Tip #4:
Get in touch spiritually: With whatever works for you. When my spirit is at peace, stress is banished! For me, reading and (I found out last year) running turn out to be incredibly relaxing spiritual outlets for me.
No church I’ve ever been in has drawn me more deeply to humankind than great fiction. For me, stories and words are a release that makes my heart know hope and lightness! If this is also the case for you, set a timer and READ! Escape into a great book, some beautiful poetry or the writings of someone whose ideas you admire. Let your stress melt away as you immerse your brain in something you love – whatever that is for you.
Similarly, when running my first half marathon over a year ago, the ‘runners high’ struck me the way I imagine holy men and women probably hear the voice of their gods or goddesses. I had a sudden realization, as I ran through the Forest of Nisene Marks: Alone on a dirt trail, past redwood trees, over gnarled roots, around dirt outcroppings in the cool, bright shafts of sunlight…
I realized that I was traversing a truly beautiful natural space… I was just passing through. The space wasn’t mine, and in fact, I realized that the only “space” I could truly ever really call my own was everything from my skin - inward.
Maybe that isn’t such a revelation, but the thought has stuck with me and made me more deeply respectful of the fact that everything around me is not “mine.” I can act upon it and do good in the world, but the only thing I can truly own and control is within the boundaries of my own body. This allows me to “let go” of things outside my control that previously “stressed me out” more often. Not always – I’m not moving to the top of a mountain yet! Remember to keep the spiritual strength and knowledge you have within you close to the surface. Choosing to listen to our internal spiritual guides can help us in horrible moments to breathe, recognize stress, and let it go.
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