Stepping Stones

Posted on July 1, 2007 By OneMysticalMonkey

It seems I often blog about Spiritual ideas and ideals, but often omit specific suggestions on how to accomplish the things about which I ramble. The reason is simple: there is a wide variety of religions and beliefs in this world, and each of us have found (or are finding) those things which resonate specifically to our current existence on this plane. We are drawn to a specific system of beliefs so that we may further our Spiritual pursuits according to where we are developmentally. Each of us must apply our own current, specific training and beliefs, according to our own methods, to the development of our Spiritual awareness. I do not believe one religion or system to be superior to another; just different.

However, it may be of some benefit to share some of the things which I personally pursue on this Path -and I encourage you to share your ideas and experiences as well- so that we may perhaps be of further assistance to each other as we all evolve towards our true spiritual selves. This is not an absolute list – this is just some of the things I do (or try to do) on a regular basis and which I feel help me connect to myself, to Spirit and to the physical World.

• Shamatha (“single-pointed” concentration) Meditation: once or twice daily, 10 minute minimum
• Vipashyana (insight, reflective) Meditation: I do this a fair amount actually, but a dedicated 10 minute minimum once a day with a journal nearby is good. Or blogging works too 😉
• Water: Many of us are chronically dehydrated – not good for a physical body composed of 60% water on average. Eight, 8 ounce glasses per day is usually suggested to keep oneself hydrated and reaping the benefits of being hydrated. (Coffee and sodas do not count in the 8 glasses, by the way; those things are often counter-productive to staying hydrated). Be careful of keeping your electrolytes balanced though!
• Yoga: 3 times a week, 45 minutes or so per session… MMMmmmm gooooood (or is that “Ommmmm good”? 😉 ). Tai Chi or similar martial arts work too if I miss yoga or want a change of pace.
• Aerobic Excercise: 3 times a week, 20 minute minimum per session (not my personal favorite, but a necessity nonetheless). Go, heart, go… physically, I mean! 😉
• Diet: Largely vegetarian diet with a lot of fresh/raw vegetables and fruits, nuts & seeds, etc., with very limited meat & meat products, no sweets or overly processed foodstuffs. Alcohol only on very rare occasions.
• Reiki: If I am not overtired or horribly distracted with “life” like can happen, 20 minutes per day, once a day. Personally, it’s wonderful to connect with the Universal life force so directly and I like helping people and the Earth. This also frequently provides another spiritual (metaphysical) connection for me to the world of spirits and guides. (Very different than Shamatha or Vipashyana.)
• Reading: Inspiring or thought-provoking literature if I can manage even a few minutes. It gives me something to ponder while folding the laundry
• Sun: With some protection against those UV rays, a little bit of sunshine can do a spirit (and a body) good! A mere 5 minutes of sunshine a few times over the course of a week give us the optimum dose of Vitamin D, which in turn helps the body absorb calcium (osteoporosis prevention, anyone?). And it just feels good. It’s nice to connect with nature in this way.
• Outside: Take a walk, listen to the birds, do some gardening, hug a tree. Don’t underestimate the benefits to just being outside a little every day for a change of pace, a little exercise, some quiet time, or an opportunity to reconnect to the world outside our own little houses, cars and minds. This often goes hand-in-hand with the above bullet point (sun), but don’t underestimate the joys of a walk in the summer rain either…
• Creativity: I’m the creative type, and being able to spend some time drawing, painting, writing, taking photos or even dancing around the house when nobody’s looking does wonders for my soul. I truly believe that everyone is creative in their own way, and most of us have simply forgotten how to express it. Lack of creative expression eliminates an important outlet for our emotions as well as eliminating a good connection to our own selves. It’s a shame that our society tends to isolate and worship creativity instead of embracing it as a natural part of life.

Sometimes things get combined – I may read outside, sitting in the sun, or I may opt to do Reiki meditations outside. Or I may reiki my garden. Or the kids. Or the tree. And no, I don’t accomplish all those things every day. But on those days spent mostly in the above named activities, I feel better as a whole. Spirit can whisper instead of scream and I’m more likely to hear it. My physical body seems lighter and seems to function more smoothly and naturally on the days where I meditate and do yoga. I try to remain patient and compassionate in all my dealings through the day (no, it doesn’t always work), and I attempt some semblance of mindfulness awareness whenever and however it can be done in the course of daily life on this plane.

I hope this helps some of you – whether starting down this path, or already on it and just needing a reminder or encouragement or a couple new ideas. I am not a doctor though, so please consult with yours before undertaking new diets or exercise routines, and please investigate for yourself meditation techniques and such, determining for yourself whether they are appropriate for you at this time.*

Please share your thoughts and activities and experiences! What do you do?

Namaste.

*The above list is my personal activities, posted just as a point of reference to those reading my blog. One Mystical Monkey, affiliates, owners, associates, etc. will not be held legally responsible for any effects experienced by the readers of this blog who may choose to undertake any of the things listed above. Thank you.

Pathwalking

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