Wellness zone with Phyllis Ogo Ogah
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When I think of spiritual wellness the first thing I remember is the Muezzin calling faithfuls to prayer five times a day. I must not fail to thank him because the call to prayer wakes me up and reminds me of our reverence to a Supernatural being. I also remember Roman Catholics who gather to say the Angelus at midday. I think of pilgrims bathing in River Ganges and Buddhist Monks in temples in Thailand sitting down and meditating and occasionally chanting. All these show that our daily existence is all about purpose, values, intuition and vitality.
This dimension recognizes our search for meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe. It is a quest characterized by a peaceful harmony between internal personal feelings and emotions and the rough and rugged stretches of your path. While traveling the path, you may experience many feelings of doubt, despair,fear, disappointment and dislocation, as well as feelings of pleasure, joy,happiness and discovery.
These are all important experiences and components to your search and will be displayed in the value system you will adapt to bring meaning to your existence.
Tenets
It is better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others than to close our minds and become intolerant.
It is better to live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.
Steps to Encourage Spiritual Wellness
I f you practice a religion, active involvement in your place of worship is a great step towards achieving spiritual wellness.
Explore your spiritual core with these questions. Who am I? Why did I come here? Why do humans/the world exist? Why is there evil? What happens after death?
Be quiet - Spend time alone to pray and meditate regularly. By living in the present and letting go of the past and not worrying about the future, we can achieve the inner peace that we strive for while practicing meditation.
Be inquisitive and curious - an attitude of active searching increases your options and your potential for spiritual centering. Don't shut doors before you ascertain what's behind them.
Be receptive to grief and pain - Pain is a deepener. Allow yourself to feel the pain fully, and then ask what it's trying to teach you.
Be and Do - Spirituality is about more than reading; it's about "doing" and being fully in the present moment in everything you do.
Witness the choices you make in each moment - bring them into consciousness; ask yourself what the consequences of a choice are and if the choice will bring fulfillment and happiness.
Practice acceptance - See that life right now is as it "should be." Do not struggle against the universe by struggling against the moment. Take responsibility for your life without blaming anyone, including yourself. See what the situation can teach you and how you can share this teaching with others.
Practice detachment - allow yourself and those around you the freedom to be who they are. Recognize uncertainty as an essential aspect of life.
Be playful - Spirituality is in music, art, dance, laughter, singing, and all of life.
Look for deeper meanings - If you notice that certain themes keep coming up over and over in your life, rather than feeling like you have no control over the situation, ask for the deeper meaning of the pattern to come to you.
Practice breathing exercises in a quiet place, inhale slowly and deeply through your nose and exhale through the mouth.
Look for something inspirational to read everyday.
Assessment
Read each statement carefully and respond honestly by using the following scoring:
Almost always = 2 points
Sometimes/occasionally = 1 point
Very seldom = 0 points
1. I feel comfortable with my spiritual life.
2. There is a co-relation between my personal values and daily actions.
3. In depression and frustration, my spiritual beliefs and values give me direction.
4. Prayer, meditation, and personal reflection are integral parts of my existence.
5. Life is purposeful and meaningful to me.
6. I am able to speak comfortably about my personal values and beliefs.
7. I am consistently striving to grow spiritually and I see it as a lifelong process.
8. I tolerate and try to learn about others' beliefs and values.
9. I am extremely optimistic and use my thoughts and attitudes in life- affirming ways.
10. I appreciate the natural forces that exist in the universe.
Total score.
15 to 20 Points - Excellent strength
9 to 14 Points - There is room for improvement .
0 to 8 Points - Challenge yourself more
TIP OF THE WEEK
See the gift in your greatest troubles, problems and challenges. The Chinese word for catastrophe is the same as their word for opportunity.
