|
Developing a Healthy Spirit
By: Wendy Nickerson, Psy.D
Sometimes we focus so much on having a healthy body, mind, and bank account, that we overlook our guiding force, our spirit. When we focus on nurturing our spirit, it allows us to live life in a mindset that fosters all of the other three, plus achieve happiness and serenity!
I have found that most people want this, but just do not know how to get in touch with, and nurture their own spirit. The biggest obstacle seems to be letting go of old anger and hurts and learning to forgive. In my seminars participants often exclaim, "But why should I forgive him or her, after all he or she did to me?" My response is always the same, "Why shouldn't you?" Carrying around old anger not only dulls the spirit, but it creates physical and emotional complications as well. Some people don't want to let go of the pain because they think it protects them from getting hurt again.
Writing an anger letter will help you get to a point of forgiveness. And the person you are trying to forgive does not have to receive it. But you must take the initiative to do it! Merely writing the letter on paper will be enough to create an emotional and energy shift within yourself. You must write not only about the anger, but about all of the underlying feelings as well in order for genuine healing to occur. These usually include fear, hurt, remorse, and finally forgiveness.
The other life dynamic that seems to stifle the development of a healthy spirit is hanging on to a past love, all the while preventing genuine new love from coming into your life. So often when people do this they then complain that they are "so lonely." Very few know that they are creating their own loneliness. I believe there is no magic in letting go of an old love in your life. You must make a conscious decision that is what YOU want to do, and then do it! Remember, the thoughts you are thinking in any given moment are what determines your mental and spiritual state. Attracted to truth and beauty, your thoughts become truthful and beautiful. And your spirit becomes peaceful. That is why being quiet with yourself through meditation is so helpful. It not only gives you an opportunity to get to know yourself on your highest level, but it allows you to become more aware of the thoughts you are feeding your soul. Test it out for yourself!
You can also feed your spirit by reading something that inspires you and focuses you on your spiritual vision. It may be a mantra or prayer or poem or music or writing that resonates with you. It may just be the clear thought of
God. To increase the power of this, do it close to nature. While sitting under a tree, maybe. Or near the ocean. Make an effort to surround yourself with people who carry positive energy and who truly care about you. And have at least one person in your life who loves you unconditionally. Who might that be?
|
