Post date: 16-Mar-2016 17:30:02
Life is fast-paced, high-pressured; we’re always on the go, even when we’re sitting still, our minds are racing away and before we know it much of life has become the same tired routine. Joy fades like a childhood memory and seems impossible to reconnect to, despite the vows we make every New Year, or the dreams we stick on our bucket lists to do ‘one day’. Our spirit is something we often link with a need to be religious, as Karen says in her video. We often ignore this part of us, feeling we simply are not spiritual. In truth we have probably become disconnected from ourselves and much of the world around us. We have forgotten the innocent wonder we once lived by when we were full of spirit and fun.
So instead of thinking about being spiritual try at being ‘spirit-full’ and reconnect with yourself and your life in a more honest, simple way.
Tip 1. Take any opportunity to become an observer. We live so much in our heads believing all the thoughts that tumble around in there. We become so involved in all the details and perceived imperfections, we rarely take time to observe what is going on around us. Pause for a few moments take a few deep breaths and just watch what is going on outside the window. It can surprise you to notice the colours, the smells, the sounds. To notice and actually experience a moment.
Tip 2. Disconnect. You are probably reading this on your mobile phone or tablet. As a technologist I love gadgets, but I know first-hand how being constantly plugged into the digital world can increase stress and keep us away from real life, people, nature, actual joyful experiences that will be remembered and relived over and over again. Turning off the gadgets early in the evening can really help us fall back into a more natural pattern of sleep and rest. Having a day where we leave the technology alone can be liberating, Ok, scary at first but checking our status or social network feeds is just another habit we have created. Switching off allows us time for meaningful interaction, even sun light and fresh air and activities to really talk about and share
Tip 3. Change the pace. For many we are on the go from the moment we wake to the time we fall into bed, always on the go, often multitasking. There are many ways to be active even when we are sitting down, our minds are active, problem solving and striving. We find ourselves just moving though our day and not really feeling or experiencing it. When having to get things done, simply focusing on one thing at a time, we are not over loading brains. When moving from one activity to another, take a moment to rest. Feel three deep conscious breaths. We focus so much on our work and other people, we forget ourselves. Do a hobby or sport remember those resolutions and lists take part in them and feel the reward to yourself for doing so. These activities tend to involve connecting with the senses. Painting, listening to music, playing an instrument, doing a gym workout, dancing, singing and many more activities all give us the chance to be with your senses.
Doing these 3 simple things daily can help us find some quiet moments from our thoughts and busy lives, to connect with ourselves and by doing so, with others too, in a meaningful and some might say spiritual way.
