Thursday, October 8, 2009

Find Your Spirituality

When we talk about spirituality, most people automatically think of faith, their high power, their feelings about their god of choice. While I find all of that very spiritual, I feel that spiritually is so much more; it has to be. Why? Because to be in total harmonious balance, to be a complete human being, we have to be physically fit and healthy, mentally strong and focused, and spiritually sound. To limit one’s spiritual health to just having faith, higher powers, and communal worship is akin to running ten miles a day then smoking a pack of cigarettes--something’s missing.

I am constantly searching for that inner peace, that tranquil happiness, that meditative state that I feel only total spirituality can give us. Again, going to a place of worship every week, celebrating with like people, and practicing one’s faith is a good thing…I just feel we have to do more to be more.

For me, finding one’s spirituality is a daily activity, just as working on my mind and body, improving my triad of balance is. Some of the things that help me find my spirituality can be found in this video:

Find Your Spirituality



For those of you who prefer the written word:

Ten Ways To Find Your Spirituality

1. Take A Walk In The Wilderness. For me, there’s nothing better than getting out and communing with nature, away from the noises and distractions of the busy world (and your busy life). Find a tranquil spot that you can share with the birds and squirrels and you will find yourself.

2. Exercise The Mind And Body. To achieve balance in my life, I need for my mind and body and spirit to be aligned. What better way to strengthen one than by working on the others. Working up a sweat, for me, is a natural spiritual high; as is working a crossword puzzle. Work the mind and body, and the spirit will come around.

3. Reach Out And Touch Someone. When was the last time you received a hug? Or initiated one? Hopefully it was as recently as today. Physical contact with another human being (or even a dog or cat, to a lesser extent) is not only spiritually uplifting, but an essential necessity for happiness and spiritual wholeness.

4. Be Kind. One of my favorite adages is: Do onto others as you would want them to do onto you. Good vibes are contagious. What goes around comes around. Spread joy and you will be joyous. A smile goes a lot farther than a snarl. Random acts of kindness should be second nature for us all. Think about it.

5. Live In The Moment. I am a planner, a multitasker, a busy guy with lots of irons in the fire. I often have to force myself to slow down, take a breath, stop and enjoy what is happening in the here and now, and not what needs to be done in the then and when. Enjoy the ride, the process, the journey…the moment.

6. Keep Busy. An idle mind is the devil’s playground. While it is good to live in the moment, it is also very good to have lots to do. That doesn’t mean to never chill out, take a vacation or relax. It just means to have some hobbies, a few vocations, careers, goals, things to do. Every day, as much as your schedule permits. The more the merrier, as long as they are positive endeavors that add to your personal resume as a complete, happy, fulfilled person.

7. Give Of Yourself. When I help someone less fortunate than myself it makes me feel good--and it should! There’s nothing wrong with feeling good when you’ve done a good deed. Just don’t make that the main motivation for doing it. Do it because to not do it would be as unnatural as not eating, or bathing.

8. Hang Up The Phone! Living with all of the amazing innovations in this technological age is something I never would have dreamed of twenty years ago. But too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. I spend way too many hours in front of my computer out of the necessity of having to earn a living and passion for this website, but I shut it off as often as I can. You should too. Toss the cell, pull the plug on that ipod, stop texting, switch the TV off, and find a quiet spot to reflect, think, meditate…live. You will be happy you did.

9. Keep The Faith. Believe in yourself as much as your higher power. Go to your place of worship and sing the praises of your faith. Share your feelings with those like-minded people and your spirits will soar. No matter what floats your boat or makes you happy, faith is a good thing; it is the foundation of spirituality.

10. Stay Positive. These days the news, at times, can bring you down, test your spirit, your happiness. But the good thing is: we can choose to be happy, to be positive. Why would anyone choose otherwise? Even when times seem darkest, when life is at its worst, opting to be positive, to see the glass as half full, is still a personal choice. Choose to be positive and good things will not only follow, but it will be one giant step toward finding your spirituality.

Is Your Glass Half Full?



