With each passing day, more and more people are making a conscious choice of dissolving their #ReligiousBeliefs in order to embrace #spirituality. Loaded with rituals, doctrines and holy men, religion has sprayed a mist of disenchantment on people. As a society that’s revaluating its beliefs, spirituality gives us the freedom to connect with the infinite possibilities of God that are manifested in the universe. And it allows us to do so simply through our thoughts and experiences. It’s more personal. Immediate. Devoid of human conduits. Most importantly, devoid of fear. Spirituality is #liberating and #joyous. But can we incorporate #SpiritualityInDailyLife? Yes, and it’s simpler than sitting on top of a mountain (though that’s great too!). Here’s how…
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Photo (c) D Sharon Pruit. Used via Creative Commons Copyright
Step 3: Identifying the #ZenSpot
Step 1: Appreciating the #MiraclesOfDailyLife
Start each day by appreciating the miracles of life. Yes, they exist all around us, we just need to become keen observers and be #mindful of them. #Miracles need not always be huge, life altering events. #LovingParents, a good #LifePartner, #HealthyChildren, friends , #GoodHealth, a comfortable home, jobs, safe travel , the food we eat, these are all miracles. Notice them. Acknowledge them. Be grateful for them. And no matter how grouchy you feel, start the day with gratitude and a smile!
Step 2: Ten minutes in 24 hours
Start by setting aside ten minutes every single day for #SpiritualPractice. Ideally chose a time of the day when you are fresh and most relaxed. Although any time can be an opportunity, taking ten minutes out when you are already running late for office or stressed about how to juggle between picking up your kids , stocking the groceries and cooking lunch may not be the best time. Once you make a habit of taking out ten minutes, you can increase the duration in small increments. There is no prescribed time. Do what seems comfortable.
Identify a location that is part of your daily life. It should be quiet and without too many distractions. Try to make a small #Zen corner at home. It can be a corner of a room with a comfortable sofa or floor cushion. Throw in a rug, a small lamp with soft light. Stimulate your senses and deepen your #SpiritualExperience by lighting some candles, incense and playing soft music. Although sounds of nature, soothing instruments and chants work well for most people, trance, Indian or western classical could work just as well for you. Just avoid lyrics and harsh sounds as these will not be conducive to creating a calm atmosphere.
In case you can not have a Zen corner at home, your office cubicle will also work fine, during lunch time. Or your car, if you are being driven. Even the park next door, for that matter. Of course you can’t light candles and incense, but the experience can be just as fulfilling.
Step 4: Tuning Out the Distractions
Remember this time you set aside must be devoid of distractions. Tune out from the noise and clamour of everything around you. Put your phone off or at least on silent mode (non vibration pls !). Do not look at it at all. If you are at home, request everyone not to disturb you during that time. Make them understand it’s important to you. Shut the door if possible, and try to leave your worries and deadlines out as well.
Step 5: The #ArtOfBeing
In this time that you set aside, you need to just be. Don’t run over the events of the day. Don’t start worrying about all that needs to be done. Just settle in comfortably on your seat, but sit straight. Relax every part of your body consciously, starting from your head to your toes. Then bring your awareness to your breath. Just follow it as it travels in and out of your body. Every now and then, other thoughts will drift in. Don’t fight them or engage them. Simply bring your awareness back to your breath. In a few days you will see the seeds of this simple exercise flowering into your consciousness.
Finding you #DailySpiritualBalance is not a long drawn exercise that needs extensive time to be fitted into your already busy routine. All it really takes is literally a few minutes and a conscious effort to weave this time into you daily life. You'll soon see how much of a positive difference it makes to the quality of your thinking and being. Do try it for yourself :)
