Sooo, you hit the gym daily, limit those carbs, and get it all done. You’re in great shape and oh so healthy. But are you? Well, first off, you can always “carb load.” In other words, eat all the pies, pasta, and bread you can get your hands on the night before the race. After all, you know what they say: The second day of a diet is always easier than the first. By the second day, you’re off it. Lol.
But seriously, if you think your lifestyle is truly healthy, when was the last time you took your spiritual temperature? Are you in spiritual shape? I bet you know your cholesterol levels, but how pious and pure are you? Not so easy to measure, is it? Let’s start with our thoughts, sweet friends.
How often do you ponder what truly matters in this life? And no, putting that inspirational quote under every selfie does not a Ghandi make. It’s been said: None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.
How do you face challenges? The sad truth is that many only seek spiritual or mental sustenance when they are in deep emotional pain. But why wait for death or tragedy to learn tools for better understanding or communication with loved ones?
How each and every one of us connects to something that we perceive as larger than ourselves is the essence of spirituality. Some find it intellectually – by learning and studying Scripture. Others “feel” it profoundly through music and even dance, while others thrive on serving their community through acts of charity and kindness. What gives comfort, a sense of inner peace and meaning in your life? Okay, then, do you set aside time to do those things?
Let’s be honest. Would you rather be eye candy or soul food? And what are you feeding yourself these days? You have 99 problems, and they all involve carbs. I feel you. In addition, the best time to debate family members is when they have food in their mouths. Heh. But the real question remains: Do you check the ingredients before you feed something to your soul? To live without reflecting is truly like eating without digesting.
Want to ease the blows of life? Laughter is the best shock absorber, my friends. Use it often. It’s been said: I’ve not seen anyone dying of laughter, but I do know millions who are dying because they are not laughing.
Want to improve your spiritual health? Start by looking for deeper meanings in your day-to-day life. Try to make sense of your feelings by finding a trusted person to talk it out with. Life can be confusing. Your life may have an amazing cast, but you still can’t figure out the plot. Trust me, I get it.
Try to learn what your psycho-spiritual needs are and make every effort to meet them. You know your innermost self – the part that reminds you who you really are. Not only do you accept that life has meaning, but you have found yours. Or you are still on the journey but have a better sense of direction – unless you’re like me, and have absolutely no sense of direction whatsoever. When people go through mazes for fun, I’m like: “This isn’t fun. This is my life.” Lol. And road signs are literally a foreign language. Trust me when I say that knowing your way around is a superpower. But I digress…
Don’t know where to look? Spiritual experiences come in unexpected shapes, sizes, and places. Look for the Divine dimension in any part of your life. You may feel the most devoted, dedicated, and devout listening to music, tending to your garden, or dancing around the living room. Remind yourself often how rewarded and blessed you are, despite the challenges you face.
Learn to live on the edge of the unknown. Unless you use a cloudy crystal ball like me, you cannot predict the future. Are you not the type of person we should put on speakerphone? Uh, oh. Being spiritually enlightened or awakened is treating others with the kindness and respect you wish for your very self.
Looming chaos will always surround us in this life. Spirituality may just be the anchor you need to keep you grounded. Before you make the very next decision, pause and ask yourself: Would someone who truly loved himself do or say this to someone, or even to themselves? Please start noticing the sacred and mystical in and around you. Remember that we are not human beings who have a spiritual experience. We are truly spiritual beings, having a human experience. What is yours like?
Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.