This article on tips for spirituality came about as the result of work done with people in addiction recovery. The concepts are applicable to most every one however. The question is often asked, what can I do to improve my spirituality?
Addiction can be viewed as a disease of isolation, becoming disconnected to life. Addiction recovery and spirituality can be viewed as the process of becoming connected. The more connections in our lives, the greater the chance of coming into harmony with our surroundings.
There are basically four areas of life, or types of relationships we work toward in becoming connected. Positive spirituality may be viewed as having a healthy relationship and positive self-esteem with yourself, firstly. Secondly, there is the relationship you may have or want to develop with whatever form of Higher Power is right for you. It can be God, Nature, a Force of Universe, it is up to you. Please note we are not mixing religion with this idea of spirituality. The third are to develop healthy connections or spirituality is in relationships with family. Lastly is the area which is kind of a catch all, community. This includes casual relationships, work, social situations, etc.
Here are 7 tips for spirituality that are very concrete areas for development. It is very important to be working in each area, set up specific goals that are measurable and achievable. Instead of saying ‘I will start meditating’ say ‘I will spend 10 minutes before breakfast and ten minutes after dinner alone reading the meditation of the day’.
Without further ado, here they are:
1. Use personal prayer and/or meditation. This is quiet time to start to develop time for yourself and to assess how things are going in your life.
2. Spend time in groups. This could be attending a worship service, singing in a choir, acting in a play or any group with positive interaction and direction. This enhances our ability to develop relationships with other people.
3. Spend time learning. Grow your mind. This could be taking a few classes at the community college, book study groups, self-help or mental health material.
4. Take time for yourself. Plan a quiet day just for you, away from family and work. Indulge yourself in quiet. There are many retreat areas where you can find peaceful surroundings for recharging yourself.
5. Physical fitness and proper diet. There is a very satisfying feeling that comes from taking care of yourself physically. Get in shape to be the best person you can be.
6. Recreation. Indulge in some activity just for sheer fun. Explore hobbies, sports, whatever floats your boat, but make time for it. Do not plan to ‘get around to it someday’. Just do it.
7. Be of service. Do some volunteer work or engage in random acts of kindness. It really does feel good and build self-esteem to help someone with no thought of reward. This is a cosmic win-win situation.
We hope that gave you some ideas about how to improve your relationships with self and others. The key thing is to take action. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Why not take steps to improve your spiritual connection?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I remember back when I was in college, I took a meditation class and the instructor stressed how important is was to center yourself at different points in the day. Just close your eyes for 5-10 minutes, breathe deeply and relax just to let go of stressors.
Now that I’m married, my wife reminds me constantly that I need to take time for myself and get away from being a boss, husband and father and just be me so I can unwind.
At church, we are constantly reminded to lose ourselves in the service of others and it’s always such a terrific feeling.
These suggestions in the article just confirm how important it is to stay in tune with yourself so you can be as healthy and strong (physically and mentally) as possible.
Thanks for the suggestions.
These are terrific tips for someone who is working toward recovery or is already there. These are also terrific tips for people who don’t have addiction issues.
Number 4 is my biggest challenge and I know I need to do this just so I can, to use a Stephen Covey phrase, “sharpen the saw”. The best part is my wife encourages it, too. Now I need to do it. Thanks for the reminders.