In truth, we are all soul-searching whether we realize it or not–religious or not. Often we do soul- searching when part of us feels lost or because, for whatever reason, we feel like we’re not living up to our soul’s potential and/or we’d like a deeper understanding regarding our truth.
According to Anthony William, author of Medical Medium, “Often a negative experience, or a series of them, will prompt us to feel broken or depleted–wanting to feel complete again. That’s soul searching. It can take many forms–attending retreats, hearing inspirational speakers, seeking the advice of loved ones, etc. It’s what we do when we’re looking for healing to elevate our souls, to strengthen our life’s purpose.”
We all deserve to heal, to be happy, to feel whole.
Anthony also shares that even though meditation is a wonderful practice for rewiring our subconscious to be more at peace and soul healing, there are many other ways like watching waves on a beach, from bird watching, collecting stones or shells, hobbies to music, etc.–basically, it’s about being at peace in the present–in the moment.
On one of my trips to Colorado Strings, I took some Sherry time and did some solo shopping in Old Colorado City. I stopped at a tea shop and had a delightful cup of Asian tea. This inspired me to purchase a Japanese tea set in their gift shop, including a decent amount of the tea I had just enjoyed–all of this with the intention of beginning a lovely afternoon spiritual practice as time allowed. Do you think I have taken that rascal out of its box to incorporate as one of my spiritual practices–NOT! I’m in need of some more intention myself.
Here’s the deal–just stating or hoping these spiritual practices are meaningful–is that enough? I’m prove that it is not. Having intention towards deeper spirituality is necessary. In Deepak Chopra’s The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, he shares the following five steps for harnessing the power of intention towards deeper spirituality:
1. Slip into the gap: Most of the time our mind is caught up in thoughts, emotions, and memories. Beyond this noisy internal dialogue (monkey brain) is a state of pure awareness that is sometimes referred to as “the gap.” One of the most effective tools we have for entering the gap is meditation. Meditation takes us beyond the ego-mind into the silence and stillness of pure consciousness. (Admittedly a tough deal for me, however, paying attention to breathing has been helpful.)
2. Release our intentions and desires: Once we’ve established in a state of restful awareness, release our intentions and desires. The best time to plant our intentions is during the period after meditation, while our awareness remains centered in the quiet field of all possibilities.
3. Remain centered in a state of restful awareness: Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment than if it arises from a sense of lack or need. Stay positive. Our higher self knows that everything is alright and will be alright, even without knowing the timing or the details of what will happen.
4. Detach from the outcome: Relinquish our rigid attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Attachment is based on fear and insecurity, while detachment is based on the unquestioning belief in the power of our true self. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and let God!
5. Let God/the Universe handle the details: Trust that the infinite power of God/the Universe will orchestrate the complete fulfillment of our desires. Don’t listen to the voice that says that you have to be in charge, that obsessive vigilance is the only way to get anything done. The outcome that we try so hard to force may not be as good for us as the one that comes naturally–they will bloom when the season is right.
I’m off to sip a cup of tea. (smile)