Nurturing our Inner Light
Sometimes we are too busy shining to notice the dullness of our own light,
Most of us want to make a difference somewhere in the world. Whether it be volunteering time or donating goods and money; giving feels good! It gives a sense of purpose. However if we are not paying attention to our own light, the sense of purpose may lose it's intensity.
This loss of intensity can be the cause of being fatigued, overwhelmed and frustrated.
Questions can start popping into your head..
" I am giving and trying to do good...
- why isn't everything flowing smoothly in my life?
- why am I still not happy?
- when will I emerge from this "stuck" cycle?
These questions can also surface as you start your journey of self discovery and/or spiritual growth. It is exciting when we first become aware of the infinite possibilities and abundance that surrounds us. We learn new ways to think and begin to perceive things differently. Generally we see this awareness from an external point of view. It takes time and roadblocks before we realize that this awareness must come from within first.
Extending Compassion, Kindness and Mindfulness to yourself will go a long way in keeping your Inner Light shining in all things.
Lets start with Compassion. Compassion is a deep awareness of suffering of another, accompanied by the wish to relieve it.
We are very much aware of our own sufferings, and often accept them as part of life. Often we believe that nothing can be done to help ourselves. Or we go through the motions of reaching out for external help without understanding the origin of our suffering. Self Compassion is being aware of our own suffering AND the desire to relieve that suffering.
What is suffering? Often associated with pain, but it is also a state of distress or anxiety. Identifying our suffering is necessary and can be a very emotional part of the process. Our inner suffering is often hidden deep within our consciousness, hiding in the shadows of our heart center. As you begin to explore and identify these sufferings, it is important to do so with loving kindness and non judgement. Some people are able to go through the process on their own, others might find it helpful to share this experience with a Thought Coach, Therapist, Counselor, Mindfulness Meditation Coach or other modality they resonate with.
As you begin to understand where your suffering originated, you will be able to start the process of releasing the holding pattern within your heart. As your light begins to shine on the shadows, they will gradually disappear creating space for light and truth to emanate.
Mindfulness is also important to the nurturing of our light. What is Mindfulness? "Jon Kabat-Zinn defines Mindfulness as an awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally,” Zinn is an American professor emeritus of medicine and the creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School..
By being mindful or paying attention to your everyday routine, you will create an awareness of wonder and gratitude for yourself.
Mindfulness of your breath will help you to focus and relax. Mindfulness of what and how you are eating, will bring about appreciation for the physical nurturing of your body. Starting the day with gratitude for yourself will set the tone for the day.
These are just a few ways to nurture your inner light. The important thing to remember is that we take care of our whole self...body, mind and spirit. For more information on Thought Coaching ( Transformational Thinking), Mindfulness Meditation or Reiki and Upcoming Workshops please visit www.peacenreiki.com
