By Miss November 2014 Heather Disarro
I’m a firm believer that fitness is an all-encompassing product of taking care of our bodies, our spirits and the ones we love. It is a constant pursuit of learning about ourselves and what brings us joy, a pursuit that is never-ending because we are always changing.
I realize that sounds daunting, but in my short time here on earth there are five things that have helped me to achieve higher levels of spiritual fitness. These are what work for me, but I believe they are good jumping-off points for anyone who’s just starting to realize the need for strengthening the spirit as well as the body.
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Prayer and/or meditation. I personally subscribe to prayer in my faith, but realize that not everyone does. However, taking the time – even just 5 minutes out of a day – to focus on our faith and the importance of life is vital. It keeps the minutiae from ruling our hearts and centers us in ways that no amount of social media participation can do. Realizing how important every moment is only leads to good things in our lives and relationships; so do it. Wake up 5 minutes earlier, set an alarm during your lunchtime or sit for 5 minutes in your car before leaving work. The reality is that we all really do have the ability to use 5 minutes to better ourselves!
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Get outside! This is a carry-over from last week’s post, but the simple act of getting some fresh air can lift the spirit in big ways. Over the past couple of months I’ve been suffering from nausea that happens in the first few months of pregnancy, a condition that has not only made me feel sick physically but also spiritually down. And then I step outside, even just for some porch-sitting with my little, and it’s like life is normal again. A quick walk, a glass of water on a porch, or skipping nighttime television for conversation under the stars are all great ways to get some fresh air your lungs. I’ve been known to take my laptop outside and work on the back porch – trust me, it works!
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Music. I joke that my parents made us listen to hippie music growing up, but the reality is that they imparted a love of all genres through the fact that we listened to oldies most days. As I write this I’m rocking out to some James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel and Jim Croce. There’s something about those acoustic guitars and simple lyrics that brings me so much joy, and the fact is that I hardly know what’s even popular these days. Now hippie music may not be your thing; maybe it’s country, rock, classical or something cool I’ve never even heard of. But listen to what you love, regardless of what’s popular, breathe deep, and enjoy!
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Do what you love. It took me a really long time to figure out what hobbies make me really happy, and with the rise of Pinterest (which is certainly not evil) and crafting blogs I still find myself thinking I should be creating awesome art for our walls or homeschooling my wiggly toddler boy to be doing the hobby thing right. But that’s just not for me! Not to say that it won’t ever be, but what I love doing right now that really relaxes me is cooking, playing the piano, learning the ukulele and spending time outside. Even more than that – I make no apologies that I don’t scrapbook our entire life, that I don’t decoupage everything under the sun or restore old furniture like it’s my job! So think about it – what do you come alive doing? Throw off the ideas we’re fed of what we should be doing – what do you LOVE? And then start there!
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Laughter. This is going to be a piece that segways into next week’s post, but laughter really is the best medicine…for life. It’s been proven many times over that those who genuinely laugh more tend to have more positive attitudes, a better sense of humor and increased relational health. Plus, it’s fun! So whether it means spending more time with loved ones, watching comedic shows or movies, or just looking for more ways to smile more – do it! The reality is that it certainly won’t hurt
I’d love to hear what you think in regards to spiritual health! What works for you? What are your go-tos? Or are you like I once was, and in need of a spiritual fitness awakening?
