Tag: perspective

The Benefits of Gratitude As a Spiritual Practice

On By jennaferfmIn Spiritual Growth

A spiritual practice is anything that helps us feel connected – to ourselves, to others, or to something bigger than us – to give us perspective and peace. But these practices don’t need to be elaborate or take a ton of time. In the fall, our thoughts turn towards gratitude because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but gratitude can be something we value and incorporate simply into our spiritual practice all year long.

Here are some of the benefits to cultivating gratitude as a spiritual practice. It:

-asks us to pause and reflect, developing a mindful approach,

-shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve gained, giving us more peace,

-brings us perspective beyond what’s happening right in front of us,

-deepens our connection to something bigger than us, whether it’s to community, a sense of purpose, or to the divine,

-fosters compassion as we recognize how interconnected we all are,

-invites us to see obstacles as opportunities to find meaning, changing challenges into lessons learned,

-elevates our mood and energy, bringing more joy,

-promotes acceptance and a feeling of being supported by others and the universe, and

-helps us develop a mindset of abundance and attract more positive experience into our lives.

Aside from the spiritual benefits, practicing gratitude also has emotional, mental, and physical health benefits, according to Mas Health, as seen in the visual below.

Embracing a practice of gratitude has many benefits and can greatly enhance your health. Try it for yourself and see!

Be Open to Spiritual Guidance

On By jennaferfmIn Intuition Development, Moving Forward, Psychic Reading Benefits, Spiritual Growth, Stress Reduction, Uncategorized

It’s only human to feel stuck every once and a while. Life gets difficult and perspectives narrow, and we need a little help now and then. I know when that happens to me, I need a little guidance to help me widen my perspective.

When you feel stuck, where do you turn for help? Do you read an inspirational memoir or a self-help book? Talk to a relative, family member or a good friend? All of these are wonderful options to give you some needed perspective. But sometimes, the guidance I need is something beyond even the best friends or books. That’s when I’ve found being open to spiritual guidance can give me much-needed answers, direction, and peace.

You don’t have to be uber-religious or a Zen master to be receive spiritual guidance. You don’t even have to be certain what you think or believe about the metaphysical world. I’ve found that just have to be open to it for it to come. You just have to do three things:

1. Get quiet. It’s hard to receive answers when your mind is buzzing or you’re stressed or preoccupied with all of the noise that vies for our attention every day. Unplug and sit quietly. Go on a walk. Go to nature. Just remove yourself from your to-do list and the hustle and bustle long enough to hear something besides all of that.

2. Get centered. Get out of your head and into your body so when the answers come you can really recognize them. Here are 5 tips to help you.

3. Ask and listen. I’m not going to guarantee that you’ll physically hear a voice or you’ll see angels or a light or anything, because it’s not always like that. More often than not, when you really need answers and ask honestly, and when you’re quiet and centered, they come in various ways. Maybe they’ll come from inside of you and you’ll feel them suddenly or gradually. Or maybe the next time you talk to that friend or read that book or get a reading, the next thing you hear or read will be just what you need. But when you sincerely need something and are open to it, I believe the answers come.

The next time you feel stuck, be open to spiritual guidance. Whether it’s something with work or life, whether it’s something seemingly small or a pivotal life decision, spiritual guidance can help you navigate it with peace and assurance.

Like clouds parting, spiritual guidance gives you clarity and perspective.
Like clouds parting, spiritual guidance gives you clarity and perspective.