit—intentionally, actively, every single day. These are the six ways she explained I could do it.

1. Mindfulness & Meditation

I used to think mindfulness was just a buzzword, but she explained it differently—it’s about learning to exist in the now. Whether it’s taking five deep breaths before reacting or savoring a morning coffee without distractions, mindfulness grounds me. Meditation, even for just a few minutes, helps me calm the chaos in my mind and reconnect with myself.

2. Reframing Negative Thoughts

My inner critic can be brutal. My psychologist helped me realize that I don’t have to believe every thought I think. Reframing is a skill—when I catch myself spiraling into self-doubt, I ask: What’s a different way to see this? I’m not failing; I’m learning. I’m not unlovable; I’m growing into the version of myself who attracts the right people.

3. Emotional Regulation Techniques

Instead of fighting my emotions, I’ve learned to work with them. When anxiety creeps in, I focus on my breath, naming what I feel instead of suppressing it. Journaling helps, too—I write without judgment, just to get the thoughts out. Spirit isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about learning to sit with it, understand it, and move through it.

4. Developing Purpose & Meaning

She asked me, What makes you feel alive? And for the first time in a while, I didn’t have an answer. So I started exploring—books, travel, deep conversations. Purpose isn’t always about the big picture; sometimes, it’s about finding joy in the little things that remind you life is worth living.

5. Social Connection & Empathy

I used to think I had to do everything alone, but true spirit thrives in connection. I started opening up more, surrounding myself with people who genuinely see me. I practice gratitude, not just for what I have, but for the people who make life richer. Being vulnerable is terrifying, but it’s also how we build something real.

6. Building Resilience & Adaptability

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I can survive more than I thought. Every heartbreak, failure, and detour has shaped me. My psychologist reminded me that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable—it’s about knowing I can rebuild. Spirit is in the quiet confidence that no matter what comes next, I will find a way through.

In the end, hacking spirit isn’t about waiting for some grand awakening. It’s in the small, daily choices—the way I talk to myself, the way I show up in the world, the way I embrace life even when it’s messy. I’m still figuring it out, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m on the right path. And maybe, that’s the real hack.

Love Rubie xoxo