Minding my spirit

I always feel better after a visit to my quiet space. This happens to be my local church once a week. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I know that my spirit is lifted and whatever was troubling me seems lighter and more manageable. 

Being interested in philosophy and theology has brought me on a journey. I have discovered that ritual and celebration, no matter what the tradition or religion offers the spirit space. I’ve been asking myself why is this so important for me? Why so soothing and calming? Here are a few insights as to why I think this space helps me nourish my own spirit.

1.    Me time.  Nobody phoning me or asking me for something. It’s wonderful!

2.    Being still.  To sit and be simply present in the moment.  I can hear myself breathe again.  I can close my eyes and be with my own thoughts.

3.    Community.  To meet people who share a common interest.

4.    Encouraging words.  The readings and reflections bring my mind beyond my own needs and thinking.  It encourages me to think about the bigger picture, the truths of life that I think really matter.  Honesty, courage, self-esteem, charity, success, perseverance, faith, hope and love.  They surely make for a better version of ourselves and in turn a better version of the world.

5.    Ritual.  Never underestimate the power of a habit and knowing what comes next.  It’s one less decision for me to make.  It creates a rhythm and pattern to which I can be anchored. A predictable space in which to let my spirit explore.

6.    Peace.  Everyone wishes peace for eachother and for our world. That’s amazing.

7.    I am not perfect.  It is a place where I feel it’s okay not to be okay. I acknowledges that I am not perfect and that we all make mistakes. I can offer it up to a higher power when I feel helpless.

8.    Remembering.  I love to remember people I love, both those who have passed and those who are around me.  Sometimes I might remember I need to phone somebody more often, be kinder to someone or have more patience with people in my life.

9.    Good wishes.  When I leave I am asked to go in peace and love. I love this message and it sends me on my way with fuel for my spirit!

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Joy in a jigsaw…

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Learning optimism