These were just a few of the many activities and practices I follow as I constantly work at improving my spirituality. I hope some of them work for you. I would love for you to share some of yours with me.

Until next time…

peace,

Mike

16 comments:

Redkathy said...

What comment can I make????? I think you covered every single thing ever! 1-10 all important and I agree 110% plus some.

Rod said...

I like what you said Mike about taking it to the next level, what can we take from spirituality. For me personally it going to church every Sunday, I need that spirituality to "recharge my batteries". Without spirituality, the actions and things we do, are just stuff. Spirituality gives the things we do meaning and a higher purpose.

Susan Blake said...

I enjoyed the walk and breakfast with you - as always you are an inspiration! I start each day with a bowl full of gratitude and end each day with a prayer of thanks for the day, whatever it brought. I agree getting out in nature - and NOT w/the iPod, is best. To me that is my sacred time. It took me many years to learn to sit, just sit and be totally present. I am washed over with peace and serenity and feel embraced by love. It's lovely. I say thanks for that and then put all those who need prayers in my Circle of Love.

That is my spirituality in a nutshell. That is my "church".

kRiZcPEc said...

The only thing I can say: Thanks for writing this up, and for the videos, too! :)

Rick (Ratty) said...

This is an excellent post. This search for my spirituality is why I started my blog. I also have done many other things. You cover most of them. One thing that is very important is to think about and learn what you really believe in, like a code of ethics, and then live by it. I can tell you have that with your triad of balance and the other things in this post.

Unknown said...

redkathy: i try...thanks for your continued support...

rod: well said, rod: "Without spirituality, the actions and things we do, are just stuff. Spirituality gives the things we do meaning and a higher purpose."

suzen: sounds like you've got it figured out...but, like me, it has taken half a lifetime...

kriz: only thing i can say is: thanks for stopping by and for your wonderful photos...

ratty: we need to believe in ourselves, our ability to overcome and live right...


peace,

mike

Faisal Admar said...

when was the last hug i receive? in the afternoon before badminton :)

i really adore your life mike. instead of living in healthy life, you are quite wealthy :)

i still have no answer about what are you doing for living :)

betchai said...

i love your post, thanks so much for sharing all these wonderful thoughts about spirituality.

HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

As usual I love your video (but you know the "I miss my hair" video will always be my fav) and am going to print these out and put them at work to remind me everyday. one of my favorite posts of yours!

Steven Aitchison said...

Hi Mike, what a great post. You cover a lot in such a small space. Spirituality is very important to me in my life and is does give meaning to everything I do. I'm not religious at all but connecting with people gives me my spiritual power. Thanks Mike.

babYpose said...

An Important Post for me, thanks for sharing. I'm into it. back to balance is on my way.

Unknown said...

faisal: wealthy with love, happiness, fitness, and laughter...among other things...

betchai: glad you enjoyed it, it means a lot to me...

heidi: I STILL Miss My Hair

steven: we share similar spiritual views...cool

babypose: balance is one of the keys to life...and spirituality...


thanks for all the wonderful comments...

peace,

mike

Cascia Talbert said...

Great tips, Mike. I still need to work on number 10. But I think I am secure with the rest. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Mark said...

You hit it all...WOW! A double take! Hope you are doing good!

WellnessPartners said...

Great advice! If only doing was as easy as posting! :)

Robin Easton said...

My dear friend, I am sitting her with tears in my eyes. I am honored more than I can possibly express, and you know why. You brought tears to my eyes. You are someone I have always looked up to and admired in so many many ways.

I have to also say, that this WHOLE video on spirituality and the triad of balance just stunned me. You have amazing video, funny life-giving videos, informative videos and inspirational videos, but this one tops them all. I felt sooooo encouraged to take better care of myself through all I am doing. It made me feel like I had a RIGHT to live in balance. You've no idea how much you influence me, and I'm sure SO many others.

This whole post with the ten ways to find our spirituality we just SO moving and open hearted...and yet practical at the same time. I am sitting rather stunned, in a really really good way.

You are remarkable.
Hugs,
Robin

Peace :)