What are some of the ways you add spiritual practice into your life? Mediation, mindfulness, yoga, listening to calm music, meditation apps, reading, spiritual study, attending services. There are so many options to open our hearts and minds. You may be the type of person that has one way that works for you and you stick to that one thing as an anchor that keeps you grounded. Or you may like variety, choosing a healthy dose of practices that you mix up every now and then. What ever it is that works for you ~ go with that! I have found there is no one "right" way. Do the thing that feels right to you. Dive in.
"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." Thich Nhat Hanh
One thing I've noticed throughout my personal journey, is that when I am in integrity with my life values and spiritual values, life flows with ease and grace. I smile more. I feel joy and lighthearted. When things go a bit sideways and wonky or I get cranky and edgy, I almost always trace it back to falling out of my regular spiritual practice.
Over the years, I've found this true for the children and teens in my life as well. A regular does of spiritual practice has a calming effect. It's as if we turn a dial and click into our true selves, fine tuning into the grounding energy of Spirit, the source of Life that connects us all. As a licensed spiritual practitioner and youth worker, the majority of calls I receive from the young people in my life (or their parents) who are in the midst of seeming chaos... it all comes back to falling out of balance with spiritual practice.
"Awareness is more essential that a hundred skills. To be aware is to be open. And to be open is to know the path of every master who has roamed the earth."
Thomas Lloyd Qualls
A healthy does of awareness goes a long way. The same can be said for establishing a healthy does of values based living.
It's been a while since I've mentioned resources and these are some of my favorites for families: (hyperlinks not working)
Roots of Action - www.rootsofaction.com - a website focused on the practice of positive youth development. They have great articles, resources for families, teachers, youth mentors and more. Founded by Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell with a growing list of authors and contributors that bring information forward for use now in today's changing environments.
A Fine Parent - www.afineparent.com - founded by a mom, who like many other parents was looking for resources, tools and activities that would aid in the depth of joy and challenges that come from being a parent. Wonderful links, articles, learning opportunities. (You can read up for free and choose to join or not)
BIG Life Journal - www.biglifejournal.com - Check out the blog. You can sign up for free and there are often free activities shared in the blog. Aged based appropriate materials and resources. Also some great tools/books and activities for purchase.
Remember, Spirit can only do for us, what it can do through us. We are in the drivers seat of our lives and we have the best companion supporting us on every road we choose to travel.
Below are a few children's books to explore.
Eli's Lie-O-Meter - by Sandra Levins - Value: Truth
Did I ever tell you how lucky you are - Dr. Seuess - Value: Gratitude
The Quiltmaker's Gift - Jeff Brumbeau - Values: Giving - Happiness
Good People Everywhere - by Lynea Gillen Values: Kindness & Generosity
A bad case of stripes - by David Shannon - Value: Uniqueness
You be You - by Linda Kranz - Values - Uniqueness - self love - empowerment
Enjoy and do the things that bring you JOY!!!
Thanks to this weeks photographers from Unsplash.com Ian Wagg - Ben White and Kelly Sikkema
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