Spiritual warm-up
This time of the year is like the warm-up as we approach the full emerging energy of summer.
Athletes, performers and presenters know the power of warming up their body and voice. It’s all about preparation, priming your body and mind for what’s to come; the big game, gym session or run around the block. The acting role, concert, conference presentation or instagram reel…
Warming up is a discipline to strengthen your mindset and then the body takes over (and vice versa). You know what to do, you’ve done it loads of times before.
The same is true for your daily spiritual practice. Warming up your connection to the truest part of you, away from the distractions of everyday life. A time to reconnect to your higher purpose, the universe, god/s, goddess (whatever resonates for you) to help put your daily life into perspective. It can be like wiping the slate clean, a fresh start for a new day or letting go of the day's annoyances, disappointments and conflicts.
A space to put everyday problems to the side and reconnect to something bigger.
It doesn’t have to be a huge ritual. You’re unique and how you honour this part of yourself and integrate within your day will be individual. I know for myself trying to do spiritual practice first thing in the morning is tricky as I’m fielding two hungry teens and we all get ready to leave the house, so the evening works best for me. And I find it’s the perfect opportunity to say thank you for the day and let go of whatever... Creating this space makes me a better person and practitioner - to myself and those around me because I’m calm and nourished.
I’m constantly reminded how interlinked mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing is, not only from treating clients but also in my own life. When there’s too much overwhelm and I’m feeling the pressure (and my daily spiritual warm-up isn’t enough) I’ll book in time to give myself a full Reiki treatment as well as push myself to keep physical by going to the gym, out for a run or yoga class. I have experienced the spiritual in exercise from intense yoga classes where strong stretches have helped my body to let go, to meditative runs and tranquil walks in the woods.
This month, find something that you can do each day that helps connect to your higher purpose and be flexible about when. Perhaps it will change with the moon cycle or your personal cycle and at different times of the day. Notice what you enjoy and makes you feel good - be open to seeing what emerges...The key is to find something that quietens your mind and not try to resolve whatever it is you’re ruminating on. It’s a time to pause from the constant noise (and there’s a lot trying to grab our attention).
When you make the time each day, warming up your spiritual muscle and even preparing for it, your body will naturally begin to relax. In time you’ll discover the routine and discipline of showing up, that slowly builds a more resilient you!