Qestions regarding spiritual wellness 3/08
These questions were designed by a college student for one of her classes.
1. What is spiritual wellness?
A holistic balance of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of ones Self. It is yoga, or union, or yoking. Spirituality has many several concepts. I usually keep it simple by simply stating that is a deep knowing, understanding and accepting of ones Self. It is a heart centered connection. Heart can be another term for Jesus, Allah, Soul, Great Spirit, Creator, etc. Spiritual wellness is also understanding that all people and all creation is one. The physical realm gives us an opportunity to experience life feeling that we are separate and unique individuals. Yet the energy that makes us alive is the same in everything and within it we all exist. The word Namaste' describes this idea in recognizing the light that is the same within all of us. The book called The Field, goes into scientific research about this energy and that scientist believe that this consciousness (topically described as unconscious, creative concessions, right brained, etc) is the quantum zero point field theory.
2. What does spiritual wellness consists of(like the type of activities)?
What ever helps a person achieve union. For me, it could be sitting and breathing, or it could be a hike. I have found energy work very helpful at helping me achieve balance so I feel more myself. I am also unique because I enjoy connecting to life outside of the physical realm such as Angels and disembodied spirits. For me connecting in both physical and non physical realms helps me to enjoy life more fully. I am also very practice. Living what I think is my path or spiritual calling also gives me spiritual wellness. So, for me it is following my intuition even if it does not seem to make since. I do what I am inspired and energized to do. I also need to keep a balance with all the parts I mentioned earlier. Even though it is enjoyable teaching yoga and energy therapy and helping people, I need to have a good amount of rest. So I rest, read, spend time with family, party, spend times out doors etc. I also notice my thoughts and attitudes, trying to be accepting when these things are not what I enjoy. For me, it is easier to be non-judgmental towards others than to my self. So when things come up about my self that I don't like, I try to be non-judgmental about it. I have a ways to go about this. I have always had a strong believe in God. Faith and Grace is extremely important to me. Yoga is huge in my spiritual wellness and Patanjali talks about surrender is the most important part to spiritual wellness in the first chapter of the yoga sutras. Patanjali acknowledges that not all people have the disposition to surrender so he gives Ashtanga yoga practice for those who have trouble with the concept of surrender.
These are just a few examples I share about myself. But overall, this where individual uniqueness comes into play. Spiritual wellness is a unique and individual path. Where a person has been and where they are going will influence how they experience spiritual wellness.
3. How does spiritual wellness help us in life or everyday life? Simply, to enjoy life or at least help us through lives hardships, changes, and challenges.
4. Do you feel it is an important part of life and why? This is interesting because I think people can live life with out spiritual wellness and have moments of temporary happiness. But I think the more we recognize how we are all one and that our consciousness (which consists of our thoughts, attitudes, and actions) affects humanity on a global level, the more we realize that we can effect the world through our own healing process.
5. What are some things we can do to make spiritual wellness part of our
lives?
Pray for others, pray for ourselves. Ask for grace. Be non-judgmental. Appreciate, love, and take care of Nature, plants, and animals. Recognize that when any part of the universe is upset or hurting we are experiencing the same pain and a deep level. Recognize that no matter what has happened to someone or what someone else has done, that could have been you. Think in a way that is beneficial to your self and to humanity. When negative thoughts and attitudes about yourself comes up, remember you have a choice to change it. We have a choice to create our existence through our thoughts and attitudes. This choice is a daily practice and it is our practice of awareness.
Pray for others, pray for ourselves. Ask for grace. Be non-judgmental. Appreciate, love, and take care of Nature, plants, and animals. Recognize that when any part of the universe is upset or hurting we are experiencing the same pain and a deep level. Recognize that no matter what has happened to someone or what someone else has done, that could have been you. Think in a way that is beneficial to your self and to humanity. When negative thoughts and attitudes about yourself comes up, remember you have a choice to change it. We have a choice to create our existence through our thoughts and attitudes. This choice is a daily practice and it is our practice of awareness.
