Holistic Living Guide: Spirit

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Not as woo woo as you might think!

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

We believe that whatever your religious beliefs (including if you have none), an important part of total wellness is about finding balance, meaning, connection, and purpose in life. As well as living in harmony with the earth. To us, that defines being "spiritual".

KEY TOPICS

1. How you Connect: No, not the internet kind.
   
   Mindfulness meditation techniques, deep breathing, stillness and quiet, reflection, spiritual exploration. Do these things sound like Greek to you? Many of us never stop the stimuli of our daily lives and the chatter of our minds long enough to really connect with ourselves. It may sound like a luxury but it really is calming and rejuvenating, even in small amounts; like finding 5 minutes a day to be still, and clear the mind.
   
   There are many other less structured ways to connect to your "higher self" too: through the awe of nature, watching a child play, getting lost in a really good laugh, or observing your pet's beauty and silliness. Anything that takes you out of your own head, allows you to feel part of something larger.
2. How you Find Harmony and Balance: All work and no play...makes your body say, "Oy Vey!"
   
   There are many ways to lead a more balanced life, and most begin by carving out some downtime for yourself. Practice mindfulness meditation techniques, listen to a relaxation hypnosis CD, get up and exercise, spend time in nature, read inspiring literature, recite positive affirmations (with feeling!) Slow down, do some Yoga poses, notice the little things, and be sure to appreciate all the good in your life.
   
   It's also important for all of us to express love to those we care about. That alone creates contagiously good feelings that fuel overall harmony and wellness. And try to find groups of people who are aligned with your spiritual beliefs.
3. Developing your Intuition: That feeling in your gut may not be indigestion after all...
   
   We've all had that unmistakable feeling; your gut is trying to tell you something. But do we always listen? Test out those hunches. Listen to that small voice within. Though if the voices start getting loud and telling you what to do, you may want to see someone!
   
   You can also watch for serendipity (meaningful coincidences) and signs of "grace" (that someone is watching out for you) in your life. We all have these intriguing and inexplicable moments which tie into our intuition. Try to take the time to notice and appreciate them. They also contribute to a feeling that we're all part of something "bigger."
4. Enhancing your Creativity: Let those creative juices flow...Don't worry, ShamWow can always soak up the mess!
   
   Everyone is creative in their own way. What's yours? Explore, discover, take a class, research ideas on the internet and try things on for size. And it doesn't have to be a traditional "creative art"; maybe you have a flair for packing luggage?
   
   Once you discover your creative passion, do it, often. And if you feel comfortable, share it with others. Who knows? It might end up becoming your "life's purpose"...which brings us to...
5. Discovering your Life's Purpose: You mean it's not working long hours or taxiing the kids around town?
   
   No question, life is richer and more fulfilling if you're doing something you love. Something that excites you, nurtures you, and sparks your passion.
   
   No idea what that is? That's okay. It's never too late to discover (or rediscover) things that interest you. And you can always try them out as a hobby or through volunteer work before charting a new life course. Will this activity become your "calling" and lead to a whole new career or focus for you? Perhaps. But even if it doesn't, you will have added a new level of zest and fulfillment to your life.

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