Spirituality includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and it typically involves a search for meaning in life. This week we are looking at the Spiritual Dimension of the Wellness Model. When we apply the Six Dimensions of the Wellness Model, by Bill Hettler of the National Wellness Institute, we become aware of the interconnectedness of each dimension and the development of belief systems, values and creating a world-view. This dimension recognizes our search for meaning and purpose in life. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe. You’ll know you’re becoming spiritually well when your actions become more consistent with your beliefs and values, resulting in a “world view.”
- If we are spiritually well, we will find it better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others, rather than to close our minds and become intolerant.
- We will live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.
In pondering the meaning of life, the Butterfly has come into my life this week in my thoughts, so I decided to look it up in Medicine Cards (1988) by Jamie Sams and David Carson. The power that Butterfly brings is the ability to know our mind or change it which goes along with pondering the meaning of life for ourselves. It is the art of transformation, which we are always working on and it teaches us the never-ending cycle of self-transformation. Are you in the egg stage where you have an idea or thought? Or is this the larva stage where you need to make a decision? Maybe you are in the cocoon stage where you are developing and doing something to make your idea a reality or in the birth stage, where you will be sharing your completed idea.
Which stage are you in? Are you making a transformation or are you keeping your mind closed because you don’t want to face change? With my blog, I am in the birth stage where I am sharing my completed idea, but I can also be in the egg stage where I have an idea or thought. Some of my writing is in this stage.
What can we do to improve our spiritual wellness and follow the Butterfly into the birth stage? Here are some of the favorite things that I do.
- Journaling: I find that if I write down my thoughts every day that I get better at expressing my feelings and I am able to move forward with my idea. I think, like the Butterfly, you can complete an idea and yet have others just starting. Spiritual wellness is an ongoing process that changes with our growth.
- Meditation: Fitting mediation and relaxation into my lifestyle frees my mind and fosters a stronger relationship with my spiritual wellness. I take 5-10 minutes a day to meditate. Sometimes I listen to quiet music, or I like to use a bubble meditation where I sit quietly and when thoughts come into my mind I put them in a bubble and let them float away without following the thought. Eventually you will be able to quiet your mind. I have been meditating for over 40 years so it is usually easy to quiet my mind. On other days I need a meditation like following the bubbles to quiet my thoughts.
- Taking a Trip: I also like to take a trip mentally and go to my special quiet place. I just sit and enjoy the comfort and positive feelings. My quiet place is a meadow with a waterfall and serene lake with wildlife everywhere. Actual travel can also help your spiritual wellness.
- Positive thoughts/affirmations: I try to do several positive affirmations daily to eliminate negativity and re-frame how I think of things and situations. I always relaxes me and is a good way to start the day.
- Yoga: After the accident in 2014, I am just starting to practice yoga again but find I have to do a very simple yoga or even chair yoga. Many YMCAs have gentle yoga for seniors and can be a good way to start.
- Laughter: Norman Cousins, in his book, Anatomy of an illness: As perceived by the patient”, let the world know that laughter really is the best medicine and this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. “It is good to laugh. Laughter is spiritual relaxation.” A Baha’i quote from Abdu’l-Baha.
Next week we will explore Physical Wellness from a different perspective. At 72, even though I have practiced wellness for many years, I find that I am having some definite physical challenges. What are your physical challenges and how do you deal with them in a healthy way? Safe journeys until next week :).