Finding a Moment to Connect
A client recently told me she felt her 9 to 5 job was holding her back from living in an authentic way, and from maintaining her spiritual connection throughout the day.
We started brainstorming ideas of how she could subtly and easily incorporate meaningful ways to connect in with herself throughout the day, to bring herself back to the present moment, and to feel a connection with the divine.
The goal is to not have to separate your "personal" or "spiritual" life with "work" life. They can be slowly melded together so you don't end up feeling drained at the end of the work day with no time or energy left for yourself.
Here are some ideas:
1. When you wake in the morning, take a moment to look outside and see what's happening with the weather and with nature. Give thanks for the sunrise and feel the hope and potential in this brand new day.
2. On your commute, listen to uplifting music in the morning on the way to work, and relaxing/peaceful music in the evening on the way home from work. Or use that time to listen to poetry, podcasts, books on tape, or anything that inspires you or you can learn from - allow that time to be a time you look forward to.
3. If you have a desk, create a special/personalized space for yourself. Bring in little trinkets, stones, pictures, poems, quotes, or anything that reminds you that you are more than your job. If you don't have a desk, wear something around your neck or keep something in your pocket. You can reach for this object throughout the day. It can be a reminder to take a few deep breaths, recenter, or think of something you're grateful for if you're feeling overwhelmed.
4. When you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, feel your feet on the floor, imagine roots growing from your tailbone, down your legs, out your feet and into the earth. Feel yourself being held and nourished by the earth.
5. During your lunch break listen to a short guided meditation, or take 5 minutes to tune into your body. How are you feeling? Take a moment to step outside, feel the air on your skin, the sun (or rain) on your face, stretch, walk, move, or dance, give thanks for being alive!
6. Before every meal, pause for a moment and give gratitude for all that went into getting your food on to your plate: the sun, the rain, the farmers, the ranchers, the plants, the animals, the truck drivers, the gasoline, the grocery store workers, etc.
7. Before bed write down 3 things you are grateful for.
This list is just the beginning. I hope these ideas will inspire you to think of additional ways you can feel more of a connection with yourself and your spirituality throughout the day. Feel free to leave your own creative ideas in the comments section. I'd love to hear them!
