Dear Friend:
I have the privilege of speaking to companies and organizations around the U.S. on many topics related to self-renewal and creating balance from the inside out.
Interestingly, quite often when I speak on the topic of the Transformative Power of Self-Care and outline the four areas of care highlighted in The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal (physical-mental-emotional-spiritual), most people share that they feel their greatest area of need is in the spiritual quadrant. Surprised?
As a career and life balance coach who works with clients across the U.S., I attribute this to our current collective state of economic, political and employment uncertainty and to the fact that many of us are desiring more meaning and connection in our lives.
When there is a lot of unrest, we want to anchor. And, many of us begin to search out ways to enhance our sense of inner peace and well-being.
A few months ago, my six-year-old son and I let Dad sleep in and we headed down to the Barton Creek Greenbelt early one Sunday morning. We stopped to perch on the rocks above a beautiful running stream and sat quietly together for several minutes, drinking in the stillness and the sun. It got me thinking about how people around me experience spiritual renewal.
Over the summer, I have dedicated time to researching the topic of Everyday Spirituality—meaning where and how people find connection to the sacred in their day-to-day lives. And, playing off the idea that we don’t have to join a monastery or meditate for three hours a day to experience God (more on this in my blog The Journey).
Interestingly, here is what the majority of men and women (ages 28-66) I talked to said their “portals” for connecting to the sacred* are:
• Spending time in nature was on 90% of the respondent’s lists
• Body movement: whether that’s dance, breathwork, Qigong, yoga or jogging
• Prayer and mediation: consciously taking time to connect with the Divine
• Living in the present: being quiet, still, completely in the moment
• Service to others: puts many people in touch with our interconnectedness
• Gratitude: simple, regular, spoken and unspoken moments of deep appreciation
• Artistic expression: singing, playing an instrument, painting, writing and sculpting
• Being in community: working, volunteering, intentional group work
• Playing with their babies or small children: experiencing pure joy in the “now”
Do you know what your portals are for spiritual renewal? And, do you consciously take time to nourish yourself through these pathways?
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PERSONAL CHALLENGE: Set up a coffee date with your partner or a friend and read the Everyday Spirituality questions I outlined on my recent blog posting. Then, take turns sharing your answers and, if you like, post them to my blog!
Finally, if you are a woman in career or life transition and are interested in taking time to deeply nourish and nurture your spirit, consider joining us at the upcoming Women’s Fall Self Renewal Retreat at the gorgeous nationally-renowned The Crossings Spa and Retreat Center. Early bird deadline end July 31st! ($649 Retreat Package includes private lodging and gourmet meals/spa amenities as well as life coaching support.)
Take care and I hope you can carve out some time just for you this week. Warmly, Renee
*The sacred for you may mean God, Spirit, Love, a higher power or something else.
P.S. Summer is a wonderful time to hit the pause button and take advantage of the slower pace to reflect on where you are in your career. For more on this topic, read Renee’s latest Career Management Strategies newsletter and consider attending the Aug. 22nd Finding Your Career Mojo Workshop for professionals in career transition.
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