Lifestyle practices for spiritual growth.

Lifestyle practices for spiritual growth.

We all think about our lifestyle at one time or another.

We also talk about having a balanced lifestyle, and a healthy lifestyle.

A balanced lifestyle is one that focuses on one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life.

But when we look at how we in reality live our life, we must ask whether it really reflects our indented purpose, or whether we are merely driven by externals influences that dictate how and what we do.

Are we being too idealistic when we think about balance in our daily lives?

What we really want is to be happy and fulfilled, but are we happy and fulfilled? If not, why not and what are we going to do about it?

Enlightened teachers tell us: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. (Matthew 6:33)

Our own awareness reveals to us that in order to be happy we have to pursue happiness.

Where do we look for it?

We seek it mostly in places, where it is not.

We seek happiness in gratifying our senses, in listening to the push and pull of the world. Everyone thinks to have something that is good for us. Just listen to the ads on TV.

When it comes to relationship, everyone wants to be in one and many when they are in one, want to be out.

Have we lost our sense of direction? Are our values really our values, or are we living a life of conditioned behavior?

We need to start by living more consciously by reflecting on what is important in our lives and act accordingly. It is advisable to let our intrinsic nature guide us in the process.

Take the example of a flower. The seed, the potential and what it needs to express.

For us to be whole is possible, when mental and physical restrictions are removed so that soul qualities can express naturally and easily.

Physically we need a clean, peaceful environment, wholesome food, clear water.

Emotionally we need a caring surrounding, compassion.

Mentally we need to be Self or Soul directed with a clear Vision of Self knowledge and Self realization,  knowing who we are.

How do we do this?

Physically, we should not be bound mechanically to routines but be aware what works best for us.

It may be: walks, Hatha Yoga, T’ai Chi, or Chi gong.

We want to stimulate good blood and lymph circulation, bodily flexibility and awaken dormant soul forces.

We have to be aware of correct breathing to balance vital forces in the subtle body, to elicit physical relaxation, calm the mind and emotions.

Mentally, our mind creates the relationship with the world in and around us. It is an individualized aspect of the one cosmic mind; a medium which perceives and processes information and sensory perceptions.

When we are soul centered and the mind is viewed with detachment, our thought processes are orderly and rational.

When on the other hand we are not soul centered and instead identify with the mind and our emotions, our perceptions may be blurred and may bring us to a state of confusion.

We can experience confusion by making decision when we are very upset.

We need to learn to listen to our intuition, because intuitively we perceive things independent of the senses. It is what many call a sixth sense.

In addition we have to practice to be soul centered and be God Conscious in our daily life.

To accomplish this we begin by cleansing the body of impurities, by healing our emotions and by purifying our mind using meditation as an aid.

Through daily meditation we remove our awareness from all that we are not, body, mind, thoughts, believes, opinions, moods etc. but that we are a radiant aspect of the one consciousness we call God.

Know that at the core of our Being we are already enlightened (knowledgeable and free).

Let’s live right, follow our vision, dream the highest dream and do what needs to be done to make it come true.

Love God and love thy neighbor as thyself.

Lt’s go in peace.