Spiritual Well-being. Balancing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit.

There is a definite connection between your mind, body, and spirit.  What we do to one part of the body will affect another area of our being.  Physical exercise is great and does have effects on the mind and perhaps on the soul.  Science is becoming more interested in tracking the overall effects certain areas of our bodies have on other seemingly unrelated areas.    A May 23, 2023 article in Research News stated, “The research, published in the journal Nature, could help explain some baffling phenomena, such as why anxiety makes some people want to pace back and forth or causes “butterflies in the stomach;” why stimulating the vagus nerve, which regulates internal organ functions such as digestion and heart rate, may alleviate depression; and why people who exercise regularly report a more positive outlook on life.”   But you know all about this, don’t you?  You feel the effects of panic on your body when you find yourself in a crisis situation.  Your palms may turn sweaty before a test or meeting a new person.  You may cry at a movie or book that touches your heartstrings even though you don’t know the fictitious character. We can fully identify the mental effects on the body and vice versa.     You will find a list of items for your consideration to help keep your mind, body, and soul united.  We are a triune package of body, thought, and spirit, whether we recognize or accept it.  Perhaps the best we can do is to live our lives as if we are home to a unified being. Motion is lotion.  Keep moving to keep your body loose, lubricated, and limber.  Regular exercise and movement engaging in physical activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, or any form of exercise keeps your body fit and contributes to your overall well-being. Exercise helps release endorphins, boosting your mood and enhancing your spiritual and mental well-being.  My yoga instructor reminds me that we must do two things every day.  We must sweat and laugh.  Sweat purges the body of toxins through exercise.  Laughter expels negative energies and fills the air with positive waves.  Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation allows you to cultivate present-moment awareness and connect with your inner self. It can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote a sense of peace and spiritual growth. There are various techniques and apps available to guide you through meditation practices.   Don’t worry yoga and meditation are safe for Christians to practice.  Yoga has no religion; it is whatever you bring to it.  Meditation has a long-standing tradition within Jewish and Christian spiritual practices.  Meditation is listening to God rather than you talking to God as in prayer.   Engaging in hobbies and interests: Find activities that you enjoy and that nurture your spirit. It could be painting, reading, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or anything that brings you joy and a sense of fulfillment. Taking time for your hobbies and interests helps you recharge, relax, and find deeper meaning in life.   Most hobbies allow us to take on the role of creator. We are more than just observers we can create whatever is before us.  Playing or listening to music, dancing, model building, painting, and other hobbies that encourage us to build, move or practice a skill can be placed in the creator category.  Connecting with nature: Spending time in nature has a profound impact on our well-being, both physically and spiritually. Take walks in the park, go hiking or camping, visit the beach, or sit under a tree. Nature offers a serene environment that allows you to reconnect with yourself, find inner peace, and gain a sense of unity with the world around you.   I was a runner and cyclist and competed in several runs and duathlons.  I would memorize scripture as I ran or biked.  This was a great way to incorporate my mind, body, and spirit.  I encourage you to find new ways to try to bring your passions into an interactive and integrative routine.  Cultivating gratitude and a positive mindset: Practicing gratitude regularly helps shift your focus towards the positive aspects of life and increases your overall well-being. Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you are grateful for and appreciate the beauty around you. It promotes a sense of contentment, attracts positivity, and contributes to your spiritual growth.   I contend that practicing gratitude and giving thanks for the blessings God sends you daily is one of the fastest ways to grow spiritually.  When you give thanks, you intensify the work God is doing in your life.  You are now aware and are moved to a spiritual response to what you see God doing in your life.    I would encourage you to journal your God’s sightings of gratitude for at least 90 days.  A full year of journaling your thanksgiving remarks of gratitude would be even better.  This journaling practice keeps you more attuned to God’s movement in your life and open for future blessings and holy interactions.    I tend to do better when I move.  I enjoy practices where I can listen to podcasts as I work out, bike, or even walk the dog.  I also use the daily dog walk as a time for prayer.  I know it is not the most sacred environment, but we have a lovely neighborhood, and the dog certainly enjoys the time together.    When I was a pastor in another community, I would prayer walk with a pastor from another church.  We would walk around town, stop, stand in front of stores, churches, schools, and homes, and pray.  Having a prayer partner, being in a book club, or a workout friend are also great ways to hold yourself accountable and make special connections with people on a deep level.  Remember, balance looks different for everyone, so finding the practices that resonate with you is essential. Incorporating these activities into your routine can lead to a harmonious and healthier life, nurturing your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Finding a balance within the mind, body, and soul depends on recognizing that each is integral to your total well-being.