SPIRITS

It's been forever in these streets, technology decided to "happen", but all is well, super thankful. Hope you've been well on your end. How are you feeding your soul? Lately I have been studying children, mostly my nieces and nephew, and also my friends' and some here in my neighborhood. Children are amazing , one thing is for sure they don't hold grudges, they share what they have, and when they meet for the first time, they play together as if they've known each other all their lives. What amazes me is that they can even interact despite different cultures setup, language barriers, skin colour, sex, height & weight difference, this seems not to bother children mostly between the age of 0-10 years.

I believe all adults we were once a upon a time enfants, and one way or another we possessed these character we see in our children or children we've interacted with. Super innocent humans, to me they actual make me believe heaven is real by just looking at them showering love to even total strangers. Then what happens in adolescences stage, some remain the same others starts to mature faster than the other depending on the environment, while others are trying to figure out themselves and the changes they are experiencing. This stage is super critical cause, majority of them(teenagers) don't even have any idea what is happening to them, so they tend to give in to pressure of teenage hood or they go back to basics getting knowledge from their superiors i.e., parents, older siblings or the community.

Growing up for me, I thank God I had a whole clan raising me; and I guess that prepared me for adulthood. One thing I learnt in my childhood to now is the importance of family. We are not perfect at all, but one thing is for sure we have each other backs and it all started at an early stage.

Adulthood is the most difficult hood from young adult to a fully mature adult. Majority of us don't even posses half the traits children do, we are consumed with fear based thought, making it kill every moment in this hood. Imagine if we accepted each other as we are, not based on what we do for a living, whom we know, what we bring to the table, our religion, our cultures etc...imagine that world. We would be free from depression of all forms, world would be a better place, we would have amazing leaders etc., but no, we can't be like children, but can we?

I believe every human being who passed all the stages of growing up is a good person and their is some goodness in each one of us; no matter how big or small it can be found. We are actually what we decided to consume. According to research you may only consume good or "evil", there is no lukewarm. It's either you are hot or cold. And that's why majority of us go for therapy, for spiritual wellness. We want to search for deeper meaning of life; like why do somethings happen they way they do. The main agenda of therapy is to connect you with your inner self and mostly your spiritual self. When one is spiritual healthy in this case is not only getting connected to a higher power, but also those around us. This gives us more clarity when it comes in making ever day choices, and our actions become consistent with our beliefs and value. Our whole health requires care and attention for not only your physical body but also your mind and soul(spirit). So what are you feeding your mind?

The benefits of spiritual well being are numerous- from more compassionate relationships to deeper sense of inner peace- but how do we get there?

hectic days filled with so much to do leave us no room for downtime and reflection. No matter our environment our mind constantly buzz with thoughts and responsibilities. As we move from one task to the next or even one day to another, we are consumed by all the craziness in our lives, and we began to lose sight of what we're most passionate about. Without a clear sense of direction, you might slip into feelings of apathy or hopelessness. How do we drop the fear based thoughts of the future and focus on now, "The Present"

if we slow down, reflect, re-energize and cultivate the ultimate purpose pf our lives. We rediscover our "whys". Some practices have proven long in history of using inward reflection to increase spiritual connection, compassion, empathy and attention.

1. Reading & Reflection

Select a daily reading book- The Bible or the Quran, book of quotes, daily devotions whichever meets your needs best. Take time to connect with the words and reflect on them. It might help to read the passage for several times, this helps to make part of your everyday routine and be consistent, at the same time daily and same place each day.

2. Pray

Praying helps us to stay connected to and rooted in our faith. It is also a form of therapy in it's own. Through prayers we dive deeper into our purpose here on earth. Praying also helps us develop skills like gratitude and compassion, it's calming effect helps us to relax by letting go of what we can't fix to a higher power. Trying praying with a thankful heart and a contented mindset; change the traditional way of praying of just asking to receive instead be thankful of what you already have and live in the moment.

3. Mediation

When we meditate it provides us with a sense of greater self. When you practice how to meditate you shall be able to view yourself and others from the inside and not based on the physical. It creates space for reflection and self awareness, you are able to look and soul search of the spirits you've consumed. Try to meditate even for 10 mins daily, we harness our thoughts and often walk away feeling calmer and ready to take on whatever come our way. You may also visit nature, for fun and for you. Try it, it's life changing.

4. Keeping a journal

Journaling helps bringing us into a state of mindfulness, if you've been to therapy you may attest to this. Past frustration and future worries lose their edge in the present moment, it allows us to live in the moment. It also helps is recognize unhealthy habits or certain feelings that are not good to us we may be holding onto. A honest journaling session can be cathartic especially during challenging moments and times. It allows you to fully process and release certain hidden feelings. Try journaling if you haven't.

From Clarity to Purpose

Pause for a minute to view your life, you are not that charming child anymore, you have grown and changed so much over the years. Did the spirits you consume over the years made you the best version of yourself?

If the answer is yes, am super happy for you because you are unique and you have realized that, so continue making the greatest version of you now and always.

If it's no, worry not, each of us is a work in progress. Cultivating a sense of self can both ground and inspire you to become who you were meant to be; your best and truest self. One day at a time, if you want to change for the better, then change will be your portion. I wish you nothing but the best during this journey of self awareness.

Your spiritual health is important to your whole health. Practicing prayers, reflection and mindfulness not only make us feel better, it also helps us heal faster and forgive ourselves and others. There is a say that say "Trust everyone, just don't trust the devil in them." So feed the angels in you instead of the devils, remember one man can change the world. Like children spread love and happiness everywhere you go, you might be that man. Until next time, keep safe and be good, we need more of you in this world.