In our world of technology and fast paced living it's extremely easy
to lose touch with our higher power and get pulled into the rat race. We
often end up losing all touch with our higher power and practicing
principles that aren't in line with our beliefs. We are bombarded daily
with so many things that are immoral and wrong, and it's essential that
we keep a strong relationship with our higher power. I will refer to
this higher power as God in this list, but it can apply to any faith.
The important thing is staying in touch with who you are and what you
truly want. The best way I have found to do this, is to keep close to
the thing I believe in, which is God, Jesus, and the Bible. These are
ten tips to keep that spiritual energy flowing all day and all week.
1. Start your morning with a reading -
This is a great way to start off the day with a positive mindset. Let
the reading for the day spark you to do good in the world and remember
that there are bigger things at work. 12 Step programs often include a
reading from a book that has a specific message for every day of the
year. Many spiritual faiths have books in a similar format, with a
message for everyday of the year. Buy one, and keep it by your bed.
2. Attend Spiritual Services -
For me this is church, and I know theres a lot of stigma when it comes
to the message of certain faiths and congregations. Find the one that's
right for you! I know for me I almost always feel rejuvenated after a
service on Sunday.
3. Listen to religious radio stations -
I know I'm always in front of the computer, night and day. I tended to
always listen to music, but eventually I discovered the "radio" function
on Itunes. I found a sermon station and whenever I think of it I'll
turn it on for a bit. If you're one of those people who are constantly
in the car, find a station that plays Christian readings. If there isn't
one in your area, download some readings and put them on your Ipod!
4. Watch Spiritual movies/documentaries -
For a long time I was the kind of person who always had the TV on as
background noise for when I was working on the computer. A good way to
keep that message working in your mind is to find a good spiritual movie
or documentary and leave it playing while you work. For me, I love
having "The Gospel of John" playing in the background as the dialogue in
the movie is directly from scripture. The Left Behind series is also
pretty good. There are classics too like Ben Hur and The Ten
Commandments that hold a good message.
5. Talk to your higher power during the day -
I love talking to God, whenever I have a minute. If I'm driving or
waiting in line, I'll just make random comments to God. I'll give him my
take on the moment. I'll ask for his help with something. I'll just
request that he stays active in my life! Talking to God when I'm angry
or upset is also extremely helpful. I always feel better when I do. I'm a
firm believer that God loves it when we talk to him and keep him in our
life daily.
6. Attend a Bible Study - This is something
that takes me a step further from just attending services. I actually
get into the depths of the Bible. I also get to know people around the
congregation and make healthy connections for when I'm upset or
troubled. I always leave Bible studied feeling like I've learned
something profound, even if I don't agree with everything that's said.
7. If you're having troubles consider attending a weekly 12 Step Meeting -
I know there's a lot of stigma and bias around the ideas of 12 Step
work, but it's worked wonders in my life. There are support groups
weekly for things like Alcoholism, Grief, Drugs, Sex, Over-eating, and
much more. The people at the meetings generally take the idea of
anonymity very seriously. I always feel refreshed after a meeting, and
it's another good way to build a network of supports.
8. Attend Church events & perform Service work -
This is another way to take it even a step further from just attending
service and study. This is way to help out an organization that is
helping you! I feel great when I help people, I honestly do. There are
usually church picnics, basement meals, and charity drives regularly at
congregations.
9. Fill your Social Feeds with Inspirational and Positive messages -
I know once I had established myself on Facebook as a politically
active individual I had an incredible slew of negative news constantly
popping up on my feed. I would often start my day on the internet
stressing over the troubling facts of the day. I needed to get rid of
that! I also needed to watch less TV news. I removed a lot of friends
and unliked a lot of pages. I then liked plenty of positive and
spiritual pages, and added new friends. It was like night and day. I
soon found myself constantly reading bible quotes and positive news, and
I felt much better!
10. Read the Bible - This is
something that many tend to overlook, yet it's the most basic thing to
do! Read the Bible! For other faiths, read your founding books! Read
interpretations as well. It's a great way to stay grounded and remind
yourself of the principles of the faith. If you have troubled staying
focused while reading (which I do) download or purchase audio CDs of it
spoken. That really turned it around for me.
Other suggestions:
Subscribe to spiritual newsletters, Subscribe to email lists,
Participate in Christian social networks, keep a journal of your day,
meditate, attend spiritual retreats
I know it's a tall order
and it may seem overwhelming. In fact for me it was often extremely
uncomfortable as well as overwhelming! I had to force myself to do these
things for my own good. And after a few months, I found I loved doing
them. The conscience that had constantly poked at me in the back of my
head about doing the right thing went from troubled and lost to found,
confident, joyous, and free. Yet I knew and accepted it would never work
out perfectly.
I knew I wanted to live a moral and upright life,
but I didn't know how. It was by forcing myself to be uncomfortable and
get outside my comfort zone that I truly found a new comfort zone that
was in line with my beliefs and philosophies.
What is truth? Who is God? What is the meaning of life? On this blog we explore the interactions between Christianity and topics like culture, politics and philosophy. The word says we must love God and love others. Jesus Christ is God come to us; He is alive. God will call all of us to give an explanation of how we lived. Trust in Jesus and receive forgiveness; a new life. Stand for the truth. Glorify Christ in how you live. A new world awaits.