Sense of Spirit: Spirit-Based Activities

Spirit-based activities correspond with the Choleric Temperament, Yellow Bile, Hot/Dry, Fire Element, the Tarot Suit of Wands, Summer, Sense of Spirit and the Spirit Body, Archetypal, Tree of Life: World of Atzilut (of Emanation), Crown (Sahasrara) and Brow (Ajna) Chakras, the Violet and Indigo Aura Color Personalities, shades of White, Gold, Violet, and Indigo, Emotion of Anger, and RAM (a part of God's name).

• Smudge yourself or a room. Fire burns away impurities, while smoke carries those impurities and evil spirits away from us. When smudging, light the incense, herbs, or smudge stick (usually sage). It is often safer to burn the herb in a shell or fireproof dish rather than holding it. You can use a feather or simply your hand to gently wave the smoke from the dish, causing it to rise into the air throughout the room as you walk through the house in a space-clearing ritual. Cup the smoke and waft it over your face as you would water, keeping your eyes closed if you are sensitive to smoke at all. Smudge over your eyes (to see the truth), ears (to hear the truth), throat (to speak the truth), and heart (so that it's opened).

 

• Meditating is easy. Go somewhere quiet, close your eyes, and try to clear your mind for a few minutes. At first, your mind will bombard itself with all kinds of mind-chatter and thoughts (grocery lists, "To-Do" lists, what you ate last night, what someone at work asked you). Just accept this. Don't fight it. When this happens, remind yourself to go back to "nothingness". Perhaps you could focus on a blank screen of a particular color. If these ideas don't work for you, think of a place you would love to be. Think of a place that is quiet and serene, full of beauty, and calm. Whenever mind-chatter interrupts, return to your private paradise in your mind.

 

• Pray, but ask for nothing. Instead, say thank you for everything you can think of to be grateful for, even if it is just that the sun rose today.

 

• Whatever your social network is, get involved today. What would you like to learn, do, or share with others? Get involved by taking a class or attending a group.

 

• With the internet available, real physical mail is almost unheard of. I would not be surprised to see post offices close down soon, except for the delivery of packages. In the meantime, cards and letters continue to be enjoyed and appreciated. Send someone a card today to show them how special they are. Or, send one to yourself.

 

• When we cannot physically face a person to express our feelings, whether it's out of fear of rejection or because they are no longer with us, it can be helpful to write a heartfelt letter to them, letting them know our true feelings. These letters can be shared, burned, or buried (in a box or the ground). The point is, you got your feelings out, and those emotions are set free.

 

• Along the same lines as expressing your feelings in a one-time letter, emotions can be set free by keeping a journal to record your daily thoughts and activities. The benefit of writing a memoir is that you can begin to see patterns that negatively affect you as you write out your thoughts.

 

• Perhaps you don't have anything in particular to say, or maybe you do. Call anyway. It's not always about you. Sometimes, the other person may need you. Call a friend or a family member.

 

• Get off the computer, stop texting, and pay an actual visit. Build a memory for you and your friend to look back on. Good memories are the glue that holds life together and are the only thing you take with you when you leave this earth. There's nothing like friendship to keep you going strong. Visit someone. 

 

• When's the last time you bought someone a gift, and it wasn't their birthday or a holiday? Indulge someone. Giving is receiving. It fills the heart with appreciation and gladness. Can't afford to buy something? What about baking a treat or giving away something you no longer need or want? Give a gift. 

 

• Lift your head. Look around you. Is there anyone who needs a favor that you could help with? When doing favors for others, some people do too much and need to slow down, refocus on their own lives, and take a break. But some of us have allowed our sensitivities to keep us a little too isolated and withdrawn. Doing a favor for someone can help us out of that rut.

 

• Consider volunteering or donating to a cause that holds meaning for you. What do you have a passion for? Would you like to share an experience, help those who are ill or in poverty, save wildlife, rescue animals, or contribute to rebuilding after an earthquake? To find out what's available in your area, perform a Google search. 

 

• Learn something new. It has been proven that the cells of the brain renew themselves when your mind is actively engaged in new learning. Is there a second language, hobby, or subject of interest you would be interested in pursuing? By doing so, you will increase your mental capacity for years to come.

 

• Single? Don't get out much or don't have the time? Join an online dating site. Why not? You can always cancel and retreat if you're not interested. I suggest more popular sites, such as eHarmony, which are more concerned with actually matching you with someone who shares your characteristics and goals. Do be careful, however. Even the best of dating sites can be host to some real jerks. Never meet someone alone for the first time. Set up a double or group date. At the very least, consider visiting in public on your first few dates with someone until you get to know them better. 

 

• Another alternative to online dating is to join a singles club in your church, town, or state. Singles clubs offer particular activities that you can participate in that mirror your interests. Activities are always public, and you are surrounded by other people with whom you can mingle and get to know. It's an excellent way to make friends and to create a support network for yourself.

 

• Take a vacation from the media. Be mindful of the things you allow yourself to watch on television and at the movies. You may think that stimulating dramas, argumentative reality shows, horror flicks, and news channels are entertaining, but they can be very draining and life-shortening. Anything that is disturbing or feeds your eyes and ears negativity will cause your blood chemistry to become more acidic. Acidity causes a host of negative symptoms and diseases. So, try to avoid negative media as much as possible. Instead, opt for watching comedy shows or movies and shows that make you feel good about life. Try not to watch television for an entire week. Go outside and commune with nature instead.