HEALTHY SPIRIT

Be quiet

Life can be chaotic, so it’s important to fit in a little quiet time to examine your thoughts, feelings, and relationships with God and others. The Rev. Dr. Isaac Deas, interfaith chaplain for Cornerstone Hospice, recommends daily reflective time.

“Take time every day to be reflective, focusing your attention on spiritual things,” advises Dr. Deas. “Too many people end the day mindlessly in front of the TV. Try to spend some time being humble, apologetic, and contemplating what you can do to be a better person.”

Get grounded

Getting close to the earth can be very spiritual. Whether it’s working in your garden, collecting seashells at the beach, or stargazing at night, having an awareness of the earth helps people feel a belonging to both the physical and spiritual world. In his book “Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating,” theology professor Norman Wirzba writes about the spiritual experience of gardening.

“Gardening is never simply about gardens,” Wirzba says. “It is work that reveals the meaning and character of humanity.”

Give

There are many ways to be more giving. You can donate money or goods to charity, volunteer, perform random acts of kindness, or participate in a prayer chain. Regardless of your actions, giving is perhaps the simplest way to connect your spirit with others.

Nineteenth century theologian Nikolai Berdyaev said it best: “The question of bread for myself is a material question, but the question of bread for my neighbor is a spiritual question.”

Stay connected

Staying in touch with friends and your community is vital to maintain a healthy spirit. People can become caught up in their own routines and lose relationships outside of work and family. Having people around you who share your spiritual attitude can greatly enhance your experience. Most churches offer a variety of meetings and small groups outside of weekly services so people can meet with their peers, share thoughts, and support each other.

Keep a journal

A journal can be an intensely spiritual experience. Journals can be kept in many ways: in a notebook, on a computer, in a photo album, even in an app on your phone! Some people write about memories of their past, some record daily happenings, and others list prayers for others. There are no rules for journaling; it is a very personal and private experience. There are websites and books that offer daily prompts for those who need a little help getting started.

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