Inner Wisdom

In our minds, there stirs a voice, often like a whisper that speaks to our spirit.

You know that voice, especially after hearing a catchy tune and that song repeats itself in your head for the rest of the day. External stimuli can activate that voice positively or negatively. I believe that is why people tend to be just nicer in December when all the happy and fun Christmas songs are broadcasted into the general public almost everywhere: radio, grocery stores, shopping malls, dentist and doctor offices, beauty salons, auto repair shops, restaurants, etc.

However, the wisdom that I speak of originates from the soul of an individual.

It is that deep internal whisper that you hear when you are sitting quietly in prayer and/or meditation The inner wisdom may also come while you are engaged in solo activities like swimming, biking, writing, walking in nature, running, reading, painting, playing a musical instrument, sculpting, and so on and so forth. Physical and creative activity, as well as, spiritual engagement draws out our inner wisdom. The key is to learn how to really listen to it over the mindless chatter that may be stuck in your head due to external stresses.

You know that voice that tells you that you don’t have time to enjoy the moment because you need to pay bills, pick up the kids, make the meals, complete the project or paperwork for the job, clean the house, gas up the car, rake the leaves, renew your driver’s license, get the groceries, go to another meeting, do the laundry, schedule that appointment, go to the appointment and the list goes on and on and on. The best way to lower the volume of that chatter and eventually eliminate it is to focus on your breathing and/or your heartbeat.

You do this by closing your eyes and breathing slowly, deliberately and deeply. Focus only on the breathing, the air going in and out of your lungs. In through your nose and out through your mouth with a sigh or a hum. Do this several times.  It only takes a few moments. And, do this before you engage in any solo activity, so that you will be able to clear the channel for the voice of your inner wisdom.  Not only will you be able to hear your inner wisdom more clearly, but you will also be able to enjoy your solo activities with tranquility. Be open to receive any newfound wisdom that will come to you. This is where great ideas are born. Are you listening?

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Encourage the Heart and Spirit

Affirmation, validation and appreciation encourage the heart and spirit. Whether we are receiving encouragement or giving it, our hearts and spirits fill with love and warmth. It is uplifting.

I find that the more encouragement I give, the more I receive. Imagine that. And, I find myself looking for opportunities to encourage others in their intentions, goals and dreams. If they want to try something new and/or worthwhile, I urge them to try it. And, wow, the expressions on their faces…priceless.

Sometimes encouragement is needed when we are experiencing a low moment. Encouragement may come in many forms; and, one of the best forms of encouragement is comfort for others by simply being there for them and listening. All we really need to do is attentively listen. Encouragement can be a smile, a wink or a hug. Encouragement may be the spoken or written word, art or music. Anything that moves another heart and spirit in a positive way is encouragement.

The gift of encouragement is one of the most valuable and affordable gifts we can give to our family, friends and peers. Can you remember a time in your life when you were encouraged? How did it feel? It is an amazing feeling, isn’t it? I invite you to encourage someone…anyone. I bet it will be a great experience! May God and Love bless you and encourage your heart and spirit to encourage others.

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Nourishment for the Heart and Soul

As food is nourishment for the body; love, kindness, and interaction with people, nature, art and music are nourishment for the soul. ~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

Our souls need nourishment as much as our bodies do. Unfortunately many of us, me included, have used food to comfort our souls, when it really it is crying out for love, kindness, interaction with people, nature, art and music. When we were children, too often ice cream, candy and cookies were used as rewards, when hugs and attention would have provided the best nourishment to our spirit. Each of us need a daily dose of self-love and kindness, whether it be in the form of affirmations or simply giving ourselves time to relax, have fun and joyful experiences, pamper our bodies and get a full (night’s) sleep every day.

Interaction with people is also important to nourish one’s soul. Getting out in public provides one with opportunities to socialize and to help others, through simple and small, but very important acts of love and kindness. One’s own spirit is lifted when one can make another smile. Sharing the gift of time with others is one of the best ways to nourish both our spirit as well as the spirits of others. Jesus did this throughout His lifetime (and beyond). He was and continues to be food and nourishment for the weak in spirit. His love and his kindness has filled the void in the lives of thousands in His lifetime and now millions.

Spending time outdoors among the trees, plants, flowers, birds and other animals nurtures the spirit. When people actively listen, watch, and are fully present in nature to see, hear and feel all the wonderful sights, sounds and sensations of nature, their souls are lifted.  What is more lovely than hearing birds singing, frogs croaking, and crickets chirping? Who doesn’t enjoy seeing butterflies dancing and squirrels playing? The feel of a gentle breeze and drizzle of a summer shower has a way of positively touching one’s soul. Nature reconnects people to their spirits.

Art and music engage the spirit, encouraging and evoking feelings. The beat of a drum, the lull of a flute, the colors of a painting, the movement of a dance (just to name a few) satiate and nourish our spirits. Whether we are observing or performing art and music, our souls are filled. Art and music comfort us, as does love, kindness, people and nature. The next time you sense a bit of a void in your life, consider taking time for yourself, go out and interact with others and nature, and engage your heart with art and music. This food for your soul will nourish you spirit (without calories).

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