Just as the termites and beetles are consuming the wood on my house, life has been consuming me…or at least my time. I’m frustrated by the fact that work, kids (and their needs), physical therapy for my knee, and a variety of other things are taking up all my time and attention, leaving me little time for anything else-including writing my blog. Well, I am writing another blog; it’s November, and this is the third year in a row that I have hosted the Write Nonfiction in November (WNFiN) challenge and blog. ( Check it out at www.writenonfictioninnovember.wordpress.com.)
That also leaves little time to focus on spirituality and to connect to God and to friends. I’m sure I’m not alone in this predicament. So, I was thinking as I sat here tied to my desk trying to get caught up on a few WNFiN posts and some client work, how can I put to use some of what I preach about practical spirituality? I thought I’d share the practical spiritual tips that first came to mind-ones I will put to use immediately in my own life.
- Stop for even a few moments several times during the day and, first, simply take a few deep breaths. These help relieve stress. Second, while doing so, remember that breath connects you to the Source of life; God breathed life into you, and as you exhale God inhales; as you inhale God exhales. Just breath for a minute or two and reconnect with God.
- Shoot an email to a friend you haven’t had time to call; this allows you to at least reach out. Or call them while you are in the car (of course, use a hand’s-device) or making dinner. You can find 10-minutes to connect with someone if you multi-task, something we have all become so good at.
- Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than usual and read something inspirational.
- When you wake up or when you go to sleep (at at both times), offer thanks to God for whatever you can think of-your body, your mate, your kids, your home, your job, the food you ate, another day of life…anything large or small.
- Take a little bit of time to go out into nature. Go for a walk. Step out onto your deck or patio and enjoy the sunset. Reconnect with something other than your technology-computers, cell phones, etc.
- Make a to-do list of things that can wait until tomorrow. You may think you have to do them today when in reality they can wait. Put them on the list, and take some time off to do something for yourself.
- In that time off, spend at least five minutes (more if possible) meditating. Simply get quite. Ask that Still Small Voice to tell give you any really important messages you need to hear right now. Be sure to listen.
- Add in some small blessings during the day…over your food, when washing your hands, when you see something beautiful.
- If your religious tradition has some easy spiritual practices, add these into your day. I like to remember to touch the mezuzah when going into or out of my home. It’s easy, quick and requires that I say a short prayer.
- Take some time, any time, for a Sabbath. Today is Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. I’m at my computer. I plan to finish writing this post, hit “publish” and then walk away from the computer and take time off from work. You can do the same on a day you call “Sabbath.”
