Having a spiritual connection is a great feeling but maintaining it can be a challenge. In this entry I discuss the ways I have found that help me maintain a spiritual connection after my recovery from religious extremism. There are numerous ways to ensure that we are connecting with Spirit, ourselves, nature, and each other. Technology is wonderful, but it has a somewhat negative side effect: less face to face social interactions. Take a moment the next time you are walking down the street and look up from your phone and watch those around you. How many people have earphones in their ears and/or are looking down at their phones? I am guilty of it too. But it does have the unfortunate effect of less eye contact and human interaction that once naturally took place more frequently. It also creates the effect of less interaction with one’s environment, including nature.
People need people. It is important to remember the importance of human relationships and even human contact, like hugs. Eye contact is also very powerful, as it sends the signal that you are important and I am listening to what you are saying. I make it a point to make eye contact when I am having conversations with people. I also try to avoid looking at my phone when I am meeting with others. It is important to not take relationships for granted, especially loved ones. They will not necessarily always be there, so I make sure to appreciate them while I have them.
We live in a very fast paced world today. Certainly, with the advent of the era of information technology, where one is never far away from cell phones, computers, the internet, social media, TV, etc., it is very hard to unplug. Technology is meant to make our lives easier and more productive. It has accomplished this in many ways, but it has also sped up our lives significantly. Try watching some TV shows from the 50’s and 60’s, or even the 70’s and 80’s, and you will see what I mean. It was a different world back then. Because our world now is more complex, we are more in need of personal down time. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable spending time with themselves, but that is when we are able to go inward and connect to our inner self/spirit. That is where I have learned to draw inner strength and resilience, and to develop inner, as well as outer, peace.
There are also many mind/body exercises one can use to go inward and develop stillness and connection. Practices such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, and mindfulness are all very helpful in this way and I have found them to be useful. Connecting with nature through walking/hiking or simply sitting somewhere and taking in the natural beauty is also very helpful and grounding. I have also found that certain psychological practices such as forgiving past wrongs and having a daily sense of gratitude can be beneficial for keeping me in a peaceful, positively connected state of being. In addition, right-brained activities like the arts are great for developing creativity and innovative thinking, which can connect us to the creative energy of the universe. It seems the more I give myself over to my imagination and intuition, the more I am surprised and delighted by the ideas that pop into my head out of “nowhere.” Lastly, I feel it is important to find a sense of community where you feel you belong and you are supported and encouraged. This has been essential to my personal growth and well-being over the years.
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