Sidetracked Again

Once again I've allowed life to sidetrack me from my journey.  But then again, was I really sidetracked?  All experiences are lessons on our spiritual path.  They just may not be that obvious.  And really, getting sidetracked is, in itself, a lesson. 

I've been having a lot of fun since I last posted.  My social life has become very, very busy!  So busy, I've forgotten to consciously work on my spirituality.  I did try getting on here one day, but my mind went blank.  Which is one reason I'm rambling right now.  I'm just trying to get back in the swing of things.  One of the best ways to beat writer's block is to just start writing, whatever it may be.

I've been fortunate in the fact that love has come into my life.  Funny, I always had love in my life so why do we state it that way when 'romantic' love comes into our life?  Even without 'romantic' love, we have love in our life (at least, if we want it).  There's the love from our friends and family.  And in my case, of my pets.  There's nature's love.  Yes, nature loves us even while we treat it badly.  And whatever your spiritual belief, that spiritual belief loves us. 

Anyway, I allowed the entrance of this romantic love to sidetrack me (pleasantly, I must add).  And it's given me lessons on my spiritual path. 

• First, I'm learning I need to stay focused on my spiritual path, as well as my other activities  - stay true to who I am and want to be. 
• Second, I'm learning that we all bring baggage into a relationship and that I need to be careful about the baggage I bring in.  I have insecurities about trusting someone can love me for who I am.  This wonderful guy has been helping me learn that someone CAN love me for who I am. 
• Third, I've been given an opportunity to put into practice my beliefs.  They haven't really been tested much since I started on this journey.  There are some unusual circumstances around this relationship and I've been given the opportunity to accept how things can be different from what our normal expectations are.

I'm going to make a more conscious effort to stay true to my spiritual path.  Make sure I take time each day to work on it.  Yes, as usual I've been lax on many things, including the all-important meditation (not to mention I haven't been taking care of the physical body either).  So we'll see how well I do until next time.

Peace and love to all of you.  For those of you who have religious holidays around this time, happy _________ (whatever fits your religion)!

Emergency Stress Kit

I got caught up in life recently...my apologies for not posting something sooner.

I have put together two things...one is my emergency stress kit, one is my prevention plan.  In my emergency stress kit are:

• First and foremost, make sure I am spiritually connected.  Have I been meditating and staying connected with my higher power?  This is the most important one, the rest are tools my higher power provided me.
• Comedy television shows and movies!  When I'm having problems, I need the laughter...it's one of the best forms of stress relief.
• If I am having trouble sleeping due to stress or anxiety, I like Sleepytime Extra.  About the time I am half way through the cup, I can hardly keep my eyes open (I make sure I'm in bed prior to drinking it).  I found the regular Sleepytime does not do quite the job as Sleepytime Extra.  If I am at work, or do not want to do to sleep, I use Tension Tamer.
• Physical exercise!!  This is a must to wear off that energy that is built up!!  Many studies show aerobic exercise is the best, however for me I find that using my muscles works best.  So I clean, rearrange my furniture, etc.
• Yoga/Meditation - or any form of relaxation technique (I've just discovered Qi-Gong and love it).  These relaxation techniques help calm the mind.
• Vitamin B supplement.
• Try to eliminate all caffeine and sugar! The system does not need that when you are trying to calm down.
• I have to admit, I have a teddy bear I sleep with when it's really bad.  It's comforting.
• I have CD's that help reduce stress.  Some have soothing music, such as Enya, Yanni, Kenny G, or are made just for the purpose of reducing stress (found in the book stores), others are affirmation CDs.
• List reasons I am grateful...blue sky, flowers, a pet snuggling with me, the smell of rain on the ground, a child's laughter, hot running water for a shower...the list can go on indefinitely.
• Go to the Do As One site.  This site focuses on breathing (or laughter in one 'room').  I really like this site as there are various length timers, including one for only two minutes.  This is a great resource to use when I don't have much time, such as when I'm at work.
• DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!
• JOURNAL!!!

This is my stress management kit...so if I can't find my document on my computer, at least I can always come back here!  Next I will be talking about my prevention plan, which will be very similar to the above...

Have a peaceful day everyone!

My Soul is Feasting

The Winter Feast for the Soul started yesterday.  I have to admit, I forgot about it until last night after I went to bed.  So today I'm getting caught up.  I'm checking out some of the meditations that have been posted on their website.   I really enjoyed the Oneness Meditations, as I believe in all things being connected and one.  However, there are so many other ones available to explore!

One of the aspects I especially like about this event is that it involves individuals around the world from all religions and spirituality beliefs together.  I personally do not belong to any specific religion or spiritual faith.  As I've explored my spiritual path, I've discovered that all the religions and spiritual beliefs have so much in common.  With each of them, I find so many aspects I like that I decided I do not belong to any one (similiar in that aspect to the Bahai' Faith).  So for me, this event is especially beneficial.  I wish more individuals could see - and focus on - the similiarities between all the beliefs instead of the differences.  Then we could have peace.

Winter Feast for the Soul

This January 15 - February 23, 2011 the Winter Feast for the Soul will be held.  I just learned about this event myself from a cousin.  I went to their website to learn more about it.  According to their website, their Longer-term Vision is “We hold a vision that includes all spiritual traditions and organizations in a synchronized schedule for their winter practice periods. Through this collaboration we will all become part of a shared dream for a new consciousness and peace on our planet.”

As I read the above, I wondered what the heck did this mean?  So I dug a little more into their website.  According to their website, for 40 days each participant will “set aside 40 minutes each day to still and focus the mind and to dedicate that time to communion with Spirit.”

This event is not restricted to meditation.  While many will use meditation, contemplative prayer, reading sacred texts, yoga, journaling or expressive arts are other forms that the participants will use. 

Some history - this event started in 2008 with 150 people and has grown to over 20,000 in three years with participants from over 29 countries.  It was inspired by the following poem:

“What nine months does for the embryo
Forty early mornings
Will do for your growing awareness.”

~  Jelaluddin Rumi

I’m still learning more about the event and will share with you as I do.  It sounds like it should be very interesting and I signed up to participate.

I believe this is my last blog for my class requirements.  Please continue checking back for future blogs as this is just the beginning.  I will delve more into so many aspects of my spiritual path that I am on.  It’s exciting to discover my path and I can’t wait to see what’s around the corner.