In 2015, 15 philanthropists in the Spiritual Civilization group were interviewed regarding their personal values and practices, and the impact those values and practices have had on their lives. Personal practices are key to impacting the work of Spiritual Civilization members, having effects ranging from the individual level to wider society.

Several practices help enable the ideals of Spiritual Civilization. They are centered around mental and emotional practices such as meditation and yoga, and more physical activities like dancing and walking. As a general theme, the purpose of these practices is to enable inner growth, which also empowers respondents to work externally with others. However, the foundational focus is on developing first on an individual level, and then to working and engaging with others.