Below are some simple ideas to increase a greater sense of oneness, purpose, awe and connectedness and to enhance the wellness of the spirit.
The Ability to forgive Yourself and Others
Forgiveness can mean letting go of a grudge, or feeling of resentment in order to release feelings of hurt, or wrong that you have received from another person. Forgiveness can also mean releasing your own burden of shame, or guilt, so that you can move forward in a more positive way and engage with the world and others. Forgiving can lead to healthier relationships, less anxiety, greater well-being and less hostility and stress.
The Abduction of Psyche (1895) Wikipedia
We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies
--Voltaire
Have Hope
In Greek mythology when Pandora opened Pandora's Box, she let out many things, except one: hope. Hope is a restrained sense of optimism that a person can feel within themselves, even in the face of great adversity. It is important to always have a sensible feeling of hope, that things will turn out for the best. A destructive sense of hope however, would be when someone who keeps gambling and looses everything, still keeps hoping to win big. Hope must be tempered with sense.
William-Adolphe Bouguereau - The Dance (1856) Wikipedia
Connect With Nature
Connecting with the natural world can be very invigorating and empowering. The beauty of the sky, mountain range or view of the ocean, can bring us a sense of awe. Walk along the beach and feel the sea breeze in your hair, smell the fragrant aroma's of flowers, or pine trees and you will feel restored. The song of a bird can connect us with feelings of joy and wonder and the sound of rain and the powerful majesty of a thunder storm, can relax or invigorate. Look around you and see and feel the natural wonders.
Helping Others
Helping other people, not only directly assists others, but can provide the person giving, with a greater sense of well-being, purpose, self-esteem and worthiness. Research has shown, that those who are more altruistic, enjoy greater mental health and benefit greatly from the feeling that they are helping others. There are however, many ways to help others. The most simple and yet also incredibly important way of helping others, is to be a good, caring and responsible parent, family member, friend or neighbour. Everyday interactions with those around you, that demonstrate care and concern, have the very real potential to change lives and make the world a better and more caring place. Other ways to help, are: volunteering your time to help others less fortunate, helping young children with learning issues in schools, or providing some respite to someone who is looking after a disabled person. You can also, if you are time poor, donate to worthy causes on a regular basis.
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, the Swing (1767) Wikipedia
Enjoy Beauty And Life's Pleasures
The enjoyment of art, music, literature etc. can bring a much deeper appreciation and richness to life, that can create a response that is almost spiritual. Gazing on great art, or listening to say the music from the opera La bohème by Puccini, can be uplifting and exhilarating. Similar feelings can be had from beautiful food, fine wines, love and romance.
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katiem2Jan 15, 2013