All across the world, we are facing an unprecedented crisis due to the fast-moving spread of the Coronavirus. This is a time where even the hardiest people are struggling which is why I wanted to write a blog about the importance of Spiritual wellbeing and having a spiritual practice for support and healing.
Many Spiritual Teachers are seeing this as a time of great evolutionary opportunity but for those who are facing illness within themselves and family, it can be extremely difficult to see the positives, especially those who have lost loved ones. For you, I send my heartfelt love and condolences. There are no words. This is a difficult time and I would not want to belittle or “spiritualize” what anyone is going through. And by no means is this the aim of my blog. I only want to share some tips and advice that have helped me. Your mental wellbeing is extremely important and I hope that if you are ever struggling you will reach out for help.
SO WHY SPIRITUAL WELLBEING?
As humans, we are complex creatures that can often suffer deeply when faced with uncertainty or pain. Our Spirituality is that part of ourselves that seeks to understand the deeper truths of the world around us. Spiritual wellbeing is that sense of purpose we bring to our lives. Being able to have something that we can connect too that brings a sense of inner peace and wholeness to our souls. For me personally, my spiritual journey has been about connecting to my soul. To know and understand the deeper parts of myself and the wisdom of my heart and how I can be of greater service to others. For you, it can be something completely different. It is whatever resonates with your heart.
HOW TO BUILD A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Some of you reading this may already have a daily spiritual practice in place such as meditation but I’m finding even in these times it can be difficult to quieten the fear or ego-mind. So on a daily basis, my spiritual practice will change and evolve depending on how I am feeling or what I am needing. A good starting point is working on a routine in the mornings such as meditating for 10 mins or listening to positive affirmations to start your day on the right foot. After that I then focus on what my body is needing so I will practice some yoga or go for a long walk with the dogs (of course following the strict protocol of social distancing). In the evenings when it is slightly quieter I will focus on Spiritual Learning. I am currently doing an amazing Shamanic course on Udemy – https://www.udemy.com which has so many affordable courses right now.
SOME IDEAS FOR SPIRITUAL WELLBEING
1. Meditation
Meditation has always been my go-to for when I am feeling stuck or anxious but especially during times like these. It can help me to connect and listen to my soul. To do this for yourself all you need to do is take some deep breathes within your heart center. Then envision that within this space is a beautiful bright light. This is your soul. And with every breathe you take in this light expands further and further out. So that eventually it surrounds your whole being. The more you do this meditation, the calmer and more at ease you will feel.
2. Yoga
If you struggle to meditate then yoga can be just as powerful as it can not only help you to stay fit and healthy but also provides a form of moving meditation. I will link below some yoga teachers I follow online that have helped me cultivate and deepen my own practice, all from the comfort of my home.
Boho Beautiful – https://www.youtube.com/user/cexercize/videos
Yoga With Adriene – https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Kino Macgregor – https://www.youtube.com/user/KinoYoga
Kimilla – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7X6sbBXea1a4-dqeqZZhGQ
3. Walking Meditation
By mindfully walking in nature we lower our stress levels and feel a deeper connection to the world around us. This has even been scientifically proven. I currently live in Scotland and we are only allowed one form of exercise per day. So we walk the dogs with our little boy and honestly it is one of my favorite things to do. By taking a break from the constant stress of the day and just spending some time breathing in the outdoors, listening to the sound of the wind through the trees and the chirping of the birds, we mindfully bring ourselves back to our bodies and our souls.
4. Journalling
By making journaling a daily practice can help you to make sense of the world. To find love within the chaos or to build a deeper connection to yourself. In my journal, I just write any thoughts in the morning no matter what that is. This is called brain dumping and can help to bring space and clarity to your mind by freeing it from all that mental clutter. I then write down 5 things I am grateful for and my aims for the day. But you can write down anything that you feel will help you.
5. Spiritual Learning
As I mentioned earlier I’m doing a Spiritual course and I feel this is the perfect time to expand my horizons and deepen my practice. I love learning and you can learn almost anything on the internet now. So find something that interests you and put your whole self into that new project. Learn everything you can and build on your passions. You never know it might lead you down a new and exciting path. Be open to all the possibilities.
